Mr Michael McMullan
Foot Surgery
Is foot pain making walking, standing or everyday activities more difficult?
Pain, swelling, stiffness or changes in foot shape can affect mobility, exercise, work and footwear.
Foot problems may develop because of arthritis, deformities, tendon disorders or nerve conditions, or following an injury or fracture. When symptoms begin to limit daily activities, a specialist assessment can help identify the cause and determine whether surgery or another treatment may be suitable.
What Is Foot Surgery?
Foot surgery includes a range of procedures used to treat conditions affecting the bones, joints, tendons, ligaments, nerves and soft tissues of the foot.
The aim of treatment is to relieve pain, improve foot function, correct deformities where appropriate and help you move more comfortably. Many foot conditions respond well to non surgical treatment, but surgery may be recommended when symptoms continue despite conservative care or when the condition is unlikely to improve without an operation.
During your consultation, your consultant will assess your symptoms, examine your foot and arrange any investigations that may be needed. If surgery is recommended, they will explain the procedure, expected benefits, possible risks and recovery so you can make an informed decision about your treatment.
Still have questions about foot surgery? Check out our FAQs.
Healthcare Without
the Wait
We work with a wide range of private health insurers to help you access treatment quickly and easily.
Next Available Appointment
Ballykelly
7 days
Steps to get started
Getting started is straightforward. Book an initial consultation, with options to use private health insurance, self fund or apply for reimbursement through the Cross Border Healthcare Directive, subject to eligibility.
Cost
The cost of surgery depends on the procedure, hospital fees and whether any additional care is required.
We will provide clear pricing information before you proceed, including details of what is included in your treatment.
We will provide clear pricing information before you proceed, including details of what is included in your treatment.
Cross-Border Healthcare Scheme
Patients from Ireland may be eligible for reimbursement through the HSE Cross Border Healthcare Plan.
Eligible patients can travel to Northern Ireland for surgery and apply for reimbursement towards the cost of care. Our team can explain the process and provide the required documents.
Eligible patients can travel to Northern Ireland for surgery and apply for reimbursement towards the cost of care. Our team can explain the process and provide the required documents.
If you’re using health insurance
Surgery may be covered by private health insurance, depending on the provider and level of cover.
Kingsbridge Private Hospital works with several insurers, including Vhi, Level Health, Irish Life Health, Laya Healthcare and St Paul’s.
Before booking a consultation, contact your insurer to confirm what is covered under your policy.
Kingsbridge Private Hospital works with several insurers, including Vhi, Level Health, Irish Life Health, Laya Healthcare and St Paul’s.
Before booking a consultation, contact your insurer to confirm what is covered under your policy.
If you’re paying for treatment yourself
If you’re paying for surgery yourself, all costs associated with your treatment will be provided before you decide to proceed.
Meet Our Consultants
Our consultants bring years of specialist experience, providing expert care within their area of expertise.
Frequently Asked Questions
The following frequently asked questions address common concerns and help you understand what to expect from foot surgery.
How can I access foot surgery in Ireland?
You can book an initial consultation with us directly, without a referral. Following assessment, your consultant will recommend the most appropriate treatment, which may include further tests, non surgical care or surgery.
Through the HSE, patients are usually referred by their GP to an orthopaedic specialist. Waiting times for appointments, investigations and surgery can vary and may be longer.
What are the waiting times for foot surgery?
Treatment at Kingsbridge Private Hospital can offer faster access to specialist assessment and, where appropriate, surgery.
Waiting times through the HSE vary depending on the condition being treated and demand for orthopaedic services. Patients may wait longer for both an initial consultation and any surgery that is recommended.
How much does foot surgery cost?
The cost of foot surgery varies depending on the condition being treated, the procedure performed, hospital fees and whether additional investigations or treatment are required.
Before treatment goes ahead, we will provide clear information about the cost of your consultation, surgery, hospital care and planned follow up appointments.
Patients from Ireland may be eligible to apply for reimbursement through the HSE Cross Border Healthcare Directive for certain procedures carried out in Northern Ireland. Eligibility and reimbursement are subject to HSE criteria. Our team can explain the process and provide the documentation needed to support your application where appropriate.
How long does foot surgery take?
The length of foot surgery depends on the procedure being performed.
Many operations take between 30 minutes and 2 hours and are carried out as day case procedures, allowing you to return home later the same day. More complex surgery may take longer or occasionally require an overnight stay.
Your consultant will explain what to expect before your procedure.
What happens before, during and after foot surgery?
Understanding what happens before, during, and after surgery can help you feel more prepared for treatment and recovery.
Before surgery
Your consultation will include a discussion about your symptoms, medical history and how your foot problem affects your daily activities.
Your consultant will examine your foot and may arrange investigations such as X-rays, MRI scans, CT scans or ultrasound to help confirm the diagnosis and plan treatment.
If surgery is recommended, pre assessment checks may also be carried out before your procedure.
During surgery
The operation performed will depend on the condition being treated. Surgery may be carried out using local, regional or general anaesthetic.
Some procedures involve correcting the position of bones or joints, while others repair tendons, remove damaged tissue or release compressed nerves.
Your consultant will explain exactly what your procedure involves before treatment takes place.
After surgery
Following surgery, your foot may be protected with a dressing, surgical shoe, boot or cast while healing takes place.
Before you leave hospital, you will receive advice about wound care, pain relief, weight bearing, exercises where appropriate and when you can gradually return to everyday activities.
What types of foot surgery are available?
The procedure recommended will depend on your diagnosis, symptoms and treatment goals. Common foot procedures include:
Bunion surgery corrects the position of the big toe and removes the bony prominence that develops at its base. The procedure aims to reduce pain, improve foot alignment and make everyday walking and wearing shoes more comfortable.
Hammer toe surgery
Hammer toe surgery straightens one or more toes that have become bent because of changes in the joints or tendons. Treatment can improve comfort, reduce pressure from footwear and make walking easier.
Morton’s neuroma surgery
Morton’s neuroma surgery may be recommended when a thickened nerve between the toes continues to cause pain or numbness despite non surgical treatment. The procedure relieves pressure on the affected nerve or removes the damaged section where appropriate.
Toe joint surgery
Toe joint surgery may be used to treat arthritis, joint damage or deformity affecting the smaller joints of the foot or the joint at the base of the big toe. Depending on the condition, treatment may involve preserving, repairing or fusing the joint.
Tendon repair or reconstruction
Damaged or torn tendons can affect the way the foot moves and supports your weight. Surgery repairs or reconstructs the affected tendon to improve strength, stability and function.
Flat foot reconstruction
Flat foot reconstruction is used when the arch of the foot has collapsed and is causing pain or difficulty walking. The procedure may involve correcting bone alignment, repairing tendons or strengthening supporting structures to improve foot function.
Foot fracture fixation
Fracture fixation is used to treat broken bones in the foot. Plates, screws, wires or pins may be used to hold the bones in the correct position while they heal and restore normal alignment.
Your consultant will recommend the procedure that is most appropriate for your condition and explain what outcome can reasonably be expected.
How long does recovery take after foot surgery?
Recovery varies depending on the procedure performed and the condition being treated.
Some patients are able to return to light activities within a few weeks, while more complex procedures may require several months for full recovery. During the early stages of healing, you may need to wear a protective boot or surgical shoe and follow guidance about how much weight you can safely put through your foot.
Rehabilitation exercises or physiotherapy may be recommended to help restore strength, flexibility and normal walking.
What aftercare will I receive?
Your consultant will arrange follow up appointments to review your recovery and check that healing is progressing as expected.
Dressings, casts or protective footwear will be reviewed as needed, and pain relief will be discussed throughout your recovery. Depending on the procedure, you may also be referred for physiotherapy or given exercises to help improve movement and strength.
You will receive advice on returning to work, driving, exercise and other daily activities based on your progress and the type of surgery performed.
Are there alternatives to foot surgery?
Yes. Surgery is not always necessary and will only be recommended when it is considered the most appropriate treatment.
Depending on the condition affecting your foot, treatment may include changes to footwear, orthotic insoles, activity modification, physiotherapy, anti inflammatory medication, injections or other non surgical treatments. These approaches can often reduce pain and improve function without the need for an operation.
Your consultant will discuss the treatment options available and explain whether non surgical care is likely to help or whether surgery is expected to provide the best outcome.
Our Locations
Our hospitals are accessible by major transport routes, making them convenient for patients travelling from across Ireland.
Approximate travel times:
Dublin to Belfast: 2.5 hours
Letterkenny to Ballykelly: 1 hour
Dundalk to Newry: 20 minutes