Ben Rudge is a consultant trauma and orthopaedic surgeon with a specialist focus on foot and ankle conditions. Now practising at the London Foot and Ankle Centre, he brings extensive experience in diagnosing and treating a wide range of injuries and long-term problems affecting mobility and quality of life. In this Q&A, Mr Rudge shares a little about his approach to patient care, his areas of expertise, and what patients can expect when they come to see him for assessment and treatment.
Background & Expertise
- Can you tell us about your professional background and what led you to specialise in foot and ankle care?
Having completed my higher specialist orthopaedic training on the Stanmore Royal National Orthopaedic Programme I undertook an excellent Fellowship in Foot and Ankle surgery in Windsor with two brilliant trainers which gave me detailed subspecialist training in order to hit the ground running as a Consultant in 2012.
I developed an interest in the foot and ankle during my training due to the complexity of the ways they both work and the huge range of different problems that can present themselves – this means the techniques we learn and use to treat them are very varied which keeps things interesting!
- What areas of foot and ankle treatment are you particularly passionate about or specialise in?
I have a particular interest in some common problems such as hallux valgus (bunions) and heel pains such as plantar fasciitis and achilles tendon issues. I helped design and implement a specialist clinic for the management of achilles tendon ruptures as well which has been very rewarding.
Patient Care Approach
- What is your approach when assessing a new patient with foot or ankle pain?
It sounds cliché but it was never truer – I’m convinced the key to successfully diagnosing (and therefore treating) foot and ankle problems lies in the patient’s history and the examination. The words patients use, and the answers they give, provide almost all the clues required in the vast majority of cases. I’m therefore potentially somewhat pedantic in the discussion phase when meeting new patients but there’s method to the madness!
- How do you ensure patients feel comfortable and confident throughout their treatment journey?
This is simple I think – if patients feel listened to, and then understand why one is suggesting a certain path of treatment etc then these goals are easily met. This just requires a shared decision-making process and, as is always the case, communication is the key.
Common Conditions & Advice
- What are the most common foot or ankle problems you see in a clinic?
Pleasingly, there are lots of common problems we see – ranging from issues such as arthritis of the foot and ankle, sports injuries such as sprains and breaks, through to issues with toe alignment such as bunions etc… hence why it’s a fascinating subspecialist area.
- Are there any early warning signs people shouldn’t ignore when it comes to foot or ankle pain?
Fortunately, there aren’t many foot or ankle pains that signify impending doom, but a problem that is missed more than it should be relates to Achilles tendon ruptures. The ankle can still move surprising well after a rupture which falsely reassures people – if you feel like you’ve been hit in the back of the leg during a sporting injury don’t ignore it and get to A and E promptly!
Lifestyle & Prevention
- What simple steps can people take to prevent foot and ankle injuries in everyday life?
It’s important to be wearing well-fitting shoes and maintaining flexibility in the legs and ankles, especially if one has a tendency to calf tightness.
- Do you have any advice for runners or active individuals to protect their feet and ankles?
As above!
Treatments & Innovation
- Have there been any recent advancements in foot and ankle treatment that patients should know about?
There has been a vogue towards minimally invasive surgery over the last few years, and it certainly has a place and we use it in various settings.
There are some conditions where it has really revolutionized treatment but it’s not a panacea so needs careful discussion with your clinician to ascertain if it is suitable for your particular problem.
- What types of treatments or procedures do you most commonly perform, and how do they benefit patients?
Treating patients with foot and ankle arthritis using fusions or replacements where applicable are very rewarding in helping people get out of a cycle of chronic pain. Strangely, even seemingly little procedures to help with poorly aligned toes etc can be hugely rewarding as an inability to wear a shoe without discomfort is surprisingly disabling.
Getting To Know You…
- What do you enjoy most about working with patients?
The variety of the people you meet, and the opportunity for “problem solving” that they present. I take great pleasure in getting to the bottom of an issue and resolving it satisfactorily.
- What do you like most about working with LFAC?
It was an absolute privilege to be asked to join the team at the London Foot and Ankle Centre. I had known the clinicians here for many years and they are hugely respected in their field so the opportunity to join and work alongside them is an honour. LFAC also has an incredible team working behind the scenes which makes things run incredibly efficiently benefiting us as clinicians and patients alike – it really is a brilliant set-up and I haven’t come across anything similar elsewhere.
- What do you like to do outside of work to stay active or unwind?
My main passion outside of work is music. It is undoubtedly what I’d have wanted to do if I hadn’t gone into medicine and being able to continue to do it as an amateur alongside my professional work is brilliant.
These days my hobbies revolve around guitars; I collect them, I build them and now also dabble in building amplifiers as well. I play in a covers band raising money for charity and really enjoy the volume-therapy that comes from rehearsing in studios around the country!
Contact the London Foot and Ankle Centre
To learn more about a consultation at the London Foot and Ankle Centre, or to book an appointment with one of our consultants, get in touch today.
