For Matthew Solan & James Davis at St John & St Elizabeth Hospital and OneWelbeck

For Martin Klinke at London Bridge, Cromwell Hospital, Chiswick Outpatients, New Victoria Hospital & One Welbeck

Miss A.F

When I first visited the London and Foot and Ankle Centre I was scared about another person touching my feet and what the outcome of the consultation would be. I had already been told I needed surgery but I didn’t want to believe it.

I was hesitant in the beginning because of previous surgical procedures

Over many years I had had several surgical procedures on my toes and I was not keen for any more. However, within minutes of meeting Mr Klinke and having a sense that he was really listening to me and understood my concerns, I began to trust him. I also appreciated the fact that for the first time ever I could explain the different areas of pain in my feet and he understood and could name why there were problems.

He also was able to examine my feet and was gentle yet professional in his manner. I really appreciated the fact that he heard my concern to avoid surgery so gave me conservative options first such as orthotics etc.

After the first consultation whilst I still was not convinced I wanted to pursue the surgery I knew I had met a true specialist in his field and trusted him. As the conservative methods did not fix the problems and the pain continued, and increased, I decided to go ahead with the surgery. I could not imagine having pain free feet but this is what was offered (or at least with less pain than I had).

We arranged surgery for June 2020.

It would be bilateral to remove bunions, straighten toes, remove the morton’s neuroma and deal with the metatarsalgia on the right foot. The gastroc muscle in my legs would also be released to help movement in both feet. A shortening of the second toe would not be done in the hope that all the above would be enough.

I never knew I wanted the surgery so much until it was all cancelled due to COVID. With the summer set aside for recovery I was then praying it could happen having been cancelled and thankfully a window of opportunity came available in late July 2020.

“Whilst nervous about the surgery I knew I couldn’t continue with the pain I had and I can honestly say that five months on I have never had any of the same pain and am so relieved I met Mr Klinke and went through with it all.”

Not only do I now understand the mechanics of my feet much better and how to look after them, I feel I have been given a new chance to walk and function with pain-free feet. I followed the post-operative instructions to the letter (I was lucky enough to have people at home to help me) and that made all the difference. I am still doing the exercises and will continue to do so until at least 6 months, maybe even twelve as they really do help.

Not only has Mr Klinke solved the multiple problems of my feet he has removed my fear of anyone looking at or touching my feet again which means whilst I hope I will never need any further consultations or surgery.

“I would be happy to return to Mr Klinke if I ever needed to and would heartily recommend him to anyone else.”

I really cannot express my thanks enough to Mr Klinke and to his secretary Gay Munn, who answered all my questions particularly during the lockdown and kept me informed. Whilst for most 2020 will be remembered for Covid, I think I will forever remember it as the year I had the chance to have pain-free feet and it worked, and for that I will forever be grateful.

Miss A.F