Orthopaedic Foot & Ankle Specialist in Staffordshire
Orthopaedic Foot & Ankle Specialist in Staffordshire
If foot or ankle pain is affecting your mobility, work, or quality of life, specialist care can make a meaningful difference. In Staffordshire, patients have access to consultant-led orthopaedic care focused exclusively on foot and ankle conditions, delivered with a clear emphasis on accuracy, safety, and long-term outcomes.
Every consultation begins with a thorough clinical assessment to understand not just the symptoms, but the underlying cause of the problem. Whether the issue is related to arthritis, tendon damage, deformity, or a sports-related injury, treatment is guided by evidence-based practice and tailored to the individual. Where appropriate, minimally invasive techniques are used to reduce tissue damage, shorten recovery time, and help patients return to daily activities sooner.
Care in Staffordshire is centred on clear communication and informed decision-making. Patients are guided through all available options from non-surgical treatments to advanced surgical procedures with realistic expectations explained at every stage. The goal is not just pain relief, but restoring confidence in movement and improving overall function in a safe and sustainable way.
Book a consultation in Staffordshire to begin a structured, specialist-led approach to foot and ankle recovery.
Compare Before & After Result
If you suffer with stubborn bunions, misaligned toes, agonising ankle arthritis or persistent
heel pain don’t hesitate to consult with Mr Akimau.
Before
procedures
After
procedures
Why Choose a Specialist
Foot & Ankle Surgeon in Staffordshire
Consultant-Led, Specialist Care
Your care is led by a Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon specialising exclusively in foot and ankle conditions. This focused expertise allows for accurate diagnosis and treatment planning based on years of dedicated clinical and surgical experience, rather than a generalised orthopaedic approach.
Personalised Treatment Plans
No two patients are the same. Each treatment plan is tailored to your condition, lifestyle, activity level, and long-term goals. You will receive clear explanations of all available options, helping you make informed decisions with confidence.
Foot & Ankle Conditions Treated in Staffordshire
Foot and ankle problems can develop gradually or occur suddenly due to injury, overuse, or degeneration. Each condition requires a precise diagnosis to ensure the right treatment approach. Care in Staffordshire focuses on identifying the root cause of pain or dysfunction rather than simply managing symptoms.
Forefoot Conditions
Problems affecting the front of the foot can significantly impact balance, walking, and footwear comfort. Commonly treated forefoot conditions include:
- Bunions (hallux valgus)
- Big toe arthritis (hallux rigidus)
- Lesser toe deformities such as hammer toes and claw toes
- Metatarsalgia and forefoot pain
Treatment is guided by severity, lifestyle impact, and long-term foot mechanics.
Heel & Achilles Conditions
Heel pain and Achilles problems are often persistent and can worsen without specialist input. Conditions managed include:
- Plantar fasciitis
- Achilles tendinopathy
- Achilles tendon tears and chronic degeneration
- Insertional heel pain
Both non-surgical and surgical options are considered based on response to previous treatments and functional limitation.
Ankle Disorders
Ankle conditions can restrict mobility and stability, especially when arthritis or previous injury is involved. Common ankle-related problems treated include:
- Ankle arthritis
- Ligament injuries and instability
- Cartilage damage
- Post-traumatic ankle pain
Accurate imaging and clinical assessment are essential to determine the most effective course of action.
Foot Shape & Structural Problems
Structural abnormalities of the foot can affect posture, gait, and joint health over time. These include:
- Flat foot deformity
- High-arched (cavus) foot
- Progressive deformities causing imbalance or pain
Treatment plans focus on restoring alignment and improving long-term function.
Sports & Activity-Related Injuries
Active individuals may experience foot and ankle injuries related to repetitive stress or acute trauma. Care is aimed at safe recovery while supporting a return to activity with reduced risk of re-injury.
Treatments & Procedures Available in Staffordshire
Treatment planning in Staffordshire is guided by careful assessment, clinical evidence, and the individual needs of each patient. The focus is always on choosing the least invasive and most effective option, with surgery considered only when appropriate and clearly explained.
Non-Surgical Treatment Options
Many foot and ankle conditions can be managed without surgery, particularly when diagnosed early. Non-operative treatment may include:
- Activity modification and load management advice
- Targeted rehabilitation guidance
- Injection therapies where clinically indicated
- Shockwave therapy for selected tendon and heel conditions
These approaches aim to relieve pain, improve function, and prevent progression of the condition.
Minimally Invasive Foot Surgery
When surgery is required, minimally invasive techniques are used wherever suitable. These procedures involve smaller incisions and minimal disruption to surrounding tissues, which may help reduce post-operative discomfort and support faster recovery. Common applications include:
- Bunion correction
- Lesser toe deformity correction
- Selected forefoot procedures
The suitability of minimally invasive surgery is assessed individually and discussed in detail during consultation.
Ankle Arthroscopy (Keyhole Surgery)
Ankle arthroscopy allows the surgeon to diagnose and treat certain ankle conditions using small instruments and a camera inserted through tiny incisions. This technique may be used for:
- Cartilage damage
- Impingement symptoms
- Removal of loose bodies
- Assessment of ongoing ankle pain
This approach can offer precise treatment with reduced soft tissue disruption.
Ankle Arthritis Management & Joint Preservation
For patients with ankle arthritis, treatment is tailored based on severity, activity level, and long-term goals. Options may include:
- Joint-preserving procedures where appropriate
- Pain management strategies
- Surgical intervention for advanced cases, including ankle replacement when indicated
The emphasis is on maintaining mobility and improving quality of life.
Individualised Surgical Decision-Making
Surgery is never presented as a default solution. Each procedure is recommended only after a thorough discussion of:
- Expected benefits
- Potential risks
- Recovery timelines
- Alternative treatment options
This ensures patients are fully informed and confident in their care decisions.
Your Consultation & Treatment Journey in Staffordshire
From the first appointment through to recovery, care in Staffordshire is structured, transparent, and focused on long-term outcomes rather than short-term fixes. Each stage of the process is designed to give patients clarity, confidence, and appropriate support.
Initial Specialist Consultation
Your journey begins with a detailed, consultant-led assessment. Time is taken to understand:
- Your symptoms and how they affect daily life
- Previous treatments or investigations
- Medical history and activity levels
A physical examination is performed to assess alignment, movement, and areas of tenderness or instability.
Diagnostic Review & Clinical Insight
Where required, imaging such as X-rays or MRI scans is reviewed alongside the clinical findings. This combined approach allows for an accurate diagnosis and helps identify the underlying cause of the problem rather than simply addressing pain.
Discussion of Treatment Options
All suitable treatment options are explained clearly and honestly. This may include:
- Non-surgical management
- Minimally invasive procedures
- Surgical intervention where appropriate
The expected benefits, possible risks, and realistic recovery timelines are discussed in detail, allowing you to make an informed decision without pressure.
Treatment & Ongoing Care
If treatment is undertaken, care is delivered with attention to safety, precision, and comfort. Clear post-treatment guidance is provided, including advice on mobility, rehabilitation, and activity progression.
Follow-Up & Recovery Support
Follow-up appointments are arranged to monitor healing, address concerns, and adjust recovery plans if needed. The aim is to support a safe return to daily activities, work, or sport, with long-term joint function in mind.
About Me
Meet Mr. Pavel Akimau
Trauma & Orthopaedic Surgeon
Mr Akimau has been working as a Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon at University Hospitals of North Staffordshire NHS Trust since 2021. Patients’ wellbeing and genuine willingness to help has always been Mr Akimau top priority. He has got a high calibre expertise in full spectrum of elective and traumatic Foot and Ankle conditions as well as general trauma.
Frequently Asked Questions – Staffordshire
A GP referral is not required for private consultations in Staffordshire. Patients can book an appointment directly. If you are being referred through the NHS or using private medical insurance, a referral letter may be needed depending on your provider.
A wide range of foot and ankle problems are assessed, including bunions, arthritis, tendon injuries, heel pain, ankle instability, and sports-related injuries. Each consultation focuses on identifying the root cause of symptoms and recommending appropriate treatment options.
No. Surgery is considered only when non-surgical treatments are unlikely to provide sufficient improvement. Conservative options are always discussed first, and surgery is recommended only when it is clearly in the patient’s best interest.
Minimally invasive surgery uses smaller incisions and specialised techniques to reduce tissue disruption. When suitable, this approach may help reduce post-operative pain and support faster recovery. Suitability is assessed on an individual basis during consultation.
Recovery time varies depending on the condition and type of treatment. Non-surgical treatments may allow a quicker return to normal activities, while surgical procedures require a structured recovery period. Clear guidance on recovery timelines is provided before any treatment is undertaken.
Imaging is recommended only when clinically necessary. If scans are required, existing imaging can be reviewed, or new investigations may be arranged to support accurate diagnosis and treatment planning.
Yes. Follow-up appointments are an important part of the treatment process. These visits help monitor recovery, address any concerns, and ensure progress is on track toward long-term improvement.
Absolutely. Consultations are designed to provide clarity and guidance. Patients are encouraged to ask questions, understand their condition, and explore all suitable options before making any decisions.
