Hallux Valgus (Bunions)
A bunion is a progressive deformity where the big toe drifts toward the lesser toes and the joint becomes prominent and painful. Treatment ranges from footwear and orthoses to corrective surgery when symptoms persist.
About Felix M. Lopez
Consultant Podiatric Surgeon
With over 20 years of specialised experience in foot and ankle surgery, I'm dedicated to providing exceptional care that puts your comfort first.
Based in the county of Kent, where I currently hold a Consultant post, I work closely alongside leading Musculoskeletal Specialists, Radiologists, Rheumatologists, Pain Specialists, Physiotherapists, Nurses and Orthopaedic colleagues to deliver exceptional care.
I believe that every patient deserves personalised attention and a treatment plan tailored to their unique needs. My approach combines conservative care along with cutting-edge surgical techniques with a compassionate, patient-centered philosophy.
After completing my fellowship in Podiatric Surgery with the Royal College of Podiatry, I've helped thousands of patients return to pain-free mobility. Whether you're dealing with a sports injury, chronic condition, or need reconstructive surgery, I'm here to guide you with evidence base treatments through every step of your recovery.
Our Approach
To provide specialist foot and the associated structures care with expert advice and a full range of conservative and surgical treatment options.
Commitment to Care
- Personalised attention for every patient
- Evidence base treatments
- Compassionate, patient-centered care
- Conservative and surgical treatment pathways
Patient-Centred Care
Every consultation is built around careful listening, clear explanation, and a treatment plan that reflects your symptoms, goals, and day-to-day demands.
Whether the right next step is conservative management, further investigation, or surgery, the aim is always to provide clear guidance and a safe, evidence-led route back to comfortable mobility.
What Is a Podiatric Surgeon?
Podiatric surgeons complete a degree in Podiatry or Podiatric Medicine, typically a BSc (Hons). After this, a podiatrist may specialise in several areas including routine care, the high-risk and vulnerable foot, musculoskeletal medicine and biomechanics, and surgery.
A smaller percentage of podiatrists undertake further university study through an MSc in the Theory of Podiatric Surgery, alongside rigorous surgical training, to obtain Fellowship of the Royal College of Podiatry via the Faculty of Podiatric Surgery: FRCPod(S).
Podiatric surgeons should not be confused with orthopaedic surgeons. Podiatric surgeons are registered with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC).
Conditions We Commonly Treat
Hallux Rigidus / Limitus (Big Toe Arthritis)
This is stiffness and pain in the big toe joint caused by cartilage wear and joint degeneration. Management includes activity modification, insoles, injections, and surgery depending on severity.
Lesser Toe Deformities (Hammer / Mallet / Claw Toes)
These deformities occur when toe joints become imbalanced and fixed in bent positions, causing rubbing, corns, and pain. Treatment may involve footwear changes, splintage, or surgical correction.
Tailor's Bunion (Bunionette)
A bunionette is a painful prominence at the base of the little toe, often made worse by narrow shoes. Conservative management can help, but persistent cases may need realignment surgery.
Neuroma (Trapped Nerve)
Most commonly affecting the forefoot, a neuroma causes burning pain, tingling, or numbness between the toes. Offloading, footwear changes, injections, and surgery are considered based on response.
Metatarsalgia
Metatarsalgia describes pain under the ball of the foot, often linked to load imbalance, activity, or toe deformity. Treatment focuses on pressure redistribution, footwear advice, and correcting contributing pathology.
Ingrowing Toe Nail
An ingrowing nail develops when the nail edge pierces the skin, causing pain, inflammation, and possible infection. Management ranges from conservative care to minor nail surgery for recurrent cases.
Heel Pain
Heel pain is commonly caused by plantar fasciitis, bursitis, stress injury, or nerve irritation. Accurate diagnosis is essential to guide rehabilitation, shock-absorbing support, and targeted treatment.
Tendon Pain
Tendon pain in the foot and ankle may involve overuse, degeneration, or partial tearing, such as Achilles or tibialis tendon problems. Care may include load management, physiotherapy, orthoses, and surgery when indicated.
Soft Tissue (Verruca / Corns / Ganglion)
Soft tissue lesions can cause pain, pressure symptoms, or cosmetic concern. Treatment is tailored to diagnosis and may include conservative care, minor procedures, or excision.
Flat Foot
Flat foot can be flexible or rigid and may lead to arch collapse, fatigue, and tendon strain. Management may include supportive footwear, exercises, orthoses, and reconstructive surgery in selected cases.
Regulatory / Professional Registration
Health & Care Professions Council (HCPC)
Podiatric Surgery Annotation
CH15188
Royal College of Podiatry
Professional Registration Number
20563
Publications
- Lopez FM, Reilly I, Murphy L. The scarf osteotomy: a technique variant: the trotation scarf and akin osteotomies for hallux valgus: short term results of 73 cases. Foot Ankle Online J. 2015;8:3-12.
- Morley R, Lopez F, Webb F. Calcium sulphate as a drug delivery system in a deep diabetic foot infection. Foot (Edinb). 2016 Jun;27:36-40.
- Lopez FM, Kilmartin TE. Corn Cutting in the 21st Century. Podiatry Now. 2016;19(10):24-27.
- Wright N, Smithiers M, Lopez FM. Hallux Rigidus: Success at last. The Podiatrist. 2024 Sep/Oct:45-49.
Book Chapter
Neale's Disorders of the Foot and Ankle (Ninth Edition), 2020, pages 448-466.
Chapter 18 - Minor Surgery of The Foot