Who is Mr Shelain Patel?

Mr Shelain Patel (BSc, MBBS, DipSEM, FRCS) is a consultant orthopaedic surgeon who works exclusively on foot and ankle conditions in London and Stanmore. He is one of only four foot and ankle surgeons at the Royal National Orthopaedic Hospital, the UK's top rated orthopaedic institution.

What conditions does Mr Shelain Patel treat?

He treats the full range of foot and ankle disorders including ankle sprains, ligament damage and instability, ankle arthritis and cartilage injuries, Achilles tendon tears and pain, bunions and big toe arthritis, flat feet and tibialis posterior tendon dysfunction, plantar fasciitis and heel pain, Morton's neuroma, foot drop following nerve and spine injuries, congenital and complex acquired deformities, and trauma including osteochondral lesions.

What surgery does Mr Shelain Patel perform?

Procedures include bunion correction, ankle replacement, ankle fusion, keyhole ankle arthroscopy and microfracture, Broström-Gould ligament repair, Achilles tendon repair and Haglund excision, big toe replacement and fusion, Morton's neuroma excision, flat foot and cavus foot reconstruction, minimally invasive metatarsal osteotomy, and tibialis posterior tendon transfer for foot drop. Only about one in three consultations leads to a discussion of surgery.

Where does Mr Shelain Patel practise?

His private practice is in the Harley Street district of Central London at HCA Princess Grace Hospital and King Edward VII's Hospital, and in North London at Spire Bushey, Elstree Waterfront and RNOH Private Care in Stanmore. The consultation address is 30 Devonshire Street, London, W1G 6PU.

How do I book a consultation with Mr Shelain Patel?

Consultations can be booked by contacting his secretary on 020 3960 1705 or by email at patelpa@gop.health. He accepts both private medical insurance and self pay patients.

Does Mr Shelain Patel offer second opinions?

Yes. Through his role at the Royal National Orthopaedic Hospital he provides specialist second opinions for patients facing complex foot deformity or who have had unsuccessful previous treatment.

Patient Information

Information for patients considering private foot and ankle treatment in London

Welcome to the patient information section of Mr Shelain Patel's website.

Mr Shelain Patel is a Consultant Orthopaedic Foot & Ankle Surgeon in London, specialising in the assessment and treatment of foot and ankle conditions, including ankle arthritis, ankle replacement, Achilles tendon disorders, bunions, flat feet, sports injuries and complex foot and ankle deformity.

Whether you are seeking advice about a new problem, a second opinion, or treatment for a longstanding foot or ankle condition, the aim of your consultation is to establish the cause of your symptoms, explain the available treatment options and help you make an informed decision about your care.

Not every condition requires surgery. Where appropriate, non-operative treatments will be considered alongside surgical options, with recommendations tailored to your symptoms, clinical findings, lifestyle and expectations.

1. Booking a consultation

If you are experiencing pain, stiffness, instability or difficulty walking because of a foot or ankle problem, a specialist consultation can help clarify the diagnosis and identify the most appropriate next steps.

During your consultation, Mr Patel will discuss your symptoms, medical history, previous investigations and any treatment you have already received. He will examine your foot and ankle and review relevant imaging or recommend further investigations if required.

You will have an opportunity to explain how your condition affects your daily life, work, exercise and mobility, and to discuss what you hope to achieve from treatment.

To arrange an appointment, please visit the Contact page.

Contact Mr Patel and request an appointment

2. Where appointments take place

Mr Patel sees private patients at selected London and Hertfordshire locations. The most appropriate location will depend on appointment availability, your clinical needs and the services required.

Please contact the practice team to confirm the current clinic locations, appointment availability and arrangements before travelling.

View clinic locations

3. Preparing for your consultation

To help make the most of your appointment, please consider bringing the following information where available:

A list of your current medications and relevant allergies.
Details of previous foot or ankle operations, injuries and treatments.
Previous clinic letters or reports relevant to your condition.
X-ray, MRI or CT scan reports and images, particularly if these were performed at another hospital.
Details of any physiotherapy, injections, orthotics or other treatments you have tried.
Your private medical insurance details or authorisation, if applicable.
A list of questions you would like to discuss.

If you have had imaging performed elsewhere, please let the practice team know in advance. Access to the original images, rather than the written report alone, may be helpful when planning further assessment or treatment. You do not need to have completed every investigation before arranging an appointment.

4. What happens during a consultation?

Your consultation will be tailored to your particular problem.

Understanding your symptoms:

Mr Patel will ask about when your symptoms started, how they have changed, what makes them better or worse and how they affect walking and everyday activities.

Clinical examination

The examination may include assessment of your foot and ankle movement, alignment, stability, tendons, strength, gait and the surrounding joints. The precise examination will depend on your symptoms.

Investigations

Weight-bearing X-rays are useful for many foot and ankle conditions. Depending on the clinical findings, further investigations such as CT, MRI or ultrasound may be appropriate. Not every patient requires additional imaging.

Discussing your options

Once the available clinical information has been reviewed, Mr Patel will explain the likely diagnosis, the treatment options and the potential benefits and limitations of each approach. Where surgery is being considered, the discussion should include the purpose of the operation, relevant risks, expected recovery, rehabilitation requirements and reasonable alternatives. You should have the opportunity to ask questions before deciding how to proceed.

5. Understanding your treatment options

Treatment depends on the underlying condition, its severity and how it affects you.

Depending on the diagnosis, options may include:

Activity modification and advice on managing symptoms.
Physiotherapy and rehabilitation.
Footwear modification and orthotics.
Medication, where appropriate.
Injections in selected circumstances.
Reconstructive foot and ankle surgery.
Ankle replacement or ankle fusion for selected patients with advanced ankle arthritis.
Further investigation or monitoring where immediate treatment is not required.

The aim is to recommend treatment based on your individual clinical circumstances rather than assuming that surgery is necessary.

Learn more about conditions and treatments

Explore the website's dedicated resources:

These resources provide further information to help you prepare for a discussion with your surgeon. They do not replace an individual clinical assessment.

6. Private medical insurance and self-pay appointments

If you intend to use private medical insurance, please contact your insurer before your appointment to confirm your cover, authorisation requirements and any applicable excess or shortfall.

Please check that your policy covers both the consultant and the hospital or clinic where you intend to receive care. Cover for a consultation does not necessarily mean that all subsequent investigations or treatments are authorised.

If you are paying for treatment yourself, please ask the practice team for the current consultation fee and information about the likely costs of any recommended investigations or treatment.

The fees for consultations, imaging, procedures, hospital facilities and surgery may be separate. Where relevant, request a clear explanation of the anticipated costs before proceeding.

If you are unsure whether your insurance or self-pay arrangements are suitable, the practice team can advise you on the next steps.

7. If surgery is recommended

A recommendation for surgery does not mean that you must proceed immediately. You should have time to understand your diagnosis, consider the available options and ask questions about the expected outcome. Before deciding, you should understand:

Why the operation is being considered.
What improvement it is intended to achieve.
The important risks and potential complications.
Whether non-operative alternatives remain reasonable.
What recovery and rehabilitation are likely to involve.
The possible effect on work, driving, exercise and daily activities.
Whether further investigations or preparation are needed.

The risks and recovery requirements vary according to the operation, your general health and the complexity of the condition. Your individual circumstances will be discussed as part of the consent process.

8. Recovery and follow-up

Recovery following foot and ankle surgery varies considerably. Some procedures allow relatively rapid mobilisation, while others require a period of protected weight-bearing, a cast or a walking boot.

Your post-operative instructions will depend on the procedure performed and your progress. Follow the advice provided by your surgical team regarding wound care, weight-bearing, medication, rehabilitation and follow-up appointments.

Physiotherapy may form an important part of recovery. The timing and intensity of rehabilitation should be appropriate for the operation and the stage of healing.

If you develop concerning symptoms after surgery, contact your surgical team promptly for advice. Seek urgent medical assessment for severe or rapidly worsening symptoms. Sudden shortness of breath or chest pain requires emergency assessment.

9. Frequently asked questions

Do I need a GP referral?

Referral requirements can depend on your insurer and the arrangements for your appointment. Please contact the practice team and, if applicable, your insurer to confirm whether a referral is needed.

Do I need an MRI before my appointment?

No. Many foot and ankle problems can initially be assessed through a clinical consultation and appropriate X-rays. MRI or CT may be recommended if further information is required.

Can I arrange a second opinion?

A specialist consultation can be useful if you have received a diagnosis, have been advised to consider surgery or would like to understand alternative treatment options. Please bring relevant clinic letters, previous imaging and details of any proposed treatment.

Does every foot or ankle condition require surgery?

No. Depending on the diagnosis, symptoms and clinical findings, non-operative treatment may be appropriate. Surgery is considered when its potential benefits justify the risks and alternatives.

How long will my recovery take?

Recovery depends on the diagnosis, the treatment performed, your general health and whether additional procedures are required. Your expected recovery and rehabilitation programme should be discussed individually.

Where can I find information about my condition?

Visit the Foot and Ankle Conditions section to explore condition-specific information and links to relevant treatments.

For further questions about appointments, fees, insurance and clinic arrangements, visit the Frequently Asked Questions page or contact the practice team.

10. Contact the practice

If you would like an assessment for a foot or ankle problem, are considering treatment or require a specialist opinion, please contact the practice team to discuss arranging an appointment.

Request an appointment

View clinic locations

Important information

The information on this website is intended for general educational purposes and should not be regarded as personal medical advice, a diagnosis or a substitute for an individual consultation. Treatment decisions should be made following an appropriate clinical assessment and discussion of the benefits, risks and alternatives relevant to the individual patient.

If you are experiencing a medical emergency, seek emergency medical care rather than using this website to obtain advice.