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.

Preparing for Your Consultation

Your appointment with Mr Shelain Patel

Preparing for your consultation is an important step towards understanding your foot or ankle problem and exploring the most appropriate treatment options.

Mr Shelain Patel is a Consultant Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Surgeon based in London. Your consultation is an opportunity to discuss your symptoms, understand what may be causing them, review any investigations you have already had and agree on a plan tailored to your individual needs.

Whether you are experiencing persistent foot pain, ankle arthritis, a sports-related injury or considering surgery, the information below will help you prepare for your appointment.

1. Before your appointment

A little preparation can help ensure that your consultation covers the issues that matter most to you. Before attending, consider making a note of:

Your symptoms: Where is the pain or discomfort? When did it start?
Your medical history: Have you had previous injuries, operations or treatments involving your foot or ankle?
Your current treatment: Have you tried physiotherapy, medication, injections, orthotics or other treatments?
Your daily activities: How does your condition affect walking, work, exercise, sport or everyday life?
Your priorities: What would you most like to achieve from treatment?

You do not need to have all the answers before your appointment. These notes are simply intended to help you explain your concerns clearly.

2. What information should you bring?

If available, please bring or arrange access to the following information.

Previous investigations

X-rays, MRI scans, CT scans or ultrasound scans relevant to your condition.
Radiology reports from previous investigations.
Details of any previous blood tests or other investigations that may be relevant.

If your scans were performed at another hospital or imaging centre, please bring the images or confirm how they can be accessed. A written report alone may not provide all the information needed for surgical planning.

Previous treatment

Please bring details of any previous treatment for your foot or ankle problem, including:

Previous operations and their dates, if known.
Physiotherapy or rehabilitation.
Injections or other procedures.
Insoles, orthotics, braces or walking aids.
Medications or other treatments you have tried and whether they helped.

Medical history and medication

Please be prepared to discuss your general medical history, any allergies and the medication you currently take. This is particularly important if surgery may be considered. Do not stop or change any prescribed medication in preparation for your consultation unless advised to do so by an appropriate healthcare professional.

3. Understanding your symptoms

Foot and ankle conditions can affect people in very different ways. Understanding your symptoms and how they influence your life is an important part of assessing your condition. It may help to consider the following questions:

Where exactly do you experience pain?
Is the pain constant or does it occur during particular activities?
Is there swelling, stiffness, instability, numbness or a feeling that the ankle gives way?
Can you walk comfortably, climb stairs and stand for prolonged periods?
Does the problem affect your sleep, work or ability to exercise?
Have your symptoms changed over time?
What activities would you most like to return to?

If your symptoms fluctuate, consider describing what happens on a typical day and during a particularly difficult episode.

4. What happens during your consultation?

Your consultation will focus on understanding your problem and identifying the most appropriate way forward. Depending on your symptoms and medical history, the appointment may include:

Discussion of your symptoms

Mr Patel will discuss the history of your condition, how it affects your daily life and what you hope to achieve from treatment.

Clinical examination

An examination of your foot and ankle may be performed to assess areas such as movement, alignment, stability, tenderness and function. The examination will be guided by your symptoms and the nature of your condition.

You may be asked to walk or perform particular movements. Please let the clinical team know if you have significant pain or difficulty with any movement.

Review of investigations

Any relevant imaging and previous investigations will be reviewed where available. Further investigations may be recommended if additional information is needed to clarify the diagnosis or plan treatment.

Discussion of treatment options

The recommended approach will depend on your diagnosis, the severity of your symptoms, your activity levels, your general health and your personal priorities. Treatment may include non-surgical options, further investigations, rehabilitation or surgery where appropriate. If an operation is being considered, the potential benefits, limitations, risks and alternatives should be discussed as part of the decision-making process.

5. Questions you may wish to ask

It is helpful to think about your questions before attending. You may wish to ask:

What is causing my symptoms?
Are any further investigations needed?
What are my treatment options?
Could my condition improve without surgery?
What are the potential benefits and risks of surgery in my particular case?
How might treatment affect my ability to walk, work, drive or exercise?
What would recovery involve if I needed an operation?
How long might rehabilitation take?
What happens if I decide to delay treatment?

Not every question will be relevant to every condition. Your consultation is an opportunity to discuss the issues that matter most to you.

6. If surgery may be an option

A consultation does not automatically mean that surgery will be recommended. Many foot and ankle conditions can initially be managed with non-surgical treatment. Where surgery is appropriate, the decision should take into account the expected benefits, potential risks, available alternatives and your individual circumstances.

Depending on your diagnosis, you may wish to read more about:

Ankle arthritis: Understanding the condition and available treatment options.
Ankle replacement surgery: When ankle replacement may be considered.
Ankle replacement versus ankle fusion: Understanding the differences between these procedures.
Recovery after ankle replacement: What rehabilitation and recovery may involve.

These resources are available on this website in the ankle arthritis and ankle replacement sections. They can help you prepare questions for your appointment, but they do not replace an individual clinical assessment.

7. On the day of your appointment

To help your appointment run smoothly:

Check your appointment confirmation for the correct location, date and time.
Allow sufficient time to travel and arrive.
Bring any relevant medical information or imaging that has not already been made available.
Wear clothing that allows your foot and ankle to be examined comfortably.
Bring your list of questions if you have prepared one.
Let the clinic know in advance if you require assistance with mobility, accessibility or communication.

If you are unsure whether particular records or scans are needed, contact the clinic before your appointment.

8. What happens after your consultation?

Following your consultation, you should have a clearer understanding of your condition and the available options. Depending on your individual circumstances, the next steps may include:

Arranging further imaging or investigations.
Starting or continuing non-surgical treatment.
Referral for physiotherapy or another appropriate treatment.
Discussing a surgical procedure in greater detail.
Planning surgery, where appropriate, after considering the benefits, risks and alternatives.
Arranging a follow-up appointment to review your progress.

The recommended plan will be based on your clinical findings and your preferences. You should have the opportunity to ask questions and consider the options before making decisions about treatment.

9. Arrange your consultation

If you are experiencing foot or ankle pain, stiffness, instability or difficulty walking, an assessment can help establish the cause of your symptoms and identify appropriate treatment options.

Mr Shelain Patel provides specialist assessment and treatment for a range of foot and ankle conditions in London. To enquire about an appointment, please visit the Contact page.

This information is intended to help you prepare for your consultation and is not a substitute for individual medical advice. Your assessment and treatment recommendations will depend on your particular condition and medical circumstances.