Expert Foot and Ankle Surgeon in Southampton, Portsmouth and Chichester

Private Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon specialising in comprehensive foot and ankle care

Welcome to The South Downs Foot and Ankle Clinic

I’m Mr Billy Jowett, a consultant orthopaedic surgeon dedicated exclusively to treating foot and ankle conditions across the South of England. Since establishing The South Downs Foot and Ankle Clinic in 2011, I’ve helped thousands of patients across Southampton, Portsmouth, Chichester and beyond regain their mobility and return to the activities they love.

Whether you’re struggling with persistent ankle pain, considering bunion surgery, dealing with Achilles tendon problems, or exploring ankle replacement options, I provide comprehensive assessment and treatment tailored to your individual needs and lifestyle goals.

Why Choose The South Downs Foot and Ankle Clinic?

Specialist Expertise Where It Matters

Foot and ankle surgery is all I do. This focused specialisation means I’ve developed expertise across the full spectrum of conditions – from sports injuries and arthroscopic procedures to complex reconstructive surgery and total ankle replacement. I’ve trained with world leaders in foot and ankle surgery across New Zealand, Australia and the United States, bringing cutting-edge techniques to patients in the South of England.

Comprehensive Care Under One Roof

I don’t just treat symptoms – I identify the underlying cause of your problem and develop a treatment plan that’s right for you. This might involve conservative approaches like physiotherapy, orthotics or lithotripsy, or when surgery is the best option, the most advanced surgical techniques available. My approach is always patient-centred: surgery is only recommended when it offers the best outcome for your particular situation.

I consult and operate at three leading private hospitals:

  • Spire Portsmouth Hospital
  • Spire Southampton Hospital
  • Nuffield Health Chichester Hospital
  • I also hold out-patient clinics in Jersey

This means you can access specialist foot and ankle care close to home, whether you’re in Southampton, Portsmouth, Chichester, the South Downs, or surrounding areas including Winchester, Petersfield, Fareham, Havant and the New Forest.

Flexible Payment Options

I’m recognised by all major private medical insurers including Bupa, AXA PPP, Vitality, Aviva, WPA and Cigna. Self-funding options are also available, you don’t need a referral from your GP to book an appointment with me if you’re self-funding.

Conditions I Treat

I provide expert diagnosis and treatment for the complete range of foot and ankle problems, including:

Ankle Conditions:

  • Ankle arthritis and ankle replacement surgery
  • Ankle instability and recurrent ankle sprains
  • Anterior and posterior ankle impingement
  • Ankle cartilage defects
  • Achilles tendon rupture and Achilles tendinopathy
  • Ankle fractures

Forefoot Conditions:

  • Bunions (hallux valgus)
  • Hallux rigidus (big toe arthritis)
  • Hammer toes and claw toes
  • Morton’s neuroma
  • Metatarsalgia (ball of foot pain)

Midfoot and Hindfoot Conditions:

  • Flat feet and fallen arches requiring surgical correction
  • Plantar fasciitis and heel pain

Each of these conditions requires specialist assessment to determine the most effective treatment pathway. You can find detailed information about specific conditions and treatments throughout this website, but nothing replaces a thorough clinical examination and discussion of your individual circumstances.

Advanced Treatment Options

My practice encompasses both non-operative and surgical solutions, and I work collaboratively with radiologists, physiotherapists, osteopaths and podiatrists, who can provide treatments such as:

  • Custom orthotics and insoles
  • Physiotherapy programmes
  • Injection therapies
  • Extracorporeal Shock Wave Lithotripsy (ESWL)
  • Biomechanical assessment and gait analysis

Surgical Expertise:

When surgery offers the best outcome, I use the most advanced techniques available, with particular expertise in:

  • Ankle arthroscopy – minimally invasive keyhole surgery for ankle problems
  • Ankle fusion surgery – for severe ankle arthritis pain
  • Ankle replacement surgery – preserving ankle movement in arthritis
  • Bunion correction – including Scarf osteotomy, Lapidus procedure and fusion techniques
  • Flat foot reconstruction – FDL tendon transfer and triple arthrodesis
  • Achilles tendon repair and reconstruction
  • Lateral ligament reconstruction for ankle instability
  • Hallux rigidus (big toe arthritis) surgery – cheilectomy and fusion procedures

I perform over 300 foot and ankle operations annually, giving me extensive experience in managing both straightforward and complex cases.

My Approach to Your Care

Thorough Assessment

Your first consultation is comprehensive. I’ll take a detailed history of your symptoms, examine your foot and ankle thoroughly, and arrange any necessary investigations such as X-rays, MRI scans or CT scans. Most importantly, I’ll listen to your concerns and understand how your foot or ankle problem is affecting your daily life.

Clear Communication

I believe you should fully understand your condition and the treatment options available. I’ll explain your diagnosis in straightforward terms, discuss the pros and cons of different approaches, and ensure you have all the information you need to make confident decisions about your care.

Personalised Treatment Plans

Every patient is different. Your age, activity level, general health, occupation and personal goals all influence the best treatment approach. I develop treatment plans tailored to your individual circumstances, always starting with the least invasive effective option.

Continuity of Care

From your initial consultation through investigation, treatment and recovery, I remain actively involved in your care. If surgery is needed, I perform the procedure myself and follow your progress through rehabilitation to full recovery.

What Our Patients Say

What a great team. Walked in to ask for some advice and was seen immediately by a team member who examined me and gave me a good understanding of my issue. Highly recommended. Thank you for an amazing service.

Peter Smith

I came to get custom ear plugs for motorcycling, and my experience there was fantastic. The staff were super friendly and efficient throughout!! (Not much else you could ask for) I’d definitely recommend them to anyone looking for anything ear related!

Keon Kalani

This place was absolutely fantastic! Honestly the best experience I’ve ever had at any kind of doctors. The women at the front desk were so much fun! They were the highlight of my week! We chatted and laughed and they gave me a cup of tea, then I went up for an exam and hearing test which was so quick, informative and concise.

Perry Cooke

Really prompt service. So thorough in every sense, and very caring approach. A result that I never thought possible,with state of the art testing and hearing aids. Could not recommend more

Stephen Brook

About Mr Billy Jowett FRCS (Tr & Orth)

I qualified from Guy’s and St. Thomas’ Medical School in 1996 and completed my specialist orthopaedic training in the Wessex region. Recognising early in my career that foot and ankle surgery represented the perfect combination of technical challenge and life-changing outcomes for patients, I pursued specialist fellowship training with leading surgeons internationally.

  • AO Trauma Fellowship, Seattle, USA (2002)
  • Foot and Ankle Fellowship, Auckland, New Zealand (2006-7)
  • Foot and Ankle Fellowship, Melbourne, Australia (2006-7)
  • HCA International Travelling Fellowship (2006-7)
  • American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) Travelling Fellowship (2010)

During my AOFAS fellowship, I trained with world leaders in foot and ankle surgery in New York, Baltimore, Philadelphia, Duke and Charlotte, North Carolina, gaining exposure to the most advanced surgical techniques and management approaches.

I was appointed as a Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon at Portsmouth Hospitals NHS Trust in 2008, where I established the specialist foot and ankle service. I served as Surgical Tutor at the Trust from 2011-2017—more than double the typical term—reflecting my commitment to training the next generation of surgeons.

  • British Orthopaedic Association (BOA)
  • British Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (BOFAS)
  • American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS)

I’ve published and presented internationally on foot and ankle problems, contributing to the advancement of surgical techniques and patient outcomes in this specialty.

Frequently Asked Questions

If you’re self-funding your treatment, you don’t need a GP referral—you can book directly. If you have private medical insurance, check with your insurer as requirements vary between policies and providers.

I’m recognised by all major private medical insurers including Bupa, AXA PPP Health, Vitality Health, Aviva, WPA, Cigna, and many others.
Your insurance may cover all or part of your consultation and treatment costs, depending on your policy terms, excesses and any pre-authorisation requirements.
In some cases, there may be a difference between what your insurance pays and my fees, and you would be responsible for this gap. For detailed information about fees for your particular treatment, please contact my secretary on 07856 853175 or email office@sdfac.co.uk.
Please note that my invoicing and bill collection is handled by an independent company called Bill Medical (bill-medical.co.uk).

For general information about how private medical care funding works, you can visit www.fipo.org.

I offer appointments within days, not weeks. Same-week consultations are often available at my Portsmouth, Southampton and Chichester clinics.

Your initial consultation typically lasts 30-45 minutes. I’ll discuss your symptoms and medical history, examine your foot and ankle, and explain my findings. We’ll arrange any necessary investigations (X-rays, MRI scans) and discuss your treatment options. You’ll leave with a clear understanding of your condition and the next steps.

If surgery is recommended, I’ll explain the procedure in detail, discuss risks and benefits, outline the recovery timeline, and answer all your questions. You’ll receive comprehensive written information about your specific operation. Surgery is scheduled at your convenience at your chosen hospital location.

Fees vary depending on the complexity of your condition and treatment required. For self-pay patients, I provide clear fee information upfront. For insured patients, we can liaise with your insurer to clarify coverage. Please contact my secretary on 07856 853175 or email office@sdfac.co.uk for detailed fee information.

Locations and Contact Information

Spire Portsmouth Hospital

Bartons Road, Havant, PO9 5NP
Serving Portsmouth, Havant, Waterlooville, Fareham and surrounding areas

Spire Southampton Hospital

Chalybeate Close, Southampton, SO16 6UY
Serving Southampton, Winchester, Eastleigh, Romsey, New Forest and surrounding areas

Nuffield Health Chichester Hospital

Broyle Road, Chichester, PO19 6SE
Serving Chichester, Bognor Regis, Petersfield, Midhurst, South Downs and surrounding areas

Take the Next Step

Don’t let foot or ankle pain hold you back from the activities you enjoy. Whether you’re dealing with a sports injury, chronic condition, or considering surgical options, I’m here to help you find the most effective solution.
Book your consultation today and start your journey back to full mobility and pain-free movement.

Get in touch:

+44 (0) 7856 853175

office@sdfac.co.uk