Orthopaedic surgeon Perth
The WOCWA way to better movement
Dr Gerard Hardisty, founder of The Foot & Ankle Centre, is an orthopaedic surgeon in Perth who works within WOCWA, a collaborative surgical group that supports accurate diagnosis and continuity of care when foot pain relates to the back or other joints.
WOCWA orthopaedic surgeons
Your orthopaedic surgeon in Perth
Orthopaedic conditions often overlap. Foot pain could begin in the spine and shoulder pain may be caused by an impinged nerve in your cervical spine (neck).
Being part of a larger orthopaedic group in Perth is a great benefit for you, the patient. Because we share records and meet regularly, it’s easy to refer you within the team. There’s no need to retell your story. It saves time and helps you move forward with confidence.
WOCWA is a Perth-based orthopaedic group made up of three fellowship-trained surgeons, each specialising in a different area of the body. With consulting rooms in Murdoch and Nedlands, we provide care across the metro area. You stay within one team, with your notes, scans, and treatment plan all in one place, making your path easier to follow.
This is the strength of a connected orthopaedic clinic. Patients are guided to the orthopaedic surgeon who treats the true source of the problem, not just the place that hurts.
Orthopaedic surgeons Perth
Consistent care from first visit to follow-up
- Continuity of care: One team handles your appointments, imaging, and follow-up.
- In-house second opinions: If needed, we arrange reviews with other surgeons in our practice.
- Clear explanations: We simplify medical terms so you understand your choices.
- Convenient locations: Clinics in Murdoch and Nedlands with ties to major Perth hospitals.
- Transparent communication: We follow AHPRA guidelines: no unrealistic promises, just honest advice and thoughtful planning.
We kindly suggest that you bring prior scans and referral letters. This helps us understand your history and avoid duplicated tests.
WOCWA team approach
You’ll see the orthopaedic surgeon whose subspecialty best fits your main concern. If signs point to a different cause, we organise a quick in-house review. Your care plan stays unified. Our team decides next steps together and explains them clearly in writing.
Some overlapping issues we often treat:
- Foot pain from the back: A lumbar nerve issue may cause foot tingling, weakness, or pain.
- Ankle pain after hip or knee problems: Changes in how you walk can stress the ankle and midfoot.
- Shoulder pain from the neck: A pinched cervical nerve can send pain into the shoulder.
Elbow pain linked to the shoulder: When shoulder blade muscles misfire, the elbow can take on extra strain.
This joined-up model reduces delays. We keep your care moving and align the plan to the true diagnosis.
Foot and ankle surgeon Perth
One pathway from neck to foot
- Foot and ankle: Led by Dr Gerard Hardisty, care includes tendon injuries, ankle instability, ankle arthritis, foot deformity, sports trauma, and fractures. If symptoms point to the spine, we coordinate a back review while continuing foot and ankle care.
- Shoulder and elbow: We assess rotator cuff tears, frozen shoulder, joint instability, tennis elbow, and arthritis. If symptoms suggest neck involvement, we arrange an internal review to confirm the source.
- Spine: We evaluate neck and back pain, nerve compression, and sciatica. If leg or foot symptoms are spine-related, we build a shared plan with the limb surgeon.
You’ll find each surgeon’s training, interests, and hospital links on the WOCWA website. Printed bios are also available during your visit.
Conditions we commonly treat
- Ankle arthritis: Worn cartilage causes pain, swelling, and stiffness. We offer bracing, activity changes, and, when needed, ankle fusion or replacement.
- Tendon problems: Issues like Achilles irritation or tears can lead to pain and weakness during walking or stairs.
- Ankle instability: Torn or stretched ligaments after sprains may cause the ankle to give way on uneven ground.
- Foot deformities: Changes like bunions or hammertoes affect alignment, comfort, and shoe fit.
- Shoulder conditions: Including rotator cuff tears, impingement, frozen shoulder, and shoulder arthritis requiring shoulder replacement surgery.
- Spinal and nerve-related pain: Cervical or lumbar nerve irritation can cause pain, tingling, or numbness in the arms or legs, including sciatica.
- Knee conditions: Degenerative joint disease, sports injuries, and advanced arthritis, including knee replacement surgery.
Before talking about orthopaedic surgery, we always go through non-operative options. Many people get better with rehab, activity changes, supportive shoes or braces, and pain management. Surgery is only considered if symptoms continue and scans match the clinical picture.
WOCWA orthopaedic care
How we diagnose and plan your care
Diagnosis starts with listening. We take time to understand when your symptoms began, what makes them worse, and what matters most to you. Then we examine the area and order targeted imaging if needed.
- X-ray: Quick and simple, shows bone alignment and arthritis.
- Ultrasound: Looks at tendons and soft tissues in motion.
- MRI: Gives a detailed view of cartilage, ligaments, and bone stress.
- CT: High-resolution images of joint surfaces and bone detail.
You’ll leave with a written plan explaining what we found, why each step matters, and what to watch for. If you have past scans, bring them, we’re glad to compare.
Keeping your plan in one place
- Referral: You can be referred by your GP or contact us directly. We’ll match you with the right orthopaedic surgeon for your main concern.
- Internal second opinions: If your symptoms point elsewhere, we’ll organise a prompt review within our team.
- Communication with your GP: We provide clear, timely reports so your broader care team stays informed.
- After-hours issues: For severe or urgent symptoms, such as constant pain, new numbness, fever, or wound concerns, please seek immediate medical attention, then contact us for follow-up.
We recommend bringing supportive footwear, your current medications, and any mobility aids. These help us plan for your comfort and mobility in daily life.
Orthopaedic clinic Perth
Foot and ankle care you can understand
Dr Gerard Hardisty is a senior foot and ankle surgeon based in Perth. He treats sports injuries, arthritis, tendon issues, deformities, and complex cases after injury. As part of WOCWA’s shared-care model, he coordinates with colleagues when foot pain may be linked to the spine or hip, keeping your foot and ankle plan on track.
You’ll find more about the team on the WOCWA About page.
Planning the next step together
We suggest bringing:
- The shoes you wear most often as we may check for wear patterns.
- Access to any previous scans to help us compare and avoid repeats.
- A list of medications and allergies, including supplements or over-the-counter items.
- Your personal goals, whether that’s walking the dog, getting back to tennis, or staying comfortable at work.
At your appointment, we’ll go through your history, examine the affected area, and decide on next steps together. If a procedure is discussed, we’ll explain the benefits, risks, and other options clearly. If orthopaedic surgery isn’t needed, we’ll outline how to move forward with your GP and physio.
