Szpital Ruber Internacional
Dr. Pablo de la Cuadra (Pablo Cuadra de la Virgili) is an orthopedic surgeon and traumatologist in Madrid. He specializes in sports injuries and shoulder surgery at Hospital Ruber Internacional, where he has worked since 1999. He has over 25 years of experience. He leads a multidisciplinary unit and heads a specialized traumatology team. He is a recognized expert in complex shoulder disorders. He uses advanced arthroscopic and reconstructive techniques for instability and rotator cuff injuries.
Accreditations: MD (1993) and PhD in Medicine (2001), Autonomous University of Madrid. Specialist in Orthopedic Surgery and Traumatology after residency at Hospital Puerta de Hierro (1995–1999). Current roles: Orthopedic Specialist at Centro Médico Habana (1999–present) and Specialist Physician at Hospital Puerta de Hierro (2000–present). He is also an Associate Professor of Health Sciences at the Autonomous University of Madrid.
In Spain, you should consult an orthopedic surgeon (traumatólogo) or a podiatrist (podólogo). Traumatólogos treat severe pain and structural issues. Podólogos specialize in foot biomechanics and custom insoles. Most patients start with a podólogo for non-surgical orthotics.
Bookimed Expert Insight: Choosing a multidisciplinary center like Hospital Ruber Internacional offers a distinct advantage. These facilities house over 800 doctors across 42 specialized departments. This allows for immediate collaboration between orthopedic surgeons and rehabilitation specialists. Patients benefit from combined expertise in both surgical and conservative functional recovery.
Patient Consensus: Patients recommend seeing an orthopedic specialist first if you have pain or instability. Always bring your most worn shoes to show the doctor your specific wear patterns.
Spanish orthopedic surgeons recommend surgery for symptomatic flat feet when patients experience chronic pain despite physiotherapy and custom insoles. Intervention is necessary if deformity limits mobility or causes progressive structural collapse. Pediatric cases are typically addressed between ages 9 and 14 using minimally invasive implants.
Bookimed Expert Insight: Spanish orthopedic care often integrates specialized biomechanical analysis within JCI-accredited facilities like Hospital Ruber Internacional. While most clinics treat both adults and children, centers focusing on 25,000+ patients annually prioritize reconstructive surgery for rigid deformities. Choosing a specialist like Dr. Pablo De La Cuadra, who has over 25 years of experience, ensures a focus on functional joint reconstruction over cosmetic correction.
Patient Consensus: Patients note that surgeons prioritize pain levels over the visual height of the arch. Many emphasize that surgery is treated as a final resort following exhaustive trials with corrective insoles and activity modification.
Spanish clinics prioritize conservative flat feet treatments focusing on customized orthotics and specialized physical rehabilitation. Conservative care often involves high-intensity laser therapy and biomechanical retraining to improve foot function. JCI-accredited facilities like Hospital Ruber Internacional use these methods to delay or avoid surgical intervention.
Bookimed Expert Insight: Spanish orthopedic care stands out by combining traditional podiatry with high-tech proprietary biomechanics. Facilities like Dr. Blum's Biomechanics Center in Marbella use patented methods to activate natural regeneration. This approach is particularly effective for professional athletes who require specific functional recovery protocols. Specialized centers in Madrid and Marbella attract international patients by integrating these patented technologies with Mediterranean-based recovery environments.
Patient Consensus: Many patients note that specialists focus on symptoms like instability rather than just foot shape. They often receive similar advice across different clinics regarding the necessity of supportive footwear and activity modification.
Spanish orthopedic experts state that adults cannot naturally restore a permanent bony arch in rigid flat feet. However, patients with flexible flat feet can significantly improve function and eliminate pain. Spanish protocols combine specialized biomechanics, custom orthotics, and targeted strengthening to stabilize the foot without surgery.
Bookimed Expert Insight: While many general clinics treat symptoms, centers like Hospital Ruber Internacional integrate orthopedic surgery with advanced functional recovery. Data shows that clinics focusing on biomechanical regeneration, like those in Marbella, prioritize restoring blood circulation and ligament function to halt progression. This specialized approach often helps professional athletes avoid surgery by addressing the root mechanical cause rather than just using insoles.
Patient Consensus: Patients note that while the visible arch rarely changes, weight management and calf stretches are the most effective ways to reduce daily pain. Many find that custom insoles feel much better than store-bought versions for long periods of standing.
Spanish pediatric specialists usually do not intervene immediately for flat feet. Most cases involve flexible arches that develop naturally before age 5. Doctors prioritize observation over aggressive treatment unless the child experiences pain, stiffness, or functional limitations during physical activity.
Bookimed Expert Insight: Clinics like Hospital Ruber Internacional treat 25,000 patients annually using multidisciplinary teams. Our data shows that top Spanish centers combine orthopedic expertise with specialized rehabilitation. This approach ensures that child athletes receive sports-specific traumatology care often missed in general clinics.
Patient Consensus: Parents find that specialists focus heavily on whether the arch appears during tiptoeing. They note that while inserts help with foot fatigue, time and barefoot walking are the most recommended solutions.