Podiatry
What does a podiatrist do for your feet?
Podiatrists are doctors who specialize in foot and ankle care. This can be anything from wound care of the foot and ankle to elective and trauma surgery, as well as, casting for custom inserts and routine diabetic foot care. We deal in all ailments of the foot and ankle.
When should I see a podiatrist for foot pain?
Pain of the foot could be due to a number of things. If the pain persists for more than a week, an early appointment with a podiatrist can make a huge difference in what can be done to help with the pain conservatively. Catching a problem early helps prevent more severe issues.
Is it better to see a podiatrist or orthopedist?
Depending on the needs of the patient, a Podiatrist will be a better option if the problem concerns the foot and ankle specifically. However, if the problem is generalized or deals with more than one area of the body, then an Orthopedist might be a better option. Podiatric care includes routine foot and ankle issues, but also wound care, elective and trauma surgeries and custom orthotics.
What does a podiatrist do on a first visit?
The first visit to a podiatrist consists mostly of a thorough examination of the foot and ankle and an assessment of all outstanding issues of the foot and ankle.
When is foot pain serious?
Pain to the foot and ankle that disrupts a patient’s quality of life or their ability to conduct their daily activities is a good reason to be seen by a professional for a proper assessment of the issue.
What conditions can Podiatrists treat?
Podiatrist treat many issues and conditions of the foot and ankle including but not limited: diabetic foot care, advanced wound care, elective foot and ankle surgeries, foot and ankle injections, bunions, Achilles tendon injuries, plantar fasciitis, flat feet issues, high arched feet issues, hammertoe issues, gout conditions, dermatological issues of the foot and ankle, custom inserts in orthoses, diabetic shoes and inserts, pediatric conditions of the foot and ankle, Charcot foot injury, tendinitis injuries, sports injuries, heel pain, foot and ankle arthritis, and ingrown toenails.
Do podiatrists cut toenails?
Podiatrists do in fact cut toenails, however, these services are not covered for everyone. These services are geared towards patients with diabetic foot issues, neuropathic conditions, and visually-impaired individuals.
Can walking barefoot cause foot pain?
Walking barefoot can cause pain to certain foot types such as flat-footed or high arched patients. Without shoes, your feet are exposed to a variety of possible injuries, to include stubbed toes, cuts, scrapes, blisters, and damage to the muscles, ligaments, and tendons in your feet and legs. Conditions like plantar fasciitis develop with overuse or increasing pressures to the feet.
What causes foot pain on top of foot?
Pain to the top of the foot can be caused by various reasons but the most common is degenerative changes to the joints of the bones that make up the top of the arch. No support to the arch can cause increased strain to the bones which causes pain.
What part of the foot hurts with diabetes?
Diabetic patients usually present with diabetic neuropathy and loss of sensation in their feet, therefore, any diabetic foot pain is a red flag sign. It can be an indicator of a deep tissue infection or bone infection which are both significant issues that need immediate attention.
Orthotics
How much do custom orthotic inserts cost?
Some inserts can cost anywhere from $300-$600 depending on the modifications needed. Most commercial insurances do not cover for custom inserts.
Are custom orthotics worth the cost?
Custom inserts are molded to the patient’s feet. The inserts are customized with various modifications that are necessary for the patient to walk correctly and are made of material that is quite durable and long-lasting.
What are custom molded orthotics?
Custom inserts can be molded in various ways, using different materials such as: plaster casting, foam casting or even digital 3D scanning of the feet.
Should orthotics hurt at first?
Your new orthotics will take some time to get used to. It is recommended that you establish a one week break-in period for the new custom inserts. Properly fitting footwear is essential for the orthotic to work correctly. Start by wearing them for a few hours the first day and add on a couple of hours each day after that until you are able to wear them consistently for 12 hours. It may take about 2 to 4 weeks before you can wear them comfortably all day. Avoid running or other intense activities with the orthotics until your feet have had an opportunity to adjust to the new way of walking. For runners it is possible that some irritation may develop in the arch. If the pain is consistent and continues after the break-in period, please see your foot doctor to see if a modification to the inserts are necessary.