Frequently Asked Foot Care Questions
Q. What is a Podiatrist?
A. A Podiatrist is a Doctor of Podiatric Medicine (DPM). The medical care that Podiatrists provide is referred to as podiatric medicine and surgery, and includes the medical, surgical, and mechanical care of the foot and ankle. The foot and ankle is a complex structure comprised of bones, nerves, tendons, muscles, and joints.
Q.What insurances plans do you accept?
A. Blue Cross, Aetna, Cigna, Beech Street, First Health, Benicorp, Sierra, TriCare, Culinary, Union plans, JAS, MGM, Stations, FiServe, Teachers, Prudential, Gov.Plans, UnitedHealth, GEHA, Harrahas, and St. Mary's Medicare. If you don't see your plan listed please call the office.
Q. What is the latest appointment time for a new patient?
A. Because a new patient requires extra time, 4:30pm is the latest a new patient can be scheduled for an appointment.
Q. Is it necessary to see a podiatrist for athlete's foot?
A. If you have tried the typical over the counter preparation, and there is still a problem, the patient should make an appointment with a podiatrist.
Q. Is it normal to have sore feet after working on your feet all day?
A. The general answer is no. However, if you have recently started a new activity or job you may have temporary soreness that should gradually fade away over several days. If it does not improve you should see your podiatrist. Likewise, if you have been pain free and suddenly develop soreness by the end of the day, you should see your podiatrist.
Q. What do I do for heel pain?
A. Use shoes with an arch support, try over the counter anti inflammatory drugs, i.e., Advil, Aleve. If pain persists, make an appointment.
Q. How do I treat an ingrown toenail?
A. Try soaking the toe and avoiding tight shoes for several days. If the pain persists or if there is an infection, call for an appointment. This is an easily treated problem in the office.
Q. Do bunions always require surgery?
A. Not necessarily. For a painful bunion, first try using a wider shoe and consider using Aleve or Advil for the pain. If the pain persists, call for an appointment. X-rays taken in the office will help the doctor determine your best course of treatment.
Q. Sometimes it feels like I am walking on a marble or like my sock is rolled up on the ball of my foot. Sometimes my middle toes will even tingle. Do I need to be concerned?
A. Yes, an office visit will allow the doctor to determine the cause of the problem. This type of pain is frequently caused by a neuroma and can be initially treated on a conservative basis.