Frequently Asked Questions

Bunion surgery is a common procedure that is typically done to relieve the pain and discomfort caused by a bunion, which is a bony bump that forms at the base of the big toe. While every person's experience is unique, it is not uncommon for patients to experience some pain and discomfort after the surgery.

The level of pain experienced can vary depending on the type of bunion surgery performed and the individual's pain tolerance. Some people may only experience mild or no pain and discomfort, while others may experience more significant pain that requires prescription pain medication.

In general, bunion surgery is an outpatient procedure, and patients are typically able to go home the same day. After the surgery, patients will be given pain medication to manage any discomfort and will be advised to keep the foot elevated to help reduce swelling. Ice packs may also be recommended to help with pain and swelling.

It is important for patients to follow their doctor's post-operative instructions carefully, including taking any prescribed pain medication as directed, keeping the foot elevated, and avoiding activities that could cause further injury or delay healing. With proper care and management, most patients can expect to experience a significant reduction in pain and improved mobility following bunion surgery.

 Flat feet, also known as pes planus, is a condition in which the arch of the foot is flattened, causing the entire sole of the foot to come into contact with the ground. It is a common condition that can affect people of all ages, including children.

Flat feet in children can lead to pain or discomfort, particularly during physical activities such as running or jumping. If your child is experiencing pain or discomfort, it is important to have them evaluated by a healthcare professional.

In some cases, treatment for flat feet may be necessary to alleviate pain or prevent future problems. Treatment options may include:

1. Supportive shoes with good arch support and cushioning
2. Custom-made orthotic inserts to provide additional support and cushioning
3. Stretching exercises to help improve flexibility and reduce pain
4. Physical therapy to improve strength and mobility in the foot and ankle muscles
5. Surgery, in rare cases, if other treatments do not provide relief.

In summary, flat feet in children is a common condition and may  cause problems. If your child is experiencing pain or discomfort, it is important to have them evaluated by a healthcare professional to determine if treatment is necessary.

 Fungal nail infections can be difficult to treat, and over-the-counter medications and home remedies may not always be effective. While oral antifungal medications are one of the  treatments for fungal nail infections, they can have side effects and may not be suitable for everyone.

Fortunately, there are alternative treatments available for fungal nail infections. Some of these include:

1. Topical antifungal medications: These are medications applied directly to the affected nail. While they are not  as effective as oral antifungal medications, they are less likely to cause side effects and can be an option for mild fungal nail infections.
2. Laser therapy: This involves using a laser to heat and destroy the fungus. It is a non-invasive treatment that is  safe, pain free, quick and well-tolerated and is considered to be the most effective treatment options.

It is important to note that alternative treatments may not be as effective as laser treatment  and may have serious side effects and can take much longer to see any results. It is also important to consult with a healthcare professional before trying any new treatment for a fungal nail infection.

Heel pain can be a common problem and can have a number of causes, such as plantar fasciitis, heel spurs, or Achilles tendonitis. While pain medication and cortisone injections can provide temporary relief for some people, they may not be effective for everyone. Here are some other treatment options you could consider:

1. Physical therapy: A physical therapist can help to develop a treatment plan that includes exercises and stretches to improve strength and flexibility in the foot and ankle. This can help to reduce pain and improve mobility.
2. Orthotics: Custom-made shoe inserts or orthotics can help to provide support to the foot and relieve pressure on the heel. They can be particularly effective for people with plantar fasciitis or heel spurs.

         3.  Extracorporeal shockwave therapy (ESWT): ESWT involves using high-energy shockwaves to stimulate healing in the affected area. It can be an effective treatment for people with chronic heel pain.

1. Surgery: In rare cases, surgery may be necessary to relieve chronic heel pain. This is usually only considered after other treatments have been tried and have not been effective.

It is important to talk to a healthcare professional to determine the underlying cause of your heel pain and to develop a treatment plan that is right for you. In addition to treatment, rest, ice, and over-the-counter pain medication may also be helpful in reducing pain and inflammation.

Orthotics are custom-made shoe inserts or devices that are designed to provide support and improve the function of the feet and lower limbs. They are typically prescribed by a healthcare professional and are tailored to the specific needs of the individual.

Orthotics can be used to treat a wide range of foot and lower limb conditions, such as plantar fasciitis, flat feet, high arches, and overpronation. They are designed to improve foot and leg alignment, reduce pain and discomfort, and improve overall function.

Over-the-counter shoe inserts, on the other hand, are pre-made inserts that are designed to provide cushioning or arch support. They are available without a prescription and can be purchased at drugstores or online. While they can be helpful for some people, they are not tailored to the specific needs of the individual and may not be effective for more complex foot or lower limb conditions.

Orthotics differ from over-the-counter inserts in several ways, including:

1. Customization: Orthotics are custom-made to fit the individual's foot and address their specific needs. Over-the-counter inserts are not tailored to the individual and may not provide the right level of support or cushioning.
2. Material: Orthotics are typically made from more durable and supportive materials, such as plastic or carbon fiber, while over-the-counter inserts are often made from softer, less supportive materials.
3. Cost: Orthotics can be more expensive than over-the-counter inserts, as they require a prescription and are custom-made for the individual.

Overall, while over-the-counter shoe inserts may be helpful for some people, they are not a substitute for orthotics prescribed by a healthcare professional. If you are experiencing foot or lower limb pain or discomfort, it is important to talk to a healthcare professional to determine the underlying cause and to develop a treatment plan that is right for you.

Warts on the bottom of the feet, also known as plantar warts, can be a common and frustrating problem. There are several treatment options available that can help to get rid of plantar warts:

1. Salicylic acid: This is a common over-the-counter treatment that works by dissolving the wart tissue. It is typically applied daily to the affected area for several weeks.
2. Cryotherapy: This involves freezing the wart with liquid nitrogen. The freezing temperature destroys the wart tissue, and the dead tissue falls off after a few days. Multiple treatments may be necessary.

         3.  Laser  therapy: This involves using a laser to destroy the wart tissue. It is a     non-invasive treatment that is generally safe and well-tolerated.  This treatment option has the highest success rate and the quickest  results among the treatment options

         4.  Surgery: In rare cases, surgery may be necessary to remove a plantar wart. This is usually only considered after other treatments have been tried and have not been effective.

It is important to note that plantar warts can be difficult to treat and may require multiple treatments to completely resolve. In addition to treatment, it is important to practice good foot hygiene and avoid walking barefoot in public places to reduce the risk of spreading the virus that causes warts.

If you have persistent plantar warts or if you are unsure which treatment option is right for you, it is important to talk to a healthcare professional. They can help to determine the underlying cause of your warts and develop a treatment plan that is right for you.

Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy is a regenerative medicine technique that has been used to treat chronic muscle pain and other musculoskeletal conditions. The PRP technique involves using a patient's own blood, which is processed to concentrate the platelets and growth factors. These concentrated platelets and growth factors are then injected back into the patient's body at the site of injury or pain.

The injection of PRP is believed to stimulate the body's natural healing response by promoting tissue repair and regeneration. The concentrated growth factors in the PRP may also help to reduce inflammation and pain.

PRP therapy is typically performed in an outpatient setting and involves the following steps:

1. Blood is drawn from the patient.
2. The blood is placed in a centrifuge, which spins the blood to separate the platelets and growth factors from the other blood components.
3. The concentrated platelets and growth factors are extracted from the blood.
4. The PRP is injected into the site of injury or pain.

PRP therapy has shown promising results in the treatment of chronic muscle pain,   and as an alternative treatment should be discussed with a healthcare professional.
 

If you have diabetes, it is important to take care of your feet and see a podiatrist on a regular basis to prevent foot complications. The American Diabetes Association recommends that people with diabetes see a podiatrist at least once a year for a foot exam. However, the frequency of visits may depend on several factors, including the severity of your diabetes and any existing foot complications.

If you have a history of foot problems or nerve damage, you may need to see a podiatrist more frequently. Your healthcare provider may also recommend more frequent visits if you have other medical conditions that increase your risk of foot problems, such as peripheral arterial disease or neuropathy.

It is important to note that taking care of your feet on a daily basis is just as important as seeing a podiatrist regularly. This includes inspecting your feet daily for cuts, blisters, or other signs of injury, keeping your feet clean and dry, wearing comfortable and properly fitting shoes, and avoiding walking barefoot. If you notice any foot problems or changes in your feet, it is important to contact your healthcare provider or podiatrist right away.

If you have a non-healing diabetic foot ulcer, it is important to seek medical attention promptly and not delay treatment. Foot ulcers are a common complication of diabetes and can lead to serious health problems if left untreated. Here are some of the potential complications that can arise if you delay treatment:

1. Infection: Foot ulcers can become infected if bacteria enters the wound. An infected foot ulcer can cause fever, swelling, redness, and pain. If left untreated, the infection can spread to other parts of the body and can become life-threatening.
2. Amputation: In severe cases, a foot ulcer that does not heal can lead to the need for amputation of the affected limb. This is because the wound can damage the tissues and blood vessels in the foot, which can make it difficult for the body to heal.
3. Gangrene: Gangrene is the death of tissue caused by a lack of blood flow. If a foot ulcer becomes infected and is not treated, it can lead to gangrene. This can result in the need for amputation of the affected limb or, in some cases, can be fatal.
4. Charcot foot: Charcot foot is a serious complication of diabetes that can cause the bones in the foot to weaken and fracture. It is more common in people with foot ulcers, and can lead to deformity and disability if not treated promptly.
5. Diabetic neuropathy: Uncontrolled high blood sugar levels can cause nerve damage, which can lead to numbness, tingling, and loss of sensation in the feet. This can make it difficult to detect foot ulcers and other injuries, which can lead to delayed treatment and further complications.

If you have a non-healing diabetic foot ulcer, it is important to seek prompt medical attention from a healthcare professional or a podiatrist. They can help to assess the severity of the wound and develop a treatment plan to prevent further complications.

Laser treatment for toenail fungus has been shown to be very effective in many cases, but the experience can vary from person to person. The laser itself is not painful, but some people may experience discomfort or a warming sensation during the treatment. Most people find the treatment to be tolerable, and it is considered to be safe.

During the laser treatment, the laser energy is absorbed by the pigment in the fungal cells, which heats and destroys them. The treatment typically takes around 5-10 minutes, depending on the severity of the infection.

If you are considering laser treatment for toenail fungus, it is important to discuss the potential risks and benefits with a healthcare professional or podiatrist. They can help you determine if laser treatment is appropriate for your condition and recommend the best course of treatment for you.