FAQs
Many times this is determined by your primary care physician, if you have an HMO policy. Most PPO, indemnity and Medicare policies allow you to self refer to a specialist. If you are having any problems or concerns about the lower leg below the knee, then you should seek advice and treatment by a podiatrist.
No. Most people who have heel pain caused by a “heel spur” do not need surgery. The reason being that there is a ligament-like structure on the bottom of the foot that courses the arch and connects into the heel. At times, this tissue (which is termed the plantar fascia), becomes inflamed. As a result, there is an inflammatory process which the body calcifies creating a heel spur. The pain comes first, the spur comes later, and the spur generally does not cause the pain. It is important to remember that there are many people who have heel pain without a spur and plenty of people who have heel spurs, but no pain. Our 1Foot 2Foot podiatrists can show you how heel pain can be treated without surgery. You should know that heel pain is one of the most common foot ailments, and 95% of those who obtain treatment for plantar fasciitis go on to full recovery without the need for surgery.
Yes. Flat feet in children are common. In fact, all children have flat feet until the age of 5 or 6 when the arch develops. Many times “flat feet” are not painful. However, if your child is having pain, is clumsy when running, or chooses to sit on the side lines when others are playing, then that might be a sign of a problem. Also, if you see your child’s ankles “rolling in” (especially when viewed from behind), then you should have him/her examined. Often times, doctors will prescribe orthotic devices (custom made inserts) to be worn in the shoe to help realign the bones and joints of the foot. This allows the foot to mature in a good position. In rare instances, your child may need reconstructive surgery. Our 1Foot 2Foot podiatrists have extensive training in reconstructive flatfoot surgery.
The most common foot and ankle surgeries include fixing bunions, hammertoes, neuromas (pinched nerves between the toes), fractures, removal of bone spurs, and surgical care related to infections and ulcers.
Less common surgeries that 1Foot 2Foot podiatrists perform include flatfoot (pediatric and adult) and high- arched foot reconstructions, fusions or joint replacements for arthritic joints, Charcot reconstruction, tarsal tunnel and other nerve decompressions, ankle ligament repair, and tendon repair (i.e. Achilles ruptures).
1Foot 2Foot podiatrists have specialized training in revisional surgery and complicated reconstructive surgery. We serve as a referral source for other foot and ankle surgeons who do not perform these types of surgeries.