Q: Are the services of a podiatrist covered by my health insurance?

A: Most services performed by a podiatrist are covered under your health insurance. There are some exceptions which are usually listed in your insurance policy, at the end under exceptions.

Q: Is surgery the best way to get rid of my pain?

A: Surgery is usually used as a last resort with most podiatric problems. All conservative treatment should be exhausted before surgery is recommended. There are some instances where surgery is a first line of treatment, but that is not common.

Q: What causes sore feet?

A:Sore feet are generally caused by an abnormal foot structure. The foot normally elongates upon weight-bearing causing the muscles on the bottom of the foot to receive a great amount of stress which causes tired burning feet. I explained to patients, this is similar to a patient carrying around 150 lb. dumbbell all day and how the muscles in their arms would feel at the end of the day. Sometimes sore feet are just caused by shoes that are too tight.

Q: What are bunions?

A: A bunion is a bony deformity usually occurring around the big toe joint. Oftentimes, they are very painful. The common belief is that bunions are caused by tight or ill fitting shoes, but actually, bunions are caused by a mechanical breakdown in the foot. Oftentimes That, when patients have mild bunions and are not interested in surgery, we use orthotics which will help stop the progression of the bunion. Surgery is the only permanent solution for bunions. Orthotics are used after surgery to help prevent the reoccurrence of the bunion.

Q: Why are my toenails becoming thick and discolored ?

A: Thick and discolored toenails are often caused by a fungus that invades the nail. It is the same type of fungus that causes athletes foot. Sometimes this problem can be caused from trauma to the nails. Treatment for fungus to toenails is best using an oral medicine, but sometimes can be treated with topical medications. Sometimes thick nails are not fungus at all but are due to trauma either from something dropping onto the toenail or shoes that are too tight, especially athletic shoes. Athletic shoes should be fit so that there is a full fingers wdith in front of the longest toe while standing.

Q: What are foot orthotics?

A: Foot orthotics are a custom molded insert for your shoe that is based on a biomechanical theory in how to keep your foot and lower extremity functioning properly. They are not only used for foot problems, but also can also be used for ankle, knee, hip and lower back symptoms, related to the abnormal functioning of the lower extremity.

Q: Will orthotics correct my foot problem?

A: Orthotics can alleviate the pain associated with your foot problem. I tell patients that orthotics are similar to eyeglasses. They correct the foot problem while you are wearing them, but as soon is you take them off the same problem is still there. If patients wear their orthotics on a regular basis most foot pain is usually alleviated.

Q: Will orthotics fit into all of my shoes?

A: There are different types of orthotics. Athletic orthotics will switch from shoe to shoe as long as they have a removable insole. Dress orthotics will fit into most of your dress shoes but not all of them. A new area for orthotics has been the use of custom orthotics made for sandals.

Q: Why are our orthotics, called Icon orthotics, different from other orthotics ?

A: Refer to the home page for the answer to this question

Q: Can orthotics be used for athletic activities?

A: Most definitely orthotics can be used for all athletic activities. Oftentimes many athletes could not perform without their orthotics, due to the discomfort associated with biomechanical problems.