I Sprained My Ankle, How Should I Treat This?
An easy home treatment and a great way to remember this treatment is “RICE”.
( R )est: If the pain is continual, rest is an important way to prevent further injury- DO NOT “work out the injury”
( I )ce: For a 20-minute cycle apply a towel- wrapped ice pack to the sprain (this is a cycle of 20 minute on and 20 minutes off). This cycle is used to reduce the swelling.
( C )ompression: To help restrict the swelling wrap an elastic bandage tightly around the injury. This should be re-wrapped every 3-4 hours to make sure compression is firm.
( E )levation: Elevate the foot and ankle to be even with your heart. Elevate the foot or ankle with a pillow. This aids fluid away from the injury. Make sure to see a podiatrist as soon as possible after the injury to make sure the sprain isn’t more severe!
Should I See A Podiatric Surgeon vs Orthopedic Surgeon For My Foot Problem?
You should see a podiatrist if you have foot or ankle problems. Both podiatrists and orthopedists take care of problems dealing with the bones. The difference between the two is that the orthopedic surgeon treats all the bones of the human body and the podiatrist specializes in the bones of the foot and ankle. For example, you have two mechanics, one specialize in tires and the other specialize in transmissions. You have a problem with your transmission, now even though both are mechanics and have been trained as such, you are not going to take your car to the tire guy, you’re going to take it to the guy that works on transmissions all day every day. It’s the same when it comes to your feet and ankles. You want someone that looks at feet and ankles all day, every day. A podiatrist sees and treats feet and ankles, all day, every day.
How Often Should I Change My Orthotics ?
While orthotic devices can last anywhere from 5 to 10 years, it is recommended that you get a biomechanical exam every 2 years to assure your orthotics are still doing the best job at supporting your feet. As we age our body goes through natural changes, like the tightening of ligaments, which can change the structure of the foot, this is why it is a good idea to periodically have you feet and orthotics evaluated.
Does Thomas Podiatry And Associates Take My Insurance?
We accept all insurances, including Medicare.
How Long Does It Take To Get An Appointment?
With four podiatrists and four locations, we can typically offer appointments within 24 hours and we offer immediate care for medical emergencies.
Do I Need A Referral To See A Podiatrist?
It depends. You typically do not need a referral to see a Podiatrist. Medicare and PPO type plans never require a referral. However, HMO type plans almost always require a referral. Podiatrists are regarded as specialists, so if your insurance company requires a referral to see a specialist, then you will need to get a referral from your primary care doctor. Just let them know you have a foot and ankle problem, and that you want to see a podiatrist. We are on most insurance plans, however if you are not sure, please call the office and we will verify what your insurance requires. If you have any concerns about your feet and/or ankles or you’re just after some advice, call our office today.
When Should You Call a Doctor?
You SHOULD see a doctor immediately if you show any of the following symptoms:
- You have persistent pain in your feet or ankles.
- You have noticeable change to your nails or skin.
- Your feet are severely cracking, scaling, or peeling.
- There are blisters on your feet.
- There are signs of bacterial infection, including:
- Increased pain, swelling, redness, tenderness, or heat.
- Red streaks extending from the affected area.
- Discharge of pus.
- Fever of 100°F (37.78°C) or higher with no other cause.
- Symptoms that do not improve after two weeks of treatment with a non-prescription product.
- Spreading of the infection to other areas.
- Your toenail is getting thicker and causing you discomfort.
- You have heel pain accompanied by a fever, redness (sometimes warmth) or numbness or tingling in your heel, or persistent pain without putting any weight or pressure on your heel, or the pain is not alleviated by ice, aspirin, (or ibuprofen or acetaminophen).
- You have diabetes or certain diseases associated with poor circulation and you develop athlete’s foot. People with diabetes are at increased risk for a severe bacterial infection of the foot and leg if they have athlete’s foot.
Do I need a Referral?
While our office does not require a referral, your insurance company may. Medicare (Red, White & Blue Card) and PPO’s never do. However, HMO plans almost always do.
How To Prevent Plantar Warts
Patients can reduce their risk of developing plantar warts by keeping the feet clean and dry and avoiding direct contact with people who have warts. Aside from those, avoiding walking barefoot in public areas helps prevent the occurrence of plantar warts.
Plantar Warts Removal
Plantar wart removal may be done through several noninvasive procedures, including cryotherapy (freezing), laser surgery, cantharidin, immunotherapy, and medication injections. These outpatient procedures are usually effective in removing warts with little to no scarring.
Based on your condition, our doctors will decide which plantar warts treatment in Salisbury, MD is best for you. Still, some plantar warts may not require any treatment at all, so it’s best to consult a professional right away.