Q: What are your locations?
A: We have four convenient locations in Massachusetts: 451 Andover St. Suite 300, North Andover, MA 01845, 704 Rogers St, Lowell, MA 01852, 60 East Street, Methuen, MA 01844, and 145 Ward Hill, Bradfor, MA 01835
Q: What insurances do you accept?
A: We take all major insurances for Massachusetts patients. If you have any question about your insurance, please call us at 978-794-8406.
Q: What do i need to bring to my first visit?
A: New patients should download and complete the New Patient Form. Be sure to bring your referral as this is required before we can begin treatment. It is also helpful to bring along any pertinent X-Rays, lab results, or any available medical records
Q: What is podiatry?
A: Podiatry is the science that deals with disorders, diseases, and deformities of the feet and lower extremities. In the United States a podiatrist must hold a degree from an accredited college of podiatry, pass a licensing examination, and complete a residency/internship. Training is akin in many respects to that of regular medical students with the exception that it is largely limited to the lower extremities. Podiatrists may also have from one to three years of residency training, studying other aspects of foot care and surgery. Podiatrists continue to stay informed about the latest research and developments in the field. Committed to the health of your feet, podiatric medicine focuses on diagnosing, treating, and prevent foot and ankle problems.
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: Are the services of a podiatrist covered by my health insurance?
A: We take all major insurances for Massachusetts patients. If you have any question about your insurance, please call us at 978-794-8406.
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: 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 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: 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.