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Frequently Asked Questions

What is a Podiatrist?
What can a Podatrist treat?
Can you help with foot related problems resulting from Diabetes?
What can you do for Bunions?
Can you help with loss of sensation?
What should I look for in a shoe to keep from developing problems?
Interesting facts about our feet

What is a Podiatrist?
A podiatrist is a doctor who treats diseases and injuries of the foot and ankle. After obtaining a four-year degree in undergraduate studies, a podiatrist graduates from a four year medical school. After the Doctor of Podiatric Medicine (DPM) is awarded, most podiatrists continue his/her training with a post-doctorate residency program. Residencies may be one, two, or three year programs. Subspecialty areas include primary care, surgery, sports medicine, diabetic foot care, and biometric control (gait analysis). Consistent with the DPM's education and licensure, qualified podiatrists are awarded the right to serve on the staffs of hospitals and other health care facilities, on the faculties of schools of medicine and nursing, and as commissioned officers in the Armed Forces

Nearly all private and public health insurance plans (including Medicare) provide coverage for the services of doctors of podiatric medicine. The detail of coverage of such plans vary among insurance companies.

What can a Podiatrist treat?
Doctors of podiatric medicine obtain training and expertise which give them skills in the treatment of a wide range of afflictions that affect the human foot. Recent Medicare data indicates that podiatrists treat more than 80% of the common foot conditions that affect the over-65 population. They perform 68% of bunionectomies, 82% of the hammertoe surgeries and 71% of metatarsel surgery.

Other commonly treated conditions include neuromas, heel pain/spurs, infections, sprains, fractures, ingrown toenailsm injuries to the foot, ankle and heel and pediatric foot deformities. Many times doctors of podiatric medicine are in the unique position of being the first health care professional to observe a number of systemic diseases, including diabetes, arthritis, high blood pressure and other circulatory disorders and to make appropriate referrals to family physicians. The podiatrist is the only health care professional whose total training focuses on the foot, ankle and related body stsems.

Can you help with foot related problems resulting from Diabetes?
The podiatrists at Family Foot Center are part of the health care team that helps diabetics maintain an active, productive lifestyle.

Due to impaired circulation and poor neurological status, people with diabetes are more prone to foot problems than others. Some physicians have referred to diabetes as “small blood vessel disease”. This means that diabetics may suffer from impaired circulation due to diseased capillaries and other small blood vessels. Build up of toxic substances cause the loss of small blood vessel function. Poor circulation to the feet creates special problems for diabetics regarding infection. When the blood vessel blood supply is diminished, the body is not as efficient in fighting off infection following cuts and injuries. A small cut has the potential of becoming a serious infection. Als, with diabetes you are prone to diabetic neuropathy. Diabetic neuropathy is damage to the uninsolated small sensory nerves to your body, mainly to your feet. With diabetic neuropathy you lose your sense of touch and pain and position. This is believed to be caused by the build up of toxic sugar in your nerves. To help prevent unnecessary injuries, diabetics should avoid trimming their own corns, calluses or ingrown nails. Professional care is recommended for these conditions. In the event of a puncture wound or other serious injuries, prompt attention can save a limb. Trust your foot care to the professionals at Family Foot Center , Drs. Stephen J. Chapman and Dr. C. Lynn Rosenbaum, D.P.M. Rosenbaum and staff.

What can you do for Bunions?
The American Podiatric Medical Association estimates that about 75% of the American population will experience foot problems at some time. Bunions are a common and often painful problem that results in a crooked joint and the presence of a large bony bump at the base of the big toe. According to the American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons, people with low arches are more prone to develop bunions than those by tight shoes and high heels. Bunions are most often inherited, however, some may be caused by trauma. Tight shoes do not cause bunions but they do aggravate them. In some individuals, the condition may be associated with arthritis. Changing your shoe to a lower, softer and wider style, applying cushions or insert pads, or taking anti-inflammatory drugs can help.

Podiatrists may use steroid injections, physical therapy, or arch supports to try and help relieve the pain (not the bump) associated with bunions. If these simple, conservative measures fail, surgical correction to remove the bony bump and straighten the toe may be necessary. Bunions are a progressive problem and will get worse over time if left untreated. Fortunately, this surgical procedure is safe and effective in eliminating the problem in most people.

The podiatrists at Family Foot Center are well qualified to discuss this topic with you at any of their 6 offices.

Can you help with loss of sensation?
It is estimated that there are between 12 and 16 million people in the United States who have diabetes, with more than 500,000 new cases diagnosed every year. Of these, nearly 30% suffer some sort of ulceration in their feet, in some cases leading to the need for amputation. Among the many consequences of diabetes is the loss of sensation in the foot. Diabetic patients often cannot feel pain in their feet, some cannot feel if an object is even in their shoe, such as a stone. Walking with a stone in a shoe can cause an ulcer where the foot rubs against the stone. It is this loss of sensation that is a major risk factor in ulcerations and eventual limb loss.

A report in a recent issue of the Journal of Bone and Joint Surgery highlights a simplified testing method for determining the loss of protective sensation in the feet. Previously, a small filament (like fishing line) was placed at 10 locations on the foot. A foot without proper sensation would be unable to feel these light touches. A new approach simplifies the testing procedure, making this valuable and simple testing method more likely to be performed, thus potentially saving the at-risk patient from an amputation. If you are diabetic, ask Drs. Chapman or Rosenbaum at Family Foot Center about the filament test. They may want to run the test to determine any loss of sensation.

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What should I look for in a shoe to keep from developing problems?
Choosing the “right” shoe for walking or any activity for that matter, can prevent needless foot related injuries and discomfort. If the average person takes 8,000 to 10,000 steps a day, it becomes clear, selecting the “correct” shoe is paramount. Dr. C. Lynn Rosenbaum of Family Foot Center follows the American Podiatric Medical Association's suggestions for selecting a walking shoe.

Not all feet are the same. They are a complicated and intricate structure of bones, joints, ligaments and tendons working in concert to support our body weight on varying surfaces. Feet come in many different sizes and shapes. For the most part, feet fit into three categories:

1. Low arched, straight foot
2. Medium arched, slightly curved foot
3. High arched and usually curved foot.
   

Body weight can factor into the shoe selection process. Increased weight places more demand upon your feet. Since this is the case, consider increasing the level of protection a shoe can offer by selecting a shoe from a greater controlling category, such as a running shoe type.

Remember to make sure the shoe fits comfortably on your foot before you purchase it. Consider trying on shoes near the end of the day when you foot is at its largest. Use the socks or stockings that you intend to wear with those particular shoes. Look for a shoe that is stable from side to side; well-cushioned; enables you to walk smoothly and comfortably; and gives you enough room to wiggle your toes, yet be snug in the heel. Also, look for shoes that carry the American Podiatric Medical Association's Seal of Approval.

Finding the right shoe that fits your particular foot type is important to avoid foot related problems. Take your time when choosing a shoe and keep your feet healthy. Drs. Chapman and Rosenbaum are happy to discuss any type of shoe related foot problem with you. Please visit them at one of Family Foot Centers locations.

Interesting facts about our feet
Harvard Medical School recently published a Foot Care Special Health Report. In the report, they listed many interesting foot facts, citing Leonardo da Vinci's description of the foot as a "Masterpiece of engineering and a work of art":

• Almost 3 out of 4 Americans will suffer a foot problem sometime during their lifetime
• Women have roughly 4 times the number of foot problems than men
• About 15% of people with diabetes have significant foot problems
• There are some 300 different types of foot problems
• Your feet tolerate 1.5 times your weight when you walk
• Your feet endure 3 to 4 times your weight when you walk
• On average, a person walks 150,000 miles in a life time