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Frequently
Asked Questions
Do
you have questions or concerns about foot problems or procedures that we
provide? Below
is a list of some frequently asked questions, but please feel free to contact
us if you need additional information.
We are
always pleased
to
answer your questions and assist you.
General
Information
In-Office
Laser
Surgery
In
Office X-ray
In-Office
and Hospital Surgery
Custom
Designed Orthotics
Footcare
Products
Diabetic
Care and Shoes
Conditions
and Treatments
General Information
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Will
the doctor be treating me on my first visit or is it just a
consultation? |
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Many foot
problems can be treated at the time of the initial
consultation. .  |
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Does
the office accept insurance as payment in full? |
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We accept
all insurance payments. The patient is responsible for any
co-payment or deductibles. |
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Does
the office submit my treatment to the Insurance company? |
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Yes, we
submit all paperwork electronically and we also pre-authorize all
necessary treatments. |
In-Office Laser
Surgery
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What
is Laser Surgery? |
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Laser is
short for Light Amplification
Sequential Electron
Release. In other words it is
the release of light at a very high temperature. The hot light is
capable of "boiling water" and this is how the laser
removes damaged tissue from the body, by boiling the tissue and
"vaporizing" it. |
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What
conditions can be treated with the Laser? |
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In a
Podiatric practice the most common conditions treated with the
laser are ingrown toenails & plantar warts. |
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Does
Laser Surgery hurt? |
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NO, prior
to the doctor performing any laser procedure a small amount of local
anesthetic is placed in the area. Due to the lasers capabilities
to cauterize as it works the doctor can finish the procedure faster.
Less bleeding and quicker surgery time actually decreases post
operative pain. |
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If
I am pregnant can I have a laser procedure performed? |
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Depending
on your obstetrical health and your overall health evaluation
there is no reason why you cannot have a laser procedure. There is
no radiation involved in the laser so it safe for mother &
baby. |
In-Office X-ray
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If
X-rays are needed can they be taken in the office? |
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Yes, all
our offices have x-ray capabilities and depending on your
insurance coverage x-rays can be taken at the time of your
visit. |
In-Office &
Hospital Surgery
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How
can I have a quick recovery after surgery? |
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The type of
foot surgery performed determines the length and kind of aftercare
required to assure that your recovery from surgery is rapid and
uneventful. The basics of all postoperative care involve to some
degree each of the following: rest,
ice, compression
and elevation
(RICE).
The "RICE" method
promotes healing, decreases pain, and reduces swelling around the
area.
Bandages,
splints, surgical shoes, casts, crutches, or canes may be
necessary to improve and insure a safe recovery after foot
surgery. A satisfactory recovery can be hastened by
carefully following instructions from Dr. Berman and his
associates. |
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What
should I expect after bunion surgery? |
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The initial
recovery may include a bandage or cast for the first few weeks,
followed by a progression into a shoe within a period of
weeks. Physical therapy is usually not required.
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Custom Designed
Orthotics
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What
causes my heel pain? |
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The most
common cause of heel pain is incorrect foot movement during
walking or running. This can place too much stress on the arch
ligament that attaches to and pulls on your heel bone. An example
of incorrect foot movement is pronation, which is flattening of your foot as each step is
completed. Inherited muscle and tendon mechanics, as well as, old
worn down shoes are key factors in causing heel pain.
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How
do you treat heel pain? |
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Heel pain, also known as plantar fasciitis or
heel spur syndrome, is caused by the excessive pull of the plantar fascia on
the heel. Morning pain and pain after periods of rest is characteristic
and can progress to pain all the time. Treatment is aimed at supporting
the arch, thereby stopping the excessive pulling on the heel. If the
symptoms have been present greater than 3 months oral medication, a
cortisone injection or custom orthotics may be needed. If this fails a surgical procedure may
be needed and Dr. Berman will discuss this option with you.
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Why
are pressure ulcers dangerous? |
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Pressure
ulcers are sores that occur when pressure cots off the blood
supply to the skin. Stress caused by the body's weight and
the impact of striking the ground place the ball of the foot, the
big toe, and the heel at greatest risk. Left untreated, an
ulcer may allow infection to enter your body. If infection
reaches the bloodstream or bone, your life or limb may be at risk.
But with your doctor's help, your health can be protected.
Pressure ulcers can be controlled and even prevented.
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Would
orthotics help me? |
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People, whose feet or
legs are not in perfect alignment, often experience pain in other
parts of their body. Your feet are your foundation.
Orthotics correct the movement of the foot and that relieves the
problems in the legs and hips.
Wearing orthotic devices, also known as orthoses,
inside your shoes can help your feet function better as you stand,
walk, and run. Your podiatrist can prescribe orthotic
devices, based on your specific diagnosis of your foot problem, and
then have them individually manufactured from a mold of your
feet. Feet are relieved of the chronic stress that results
from abnormal movement and are usually relieved of pain, too.
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Footcare Products
Diabetic Care and
Shoes
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Why
should I have a podiatrist recommend and dispense my shoes? |
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Dr.
Berman's office can provide you with a wide choice of stylish
shoes from major manufacturers such as New Balance, Hush Puppies,
Soft Spots and Drew. The shoes available in Dr. Berman's
office provide the extra depth and design considerations to
prevent diabetic foot complication without sacrificing a
fashionable look. Shoes fit by Dr. Berman and his staff will
assure you that you are getting the proper size and width for the
particular shoe style you selected.
Additionally your shoes will come
with custom molded inserts that will provide you with the support
needed to relieve pressure points on the bottom of your
feet. Direct impressions of your feet are taken in Dr.
Berman's office to fabricate custom made inserts that will fit
into the shoe you select.
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Conditions and
Treatments
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What
is the treatment for an intermetatarsal neuroma? |
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The goal of
treatment is to reduce or eliminate symptoms, so that you can
maintain your normal lifestyle. Treatment
may be surgical or non-surgical. Non-surgical treatment is often
attempted before surgical intervention. Your podiatric
surgeon will decide the appropriate method of therapy for
you. Conservative treatment for an intermetatarsal neuroma
usually includes modifying shoes, ultrasound therapy,
medication, or orthotics (custom made shoe inserts). These
conservative therapies may provide complete, partial or no relief
of symptoms. The decision to surgically intervene is based
on your symptoms, the judgment of your podiatric surgeon and your
preference. A neurectomy or surgical removal of a neuroma is
performed when conservative treatment proves ineffective. |
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What
is a hammertoe? |
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A hammertoe
deformity is a contracture of the toe(s), frequently caused by the
imbalance in the tendon or joints of the toes. It is often
aggravated by poor-fitting shoes or abnormal biomechanical
function.
Those with rheumatoid arthritis, high arches or a tendency to rotate
their feet inward when walking are especially susceptible. Corns
and calluses usually form over time as a hammertoe becomes more
rigid, making it difficult to wear shoes.
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How
can I prevent nail problems? |
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Many nail
problems can be prevented by wearing the right shoes and trimming
your nails properly. To help avoid infections, keep your
feet clean and dry. If you have diabetes, talk with your
podiatrist before doing any foot self-care. |
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How
can I avoid getting athlete's foot? |
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You can
help prevent athlete's foot by keeping your feet - and your bath
or shower area - clean and dry. Avoid walking barefoot in
community areas. Always wear clean socks and don't wear the
same shoes two days in a row, they need time to dry out. |
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Should
my child go to a podiatrist? |
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Having
strong, healthy feet allows your child to walk, run, and
play. If your child's feet form correctly, certain types of
back and leg pain can be avoided later in life. Exams of the
feet and ankles ensure that your child's bones are growing
correctly. Your doctor can also make sure that your child is
walking properly. This helps prevent some future foot
problems. And if a problem does arise, it can be handled
early - when it is easiest to treat. |
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Podiatrist and foot specialist
Dr. Alan Berman treats bunions, hammertoes, ankle sprains, heel pain, ingrown
toenails, fungal nails, diabetic foot problems, etc.
Serving Poughquag, Pawling,
Peekskill, Patterson, Putnam Valley, Jefferson Valley, Yorktown Heights,
Brewster, Carmel, Mahopac, and surrounding areas.
Copyright © 2002-2004 Putnam
County Foot Specialist and MedNet Technologies, Inc.
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