Don’t you want to know how to care for your feet when problems arise?
Most people don’t often stop to think about their foot health until an issue manifests that affects day-to-day activities. You may be caught off guard and not sure what to do about the problems you are facing. This is where our Orlando and Oviedo, FL, podiatrists Dr. Timothy Mason and Dr. Jason Hancock come in. We often hear a lot of the same questions from our clients, and so we want to answer some of the questions to help you decide the best approach to take for your foot health.
Q. Do I need bunion surgery?
A. Whether you need bunion surgery or not will really depend on your symptoms and how much your bunion pain affects your day-to-day life. If you are in severe pain that can’t seem to be managed through more conservative treatment options or if your quality of life has greatly diminished because of your bunion problems, then surgery may finally be able to provide the relief you need. Our Orlando and Oviedo foot doctors will be able to determine whether surgery is the best option for you.
Q. How do I pick the proper footwear?
A. The shoes you wear are important for stabilizing and supporting the feet but also preventing issues such as bunions, hammertoes and heel pain. Avoid high heels and shoes with pointed toes, as they can bunch up your toes and lead to pain, swelling and a host of other structural issues down the road.
You’ll also want to choose the proper shoes for the job. For example, if you play sports you’ll want to find sneakers that offer both your feet and ankles the cushioning and shock absorption you need to prevent pain and other sports-related injuries.
Q. Is shockwave therapy right for me?
A. Extracorporeal shockwave therapy (ESWT) is a great treatment option for those dealing with chronic forms of Achilles tendinitis and plantar fasciitis. These shockwaves are able to stimulate the body’s natural healing process while also improving blood flow and allowing more nutrients into these areas to speed up healing and to reduce your symptoms. If you have been dealing with chronic heel pain and at-home treatment isn’t cutting it, then it might be time to talk to us about whether ESWT is right for you.
Q. How do I prevent toenail fungal infections?
A. Being smart about your foot hygiene is the best way to ward off a fungal infection. If someone in your household has a fungal infection, make sure to never share shoes, towels or socks with the infected person. Avoid wearing the same shoes twice and apply an anti-fungal powder to your shoes prior to putting them on, particularly if you have sweaty feet. Also, wear protective footwear whenever you are in communal environments like your gym’s shower room or lockers.
Foot & Ankle Specialists of Orlando and Oviedo, FL, have two convenient locations to serve you better. Whether you want to find out different treatment options for managing your bunions or you want to learn more about the other services we offer, don’t hesitate to call us anytime.