Question:
I had bunion surgery in August of 2008. It is now October of 2009 and I still have pain. I went to get a second opinion and the dr gave me a cortizone shot(April 2009). It helped some, but there is definite nerve pain too. Now the pain before the cortizone shot is back, so I have nerve pain and joint pain. I have had an MRI and an xray, but no one sees anything. Can you tell me what my next step should be. What type of Dr should I see? Is there anything that can be done and is stuff like this covered under insurance typically? It is really affecting me physically and mentally. There is only one pair of shoes I can wear that I can get through the day in, and my foot still hurts even in these. I can't wear sneakers and I can't walk for exercise. Thank you in advance for your help.
Answer:
If you stand a lot or are overweight-that will add time to the healing process.It can take up to 6 months for the nerves to heal and up to 3-4 months for the joint surgery to heal. You should really be able to have an open dialogue with one of the doctors and also accept the possibility that there may be some leftover discomfort.This needs to be explained to you in language you can understand. Ask the doctors directly, and try top pick among the 2-3 if you go to another doc. Don't seek perfection-seek answers that you understand.If it is nerve pain due to irritation-then that should get better.If it is nerve pain due to a surgical problem-that might not get better without more surgery. I always have this conversation with my patients and let them know that surgery does have risks. That said...Sometimes physical therapy and injections may help. Soft orthotics may help. See a podiatrist who is board certified and does second surgical opinions and can do alcohol injections. Sometimes these may be beneficial in deadening the nerve pain-but wait 6 months after the surgery before you do alcohol injection. Try the other options first.Wish I could help you more!We are located in Chicago and do second opinionsGood Luck!Hope this helps!
Question
I live in Chicago and I am interested in Laser Toenail Fungus removal. I have a few questions about it, How long does it take, how many treatments does it take? And does it hurt?
Answer
Dear AlyThe laser treatment for toenail fungus used at AnkleNFootCenters.com only takes about 10-15 minutes with the dual wavelength laser that we use.Other toenail laser treatments may take longer with other lasers-up to 30 minutes.Most toenail fungus is cleared from the toenail after the first treatment and results may be seen within 3 months. Approximately 20% may need a re-treatment at 3-4 months-Again depending on the laser used and the person doing the treatment. An additional 10% may need a third treatment.Most toenail fungus laser treatments are usually pain free with possible warmth or mild "stinging"Hope This HelpsGood Luck !!!
Question:
I have a bunion on my right big toe and have had it for several years. Lastweek, the tip and side of my big toe went numb and it is really annoying.Are the two related? Is the numbness being caused by the bunion? I haven'tdone anything out of the ordinary to cause the numbness. Should I see myorthopedic doctor?
Answer:
This Chicago Podiatrist, Elmhurst Podiatrist & South Loop Podiatristsays.......Dear Carrie,The numbness of the big toe may be related to the bunion. As the toedrifts--sometimes the nerve on the bottom of the big toe gets "pinched".Try a Board Certified Podiatrist over an Orthopedist.To be Board Certified in Foot and Ankle Surgery as a podiatrist -you need tosubmit 75 surgical cases for review.To be Board Certified in Surgery as an orthopedist -you need to submit 10-12foot & ankle surgical cases for review.I submitted over 150 cases to be Board Certified in Foot & Ankle Surgery &Orthopedics.Good Luck
Hope This Helps
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Dr George Tsatsos & Svetlana Zats
Podiatrist Chicago 60618 & Elmhurst 60126 Podiatrists
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New South Loop Location-Chicago 60661