If you suffer from any type of foot or ankle ailment chances are someone out there has experienced the exact same or very similar complaint as you have. Feet and ankle issues are extremely common, which makes sense considering the average person walks around 5,900 steps a day, or much more if they live an active lifestyle.
Because we rely on our feet so much, any type of injury can be extremely debilitating and frustrating, especially if you don’t know where to get help, or are afraid to get it. Sometimes what you really need to have peace of mind about receiving treatment are just answers to your questions, which is why Dr. Anderson of Anderson Podiatry Center put together a list of the most common questions he receives from his patients.
Here are the answers to the five most common questions Dr. Anderson gets asked:
- Do I have to give up this activity for the rest of my life?
“My response to this has always been we will go through a full conservative regimen and move to surgery as necessary before we tell someone to discontinue in an activity that is beneficial for their health. Commitment to the postoperative course is compensated by a lifetime of being able to return to that activity.”
- Will the deformity return if I have it fixed surgically?
The fear that the deformity will just return even if it is surgically removed is a main reason many choose to not even try it. However, this is definitely not always the case, and if you put in the time and effort to find the right doctor, you could get rid of that loathsome deformity for good. Dr. Anderson supports this as well, he says, “This depends on the quality of surgeon you choose, and the commitment you make to appropriate shoe choice and insole choice in the years following surgery.”
- Will my insurance cover this?
“Any out-of-pocket costs will be covered by our front office personnel and you need to understand how your deductible and co-pay’s work. You need to take responsibility for understanding the ways in which your insurance works.”
Calling your insurance company can seem very daunting, but with just one phone call you can find out exactly what your insurance will and will not cover. You could be delaying life-changing treatment that your insurance might cover!
- When I can return to activity?
“The answer is always very specific to your problem. By returning too quickly you will lose out on the sacrifice from that activity that you have already undergone.”
Because the answer to this common question is so specific to your individual problem, it is absolutely paramount that you see a podiatrist to get an accurate answer.
- How much time will I need off from work?
“Sometimes it is in your best interest to use short-term disability rather than burn all your vacation days and sick days. We as a clinic are available to help you fill out the paperwork and answer the questions with regards to short-term disability.”
This question is also very case-by-case, so see a podiatrist to get a better estimate of exactly how much recovery time you need.
Don’t let your fears of the unknown keep you from getting life changing help! See a podiatrist today to finally get all your questions answered.
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