Frequently Asked Questions - FAQ's

What are your business hours?

Office Hours: 9am - 5pm Monday - Friday
Phone Hours: 9:00am - 4pm Monday - Friday

What Insurance do you take?

We accept most insurances but do not participate in any networks.

Can I have my x-rays and radiologic studies (MRI’s Ultra-sound, etc.) at your facility?

Yes, all of these procedures are offered on site. You may or may not be able to have them done on the same day – depending on the fullness of the schedule.

What should I bring with me when I come for an appointment?

• Your insurance card
  
• Any existing documentation for the condition you are coming in to be seen for
  
• Any relevant lab results
  
• Any x-rays, ultrasound or MRI reports

Can I bring my own disk / CD with my MRI images on it?

Yes, but hard copy / actual prints are better as not all discs are compatible.

What is arthroscopic surgery?

The American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons provides this description: “Arthroscopy is a surgical procedure orthopaedic surgeons use to visualize, diagnose, and treat problems inside a joint.

In an arthroscopic examination, the surgeon makes a small incision in the patient's skin and then inserts pencil-sized instruments that contain a small lens and lighting system to magnify and illuminate the structures inside the joint. The arthroscope is attached to a miniature television camera, and the surgeon is thereby able to see the interior of the joint through this very small incision rather than a large incision needed for surgery. The television camera attached to the arthroscope actually displays the image of the joint on a television screen, allowing the surgeon to look, for example, throughout the ankle or knee. The surgeon can then determine the amount or type of injury as well as repair or correct the problem, if it is necessary.

Does it require anesthesia?

Yes, but your procedure is considered a minor procedure so the anesthesia is minimal

Is it an overnight procedure or same day?

Almost all of our surgery is done on an outpatient basis or ‘same day’ surgery and you would not need to spend the night.

How do I care for my foot after surgery?

Please click here

Is it normal to have swelling post-operatively?

Some swelling is normal. If the area is hot, red, throbbing, these are indicators of possible infection which would require additional treatment.

Is numbness normal?

Some irritation to the nerve can occur causing numbness or tingling.

Does the Ice Machine work even if I’m wearing a cast?

Yes, there is some penetration of temperature and we’ve seen that patients that use the ice machine have better results.

How do I determine 10% weight-bearing vs. 50% weight-bearing?

Simply calculate 10% of your total body weight. For example, if you weigh 150 pounds, you’d allow for 15 pounds of weight on the foot. Your leg alone will probably weigh more than 15 pounds so that would be a light touch of the foot on the ground. 50% of 150 pounds would be 75 pounds, so you could indeed put some weight on the foot with the support of crutches.

Which Athletic Shoes should I purchase?

As athletes you are well aware of the significance of having the ‘right shoe.’ Some sneakers are designed for the toe to heel movement, front to back. The heel is wider and provides protection from repeated impact of the pavement. A basket ball shoe is designed very differently. Its heel is narrower and allows for the lateral movements the game demands.

Consumers are faced with so many options that the choosing which shoe is best for you has become complicated and confusing, not to mention expensive. A good working knowledge of athletic footwear will leave you less likely to fall prey for the latest gimmick or fad, or to being convinced into spending more money than you’d like.

Guidelines for buying sneakers / athletic shoes

1. Identify the specific shoe you need for the game you’re playing.
   • First and foremost, be clear about what sport you will be using your sneakers / shoes for. Cross trainers may be a good alternative for those who want to combine several sports or activities, such as bicycling and weight training, in a single workout.
   • If you have a history of foot, ankle, knee or lower extremity issues, check with your physician or physical therapist.
      
2. Consider your personal foot type
   • People with high-arched feet tend to require greater shock absorption than those with average feet. High-arched (cavus) feet also suffer from lateral instability and are more prone to ankle sprains.
   • People with low-arched (flat) feet require shoes with less cushioning but greater support and heel control.
      
3. Getting a ‘good fit’
   • Try to get fitted for footwear at the end of the day, when foot size is at its maximum. It is not unusual for an individual's foot to increase one-half a shoe size during the course of a single day.
   • Allow 1/2 inch, or the width of your index finger, between the end of your longest toe and the end of the shoe. If one foot is larger than the other, buy the larger size.
   • The shoe should be as wide as possible across the forefoot without allowing slippage in the heel. If the shoe has variable-width lacing, experiment with the narrow and wide eyelets to achieve a custom fit.
   • Choose an athletic-shoe store or specialty store with a large inventory. They will have a variety of sizes available.
   • Athletic shoes no longer require a breaking-in period.
      
4. When Will You Need New Sneakers?
   • Athletic shoes lose their cushioning after three to six months of regular use. Very, very few people are aware of this and sustain stress fractures and other injuries. If the sneakers are no longer absorbing the pounding and jarring action of the sport, that means your bones and soft tissue are absorbing these repeated blows. You are much more likely to sustain knee and ankle injuries.
   • Purchasing need not be a big investment, as these shoes have a short life. However, if you’re playing at a competitive level, it is worth every penny to spend a reasonable amount and get the shoe that will support your feet.