Athens Podiatry Group > Our Specialties

We provide specialized treatment and diagnosis for:

Achilles Tendon
Ankle Instability
Ankle Sprains
Arthritic Foot & Ankle Care
Athletes Foot
Bunions
Calluses
Corns
Crush Injuries
Diabetic Foot Infections
Diabetic Shoes
Flat Feet
Fungus Toenails

Geriatric Foot Care
Hammertoes
Heel Spurs
Infections
Ingrown Toenails
Injuries
Metatarsalgia
Neuromas
Pediatric Foot Care
Plantar Fasciitis
Poor Circulation
Warts
Wounds

Orthotics

Our office uses state-of-the-art prescription orthotics to best meet the clinical needs of our patients. We consider both function and comfort in the design of our custom supports. Although most insurance companies do not cover the cost of custom-made orthotic devices, every attempt will be made to work with your insurance carrier. A complete biomechanical exam and actual molds are made by the doctors.

Shoe Buying Tips

Purchase shoes towards the end of the day, when they are the most swollen.
Always try-on both shoes and walk in the store to ensure good fit.
Wear the same type of sock you normally wear while buying shoes.
Buy shoes for the larger foot, if your feet are different sizes.
The widest part of your foot should correspond to the widest part of your shoe.
A shoe should feel comfortable in the store, they should not need to be “broken-in.”
Shop for comfort and avoid painful, trendy shoes.
A knowledgeable shoe salesperson can help keep you comfortable, and possibly save you money with a proper fit the first time.

Shoe type is very important. Sandals do not give feet the support and cushioning they need for sports activities. It’s best to have a pair of athletic shoes for sports and recess. They don’t have to be brand name or expensive. The shoe should bend near the toes, and NOT in the middle. It should be a bit stiff when you try to twist it. If you squeeze the back of the heel area on each side, it should be firm, and the bottom of the shoe under the heel should also be firm – not squishy. Shoes made from canvas won’t give you as much support, also making it easier to get hurt. Leather shoes are better than man-made materials (like plastic or vinyl), since those make your feet sweat more and trap the wetness inside the shoe.

Diabetic Foot Care

We offer a special program for diabetics of all ages. Our exams are comprehensive, informational, and continually monitored. We have a multidisciplinary approach with internists, neurologists, dieticians, and orthopedic involvement.

Like all diabetic people, you should monitor your feet. If you don’t, the consequences can be severe, including amputation, or worse.

Minor injuries become major emergencies before you know it. With a diabetic foot, a wound as small as a blister from wearing a shoe that’s too tight can cause a lot of damage. Diabetes decreases your blood flow, so your injuries are slow to heal. When your wound is not healing, it’s at risk for infection. As a diabetic, your infections spread quickly.

If you have diabetes, you should inspect your feet every day. Look for puncture wounds, bruises, pressure areas, redness, warmth, blisters, ulcers, scratches, cuts and nail problems. Get someone to help you, or use a mirror. Feel each foot for swelling. Examine between your toes. Check six major locations on the bottom of each foot: The tip of the big toe, base of the little toes, base of the middle toes, heel, outside edge of the foot and across the ball of the foot. Check for sensation in each foot.

If you find any injury -- no matter how slight -- don’t try to treat it yourself. Go to a doctor right away.

Foot deformities
When your feet lose their feeling, they are at risk for becoming deformed. One way this happens is through ulcers. Open sores may become infected. Another way is the bone condition Charcot (pronounced "sharko") foot. This is one of the most serious foot problems you can face. It warps the shape of your foot when your bones fracture and disintegrate, and yet you continue to walk on it because it doesn't hurt.

A doctor may treat your diabetic foot ulcers and early phases of Charcot fractures with a total contact cast or a custom-walking boot. Surgery is considered if your deformity is too severe for a brace or shoe.