Orthopedic Associates PA providers will only refill medications they have originally prescribed. Please double check the name of the ordering provider before contacting our office for a refill. It is best to notify us at the time of your office appointment. If that is not possible, please contact your pharmacy and they will contact us directly. Medications will not be refilled at night and on weekends.
What is this bump on my foot?
Bumps on feet can vary in size, from that of a pea to the size of a golf ball. They can also vary in location, from the arch of the foot to the ankle area or elsewhere. They may or may not hurt or cause changes in daily activity. But a lump found in the foot has a possibility of being cancerous, and for this reason, must not be ignored.
The most common type of lump found in the foot is a soft-tissue mass called a ganglionic cyst. This soft, fluid-filled sac is a benign (noncancerous) bump found on the tendons and joints. A ganglionic cyst can be caused by a leaking of jelly-like fluid from the "capsule" surrounding a joint or tendon and may be located on the top of the foot, near an ankle joint or even on the side of the foot. The cyst will not go away on its own and tends to return, even after being drained. The best way to keep a ganglionic cyst from recurring is to have it surgically removed by a foot and ankle surgeon.
Another common type of lump found in feet are plantar fibromas. These often painless, benign masses are fibrous, hard nodules found within the ligament of the foot and are especially common in the arch area on the bottom of the foot. These bumps tend to be less than an inch in diameter but can get larger over time. Nonsurgical treatments, such as steroid injections, physical therapy or orthotic devices, may help relieve any discomfort but will not make the fibroma disappear. Surgery to remove the mass is an option for patients who continue to experience pain following nonsurgical approaches.
For foot bumps that are suspected of being cancerous, we perform a biopsy on the area. A tissue sample from the biopsy is then sent to a lab, and advanced imaging or an MRI may be used to gauge more information about the mass. If it is indeed cancer, the foot and ankle surgeon will perform surgery to remove the mass in tandem with an oncologist for cancer treatment.
Remember, foot bumps do not tend to go away on their own. The sooner we are able to properly evaluate the bump, the sooner a patient can have peace of mind and move forward with treatment, whether surgical or nonsurgical, so they may resume everyday activity.
What is a Foot and Ankle Surgeon?
Foot and ankle surgeons are the surgical specialists of the podiatric profession. They provide complete medical and surgical care for a variety of conditions that affect people of every age
What is a Doctor of Podiatric Medicine (DPM)?
A Doctor of Podiatric Medicine (DPM), or podiatrist is a licensed healthcare professional who is qualified by their education and training to diagnose and treat conditions affecting the foot, ankle and related structures of the leg. Podiatrists are uniquely qualified among medical professionals to treat the foot and ankle based on their education, training and experience.
Why does my heel hurt?
While there can be many reasons for heel pain, we as foot and ankle surgeons categorize heel pain into four major causes: plantar fasciitis, Achilles tendonitis, bursitis and nerve pain. Diagnosing the specific issue depends on the exact location of the pain and how the pain affects the mechanical movement of the leg.
What is a cortisone injection?
Injectable cortisone is synthetically produced and has many different trade names, such as Celestone, Kenalog and Depomedrol, but is a close derivative of your body’s own product. It can be injected into areas of the body that have become inflamed from overuse, injury, or arthritis, with significant relief of symptom. Common areas for injection include the major joints such as hips, knees, or shoulders for arthritis or bursitis. Other problem areas such as tennis elbow, trigger finger, carpal tunnel syndrome or plantar fasciitis in the foot are common sites for injection. Cortisone injections usually work within a few days and the effects can last for several weeks. Often physicians do not want to give more than three cortisone injections at least 3 months apart. If the response is not helpful, repeating it may not be worthwhile.
The most common side effect is a ‘cortisone flare,’ a condition where the injected cortisone can cause a brief period of pain worse than before the shot. This usually lasts a day or two and is best treated by icing the injected area. Careful injection technique is used to decrease the risk of infection. For patients with diabetes, there may be a transient increase in their blood sugar, so it should be monitored closely.
What is arthroscopic surgery?
Arthroscopic surgery is a modern method of performing surgery inside the joint through very small incisions. The incisions are usually about a quarter of an inch in length with two or three incisions per joint necessary. A video camera is attached to the end of a long thin microscope, which is placed inside the joint. Other long, thin, frequently motorized instruments are used to perform surgery inside joints. Knees and shoulders most commonly benefit, but other joints such as ankles, hips, and wrists may also be done.
How can a foot and ankle surgeon help treat Rheumatoid Arthritis?
While treatment of Rheumatoid Arthritis focuses on the medication prescribed by a patient's primary doctor or rheumatologist, the foot and ankle surgeon will develop a treatment plan aimed at relieving the pain of RA-related foot problems. The plan may include one or more of the following options:
- Orthotic devices. The surgeon often fits the patient with custom orthotic devices to provide cushioning for rheumatoid nodules, minimize pain when walking and give needed support to improve the foot’s mechanics.
- Accommodative shoes. These are used to relieve pressure and pain and to assist with walking.
- Aspiration of fluid. When inflammation flares up in a joint, the surgeon may aspirate (draw out) fluid to reduce the swelling and pain.
- Steroid injections. Injections of anti-inflammatory medication may be applied directly to an inflamed joint or to a rheumatoid nodule.
When RA produces pain and deformity in the foot that is not relieved through other treatments, surgery may be required. The foot and ankle surgeon will select the procedure best suited to the patient's condition and lifestyle.
What should I bring to my appointment?
We ask that you bring:
- Your insurance card or other health coverage information, your driver's license or other photo ID, and your co pay to your appointment.
- *Please be aware that many insurance carriers require you to have a referral (authorization from your primary care physician) before treatment is provided by a specialist, such as an orthopedist. Please check with your insurance carrier if you have any questions about your plan.
- A list of prescription medications including doses and how often you take them.
- Referral if required by your health insurance plan.
- Any X-rays or MRI’s that have been taken at your PCP or Reliance.
- If this is your first visit to Orthopedic Associates P.A., please fill out the New Patient History & Physical form and the Payment policy form, available here.
Should you have any general questions prior to your visit, please feel free to contact us at 505-327-1400 and we will be happy to assist you.
What do I do if I need my physician after hours?
Emergencies arise occasionally when our patients need to contact our physicians regarding pain or other symptoms. Our clinic always has physicians “on call” in case of after-hours emergencies. If you need to contact an Orthopedic Associates PA physician when the clinic is closed (after hours or on weekends), please call Orthopedic Associates PA at 505-327-1400 and the answering service will notify the physician on call to contact you. For non-emergency prescriptions or prescription refills, please call during normal hours of operation. Please be aware that any request for a prescription or prescription refills prior to 3 p.m. on any business day will be answered in order of receipt on that same day. Any request for a prescription or prescription refills after 3 p.m. will be answered in order of receipt on the following business day. All requests will be addressed as quickly as possible.
How do I get medical records?
If you need to request medical records or films from our office, please be aware that it could take up to 10 business days for you to receive your records. We will make every effort to fulfill all medical records requests as quickly as possible. You will need to fill out the authorization for release of records, available on line here. Please contact us at 505-327-1400 to request a copy of your medical records or should you have any questions regarding your medical records.
What do I need to know if I need surgery?
Our physicians perform surgeries at Four Corners Surgery Center and San Juan Regional Medical Center. Needing to have surgery is a very anxious time for anyone, whether you have had previous surgeries or not. In order to make the experience a better one for our patients, you will be provided with detailed information about when to arrive at the surgery center or hospital and what to expect after your surgery has been completed. When packing your bags to go to the hospital, remember to pack the following: Any specific, individualized instructions/information provided to you by your physician. A complete list of all prescribed and nonprescription medications that you are taking. Loose, comfortable clothing (including shorts). Athletic or walking shoes. Insurance/Workers’ Compensation information. Picture I.D.
How do I refill a medication prescription?
Orthopedic Associates PA providers will only refill medications they have originally prescribed. Please double check the name of the ordering provider before contacting our office for a refill. It is best to notify us at the time of your office appointment. If that is not possible, please contact your pharmacy and they will contact us directly. Medications will not be refilled at night and on weekends.
