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Frequently Asked Questions
General
What makes you different than any other foot and ankle practices I can visit?
If you choose to visit us, you will not have to ask that question. In our most humble opinion, nowhere on this planet will you find an atmosphere that combines a sincere, amiable staff attitude in a relaxing, technologically advanced setting quite like what you will find here. More importantly, we pride ourselves in our integrity and on really caring about each patient. For example, every patient who has surgery is personally called by the doctor within 24 hours and each of these patients is given the doctor’s pager number in case they have a question or concern. Our goal is providing what you want or need in foot and ankle care, whether that is alleviating a painful bunion or simply discussing the best shoes for you, in the most compassionate, caring way possible.
Is it normal for my feet or ankles to hurt?
Foot and ankle pain is never normal. “Pain” is the body’s way of letting us know something is wrong. If you are having any type of pain, you should discuss it with the doctor. Often, foot or ankle pain can be alleviated relatively quickly and easily, sometimes in just one visit.
My family doctor says my foot or ankle pain is just arthritis. Can anything be done?
Possibly. Many types of arthritis pain can be easily and quickly alleviated. Sometimes we use tiny-incision arthroscopic surgery to “clean out” the arthritis.
What about my children, should I be concerned about the way my child walks?
If you are worried about the way your child walks or have a pertinent family foot health history, then you should bring your child in for a visit. Pediatric problems are often best addressed as early as possible.
I have diabetes. Should I see you?
Yes. Anyone with diabetes should see us at least once a year. The doctor will evaluate your feet to assess the risk for complications like nerve damage and circulation problems. You may benefit from a simple shoe modification or special insole (orthotic) to help distribute pressure across the bottom of your feet and help prevent open sores or infections from developing.
My feet are numb. Can you help me?
Possibly. Numbness, including burning, tingling and shooting pains (pins and needles) may be due to diabetic neuropathy or other types of neuropathy. The doctors will thoroughly evaluate the cause of your numbness, burning or tingling and in some cases they will be able to restore normal sensation. Please see Nerve Problems, Neuropathy and Numbness.
I was told that orthotics can help me. What is an orthotic?
An orthotic is a custom-made arch support that slips into a shoe and oftentimes alleviates many kinds of foot, ankle, leg, knee, hip, back pain and just plain tired, cramping feet. Dr. Nirenberg first thought about becoming a podiatrist when a podiatrist alleviated his father’s knee pain with orthotics. In those days patients had to have a mold of their feet made with plaster, which often took up to a half hour and was quite messy. Today, some doctors still cast patients’ feet for orthotics. Here at Friendly Foot Care we make most of our patients’ orthotics using the new 3DO digital computer system (and we are proud to say that we were the first doctors in Indiana to utilize this technology!)
Can serious medical problems first show up in the feet or ankles?
Your feet and ankles are often a mirror of your general health. Such conditions as arthritis, diabetes, nerve problems, circulatory disorders and even thyroid problems, can show their initial symptoms in the feet or ankles -- so foot or ankle ailments can be your first sign of more serious medical problems.
I love your web site, and would like to know who did yours! Can you connect me to the designer?
Thank you! We're very proud of our new web site and appreciate your interest. Please contact Network One at netonenwi@gmail.com.
Is there a way I can ask the Doctor questions directly?
The doctors love answering medical questions. During your appointment, feel free to ask them any questions you may have. If you wish to speak to one of the doctors by telephone, they are usually unavailable during working hours, however, if you leave them a message, they will make every effort to call you back within 24 hours. If you are in severe pain or have an urgent problem, be sure to explain the situation to the receptionist and she will make every effort to have doctor call you back even sooner.
What are the different Insurance and payment options you provide?
We are preferred providers in nearly every insurance plan including Blue Cross, Anthem, United Health Care, Cigna, Humana, Aetna, Prairie States, Sagamore, PHCS, Anthem HIP, UniCare, WellPoint, ICHIA, Medicare, TriCare, and dozens of others. We gladly file insurance for you with these and most other insurance plans at no charge.
In terms of payment options, we accept all major credit cards (MasterCard, Visa, Discover and American Express) and of course, cash and checks are good, too!