Here’s a little more about what we’ve been doing to keep everyone safe.

If My Doctor Advised Me to Come to the Office, Should I Go?

When in doubt, do what makes you most comfortable. 

All doctors — including podiatrists — weigh the risks of seeing their patients during health crises and pandemics. If your doctor believes you need to come in for a visit, you have the ability to tell them whether or not you feel comfortable coming into the office.  Discuss your thoughts with your doctor.  As an alternative, consider making a virtual appointment.  Telemedicine is a popular option for patients who would rather stay at home, but still have the opportunity to talk to their provider. 

Reasons You Should Go To The Podiatrist

If you are referred to a medical specialist such as a podiatrist, you shouldn’t delay talking to your provider. We regularly see patients (even during COVID) for these reasons and much more:

• Surgery
• Calluses
• Plantar warts
• Corns
• Joint pain
• Diabetes referrals
• Bunions
• Exercise/Athletics referrals
• Heel pain or plantar fasciitis
• Ingrown toenails
• Athlete’s foot
• Toenail fungus

Extra Patient Safety During COVID-19

Like many of the places you frequent, Podiatry Associates has made increased efforts to keep patients safe during the COVID-19 pandemic. Before seeing the doctor for any podiatry-related illness, injury, or even a regular check-up in our offices, Podiatry Associates does the following:

• Patients are required to have their temperature checked before being seen by a doctor
• Podiatry associates calls all of their patients before appointments to screen them for COVID-19 symptoms
• Before a patient is admitted to an exam room, that exam room is sanitized.
• After the doctor sees each patient, the room is sanitized again to mitigate any chances of passing on the COVID-19 virus (despite the pre-visit screening and temperature checks).

Is Treating My Condition A Good Reason To Leave My House?

You might wonder if you should leave your house if you don’t have a life-threatening illness.  The CDC still doesn’t recommend being around other people unless you need to.  That being said, the CDC recognizes health appointments as necessary and valid reasons for going out amid the global pandemic.  If you feel comfortable enough to go to an in-person appointment, our pandemic guidelines have been put in place to make sure you have a safe visit. 

What About Basic Office Visits Like Routine Foot Care & Diabetic Foot Care

Basic office visits for normally benign conditions can become urgent or emergent at any time.  Some conditions include:

Toenail fungus can spread. Toenail fungus can travel to other parts of the foot when left untreated, leading to itchy or painful athlete’s foot.

For those with diabetes, untreated foot care can lead to diabetic ulcers of the foot. Cracks and sores on the skin caused by athlete’s foot (as the result of neglecting basic treatment) can worsen and become painful or infected. In severe cases, it might even lead to future amputations.

If toenail fungus isn’t treated correctly, the toenail can thicken, become ingrown, ulcerate, become infected or eventually fall off. This goes beyond just being a cosmetic issue. It can cause pain and even throw off a person’s natural gait.

All visits to your provider are important, even during these unprecedented times.  Some less emergent problems may be deferred.  However, neglecting treatment can lead to complications, pain, and may limit daily normal walking.  We do recognize that for some, a virtual visit may be adequate and is something that they would prefer.  Consider the benefit versus the risk of going out in public during the pandemic.  If needed, discuss this with your doctor. 

So, if you are currently living with any podiatry-related issue, consider an in-person or virtual office visit.  With more than 10 MVS Podiatry Associates locations in the Mid-Atlantic area, there is sure to be an office convenient to you.  Our podiatric physicians are skilled in all aspects of foot, ankle, and walking diagnosis.  

Don’t let COVID keep you away from optimal foot health. Contact Podiatry Associates today!