What’s New
This Month’s Feature
Varicose Veins
Spider Veins
Laser Toenail Fungus
Extracorporeal Shockwave Therapy
Plantar Fasciitis/ Heel Spurs/ Arch Pain
Cryosurgery/ Neuromas
Platelet Rich Plasma for Heel Pain
Diabetic Nails/ Callouses
Bunions
Hammertoes
Corns & Callouses
Common skin and Nail Problems
Warts
Ankle Sprains
Diabetic Neuropathy
The Rebuilder
Tarsal Tunnel
Core Podiatry Videos
Wound Management Videos
Products & Services Videos
What’s New
Varicose and Spider Veins
A Simple Safe Way to Feel Good About Your Legs Again.
Are you concerned that you are no longer able to hide the Spider Veins that have started to appear on your legs?
Are you afraid your legs will look like your parents?
Would you like a simple, safe way, covered by insurance, to feel good about your legs again?
At Beaver Valley Foot Clinic’s Advanced Vein Center – It’s as easy as 1-2-3! Read on…
Step 1
To begin the process, a registered vascular ultrasound technician should map out a detailed “venous flow map” to show the course of blood through your damaged veins. This step also maps out to the insurance company the medical necessity of your condition; which, if left untreated can slowly but surely become a serious medical condition. This map is verified by a radiologist and the treating physician creates a personal treatment plan just for you. The Advanced Vein Center has Board Certified Physicians like Dr. Mauricio Giraldo MD—who actually taught transplant surgery at Harvard. If you have no reflux…skip to step 3!
Step 2
A simple half-hour office procedure and you are back to most of your normal routine the same day! There are many ways to close a bad vein. According to many research studies, radio frequency vein ablation is cutting edge and way safer and easier than the old lasers. The procedures are similar, but your recovery often is much quicker with less bruising and discomfort. In addition to being a Board Certified Surgeon, Dr. Giraldo is also certified by The American Board of Aesthetic Medicine so your results may be the legs you remember from your teenage years!
Step 3
Now you are ready to instantly ZAP away those ugly annoying Spider Veins! In 1/20th of a second a vein you have been trying to cover up for years is gone before your eyes. Getting rid of the spider veins by sclero or any other way before the ultrasound just wastes your time and money and doesn’t address the real problem. At Body Beautiful Laser Medi-Spa our Certified Technicians can also erase spider veins from your face, and, while you are there ask them to erase the fine lines and wrinkles as well. Also as long as you are getting yourself in shape, we have the New Body Contouring Lasers as well, to touch up those problem areas which at our age don’t respond to diet and exercise anymore. So don’t wait till summer comes around and you’re the one not wearing shorts. Start now and your legs don’t have to look like your grandma’s. Call 724-987-3220 and take the first step toward your new legs today. www.AdVeinCenter.com, For Body Contouring: www.BBLMSpa.com 724-987-3220
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Lose Spider Veins in a Flash with Intense Pulse Light Therapy
As you age, developing spider veins, age spots, and broken capillaries is unfortunately part of the process. Just because they are natural does not mean that you are stuck with these unattractive discolorations on your face, chest and legs forever. One of the fastest and safest ways to get rid of spider veins and similar discolorations is through the use of a revolutionary new technology – intense pulsed light therapy. Large areas can be treated quickly and easily, with less damage. IPL targets spider veins and discolorations deep below the surface of the skin while leaving the outer layer of the skin undamaged.
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Laser Toenail Fungus
Toenail Fungus and Planter Wart Laser Treatment
Are you tired of thick discolored nails hurting in your shoes?
Are you embarrassed by what people would think if they saw your unsightly nails or warts?
Would you like a simple easy way to get rid of fungus or warts?
Quick Painless Affordable Safe
Beaver Valley Foot Clinic uses the latest technology, and we are right in your backyard! For the Treatment of Fungal Nails, Onychomycosis, chronic pain, plantar warts.
What is the Procedure? How Does It Work?
We use the most effective toenail laser (Lasers Med Sci (2008) 23:349-353 comparing 7 lasers commonly used to treat nails). This particular spectrum of light passes through the nail without damaging it, yet kills the fungus living under the nail. This new approach to solving toenail fungus is more effective than topical treatment and without the side effects of taking pills. At the time of the procedure your toenail will not become instantly clear, but as it grows, the new nail will grow out normal as a result of the death of the fungus.
Do I Need More Than One Treatment?
Usually one treatment is enough, but sometimes that depends on the individual and the condition of your toenails, which will be determined by your podiatrist. We offer one free follow up treatment for all our patients, just in case.
Is the Procedure Painful? How Long Does the Procedure Take
This procedure takes less than 15 minutes and is completely painless, with no drugs or anesthesia required.
Will the Fungus Grow Back?
During the procedure, the fungus appears to be killed by the laser light without harming the rest of your toenail. Some individuals may have a predisposition to the disease, however, or they have an aggressive case that may require periodic treatment to kill any new fungal infection that may arise.
What Does FDA Cleared Mean?
Our laser has been cleared for dermatological use by the FDA. This is considered a dermatological procedure.
How Much Does It Cost?
The cost of the Procedure may vary by case. Please call our office for pricing.
Why Isn’t This Covered By My Insurance?
This is considered a cosmetic, not a medical procedure. It causes clear nail growth through the death of the fungus. Very few health insurance plans cover this procedure.
How Do I Pay For This Procedure?
The Doctors currently offer this procedure on a “fee for service” basis only. You will have to pay for the procedure at the time of your treatment. Cash, checks, money orders, Visa and Mastercard are accepted.
We recommend an appointment with Dr. Teimouri and Dr. Quattrone, DPM prior to treatment to verify the fungus and the benefits of the procedure to you. They can answer all you medical questions. The can be reached at 724-375-1577 and have 5 locations. You may also schedule the procedure at Body Beautiful Laser Medi-Spa by calling 724-987-3221. Go to www.BBLMSpa.com to see other available laser procedures.
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Extracorporeal Shockwave Therapy
Shockwave Therapy
Extracorporeal shock wave therapy, or ESWT, is a treatment option for patients with chronic plantar fasciitis. ESWT delivers focused shock waves to the heel-inducing microtrauma to the tissue that is affected by plantar fasciitis and initiating a healing response by the body. The healing response causes blood vessel formation and increased delivery of nutrients to the affected heel thereby stimulating the repair process and relieving the symptoms of plantar fasciitis.
Benefits of ESWT
- Risks of surgery eliminated
- A proven pain relief procedure
- Patients can walk immediately
- 30-minute in-office procedure
- No time off work
- No pain medication
PATIENT TESTIMONIALS
Read what patients are saying about Extracorporeal Shock Wave Therapy…
“I’ve had foot pain for over twenty years, no wonder, my job requires being on my feet eight to twelve hours a day, six days a week. Until I tried ESWT, I assumed the pain would be a part of my life forever, thankfully I was wrong.”
Terrence L. Salay, Steel Worker, Aliquippa, PA
“Working 12 hours a day in the steel mill guarantees you one thing, unbearable foot pain. The worse it got, the less I could work, until ESWT. It has truly changed my life. In just two weeks I was pain free. It doesn’t get any better than that, unless we win the Super Bowl of course.”
Frank Franklin, Steel Mill Supervisor, New Brighton, PA
“I have traveled every road to try and find relief for my heel spurs-shots, taping, medicine, show inserts, losing weight and wore tennis shoes. Results-no result, until ESWT. If you don’t believe me just ask my feet.”
Annette Marshalek, Bentleyville, PA
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Plantar Fasciitis
What is Plantar Fasciitis? The plantar fascia is a ligament-like band running from the heel to the ball of your foot. This band pulls on the heel bone, raising the arch of your foot as it pushes off the ground. But if your foot moves incorrectly, the plantar fascia may become strained. The fascia may swell and its tiny fibers may begin to fray, causing plantar fasciitis.
Plantar Fasciitis (often referred to as a “heel spur”) is a common cause of heel pain and affects about 2.5 million people each year in the U.S. Historically, surgery was the only alternative when conservative treatments like ice, orthotics, physical therapy, medication and cortisone failed. Today, with Extracorporeal Shock Wave Therapy (ESWT), that pain can be relieved with a gentle 18 minute treatment done right in the podiatrist’s office. Extracorporeal Shock Wave Therapy, or lithotripsy, was originally developed by Dornier MedTech to break up kidney stones in the body. The therapy was approved by the FDA in the early 1980s and today is the standard treatment of choice for urinary stones. Because it’s delivered outside the body (extracorporeally), many of the risks associated with surgery are eliminated. In fact in ESWT, or orthotripsy, the shock waves actually stimulate the body’s own repair mechanisms.
About the Treatment The 1/2 hour visit starts with the area of pain being identified by the patient and usually confirmed with ultrasound imaging. That affected area is then lightly numbed, and the patient is asked to lie or sit on a exam table or chair. After a gel is applied to the foot and therapy head, the head’s water-filled cushion is placed against the foot. Shock waves are released from the device as Dr. Christina positions the foot. Shock wave therapy relieves pain and provides a short recovery period, with very few risks or side effects. Most patients are able to resume normal activity the next day.
PLANTAR FASCIITIS
Plantar fasciitis (commonly referred to as “heel spur”) is a common cause of heel pain. The muscle that stretches along the bottom of the foot (the plantar fascia) is responsible for maintaining the arch of your foot. This is the muscle that becomes inflamed or irritated.
What causes plantar fasciitis?
- Common sports injuries
- Overweight people (standing or walking frequently)
- Flat or high-arched feet
- Improper shoes
- Frequent running on sand
- Increasing age
Check Out These Online Videos
Plantar Fasciitis
Heel Pain Overview
Common Causes of Heel Pain
Treatment Options
Preventing Heel Pain
Heel Pain
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Cryosurgery Treats:
- Heel Pain
- Morton’s Neuroma
- Plantar Fasciitis
- Diabetic Neuropathy
- Fibromas
- Draws nerve endings closer together for better impulse propogation.
- Improves Nerve Transmission.
- Triggers leg muscles to contract and relax, sending blood back to the heart.
- Rebuilds muscle mass and strength in legs.
- Causes the brain to release endorphins which reduce pain in other parts of the body.
- Reeducates the nerve paths to stop shooting pain and burning.
- Repolarizes nerve membranes that may have been disrupted by neurotoxins.
- Delivers pain relief during treatments.
- Reduces pain for 6 hours after treatment.
- Supports a full restful night’s sleep.
- Eliminates burning, tingling, and numbness.
- Feeling returns to feet promoting better balance.
BENEFITS OF CRYOTHERAPY
Six minute office procedure with a high success rate allowing you to walk out of the office ,shower the next day and not miss any work!
HOW DOES CRYOTHERAPY WORK?
By having the ice form around the actual nerve itself, the outer layers of the nerve sheath degenerates and, in doing so, decreases the nerve’s abilities to transmit the signal of pain. Over the course of the next couple of months, the nerve sheath regenerates again and in most cases regenerates without the inflammation and you are pain free.
DOES IT WORK?
You bet it does! Just like applying an ice pack on the skin relieves minor aches and pains, cryotherapy has been shown to be very effective in relieving very painful foot conditions such as heel pain (plantar fasciitis), neuromas, and has been showing promising results in treating other conditions such as tarsal tunnel pain, tendonitis and may even be helpful in cases of arthritis and diabetic neuropathy.
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Platelet Rich Plasma
Is PRP right for me?
If you have a tendon or ligament injury and traditional methods have not provided relief, then PRP therapy may be the solution. The procedure is less aggressive and less expensive than surgery. It will heal tissue with minimal or no scarring and alleviates further degeneration of the tissues.
I’ve heard of Cortisone Shots, is this the same?
Studies have shown cortisone injections may weaken tissue with temporary relief. PRP therapy heals and strengthens tendons and ligaments, strengthening and thickening the tissue up to 40% of cases.
Regenerative Injection Therapy With Platelet Rich Plasma
Tendons and Ligaments are responsible for providing motion across joints and stabilizing these joints. With chronic repetitive use, our tendons and ligaments are susceptible to injury. Because they have a relatively poor blood supply the healing process can be difficult. Eventually, small tears occur. This is referred to as tendinosis.
Traditionally, anti-inflammatory medication has been used to treat tendon and ligament pathology. Once the injury has progressed to the stage of tendinosis these medications are often ineffective. In addition, prolonged use of these medications is not without side effects. Cortisone injections have a potent anti-inflammatory effect and can provide considerable relief. However, they do not provide long term healing and repeated use of cortisone can actually further weaken tendons and ligaments.
Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP) is an effective treatment for tendon and ligament injuries. PRP is blood plasma with concentrated platelets. The concentrated platelets in PRP contain huge reservoirs of growth factors that promote and accelerate the healing process.
PRP Treatment
1. 20cc of blood is drawn from the patient. This is the same technique as collecting blood for a routine blood test.
2. Blood is injected into a special container that will fit into a centrifuge (blood spinning machine).
3. The container is placed into our in office centrifuge for 14 minutes to spin. The PRP contains growth factors up to 500% their normal concentration.
4. Once spun, the blood comes out separated into 3 layers. The platelet rich plasma (PRP) layer contains the necessary growth factors for healing. This layer is drawn into a syringe.
5. PRP is injected into the site of damaged tissue. An ultrasound machine is often used to ensure precise placement of needle delivering the PRP.
To prepare PRP, a small amount of blood is taken from the patient. The blood is then placed in a centrifuge which separates PRP from the other blood products. The PRP contains growth factors up to 500% their normal concentration. The PRP is then injected into the area of tendon or ligament damage. As a result the area of chronic injury and poor healing is stimulated to repair. Following PRP treatment patients may resume their normal activities.If you have a tendon or ligament injury, PRP may be right for you. Successful treatment with PRP can cure you without the need for aggressive surgery.
This information is intended to explain the treatment and for general purposes only. Specific questions or concerns should always be directed to your doctor, who can explain possible risks or side effects. Your physician can explain if this treatment is appropriate for you.
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Diabetes afflicts about 16 million Americans. It is a metabolic disease in which the body does not produce or properly use insulin. Individuals with diabetes are prone to many complications, including foot infections. If left untreated, these infections could lead to potentially serious consequences, including amputation. The good news is there is much you can do to prevent or minimize most diabetic foot problems and reduce the risk of limb loss. Because diabetes affects many organs of the body, management of the disease often requires several medical specialists. Your podiatrist will give you an individualized, easy-to-follow plan to help keep your feet healthy.
What are Diabetic Ulcers? Diabetic ulcers are sores that occur when pressure cuts off the blood supply to the skin. Stress caused by the body’s weight and the impact of striking the ground place the ball of the foot, the big toe, and the heel at greater risk. Left untreated, an ulcer may allow infection to enter your body. If infection reaches the bloodstream or bone, your life or limb may be at risk. But with your doctor’s help, pressure ulcers can be controlled and even prevented.
Check Out These Online Videos
Diabetes Overview
Diabetic Neuropathy
Peripheral Arterial Disease
Foot Ulcers and Infections
Taking Care of Your Diabetic Feet Diabetes and Your Feet
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Heel, ankle and arch pain can affect your health, comfort and attitude. When your feet hurt, it can be difficult to perform daily tasks and to exercise regularly. It’s hard to stay focused when each step is painful. Although the causes for the pain are many, there are highly effective methods available to relieve it.
Check Out These Online Videos
Heel Pain Overview
Common Causes of Heel Pain
Treatment Options
Preventing Heel Pain Heel Pain
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What are Ingrown Nails? An ingrown nail is the result of a nail growing into the skin that surrounds it. This often occurs at either edge of the big toe. Ingrown nails may be caused by improper trimming, inherited nail deformities, injuries, fungal infections, or pressure. A simple 5 minute office procedure will permanently fix this problem.
Check Out These Online Videos
Ingrown Toenails
What are Thickened Nails? Abnormally thick or crumbling nails may be caused by injuries, pressure from shoes, fungal infections, or conditions such as diabetes, psoriasis, or vascular disease. With regular care in our office, covered by insurance, can help will help prevent many problems from arising with these conditions.
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Bunions A bunion is an enlarged bone on the side of the big toe that is angled outward. Depending on the severity of the bunion, the big toe may be angled mildly or sharply toward the other toes. If wider shoes aren’t giving you the relief you need a simple outpatient procedure can have you back into your shoes in 3 to 6 weeks.
Check Out These Online Videos
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Hammertoes
Hammertoes A hammertoe is an arched toe, the result of an abnormal contraction or “buckling” that leaves the toe in a claw-like position. Once stiffened into position, hammertoes rub against shoes and cause painful corns and calluses. A simple 15 minute office procedure will permanently fix this problem.
Check Out These Online Videos
Hammertoes
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Corns & Calluses
Corns & Calluses Corns and calluses are your body’s response to friction or pressure against the skin. If your foot rubs inside your shoe, the affected area of skin thickens. If a bone is not in the normal position, skin caught between bone and shoe or bone and ground builds up. In either case, the outer layer of the skin thickens to protect the foot from unusual pressure. In many cases, corns and calluses look bad but are not harmful. However, more severe corns and calluses may become infected, destroy healthy tissue, or affect foot movement. With your doctor’s help, corns and calluses can be controlled.
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What are Warts? A wart is an infection caused by a virus, which can invade your skin through small cuts or breaks. Over time, the wart develops into a hard and rough growth on the surface of the skin. A wart is most commonly seen on the bottom of the foot (known as a plantar wart), but can also appear on the top. Children, teens, and people with allergies or weakened immune systems are more vulnerable to the wart virus. Many simple office procedures to remove these quickly or painlessly, including our new Radio Surgery.
Check Out these Online Videos
Plantar Warts
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Ankle Sprains
Ankle Sprains are caused by sudden sideways motion, a twist, or a misstep. When your foot lands off balance, muscles may give way, allowing the ankle joint to move too far. If ligaments connecting the foot and anklebones overstretch or tear, a sprain is the result. These sudden injuries cause pain both at the time they occur and throughout the healing process. Depending on the sprain, swelling and bruising may extend from your ankle into your foot. With proper care, however, sprains will heal correctly. And, in many cases, you can reduce the risk of reinjury.
“We Even Treat Little Feet”
Does your daughter complain of pain in her foot? Does your son avoid gym class or other activities because of the pain he feels in his heel? It is unusual for children to complain of foot pain, so if they do mention it, there is most likely a problem behind it. Often, the problem is a case of flat feet. If you or your spouse has flat feet, it is likely that your child does too, as the condition is hereditary.
A child may complain of pain on the inside or outside of the ankle or the bottom of the foot. Older child may develop painful bunions (a bump on the side of the big toe) or hammertoes (curling or crooked toes) as a result of flat feet. If your child does have a painful flat foot, the doctors at the Beaver Valley Foot Clinic can assess the problem and decided on a proper course of treatment.
Most flat feet will require simple orthotic inserts in your child’s shoe to help realign the foot. If that does not alleviate the pain, surgical correction can be performed to prevent further problems down the road. Due to the latest surgical techniques, the flat foot correction can now be accomplished with a simple surgery that will require minimal recovery time. Please keep in mind that the doctors are dedicated to to exploring a full course of conservative treatment prior to performing any surgical procedure.
Another common foot problem in children is heel pain. This usually occurs in active children between ages 8 and 12 who spend a lot of time running around, playing sports or dancing. These children often will complain of pain in the back of the heel that worsens during or immediately after physical activity. The technical tern for this condition is Calcaneal Apophysitis or Seaver’s disease, but it is often referred to as “growing pains.”
In the back of the heel bone, where the Achilles’ tendon attaches to the bone, there is a growth plate that enables the bone to continue to grow as the child ages. For some children in this age group, the bone grows faster than the muscles and the tendons of the leg. This causes the Achilles’ tendon to become to tight and to pull on the back of the heel bone. Fortunately, the treatment for this condition is always conservative and does not require surgery. Stretching, icing, anti-inflammatory medicines, heel lifts and a temporary decrease in activity usually relieves the pain. The good news is that the growth plate closes over time, so the pain does not reoccur and no long-term problems result from this condition. For adults, the noninvasive ESWT, Extracorporeal Shockwave Therapy is available to treat your heel pain in one 20 minute visit.
Other common pediatric foot problems to be aware of include ingrown toenails and warts. All pediatric foot conditions can be treated by the doctors at the Beaver Valley Foot Clinic. Having children of their own, both doctors are sympathetic to young patients as well as parents. As always, they are dedicated to providing gentle yet comprehensive foot care for patients of all ages.
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” Posterior Tibial Tendon Dysfunction: My Arches Have Fallen…and They Can’t Get Up “
Have you noticed that over time your foot has lost the nice arched appearance it once had? Many people refer to this as “fallen arches,” which may or may not be accompanied by pain on the inside of the ankle. What is actually happening is that the tendon that runs from the leg into the foot on the inside of the ankle is weakening.
The purpose of this tendon (the posterior tibial tendon), is to help support the arch in the foot. This tendon works very hard, and the excess stress on it over time can cause it to wear out. In the early stages of wear, the tendon becomes inflamed and painful during activity. As the condition worsens, the pain becomes more frequent and tears may develop within the tendon. Over time the tendon can no longer function and it will not be able to hold up the arch of the foot. As a result, a flattening of the arch will occur when standing. In the end stages of this condition, the tendon may become completely. ruptured. In addition, pain in the foot can become more severe as arthritis sets in due to the malalignment of the joints from the flat-foot position.
If caught early enough, this condition, called posterior tibial tendon dysfunction, can be treated with an arch support or brace to support the tendon and prevent further problems. If the condition is more severe, conservative treatment can still be attempted to help alleviate the pain. If that doesn’t work, surgical correction can be performed to repair the tendon and correct the position of the foot. Due to new techniques that have been developed over the years, the recovery time of the surgery has been greatly reduced.
If you notice pain in your foot or ankle, it is always best to seek treatment for it as soon as possible in order to prevent further problems down the road. The doctors at Beaver Valley Foot Clinic can evaluate your condition and treat it appropriately.
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Diabetic Neuropathy
If you are one of the many diabetics who suffer from Neuropathy, or burning, tingling, and numbness of the foot and leg, a new procedure may offer you relief. Through the release of pressure on specific nerves, sensations may be restored to the affected areas, and prevent further complications. This can be performed on an outpatients basis. Dr. Quattrone has been trained in the procedure by Dr. A Lee Dellon, a world renowned plastic and nerve specialist at Johns Hopkins University.
Check Out These Online Videos
Diabetic Neuropathy
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The Rebuilder
The ReBuilder is an electronics bio-medical device that eliminates pain, burning, numbness and tingling related to neuropathy. It accomplishes this without the need for surgery or medication.
What Does The ReBuilder Do?
How Can The ReBuilder Help You?
This information is intended to explain the treatment and for general purposes only. Specific questions or concerns should always be directed to your doctor, who can explain possible risks or side effects. Your physician can explain if this treatment is appropriate for you.
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Dr. Quattrone is one of a handful of Podiatrists specially trained in the delicate procedure of triple nerve decompression which helps such symptoms as pain and tingling in the feet. Symptoms are similar to carpal tunnel in the hands.
Check Out These Online Videos
Podiatry
Adult Footwear
Children Footwear
Foot and Ankle Injuries
Bunions
Hammer Toes
Plantar Warts
Fungal Problems
Heel Pain
Pain Above the Feet
Plantar Fasciitis
Diabetes and Your Feet
Ingrown Toenails
Neuroma
Foot Surgery
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Check Out These Online Videos
Overview
The Healing Process
Common Causes and Types of Wounds
Treatment Options
Prevention of Wounds
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Check Out These Online Videos
Active Ankle
Aetrex Worldwide
AmerX
Anodyne Therapy
Atlantic Ultrasound
Crocs
First Voice/ThinkSafe
Gordon Laboratories
iStep
JM Ortotics
Just Sneakers
The Orthotic Group/Gaitscan
Rocky Mountain Orthotics
SafeStep
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