Podiatrist - Servicing (Chicago),Illinois, Indiana, Wisconsin
30 S. Michigan Ave., Ste. 503
Chicago, IL 60603
(877) ADV-F00T (877-238-3668)
Frequently Asked Questions
Please browse our list of Frequently Asked Questions below
If your questions can't be answered here,
feel free to contact us:
Phone: 877-238-3668
Fax: 312-372-3346
Email: info@footanklespecialists.com
What qualification does a Podiatrist whom belongs to Advanced Foot & Ankle have?
Advanced Foot & Ankle has set very stringent guidelines for admission. All podiatrists who are selected are in good standing with all national and state licensing boards, have hospital privileges, are board certified in their specialty or have three years to complete this certification upon admission, have minimal to no malpractice claim history and can pass NCQA guidelines for credentialing. Advanced Foot & Ankle pride us by only admitting those podiatrists that are outstanding in their field and have repeatedly demonstrated excellent outcomes.
What is the purpose for establishing this group?
The original purpose was to demonstrate that a group of single specialty physicians can help reduce health care costs by being able to follow established guidelines which would consistently deliver excellent outcomes. AFA podiatrists have repeatedly delivered over 95% approval ratings from their patients. Our group has also demonstrated a 30% healthcare savings without lowering the fees to the doctors or reducing the quality of care when contracted as the plan's/ employer's "preferred" podiatry network.
How many podiatrists and locations are available?
AFA currently contracts with over 55 podiatrists. There are over 150 locations covering all Chicago metropolitan and suburban areas.
Who establishes the "treatment guidelines" you refer to?
The American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons and the American Podiatry Association have established the guidelines that are accepted by all members. AFA has established internal quality assurance and utilization guidelines to ensure the treatment guidelines are being followed by all podiatrists.
How does one get information with either finding a podiatrist in my area, join the network, or if a health plan or employer obtain more information to contract the group?
For additional information please contact our administrator in the Contact Us section.
------Foot Related Frequently Asked Questions-----
Do shoes cause most foot problems?
No, most foot problems are caused by hereditary forces and once developed will only be aggravated by shoes. In most cases merely changing the shoe type will not resolve the foot problem.
What is a heel spur or plantar fascitis?
A heel spur is caused by irritation to the heel bone when the plantar fascia tears from it's insertion. Calcification over time results in the development of a spur. In many cases the plantar fascia will become inflamed prior to a spur developing. In many cases the pain is worse upon waking or taking initial steps after sitting. Successful treatment consists of stretching exercises, ant-inflammatory medications, therapy, orthotics and in some cases surgical treatment.
What is a Bunion?
A Bunion is a faulty position of the large toe joint caused by hereditary factors over a period of time. Over time the condition will become worse if left untreated including possible arthritic degeneration to the joint. Treatment usually will require surgery for any lasting success unless caught at an early stage which would then respond to prescription orthotics.
Where does one get Fungus Nails or Plantar Warts?
Both Fungus Nails and Plantar Warts are picked up by making contact with an area that the person infected with them previously stepped at. This can be a shower, healthclub, pool, etc. Treatment will vary but success for fungus nails can be achieved by use of topical medication or newer oral medications. Plantar warts have been successfully treated by prescription medication or in many cases removal by means of Laser.
What causes Ingrown Toenails and what is the best treatment?
An ingrown toenail is usually caused by a defect in the way the nail grows and then is aggravated by shoe gear. In most cases shoes alone do not cause the ingrown nail. In our experience the best way to remove an ingrown nail with the best chance of it not growing back is by either Laser or chemical destruction of the root.
Why should a patient with Diabetes see a podiatrist regularly?
Patients with Diabetes usually will have circulation problems with their feet caused by elevated sugar levels. Also most diabetics possess a decrease in the sensation of their feet causing a greater chance for infection and in many cases ulcers and gangrene. Even faulty trimming of the toenails could result in amputation in a diabetic patient.
How are Orthotics different from arch supports bought over the counter?
Prescription orthotics are custom made to the patient's foot specifically addressing the faulty foot function the patient possesses. Over the counter arch supports can do little to maintain any long lasting correction and sometimes only provide temporary relief. Since many foot problems are not related just to fallen arches an arch support alone will not address the patient's problems.
Is podiatry care covered by my insurance?
Yes, most care rendered by a podiatrist falls under regular medical benefits and are covered. Specific coverage limits are available from your insurer. Many of the health plans AFA podiatrists accept are listed in the Health Plan listing in this site.
What is the difference between going to an AFA podiatrist or any other podiatrist listed in my insurance book?
An AFA podiatrist is selected for their excellent training, certification, and practice history. Because of specializing in more advanced techniques and using treatments with better than average results the patients who have used AFA podiatrists have given them a 95% satisfaction rating. In many cases AFA podiatrists have returned their patients to normal activity in reduced time and with minimal discomfort.
What types of sport related foot problems do you treat?
The most common sports/ activity related conditions we see are: Stress Fractures, Heel Spurs, Tendonitis, Fascitis, Sprains, Ligament Tears, Decreased joint motion, and Neuromas or pinched nerves.
What causes numbness and sometimes shooting pains into my toes when I walk?
The most frequent cause of this is a Neuroma or an enlargement of one or several sensory nerves of the foot. The patient often experiences a variety of symptoms, which may include; burning, tingling, cramping, shooting pains, or numbness. This is usually caused by faulty foot function allowing the metatarsal bones of the foot to be excessively mobile and cause pinching to the nerve or nerves. Treatment usually consists of splinting, injection therapy, orthotics, therapy and sometimes removal of the enlarged nerve.
What is the best way to remove corns or correct hammertoes?
Most corns are not caused by shoes but are caused by either an enlargement of one of the joints of the toe or a contracture of the toe(hammertoe). Shaving the corn or buying bigger shoes will not prevent the corn from coming back or eliminate the joint deformity present. The treatment of choice is to remove the boney enlargement or to straighten the toe so it doesn't rub against the shoes. Newer procedures do not require "breaking" the toe to straighten it and therefore will allow the patient to be ambulatory immediately without in many cases requiring the patient to be off of work.