Dr. Mark Wallen's
Foot Comfort Clinic
About Us
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Dr Wallen's Answers To Frequently Asked Questions.
1. What is Shockwave Therapy and how is it used for treatment of Plantar Fasciitis?
2. What is a bunion and are there any new advancements in treatment ?
3. How is a laser used for treatment of foot conditions?
4. What is the role of Sclerotherapy in the treatment of a neuroma?
5.How does Dr. Wallen approach diabetic foot care?
6. What makes Dr. Wallen unique in his approach to podiatric medical treatment?
7. What are some of the most common foot disorders that may allow for easy resolution when seeing Dr. Wallen?
8. What is a podiatrist?
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Question: Shockwave Therapy & Plantar Fasciitis
Extracorporeal Shockwave Therapy ÝESWTß also referred to as Orthotripsy procedure
is a non-surgical, office-based treatment option for the chronic, intense pain associated with plantar fasciitis. The plantar fascia is a band of connective tissue that is located on the bottomÝplantarß of the foot and is commonly injured through overuse and trauma. Pressure soundwaves are focused onto the targeted tissue to stimulate and reactivate the body's own repair mechanisms to promote tissue healing.
ESWT treatment is typically chosen for patients who have been diagnosed with chronic plantar fasciitis for at least 6 months and having been unresponsive to other tratment methods.
Shockwave therapy is also used in the treartment of chronic achilles tendon disease and provides a non-surgical treatment option as well.
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Question: Definition of a bunion and new procedures for correction.
A bunion is a deviation deformity of the great toe joint. The enlargement at the big toe joint may restrict normal motion and is usually painful when wearing shoes and most especially when exercising. There are hereditary factors that predispose some people to develp a bunion. Conservative measures such as the use of pads, shoe modification and orthotics typically provide only temporary relief from this painful condition. Surgical options vary upon the particular patient and existing deformity.
New to the foot surgeon is the "Tightrope" bunionectomy technique utilizing the Mini Tightrope system developed by Arthrex Inc. The procedure involves the use of an non-absorbable fiber-rope to reduce the angular deformity of the metatarsal bones while avoiding the potential complications asoociated with bone cuttingÝosteotomyß procedures. There is the potential for reduction in recovery time and faster return to activities
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Question:The use of the Carbon Dioxide ÝCO2ß Laser in foot surgery.
Carbon dioxide laser surgery continues to gain widespread recognition and acceptance in a variety of medical specialties. In Podiatry, it offers an advanced technological alternative to the excision and removal of tissue in conditions that are treated by the Podiatrist. The laser allows for very precise tissue removal with minimal damage or impact to adjacent tissues. there is as a result, minimal swelling with accelerated healing, minimal scar formation and decreased incidence of infection.The most common use of the laser is for removal of viral warts, deep callouses, ingrown toenails, and keloid/scar treatment.
There is no such entity as "laser bunion surgery" and unfortunately this term is often used as an advertising ploy.
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Question: Sclerotherapy for the treatment of painful neuroma.
A neuroma is a painful inflammation of a nerve. In the foot, a neuroma is commonly found in the ball of the foot, between adjacent toes and usually presents with symptoms such as localized pain, burning that may radiate from the foot to the toes, numbness or sensation loss to the toes, difficulty wearing shoes especially dress shoes for women and interferes with a persons ability to stand/walk or exercise without pain. A neuroma can form as a result of a prior injury to the foot such as a severe sprain or even a fractured toe/bone and is most common in persons with physically demanding jobs that require them to be on their feet for most of the day. Plantar heel neuromas are not uncommon and present a diagnostic challenge when dealing with a patient who presents with heel pain.
While conservative care with orthotics, anti-inflammatory medications, shoe modifications, etc.,provide relief to most of our patients, some resistant cases necessitate destroying the diseased nerve. Surgical excision Ýneurectomyß has long been a mainstay of treatment, however it is not without the complications associated with any "open" surgery such as infection, considerable disability during recovery and recurrence.
Sclerotherapy, is gaining increasing acceptance and popularity among foot surgeons. Our patients prefer this treatment option to surgery as it is performed in the office setting with minimal disability time. A series of injections utilizing a combination of pharmaceutical grade denatured alcohol mixed with a long-acting local anesthetic agent, provides a "chemical neurectomy", destroying the nerve and relieving the painful symptoms in the majority of cases and thereby avoiding traditional surgery.
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Question: What is Dr. Wallen's approach to diabetic foot care?
Dr. Wallen is very attentive to the foot care of diabetics. Time is spent on extensive patient history, patient education, acceptance and understanding as to how dibetes may pose problems for the feet. He also encourages the comprehensive management of diabetic patients between the patient's primary care physician and other medical specialists. This "team approach" demonstrates the personalized care and concern for effective diabetic foot care. Keeping the diabetic patient active and maintaining a healthy and productive lifestyle is the primary goal.
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Question: What makes Dr. Wallen unique in his approach to podiatric medical treatment?
Unique care features include :
1ß Employing many of the most recent advances in non-surgical and surgical management for relief of foot ailments,
2ß Appointment availability usually within 48 hours or same-day emergency care
3ß Providing personal attention that demonstrates the "caring" approach to patients,
4ß Emphasis on preventative foot care.
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Question: What are some of the most common foot disorders that may allow for easy resolution when seeing Dr. Wallen?
Heel pain, sports injuries of the foot and ankle, foot imbalance and foot related knee/hip/back pain, student-athlete injury treatment, childrens foot deformities and gait problems Ýpigeon-toe, flatfeetß, wound care and surgical correction of painful foot deformities. Dermatologic conditions of the foot such as Ýviralß warts, fungal nail disease, calluses and corns are treated in the office setting.
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Question: Definition of a podiatrist.
The modern foot specialist! Specialization is the most important distinction. A podiatrist is the only medical and surgical specialist trained to care exclusively for the foot. A podiatrist is extensively trained in the non-surgical management and surgical correction of foot disorders and deformities. Many surgical procedures may be safely performed in the office, or in an outpatient hospital facility.