FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a referral to see the doctor?
Generally speaking, if you have an extended medical benefit they may require you to in order to be fully reimbursed. All patients should confirm with their extended medical benefit plan prior to scheduling an appointment.

Do you only treat adults?
No. Our practice is not limited to only adult patients. We treat people of all ages who are in need of podiatric care. There are a wide range of problems that are specific to children which we can treat.

When should I seek treatment by a podiatrist?
Many times this is determined by your primary care physician. If you are having any problems or concerns about the lower leg below the knee, then you should seek advice and treatment by a podiatrist.

What expectations should I have when I visit your office?
You can expect to be treated with respect and kindness. Our patients are important to us and we want them to feel welcome. Most importantly, you can expect to be treated with the best medical treatment that we can provide.

Is there anything you can do for toenail fungus?
The latest and “high tech” treatment option includes the use of lasers to kill the fungus in your nails. Dr. Masson uses the Pinpointe laser which is the gold standard FDA approved laser device. Research has shown the efficacy of the Pinpointe laser to be better than Lamisil in eradicating fungal infections. The procedure takes about 30 minutes to treat all your nails. There is no need for local anesthesia. Lasers eliminate the need for taking medication that can potentially harm the liver.

Should children be treated by a podiatrist?
Yes. It is important to remember that pain is not normal. Your child should not have pain. Your family physician may describe your child’s discomfort as “GROWING PAINS,” however that can be a sign of something more serious. Dr. Masson is well-trained in paediatric-specific foot and ankle disorders. The most common disorders involving our paediatric patients include: heel pain, flat feet, ingrown nails, warts, and sprains/fractures. Dr. Masson treats children of all ages.

I have a heel spur. Do I need to have it removed?
No. Most people who have heel pain caused by a “heel spur” do not need surgery. The reason is that there is a ligament-like structure on the bottom of the foot that courses the arch and connects into the heel. At times, this tissue which is termed the plantar fascia, becomes inflamed. As a result, there is an inflammatory process which the body calcifies creating heels spur. The pain comes first, the spur comes later, and the spur generally does not cause the pain. It is important to remember that there are many people who have heel pain without a spur and plenty of people who have heel spurs, but no pain. Dr. Fishco can show you how heel pain can be treated without surgery. You should know that heel pain is one of the most common foot ailments, and 95% of those who obtain treatment for plantar fasciitis go on to full recovery without the need for surgery.

My child has flat feet. Should he/she be treated?
Yes. Flat feet in children are common. In fact, all children have flat feet until the age of 5 or 6 when the arch develops. Many times “flat feet” are not painful. However, if your child is having pain, is clumsy when running, or chooses to sit on the side lines when others are playing, then that might be a sign of a problem. Also, if you see your child’s ankles “rolling in” especially when viewed from behind, then you should have him/her examined. Often times, doctors will prescribe orthotic devices, custom made inserts to be worn in the shoe to help realign the bones and joints of the foot. This allows the foot to mature in a good position. In rare instances, your child may need reconstructive surgery.

What are orthotics?
Foot orthotics are custom-made devices that are worn in your shoes. Dr. Masson will either take a mold of your feet with plaster to obtain “impressions” of your feet. This makes an identical picture of your foot. We then send the molds/scan to an orthotic laboratory for fabrication. Orthotics are more than arch support. Orthotic devices are used for a variety reasons. The orthotic devices control the foot and help realign the structures of the foot. Orthotics have influence on the spine, hip, knee, ankle, and foot. Orthotic devices are useful in treating a myriad of disorders that cause pain or dysfunction of the lower extremity.

What type of surgeries do you do?
The most common foot and ankle surgeries include fixing bunions, hammertoes, neuromas (pinched nerves between the toes), fractures, removal of bone spurs, and surgical care related to infections and ulcers.

What is peripheral vascular disease?
Peripheral vascular disease (PVD) also known as peripheral arterial disease (PAD) is a condition where there is diminished blood flow to your legs and feet caused by narrowing of the arteries (atherosclerosis). It has been estimated that 12 million people in the U.S. have PAD and more than half of those people are asymptomatic. This condition is seen more often in diabetic patients and those who smoke. Common symptoms may include cold feet, calf pain when walking short distances, and/or slow to heal wounds on your feet. Diagnosis usually involves testing your circulation with a doppler ultrasound and/or an angiogram. Treatments include certain medications, an exercise program, and sometimes surgical procedures. Our office can perform vascular testing that is non-invasive and coordinate consultation with a specialty-trained peripheral vascular physician.

Do you accept credit cards?
Yes. We accept cash, credit (MC, Visa) and debit cards.

I am diabetic. How often should I be seen by a podiatrist?
All diabetic patients should see a podiatrist. On your initial exam, your podiatrist will tell you if you are at low or high risk for complications in your feet. Generally speaking, a diabetic patient that has good circulation and no neurologic deficit (numbness/burning/tingling) can be seen on an annual basis. However, if one is at higher risk with poor circulation and/or numbness in the feet, then exams/treatments should be done every 2-3 months.