Since moving to the area a few months ago, we have received quite a few questions from patients who would like to get to know more about our Marietta Podiatrist, Dr. Fui Dawson. So, we thought it would be a great idea to answer 10 of the most frequently asked questions we have been hearing from our new patients.
What are your qualifications as a foot and ankle expert?
I completed a four-year undergraduate degree in Biochemistry and then followed up with a medical degree in podiatry from the Dr. William M Scholl College of Podiatric Medicine in Chicago. For residency, I attended the Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center at Harvard University where I put into practice all of the knowledge I had acquired in medical school. Due to my thirst for learning and pursuing excellence in patient care, I also decided to complete an additional qualification – a fellowship in reconstructive foot & ankle surgery and trauma from a top university in Germany. Patients should be confident in the knowledge that I am board certified by both the American Board of Podiatric Medicine and the American Board of Foot & Ankle Surgery. In addition, I routinely attend many continuing education programs in order to expand my knowledge on the latest techniques in foot and ankle care.
What differentiates you and your podiatry practice in Marietta?
Three immediate things come to mind. First, we are highly qualified to treat both surgical and nonsurgical foot and ankle disorders so our patients know that they are in good hands. Second, we deeply care for our patients and always go the extra mile in terms of making them feel as comfortable as possible and following up to address their concerns (please read our patient reviews to see the great things our patients are saying about us.) Third, we offer same day and Saturday appointments. That’s a great perk for our patients who are usually very busy and want to be seen as soon as possible.
I’ve never seen a Podiatrist in Marietta, GA. What can I expect when I first visit your office?
Your initial visit will consist of a comprehensive medical evaluation to diagnose your foot or ankle problem. This will include understanding your medical history, conducting a physical examination of your foot and then performing any additional tests such as x-rays. After I have provided a diagnosis, I will work with you to develop a treatment plan that is unique to your needs and specially crafted to bring you the relief that you need for your foot or ankle problem.
Is foot pain normal?
It depends. I tell patients that if you are experiencing pain in your feet, it is usually because something is not quite right. For some people, this could be a temporary problem that goes away on its own or with conservative treatments at home. For others, it could signify a greater underlying problem. Seek help from a podiatrist right away if your pain is severe, you have an open wound, your feet are red or inflamed or you cannot place weight on your foot.
What can I do at home to relieve my foot or ankle pain?
The type of treatment I recommend for patients at home depends on the severity of the pain so I would need to perform a complete evaluation to provide specific guidelines. However, generally, patients have found the following helpful for mild foot pain:
- Taking over-the-counter pain relievers
- Elevating their feet
- Using ice on the affected area
- Not standing or walking for long periods of time
- Wearing appropriate shoes such as those that have a wide toe box
What is the number one tip you can give us about taking care of our feet?
Wear appropriate footwear! I can’t tell you how many foot conditions arise from wearing ill-fitting shoes so that will definitely be my number 1 tip.
What are the best shoes to wear?
The best shoes to wear are those that provide a combination of support and shock absorption. Look for fit and arch support as well as the types of materials used to construct the shoe. It’s also a good idea to get your feet measured when shopping for shoes so that you are getting the best fit for that particular style of footwear.
You recommended orthotics – can I just buy them over the counter?
If your pain is mild, some over-the-counter orthotics such as gel inserts may provide some relief. However, custom orthotics are usually better when you are dealing with more serious foot problems. We recently wrote an article on this – read more here.
Which websites should we visit to learn more about foot and ankle disorders?
We recommend the following highly authoritative sites to learn more about foot and ankle disorders:
- American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons
- American Podiatric Medical Association
- American Academy of Podiatric Sports Medicine
What do you like most about the Marietta, Ga area?
I’m excited to be a podiatrist in Marietta. The area offers a lot in terms of shops and restaurants. In addition, residents are very friendly and I look forward to welcoming patients to our practice!
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Visiting a podiatrist in Marietta is your best course of action, so don’t wait long; contact us now.
