FAQs on Foot Treatment in Seaford, DE

Southern Delaware Foot & Ankle is committed to providing comprehensive treatments for conditions affecting our patients’ lower extremities. We have 4 convenient locations in Seaford and Millsboro, DE, each housing state-of-the-art equipment and experienced staff. Additionally, our offices offer a professional, safe, comfortable atmosphere that promotes education to help you regain your active lifestyle. We understand foot and ankle conditions can be debilitating, but we aim to offer the support you need to overcome them quickly. Whether you recently suffered a sports injury or dealt with foot problems your whole life, our team can determine the cause of your issues and provide solutions that work for you. We have compiled answers to some of our most frequently asked questions below, but feel free to call us with any of your own.

Examples of foot and ankle trauma include fractures, sprains, tears, and dislocations. In many instances, you will know immediately if your injury is serious based on the pain you experience. But other times, the injuries can be more subtle or less painful.  Sometimes systemic conditions may lead to neuropathy and the inability to feel serious injuries. Seek treatment and call Southern Delaware Foot & Ankle if you notice these conditions:

• You experience foot pain throughout the day or weeks after an injury
• Swelling does not go away within two to five days of a foot injury
• There are visible signs of a fracture
• There is an open wound on your foot or ankle
• You cannot put weight on your lower extremity

Our team of experts will diagnose all FOOT and ANKLE fractures using x-rays or imaging and diagnostic techniques. Following diagnosis, a doctor will help you determine the best course of action. Common treatment methods include immobilization and/or surgery. Without treatment, you run the risk of continued pain, arthritis, slow/delayed healing, or nonunion.  A nonunion means the bone does not heal, causing progressively worsening swelling and pain over time.  Let our doctors determine the best treatment plan specialized based on you and your injury. 

Recovery following foot surgery will depend on the type and scope of surgery you need. For surgical procedures that remove bunions or correct hammertoes, recovery typically consists of four to six weeks in a specialized postoperative shoe. But more complicated surgeries could require immobilization for months and rehabilitation afterward. Our doctors will ensure you understand what to expect following surgery and are clear on a recovery timeline before operating.

You may not need surgery to correct your hammertoes, but some form of treatment is necessary to improve your condition and alleviate your pain. The condition is characterized by abnormal bending at one or both joints of the lesser toes. Over time, they become stiff. Other symptoms include pain, open wounds, corns, and calluses. Hammertoes may be caused by a natural muscle-tendon imbalance, tight footwear, or even trauma. Our team can help you manage your hammertoes in several different ways. Depending on your circumstances, we may recommend surgery, changes in shoes, orthotic devices, tapings/strappings, or medication.

Genetics and certain foot types are the main reasons you have bunions. Shoes do not cause the condition, but some footwear may aggravate it. Bunions are progressive, with symptoms typically appearing at their later stages. Individuals with bunions may experience pain, inflammation, redness, numbness, swelling, or restricted motion of the big toe. We can suggest shoes that will alleviate undue pressure on your feet and toes, thus easing your discomfort. Our team may also recommend activity modifications, medication, orthotic devices, or surgery.

When an ankle injury occurs, many different structures can be injured including: bones, tendon, ligaments, or nerves.  Our doctors treat patients dealing with ankle instability, arthritis, tendonitis, gout, poor alignment, fractures, infections, and more. If you have suffered an ankle injury, come to us for an assessment. We will first determine the type and extent of your injury. Our team may use x-rays or other advanced imaging modalities to get a clear look at your ankle’s structure. We will then devise a treatment plan based on your specific condition. Possible ankle treatments include immobilization, rest, compression, elevation, physical therapy, medication, injections, or possibly surgery (if needed).

It can take up to 10 business days for us to receive and process your return. Once processed, your refund can take up to 2-7 business days to reflect on your account statement. You will receive a confirmation email once this process is completed.

Diabetics are at a higher risk of developing foot complications. Diabetes can cause nerve damage and poor circulation. Therefore, we recommend patients with diabetes visit our practice at least once per year for a podiatry checkup. Early diagnosis of problems can help you avoid significant consequences in the future. Common diabetes-related foot and leg problems include:

• Infections and ulcers
• Altered sensation (numbness/tingling/burning)
• Corns and calluses
• Dry, cracked skin
• Nail disorders
• Hammertoes
• Bunions
• Poor blood flow

Yes. We provide several treatment options for patients dealing with toenail problems. Among the most common toenail issues we treat are ingrown toenails and toenail fungus. Ingrown nails may be caused by trauma, improper trimming, footwear, heredity, or other nail conditions. We can perform toenail surgery to relieve your pain and help your toenails grow normally again. If you have toenail fungus, we may prescribe medications or other treatments to eliminate it.

You spend a lot of time on your feet, so it is critical that they remain healthy. Southern Delaware Foot & Ankle provides comprehensive foot treatment for patients in Seaford and Millsboro, DE. We have been treating patients on the Delmarva Peninsula since 2000 and we are confident we can treat whatever foot or ankle problem you have. Contact us today to schedule an appointment.