General Podiatry Q&A with Dr. Mason

Dr. Mason is board certified in foot surgery as well as reconstructive rearfoot and ankle surgery. He is a fellow of the American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons. Dr. Mason has been practicing Podiatry in our Owasso office since 2008.

We had the opportunity to sit down with Dr. Mason and asked him to answer some of the most common questions he receives from patients.

How can ingrown toenails be avoided?

“Ingrown toenails are inherited or caused by trauma to the nail itself. The best ways to avoid ingrown toenails are wearing well-fitting shoes and avoiding cutting the toenail too short.”

When you keep toenails at a moderate length, trimming them straight across, you will help prevent needing our assistance with painful ingrown toenails. If you are experiencing pain or discomfort in your toe, pus, or redness, please contact our office. If these infections are left untreated or undetected, an ingrown toenail can infect the underlying bone and lead to a serious bone infection.

What is toenail fungus, and how is it treated?

“Toenail fungus often begins as an infection in the skin called tinea pedis (also known as athlete’s foot). The fungus usually starts under the nail fold at the end of the nail. Over time it grows underneath the nail and causes changes to its appearance, such as a yellow or brownish discoloration. It can also cause thickening and deformity of the toenail.”

Metro Tulsa Foot and Ankle Specialists offer many effective treatment options for toenail fungus such as oral antifungal drugs, medicated nail polish, medicated nail cream, and surgery to remove the nail so that medicine can be directly applied to the infection under it.

How does one treat a painful bunion?

“Appropriate fitting shoe gear is often the best home remedy for a painful bunion. We offer many non-surgical treatment options for painful bunions, including custom orthotic devices. We also offer the latest in surgical treatment options, including Lapiplasty (this is a technique that many of us do which is highly and aggressively marketed)”

Bunions are a symptom of a progressive bone disorder. They appear as a bony lump at the base of the big toe joint, causing the feet to no longer line up properly. This can happen because of hypermobility, foot injuries, arthritis, and other conditions that affect both the nerves and muscles such as polio.

When is the best time to seek medical help for a foot issue?

“Foot pain is never normal nor something you have to live with. Also, it is very important for people with a high risk of infection or Amputation, such as diabetes, to have regular foot screenings.”

Please schedule an office visit with us if you have persistent swelling that does not improve at all after two to five day of home treatment. If you have persistent pain that doesn’t improve after several weeks, or you have a burning pain, numbness or tingling, particularly involving most of all of the bottom of your foot. No matter your issue, Metro Tulsa Foot and Ankle Specialists are here to help!

How will you diagnose my condition?

“We are equipped with all of the latest imaging modalities, including x-ray, ultrasound, and MRI.”

Foot pain is evaluated by carefully hearing the history of the symptoms related to your foot pain including when it began, how it is aggravated, when it is relieved, etc. We will also complete an examination of the foot to evaluate swelling, warmth, redness, and tenderness.

How is an orthotic different than arch support I can buy at a sporting goods store?

“Our physicians prescribe custom-molded orthotics after conducting a thorough examination of your feet, ankles, and legs. They are built for your specific foot and gait and accommodate your foot structure. Over-the-counter inserts, which we also offer, encompass various foot products, including arch supports, insoles, heel liners, and foot cushions. “

These days, many drugstores, shoe stores or sporting goods retailers have shelves full of orthotics claiming to cure your foot problems. Some stores even have machines claiming to measure your feet in order to provide you with a custom fit, but they are not that.

We are so thankful for the care Dr. Jeremy Mason has provided to patients of Metro Tulsa Foot & Ankle Specialists since 2008. Schedule an appointment with Dr. Mason at our Owasso office today.