At one of our many clinic locations, you can obtain treatment for any of the following conditions that affect the feet and/or ankles:

• Plantar warts
• Hammer toes
• Achilles tendinitis
• Arthritis of the feet or ankles
• Clawtoes
• Corns
• Bunions and bunionettes
• Flat foot
• Gout
• Cysts
• Sprained and Broken ankles
• Broken bones and feet
• Ingrown toenails
• Toenail fungus
• Plantar fasciitis
• Heel spurs
• Tarsal tunnel syndrome

In many cases, the exact cause of a foot problem is not apparent on the surface. For this reason, we offer a variety of diagnostic testing services to help determine what the problem is. Depending on your circumstances, Dr. Hodson may recommend one or more of the following diagnostic tests be performed:

• X-rays of the feet or ankles to check for sprain, torn ligaments and muscles, or fractures
• PADnet vascular testing to check for peripheral artery disease, which can lead to decreased circulation in the feet and legs
• Biomechanical analysis to check for an abnormal gait, which could be causing heel, toe or ankle pain

Diabetics tend to have more problems with their feet than those in the general population do. Diabetes can lead to a condition known as peripheral neuropathy, whereby sensation to the feet is restricted due to nerve damage. When this occurs, even minor scrapes and cuts can become a problem because they might not be noticed until after an infection has set in. Not all diabetics experience peripheral neuropathy; however, even those without this condition must be extremely vigilant about the care of their feet.

To help diabetics better manage their feet, White Sands Podiatry is proud to offer the following services to them:

• Diabetic foot ulcers and wound care
• Peripheral neuropathy
• Charcot arthropathy, which is a breakdown of joints within the feet
• Diabetic footwear

Even with the best of care, certain conditions may sometimes require surgery in order to eliminate the problem. Many people cringe at the idea of surgery; however, foot surgery performed by Dr. Hodson of White Sands Podiatry can usually be performed at one of our clinic locations in Miramar Beach, Niceville, Fort Walton Beach or Crestview. You can have your problem eliminated on an outpatient basis and return home the very same day. A few of the things we can handle inside one of our clinic locations include the removal of:

• Corns
• Calluses
• Ingrown toenails
• Plantar warts
• Bunions and bunionettes

If you are plagued by any one of these conditions, please make an appointment with us today to discuss treatment. You can obtain relief quickly so that minor foot issues such as these do not prevent you from taking part in the things you enjoy doing.

The friendly staff here at White Sands Podiatry know that taking care of our patients involves more than just treating foot problems, as it also includes helping them with insurance and billing as well. For your convenience, we accept a variety of health plans, and will gladly work with your carrier to determine what benefits you are entitled to. We’ll also file claims with your insurance company to make things as easy as possible for you.

Should you need additional help paying for services, we will be glad to assist you in coming up with a payment plan that fits your budget. Our goal is to make treatment as affordable as possible so that you can obtain the relief you need without worrying about the cost. We can also assist you in applying for CareCredit financing, a plan that works like a credit card and carries a low rate of interest to help you better manage out-of-pocket medical expenses.

The services listed here are not all-inclusive, as we also provide a number of others to our patients in Destin, Fort Walton Beach and the surrounding area. Should you need information about any foot-related disorder or ideas on how to prevent some of the most common foot problems, we are here to help. Please feel free to contact any of our convenient locations in order to find out more information or to schedule an appointment with Dr. Hodson.

What is EPAT?
Extracorporeal Pulse Activation Technology (EPAT®) is the most advanced and highly effective non-invasive treatment method cleared by the FDA. This proprietary technology is based on a unique set of pressure waves that stimulate the metabolism, enhance blood circulation, and accelerate the healing process. Damaged tissue gradually regenerates and eventually heals. This non-invasive office/clinic based procedure represents a breakthrough treatment option for a broad range of musculoskeletal conditions.

What disorders can be treated?
Generally, acute or chronic muscle pain and/or tendon insertional pain that significantly impairs mobility or quality of life including: neck, shoulder, back and chest, upper extremity, lower extremity, foot and ankle, and myofascial trigger points.

What are the expected results?
The beneficial effects of EPAT® are often experienced after only 3 treatments. Some patients report immediate pain relief after the treatment, although it can take up to four weeks for pain relief to begin. The procedure eliminates pain and restores full mobility, thus improving the patient’s quality of life. Over 80% of patients treated report to be pain free and/or have significant pain reduction.

What is the duration of the treatment and how many treatments will the patient need?
Treatment sessions take approximately 5-10 minutes depending on the disorder to be treated. Generally, 3 treatment sessions are necessary at weekly intervals. It is recommended that patients sign up for 3-5 treatments, based on the physician’s evaluation and recommendation, and pay up front. This approach has shown to increase both patient compliance and physician success.