How does diabetes affect your feet?
Many factors affect your foot health. Overall compliance with your diabetes doctors (endocrinologist)and primary care physician (pcp) is most important. The complications in your feet are indirectly linked to your compliance (factors you control i.e. diet and exercise). If your blood sugar is kept tightly controlled then the potential nerve disease is minimized. The loss of protective sensation is of grave concern for foot health providers and patients. At your first and yearly exams we perform a painless loss of protective sensation (lops) screening. The results of this screening allow us at Atlantic Foot & Ankle Center to tailor a specific foot care regimen to Your personal situation. This "personal plan" may include special cream for your heels and a mirror to check your foot. Also, this "personal plan" may include regular bathing and hygiene and return in one year. Other factors regarding diabetes and your feet are shoes, inserts and seamless socks. At Atlantic Foot & Ankle Center we are a Medicare approved dispenser of diabetic foot wear and socks. Please call 773-5800 for your intial or follow up diabetes foot exam and get your "personal plan" going right away!

What does a Podiatrist treat?
A podiatrist is a specialist of the foot and ankle, common disorders treated are plantar fasciitis, ankle sprains, bunions, hammertoes, flatfeet, shin splints, plantar warts and ingrown nails.

What can I expect on my first visit to Atlantic Foot & Ankle Center, P.A.?
Time can be saved by downloading the new patient registration materials, then you will be cared for by the patient care coordinator, the office nurse will review your history and take your vitals, next the doctor will perform a thorough examination; possibly order x-rays and do a gait analysis. Finally, we will come to a prescribed treatment plan.

What about insurance participation?
Atlantic Foot & Ankle Center, P.A. and Dr. Perry are on the areas HMO?s; Anthem, Aetna, Cigna and Medicare. We accept assignment. As a courtesy, we submit to your insurance carrier for you. You are expected to get you referrals and keep the office updated of any change in status.

Does Dr. Perry perform surgery in the office or hospital?
Some minor surgeries are performed in the office, however most surgeries are performed at either Maine Medical Center or Mercy Hospital.

What is a Gait Analysis?
A gait analysis is a comprehensive examination of the lower extremities. Dr. Perry will evaluate your range of motion of feet, ankles, knees, hips and lower back. Parts of the exam will be static (seated still) and others will be walking across a force plate (Footmaxx) analysis. Shoe gear, running shoes and cleats will all be evaluated. Suggestions for shoe gear will be provided. Computer aided pressure plates and visual dynamic observations help the Doctor to determine which treatment options will offer you the most relief. call 773-5800 to schedule an exam today!

Is there a difference between arch supports and orthotics?
Arch supports are what you get over the counter. Orthotics are custom made and fitted thermoplastic devices that help to correct and realign biomechanical abnormalities, such as a shorter leg, flattened arch or angled bunion deformity. Dr. Perry uses the Footmaxx system to analyze your foot strike to develop a prescribed orthotic to correct the abnormality (pathomechanics). At Atlantic Foot & Ankle Center, P.A. it is office policy to guarantee your orthotics or your money back!

A lot has been said about diabetes and your feet. Does Dr. Perry treat diabetic patients?
Yes. As stated in Dr. Perry?s brief bio, he has been Co-Director of the Maine Wound Center. We work very closely with the Maine Diabetes Center. Dr. Perry consults regularly with the Portland hospitals and provides comprehensive wound management. We also specialize in fitting and dispensing diabetic shoes and protective inserts.

What is a bunion?
A bunion is angular deformity of the great toe. It tends to cause redness and pain on the inside of the foot. As the angle gets worse over time, the first and second toe can rub or overlap causing discomfort. Simple treatment can be wider shoe gear, pads, inserts and medications. An initial x-ray will be taken to evaluate the joint. In more severe cases, outpatient surgery can be performed to realign the joint.