Treating Heel Pain with ESWT: Our Happy Patients

Hey Doc! I am writing to let you know of my ESWT and office visits from start to finish. When I got there on my first visit I liked the fact that you were straight forward and didn’t try to sell me ESWT and let me know it was not a covered (insurance) item. I had just gotten a shot from my referring doctor so my foot was feeling good. You introduced me to Jennifer and said when and if I decide to do something please call her and she will take care of it from start to finish. She did.

I called several months later and came in and got my first treatment followed by the 3 other two a few weeks apart and we talked every time and I did feel like you were really listening and wanted to let you know I appreciated that. Still and all my foot was not feeling as good as I would have liked. Once again you took the time to listen and we talked about a moving forward game plan. From here is where I really to emphasize my treatment by your staff; in particular Jennifer (She was great!!). The plan was to send in for insurance approval for orthotics. Jen had me get molded so that if they approved them then you get them done and I could come back when complete and be good to go. She said if they say no, we will go to Plan “B” which was using my fourth “freebie” ESWT, and then see how that took and go from there to Plan “C”, which was surgery.

I was called the next day by someone and told that insurance wouldn’t cover the ortoics and if I wanted I would have to pay $550 now. I said to hold them and I will think more on them and get back with them. Then I asked to speak to Jen and schedule the fourth ESWT treatment. I really thought this would be a hassle or was thinking something would be less than before being on you. It was not and you handled it just like normal and one of the things I want to report in this letter is the fourth time was the charm and my foot has felt 100% better since.

Everything seemed great until…I got a bill wanting me to pay approx. $125 for my part of the bill for work that was never done and what the insurance didn’t cover on the orthotics that they did pay for. I called and talked to someone who I’m sure was more than happy to hand this over to Jen to take care of. (I was not happy) The first thing Jen said was will take off everything on this bill that’s not right and make everything right.

She had me come in for another fitting which did not have the office co-pay since I was there before for that. (A cheap guy like me appreciates that). Made the next appointment for the fitting and said if I had any issues on the bill we will finalize them after the fitting. Today after the fitting she walked me out to the waiting area, spoke to Lindsay personally and had her correct the bill to what made sense and then had Lindsay (who was also very nice) go over the bill with me in detail. Then Jen stopped back in and made sure I was a “happy camper”. This was the right thing to do, the professional thing to do, and the nice thing to do. They took a wrong and made it right. Please accept my compliments on your work, Lindsay’s work, and especially Jennifer’s work. She is the best! Please feel free to share this and use me for any reference.

Thanks,
Bob
Franklin Park, IL

Teamwork to Treat Complex Cases: a Patient Testimonial

Dear Dr. Baker and Dr. Bongiovanni,

I would like to sincerely thank the both of you for your service and dedication put forth in the healing of my foot. I would not be where I am today without your expertise, guidance, and diligent care.

I had back surgery as an infant, which resulted in neuropathy in my foot and three toe amputations and countless infections. When I first came to your office back in August, I was quite frustrated with the medical care (or lack thereof) that I’d been receiving. My problems were recurring, and I felt as though I was getting nowhere, or even going backwards. I searched locally for another doctor for a second opinion, and was repeatedly told that the doctors didn’t see patients with a condition like mine. I originally found out about Weil Foot & Ankle Center by doing some online research on a Saturday morning, reading about Charcot. When I dug a little further, I realized that your offices were in Illinois thus I immediately picked up the phone to call to make an appointment. I cannot explain the excitement that I felt going to get another opinion in such a well-regarded establishment.

I have only wonderful things to say about Dr. Baker and Dr. Bongiovanni. They have both been a true testament of what a doctor should be: honest, caring, practical, down-to-earth, and just plain nice! I have felt comfortable around the both of them and respect their immense knowledge of properly caring for the foot. They both were not only concerned with treating the existing problem but finding ways of prevention to avoid future problems. They took the time to ask me questions about my lifestyle and gave me practical solutions that fit appropriately. They did not just come in, look at my foot, offer a few phrases and leave; they spent on average 20-25 minutes each visit to talk about what was presently at hand.

Since then, I have visited your office on several occasions. All of the staff are so kind and really put forth the extra effort to accommodate me. I live about 75 miles away, and each visit was scheduled to see both of my doctors within a short time period to save on having to make two trips.

I would like to sincerely thank Dr. Baker , Dr. Bongiovanni, all the nurses and staff for the exemplary care I that I received. I would highly recommend Weil Foot & Ankle Center to anyone looking for a physician. Thank you again.

Cordially,

Kate
Wauwatosa, WI

A Successful Bilateral Scarf Procedure

Hi, Dr. Weil,

I know you're busy, so I'll try to make this brief...

My name is Trip Swindell (Major Swindell), and you performed a bilateral scarf on me in 2001 (I was the patient with hypermobility, or "double-jointedness").

I live in Houston, now, and just yesterday, I had to choose a local podiatrist to extract a shard of glass from my foot. It just so happened that I was seen by Dr. Michael Mineo, who was amazed by your work and the range of post-surgical mobility I have. He told me that he's known you for many years, and his son is currently gaining internship experience as a volunteer in your office.
He went further to tell me that you are the top podiatry surgeon in the country... perhaps the world!

What a small world, huh?!

Thank you for everything you've done to make my life what it is today... I'm completely pain-free and more physically active than I've ever been.

Trip Swindell
Houston, TX

Relieving Heel Pain with Orthotics and the Arizona Brace

Dear Dr. Bongiovanni: (or as known in my office "Dr. BonJovi")

I thought I would drop you an email to give you an update on my progress with my new orthotics and Arizona brace.

Honestly, I was a little apprehensive when I left your office with my new devices. They initially felt obtrusive and uncomfortable. Within an hour I felt very secure and comfortable in the Arizona brace and actually left it on all day. (as you suspected I went all out!)

I have worn it every day with the exception of the last two days because I was in Phoenix for a night and wore shorts and topsiders. Even being without it my left ankle and foot felt much better, better than they have in years. I still have slight heel pain but much less than before. I cannot tell you how liberating the feeling is. I have seen over three different Podiatrists and Orthopedic Surgeons and nobody was able to give me the level of relief that you and Dr. Weil have given me. I would just like to express my deepest gratitude to you. Your help is so greatly appreciated.

Thank you for your honesty and professionalism and more importantly, your talent! You should be very proud. You guys are awesome.

Sincerely,

Dr. James Kakos
one happy patient!!!:-)

My Weight Loss Success Story - 172 pounds lighter!

I was always on the heavier side once I graduated from High School and was on my own. I really never paid attention to my weight just figuring I had the rest of my life to get healthy. So why do anything about it right now when I can just enjoy myself.

In January of 2007 I had surgery on my right ankle by Dr. Weil, Jr because I wasn’t stable when I walked and I would sometimes fall. Dr Weil told me that one of the reasons I am having so much of a problem was because of the extreme amount I weighed and the pressure that weight placed on the ankle. He said losing weight would help.

I saw my General Practitioner and she did blood work for cholesterol and took my blood pressure, and heart rate. My cholesterol was off the charts at a whopping 386, my blood pressure was 189/99 and my resting heart rate was 112. She was very worried about me, told me losing weight would help me increase my overall health.

I decided that enough was enough and to get going on a weight loss program. When I weighed in I just cried when the scale read 404 pounds!

I set my goals small because I didn’t want to think of the larger picture. My sights were set on losing 5 lbs at a time, then my first 10%. I followed the plan, began exercising and the weight started to fall off; before I knew it I lost 100 lbs by Christmas of 2007!

My biggest focus was to become healthier and fit for the rest of my life now and not later when it would be harder to do. I wanted to live an active, fun, healthy life and not have my weight hold me back from doing anything.

I went back to the doctor in March of 2008 to be re-tested and my doctor was shocked by my new look! When the tests came back, my cholesterol had dropped 240 points to 146, my blood pressure went down to 112/78 and my resting heart rate is at an average of 38!

Now I am able to walk almost 6 miles a day, feel fit and really feel great about how I look. And my friends and co-workers are seeing me as the inspiration to lose weight and get healthier for themselves.

Total inches lost since I started in Feb of 2007:

Waist – 33 inches

Hips – 27 inches

Chest – 19 inches

I have gone from a size 6x to a 16 in tops/blouses!

I have gone from a size 32 to a 14 in pants/jeans!

I have gone from a size 34 to a 12 in a swim suit!

The most important thing I am proud of is the hard work that I have done to make sure that I never see myself be at where I was in weight ever again.

My thanks goes to all the people that have helped me along the way from personal trainers ( Cindy Huber) my weight loss leaders, Dr. Weil Jr., Dr. David, family, friends and the 110% of support from my husband Brian without whom I couldn't have done this!

TOTAL WEIGHT LOST SINCE FEBRUARY 2007 172 pounds!!!

Sincerely,

Heather
Mount Prospect, IL

Save Your Soles: A Guide to Foot Pain

Treat your feet right and they'll return the favor. Our experts reveal ways to kick the bad habits that can lead to serious foot pain.

By Dorothy Foltz-Gray

Preventing and Soothing Problems

Maybe you were born with problem feet -- feet that turn in or out, arches that are too high or too low. Or you're dealing with foot pain that's self-inflicted, caused by tight shoes or high heels. Whatever the cause, foot pain is overwhelmingly a female problem: Experts say that 80 percent of foot surgery is performed on women. Foot doctors frown on teetery slingbacks, backless sandals and sky-high heels -- a disappointment for anyone who's ever coveted sexy stilettos or loves to lounge in flip-flops. If a shoe isn't supportive or fits poorly , say podiatrists, it's best not to wear it. Easier said than done, we know, but to avoid developing a foot problem or making one you already have worse, resist heels higher than 2 inches -- at least most of the time -- and tight squeezes (there should be about half an inch of space between your longest toe and the tip of the shoe).

"Try several sizes whenever you buy shoes," says Leslie Campbell, DPM, a foot and ankle surgeon at Presbyterian Hospital, in Allen, Texas. "Feet can change a half size in length, and also in width, at any time during adulthood -- from age, weight gain or loss, or pregnancy. And buy in the afternoon when feet tend to be the most swollen." Even if your feet mostly feel fine, our guide will help you pinpoint potential problem areas so you can stop bad habits that could lead to future foot trouble. If it's too late for preventive measures, you'll find the latest ways to soothe sore toes, heels, and soles

Pain Problem: Achilles Tendinitis

What It Is: Inflammation of the Achilles tendon (heel cord), causing pain and swelling at the back of your heel and ankle.

Cause: Some people are born with shortened muscles and tendons. But many women get what's called adaptive Achilles tendinitis by wearing high heels all day long -- which shortens those muscles and tendons -- and then going barefoot at night, making them suddenly lengthen. "Such shifts stress the Achilles tendon, which leads to inflammation," says Dr. Campbell.

Foot Fix: A heel insert can lift and cushion your heel, relieving tension on the tendon. An ice pack several times a day and over-the-counter anti-inflammatories such as ibuprofen can help reduce swelling. Extracorporeal shock wave therapy, which uses sound waves, may help. And try this stretch several times a day: Stand with both feet on the same staircase step, holding the banister. Let one heel drop below step edge; hold for 30 seconds. Do on other foot. Repeat three to four times.

Pain Problem: Plantar Fasciitis

What It Is: An inflammation of the plantar fascia, the tough band of tissue that runs along the bottom of your foot between the heel bone and the base of your toes. It's one of the most common causes of foot pain and can make you feel as if you're walking on a knife, especially in the morning (the fascia tightens overnight).

Cause: Feet over-pronate, stressing the plantar fasciae. Open-backed or flimsy shoes can strain the area. So can weight gain, which may thin the fat pad beneath the heel, flattening the arch and straining the bottom of the foot. Dancers, runners, and people who stand a lot often develop this problem.

Foot Fix: Add cushioned insoles or heel pads to supportive shoes with a 1- to 2-inch heel or use custom-made orthotics. Over-the-counter anti-inflammatories, such as ibuprofen and naproxen, and cortisone injections may also help. Other approaches your doctor may suggest include extracorporeal shock wave therapy. There's also radiofrequency therapy -- electrical signals are sent through a probe inserted through small punctures in the heel area -- which is more likely to be covered by insurance, says Chicago-area podiatric surgeon Lowell Weil, Jr., DPM. Another option is surgery on the fascia itself. Stretching in the morning, evening, and before exercise also helps. Try this: Stand arm's length from a wall, one foot behind the other, legs straight, heels on the floor. Place your hands on the wall and lean in, stretching the calf muscles. Do 10 repetitions; switch legs and repeat.

Pain Problem: Corns and Calluses

What They Are: Corns are balls of thickened skin, usually on the tops, sides, or tips of your toes; calluses are rough, thickened patches of skin on the heels and soles of the feet.

Cause: When your shoes pinch and press on your feet, your skin reacts to the friction and pressure by getting thicker.

Foot Fix: A podiatrist can shave the dead cells from the corns and calluses and prescribe an exfoliating cream. You can also reduce skin buildup by rubbing a corn or callus daily with a pumice stone or using a foot file. Silicone pads sold in drugstores protect the areas from pressure. Acid-based corn and callus removers do work, but Dr. Campbell points out they may burn your skin.

Pain Problem: Neuroma

What It Is: A benign growth, usually between the third and fourth toes, that pinches your nerves -- causing swelling and pain between the toes and a burning sensation in the ball of your foot.

Cause: When the foot's long bones are unusually mobile and the heads of these bones lie close together at the base of the toes, they may squeeze the nerve, creating a benign growth. Both wearing high-heeled pointed-toe shoes and going barefoot can aggravate the condition.

Foot Fix: Injections of cortisone, over-the-counter or prescription anti-inflammatory pills, orthotics, and stable, roomy low-heeled shoes can all help. Or your doctor may remove the growth or use cryotreatment (a cold probe that inactivates the nerve) or surgery that releases the ligament that's compressing the nerve.

Pain Problem: Athlete's Foot and Toenail Infections

What They Are: Fungal infections of the skin or nail bed. Athlete's foot can make the skin between the toes itchy and blistered. Fungal toenail infections (nails turn thick, yellow, and brittle) are more unsightly than uncomfortable.

Cause: "Fungi are everywhere," says Deerfield Beach, Florida, podiatrist Cary M. Zinkin, DPM. Going sockless in closed shoes or barefoot at the gym ups your chance of getting a fungal infection. So does having a pedicure with unsterilized instruments.

Foot Fix: For athlete's foot, your doctor may prescribe antifungal cream. For fungal toenails, she may prescribe a paint-on medication or three months of Lamisil pills, unless you have liver or kidney problems. Also ask about Vicks VapoRub-type products. "To avoid infections, keep your feet dry and clean," says Dr. Zinkin. "Dry between your toes after you shower and then use a foot powder." Wear clean cotton socks -- not nylon socks or tights -- to make feet less welcoming to fungi. And if you get pedicures, be sure both the instruments used and the footbath you soak in have been sterilized.

Pain Problem: Hammertoes

What It Is: A condition in which one or more toes become so bent at the joint that it can look like an upside-down V. Hammertoes also cause swelling and corns -- thickened skin -- on the top of the toes, which can restrict the joint's movement.

Cause: Heredity -- but also high heels, says Dr. Campbell. "More than half of my female patients have hammertoes." Wearing unstable shoes, such as stilettos and flip-flops, can contribute to the problem by providing so little support for your foot that you bend your toes when you walk, grabbing the shoe bed for balance. Eventually you may be unable to straighten one or more of your toes.

Foot Fix: Although only surgery can straighten bent toes, there are ways to ease the pain and keep hammertoes from becoming worse. Your doctor can shave the corns and prescribe exfoliating cream to help normal skin resurface. She may prescribe an orthotic to stabilize your foot and will certainly tell you to trade your high heels for low-heeled shoes that will keep your feet from wobbling. You can also buy over-the-counter silicone pads that slip between or over the toes to reduce friction and pressure from your shoes. And try using an ice pack to reduce painful inflammation of the toes, which should help make your shoes fit better.

Originally published in Ladies' Home Journal, June 2009.

White Sox Won't Rush Quentin Back

By Scott Merkin / MLB.com

05/26/09 10:50 PM ET

ANAHEIM -- Carlos Quentin is the type of player who never wants to leave the lineup, doing whatever he possibly can to keep himself in play.

Over the past couple of weeks, that particular desire pushed the White Sox All-Star left fielder to play through pain in his left foot. But the team now has come to a point where a trip to the disabled list might be the best solution involved for the intensely driven Quentin.

"If we need to put him on the disabled list, we will do it," said White Sox manager Ozzie Guillen prior to Tuesday's game at Angel Stadium. "We will need him in the stretch, but we have to wait to see what happens.

"He might try to play through soreness or pain just to be on the field. That don't work because the more pain you have, the more days you are going to lose."

Quentin basically has lost the remainder of the White Sox six-game road trip due to a recurrence of the injury on Monday night. Quentin launched a double to center during the three-run first in the team's 17-3 victory, but he pulled up lame as he made the turn at first. Quentin said that he felt a pop and was quickly replaced at second by Brian Anderson.

Anderson, who knocked out three hits in place of Quentin on Monday, was back in center on Tuesday, with Scott Podsednik playing left field. Quentin was sent back to Chicago to be examined by White Sox team doctors, including podiatrist Lowell Scott Weil.

The plan is for Quentin to rejoin the team in Chicago on Monday, when the White Sox begin June with a 12-game homestand, including five against first-place Detroit. At that point, Guillen plans to sit with Quentin and general manager Ken Williams to discuss if Quentin's bout with planter fasciitis has improved enough for him to retake his starting post or if he will be inactive for another week to 10 days on the DL.

"After Monday, we want him to say where he is and then we make the decisions," Guillen said. "How bad is it? It's too early to say how he's going to be or how he's going to react. I think Carlos was playing without being ready. That's my thought. He no was ready and just wanted to be on the field and it got a little bit worse. I have to sit down with him and Kenny and make sure he's honest with us. We don't need a hero."

Guillen added that Quentin was walking a little better on Tuesday than White Sox athletic trainer Herm Schneider thought he would. Quentin, who missed a game on May 12 and was out from May 16-20 with the same injury, is hitting .229 with eight home runs and 20 RBIs. But seven of those long balls came during the white Sox first 12 games.

Scott Merkin is a reporter for MLB.com. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Baseball or its clubs.

International Society for Medical Shockwave Treatment

Dr. Lowell Weil, Jr.

Lowell Weil, Jr., DPM, MBA was elected President of the International Society for Medical Shockwave Treatment (ISMST) at their annual meeting in Sorrento, Italy, this past week. He is the first podiatric physician to be elected to an executive position of this organization. His term of office will run through June of 2010 when he will host the 13th Annual ISMST2010 Meeting in Chicago, IL. This multidisciplinary meeting will not only involve ESWT for musculoskeletal disorders, but also the application of this modality in the treatment of wounds, arterial disorders, cellulite, and other cosmetic conditions. Dr. Lowell Weil, Jr.

Dr. Weil, Jr has pioneered the use of extracorporeal shockwave treatment ( ESWT) for plantar fasciitis in the United States and has been involved in three FDA studies and written several papers, as well as co-authored a book on the subject of musculoskeletal ESWT. Dr. Weil, Jr. is the Fellowship Director of the Weil Foot & Ankle Institute, Des Plaines, IL and is a team podiatrist for the Chicago White Sox.

Highland Park Office

Weil Foot & Ankle Institute

is pleased to announce we have moved our

Highland Park office to a new location.

We are now located in downtown

Highland Park

1729 Green Bay Road (just south of Central Avenue)

Our new location is open 6 days a weeks to better serve our patients.

Chicago Fire Soccer

Lowell Weil, Jr., DPM, MBA, FACFAS has been named the Associate Team Physician for the Chicago Fire soccer team.

Happy New Year

Happy New Year from California

I wanted to join all of your other grateful patients, in wishing you a most
wonderful New Year. My sincere hope is that your year is filled with good
health and happiness.

You greatly improved my quality of life when you operated on my left foot
for my metatarsalgia on the 4th of August. The pain is gone, and for that you
have my deepest appreciation.

Again, Happy New Year to you and your loved ones.
Sincerely, Ivan Rowan M.D.