EXPERT
Dr. Breck Tiernan, DPM
Podiatrist (Foot and Ankle Specialist)
While attending the University of Iowa, I looked for a career in the medical field that was challenging and yet set in a controlled comfortable environment. My studies lead me to the Des Moines University ...
19 years
Experience
Dr. Breck Tiernan, DPM
- Joliet, IL
- Des Moines University College of Osteopathic Medicine and Health Sciences
- Accepting new patients
No results found
Will I walk with a limp after ankle fusion?
Yes, most likely you will. To walk normally, the ankle needs to flex 10 degrees. Since the ankle will not move, the knee and the hip will have to start moving more and in more READ MORE
Yes, most likely you will. To walk normally, the ankle needs to flex 10 degrees. Since the ankle will not move, the knee and the hip will have to start moving more and in more abnormal motions which will deteriorate those joints later. You are very young to have an ankle fusion and must consider that the adjacent joints will be a problem down the road.
Will I need time off work after toenail removal?
Unlikely that you would need to be off of work, but that depends on the job and shoe gear that is required. It will be sore for a couple days, but most patients go to work the READ MORE
Unlikely that you would need to be off of work, but that depends on the job and shoe gear that is required. It will be sore for a couple days, but most patients go to work the next day.
Wrong orthotics?
It is unlikely that you did permanent damage to your knee from wearing the new orthotics. Normally, if you stop with the inserts and regain your normal gait, the knee should return READ MORE
It is unlikely that you did permanent damage to your knee from wearing the new orthotics. Normally, if you stop with the inserts and regain your normal gait, the knee should return to normal. It may take some time for the inflammation to come down. Ice, anti inflammatories and physical therapy may help. Good luck
Big toes issues?
There is a way to remove the entire toenail or just a portion of the toenail, permanently. It is called a matrixectomy. Any podiatrist can do it in the office. It is a simple surgery READ MORE
There is a way to remove the entire toenail or just a portion of the toenail, permanently. It is called a matrixectomy. Any podiatrist can do it in the office. It is a simple surgery that will require some aftercare for a couple weeks. That should do the trick for you. Take care
Does massaging your leg and feet help neuropathy?
It may help a little by soothing nerve pains and getting rid of some swelling, but it is not really a great long term management for the condition. Neuropathy is a tough thing READ MORE
It may help a little by soothing nerve pains and getting rid of some swelling, but it is not really a great long term management for the condition. Neuropathy is a tough thing to treat. Medications, laser therapy and surgery are options, but they do not work on everyone.
I have a little bone growth just under my toe. Will it have to be treated with surgery?
The only way to get rid of bone is surgery, unfortunately. Just because you have a bone growth does not mean you need surgery. If there is pain involved, treating the soft tissue READ MORE
The only way to get rid of bone is surgery, unfortunately. Just because you have a bone growth does not mean you need surgery. If there is pain involved, treating the soft tissue around the area may let you avoid any surgical intervention.
My feet sweat a lot. Is that normal or is it a problem?
Not really a normal thing, but it is not uncommon either. You can treat excessive sweating feet with drying powders and lotions. I will normally prescribe Drysol for patients to READ MORE
Not really a normal thing, but it is not uncommon either. You can treat excessive sweating feet with drying powders and lotions. I will normally prescribe Drysol for patients to help stop their feet from sweating. It usually works for most people
I have flat feet and running is becoming painful. What should I do?
Changing of running shoes would be the first place to start. For someone with a flatter foot, I will usually tell them to get a New Balance or Brooks shoe. Custom and over the READ MORE
Changing of running shoes would be the first place to start. For someone with a flatter foot, I will usually tell them to get a New Balance or Brooks shoe. Custom and over the counter orthotics could help you also. For runner specifically, I will go with a semi-flexible insert to help the over pronation of the foot.
Can a bunion be treated without surgery?
Treatments without surgery are not typically successful. Wider shoes, padding, orthotics and cortisone injections may be used with varying degrees of success, but surgery is usually READ MORE
Treatments without surgery are not typically successful. Wider shoes, padding, orthotics and cortisone injections may be used with varying degrees of success, but surgery is usually the way to "cure" a bunion.
What shoes should I wear for hammertoe?
Shoes may help decrease the irritation from hammertoes, but will probably not stop them from progressing. Shoes with more flexible material on the top would be helpful. Hammertoes READ MORE
Shoes may help decrease the irritation from hammertoes, but will probably not stop them from progressing. Shoes with more flexible material on the top would be helpful. Hammertoes develop from muscle imbalances in your feet. Orthotic treatment and pads, such as crest pads, may help them out more than changing shoe gear
I have a weird growth on my ankle. What could it be?
I would recommend getting an X-ray at minimum or even an MRI to see the extent of the growth. It could be a lot of things and without an examination, it would be difficult to say. READ MORE
I would recommend getting an X-ray at minimum or even an MRI to see the extent of the growth. It could be a lot of things and without an examination, it would be difficult to say. Take care
My grandfather's wound is not healing. What should we do?
You should see a podiatrist soon. The keys to wound healing: 1. No infection 2. Make sure there is proper blood flow 3. Offloading of the area 4. Proper debridement and dressing READ MORE
You should see a podiatrist soon. The keys to wound healing:
1. No infection
2. Make sure there is proper blood flow
3. Offloading of the area
4. Proper debridement and dressing of the wound
Antibiotics alone will probably not heal the area. wounds can heal very quickly or take years. There is a lot of new technology that will help such area Skin substitute grafts, Laser treatments, Ultramist therapy and Hyperbaric oxygen treatments. It is important to treat a wound ASAP so it does not become a chronic area that can develop infection leading to gangrene.
1. No infection
2. Make sure there is proper blood flow
3. Offloading of the area
4. Proper debridement and dressing of the wound
Antibiotics alone will probably not heal the area. wounds can heal very quickly or take years. There is a lot of new technology that will help such area Skin substitute grafts, Laser treatments, Ultramist therapy and Hyperbaric oxygen treatments. It is important to treat a wound ASAP so it does not become a chronic area that can develop infection leading to gangrene.
Is foot amputation the only solution for gangrene?
It depends on the type of gangrene, severity and location. Some gangrene can be cured with an angioplasty in the leg to open up blood flow, but in most cases amputation is needed. READ MORE
It depends on the type of gangrene, severity and location. Some gangrene can be cured with an angioplasty in the leg to open up blood flow, but in most cases amputation is needed.
