EvenKeel Podiatry offers patients complete care through biomechanical and lower extremity analysis. We refuse to settle for a band aid fix and work hard to understand and get to the source of our patients problems. Few doctors and practices match the detail in history, diagnostics, biomechanical and gait analysis. The doctor/patient relationship is of utmost importance to EvenKeel.
Many times a structural flaw, misalignment, or malfunction in any part of the foot or ankle can result in the development of problems elsewhere in the body, often in the knees, hips, lower back and shoulders. Dr. Frank Santopietro’s approach focuses on understanding not only the many complexities of the foot and ankle, but also their relationship with the rest of the body. His goal is to correct the body’s overall alignment by providing a proper foundation in the foot and ankle.
Our Process:
1. Patient Registration
Right from the get go, from the moment you call or email us to request an appointment – you’ll find it easy to get into our office to see Dr. Santopietro. Most foot and lower extremity problems can be evaluated and treated within a few days.
2. Patient history and physical reviewed
Listening to your problems and taking a thorough history are of great importance to us. Patients will be asked to fill out detailed information related to their foot problems.
3. Foot scan and Biomechanical Exam
All of our new patients receive a free, digital weight bearing photographic scan of their feet for diagnostic purposes. Additionally we do a thorough biomechanical examination, watch you walk (and sometimes run) and explain in detail how your mechanics may affect your foot, ankle, leg, knee, hip and lower back problems. We also strive to improve your gait, posture and running technique.
4. Diagnostic Orders (if necessary – Labs, X-Rays etc.)
Should you need them, we will order the appropriate diagnostic tests and examinations. All diagnostics will be communicated to any health professionals you wish to share this information with to ensure clear communication of your treatment and progress.
5. Education
We don’t just explain to our patients what they need – we demonstrate why it matters, what it does to improve your daily function and how you can be successful with our multifaceted therapy. We give you the tools and information you need to make the best decisions and achieve the foot health you desire.
6. Treatment
Actions will be taken to immediately ameliorate urgent problems. Our goal is to treat the initial problem but at the same time prevent it from coming back. We address the root of the problem at the first first visit and provide a long term strategy to maintain foot health and prevent new problems from occurring. Prevention is the best treatment.
7. Prescription
Should you wish to proceed with fulfilling any prescriptions we will be sure you have all the information you need and we will deliver in a timely fashion:
- Custom orthotic devices – we make in office in about 1 hour. Patient walks out with new orthotics same day if they wish. Unfortunately, orthotic devices are not submitted to insurance by EvenKeel Podiatry at this time. If you have questions about your health savings account or flex spending account and the ability to use these to cover the cost of custom orthotics, ask our billing department.
- Supportive shoes / sneakers – we carry Brooks Addiction, Ariel and Beast in our office – the best in control footwear from Brooks Running – to compliment our custom orthotic devices. We aim to keep one of every size in house to at least fit you properly with the right size and width running shoe.
- Limb Length Correction – Frequently we find patients have one leg slightly shorter than another. Also known as a limb length discrepancy, this can happen for a variety of physiological reasons, but is easily corrected using custom orthotics and heel lifts.
- Medication – We rarely need to prescribe medications but when we do we are thorough and accurate with our prescription. Please do not hesitate to ask us any questions should you be prescribed medication.
- Cast and walking boot – Occasionally, damage done to a foot or ankle may require treatment with an immobilizing device, such as a cast or a walking boot.
- Night splint (children under 10) – For some young patients we will sometimes prescribe a corrective splint to be worn while sleeping that re-positions a growing person’s alignment.
8. Follow-up
Typically, we will see you back in 2-3 weeks and then again in 2-3 months. At this time adjustments may be made to your treatment plan. We are very thorough and want to see you succeed! We are only as good as our last patient after all, so please do not hesitate to contact us if you have any questions, comments or concerns.