AboutDr George Tsatsos Expertise All questions related to surgery, orthopedics and medicine of the foot
and ankle.
Second Opinion specialist in Foot and Ankle including fractures
All questions relating to foot and ankle problems in children
Sports medicine of the foot and ankle
Runner's and walking problems
Experience PRIVATE PRACTICES:
Ankle N Foot Center.com, 2220 W Belmont Ave., Chgo., IL 60618 since 1979
Ankle & Foot Center of Elmhurst, 401 N.York Rd., Elmhurst, IL, 60126, since 1989.
Physicians Suites, Bethany Hospital, 3435 W. Van Buren, Chgo., Il, 60624, since1980.
HOSPITAL & SURGICAL AFFILIATIONS:
Bethany Hospital, 3435 W. Van Buren, Chgo., Il.- Podiatry staff since 1979
Glen Oaks Medical Center, 701 Winthrop, Glen Dale Hts, IL – Podiatry staff since 1997.
Elmhurst Medsurge, 401 N. York Rd., Elmhurst, IL, 60126, since 1999
Resurrection Health Care Surgery Center, 3101 N. Harlem Ave., Chicago, IL, since 1999
Chicago Neurologic & Orthopedic Hospital, 4501 N. Winchester Ave., Chicago, IL, since 2008
Organizations Member of the National & Midwest Academy of Ambulatory Foot Surgery.
Member of American College of Sports Medicine.
Member of American Medical Athletic Association.
Member of Chicago Metropolitan Ski Council.
Publications Prolotherapy in the Treatment of Foot Problems Clinical Correspondence, June 2002. Vol 92- no. 6 Journal of the American Podiatric Medical Association.
Paper on Treatment of Delta-Phalanx of the Foot – submitted for publication to Journal of Foot and Ankle Surgery & for Fellowship of ACPPS., September, 1998
Sports Medicine Consultant for the book-Triathlon 101 Essentials for Multisport Success by John Mora – 1999 ISBN 0-88011-811-3
Windy City Sports – October 1996 Marathon Issue “Keeping Your Feet Happy”
American Running & Fitness Association, Clinic Advisor & Lifetime Member – Editorial Staff since 1990.
Education/Credentials Fellow-American College of Foot & Ankle Orthopedists, since 1991.
Fellow-Academy of Ambulatory Foot Surgery, since 1980.
Fellow- American Institute of Foot Medicine , since 1987.
Fellow-American College of Foot & Ankle Pediatrics, since 1998.
Certified in Laser Surgery- by Wenske Laser Center, Ravenswood Hospital, 1991.
Certified in Foot and Ankle Arthroscopy – by Doctor’s Hospital, 1991.
Certified Preceptorship Director-Scholl College of Podiatry 1993-2006
Board Certified in Foot & Ankle Surgery-A.B.M.S.P., since 1987. Recertified 8/08 till 3/31/2012
Board Certified in Podiatric Foot & Ankle Orthopedics-A.B.P.O.P.P.M., 1991. Recertified 10/2003 till 12/2013
Board Certified in Pain Management-A.A.P.M., since 1990.-retired
Clinical Instructor – Department of Medicine at Rosalind Franklin University 10/2007 until present
I am 17 years old, and both my big toes have, for my entire life, veered away from the metatarsal bone at maybe a 40 degree angle (I am a bad estimator). My other toes have also been affected in this way, but not nearly as dramatically as my big toes. Until about six months ago, my abnormal foot and toe shape has never bothered me although I have wondered if the issue needed to be addressed because I had heard about bunions. In the past few months, however, the big toe on my right foot has been giving me pain when I walk and jog; and the vulnerable appearance of my metatarsal bone on that foot has become especially apparent. When I saw my general practitioner about another health issue recently, I mentioned my foot; and he told me that I do not actually have bunions yet but recommends that I see a podiatrist at some point simply to see if I should be doing anything else to prevent bunions for as long as I can. He recognizes that I will most likely need surgery for bunions somewhere down the road but says that the longer I wait, the better because feet take a long time to heal; and my feet have especially poor circulation anyway. I apologize for overwhelming you with all this information, but I have questions for you as follows: Do you recommend I see a podiatrist sooner rather than later? Is there anything I can do to relieve the pain right now? Should I stay away from jogging? (I have been biking on a stationary bike since the schoolyear began.) Any other advice you can give me based on the information I have provided would be much appreciated. I have attached a photo of my right foot, the one about which I especially have concern. Thank you very much for your time.
Terésa
Answer If you have reached your skeletal maturity-then you may be ready for surgery.
First of all-seek 2 or 3 opinions from good podiatrists.
You will know them from happy patients in the office-don't be afraid to talk to them.
If the first thing out of the Podiatrist's mouth is surgery-without any explanations and asking you to take time to think about it-Walk out!
Surgery can be a big deal or not too bad(with minimum pain). You have to find the right doctor!
Make sure the doctor reviews the Pros & Cons of surgery and SHOWS genuine interest in your welfare and not just the surgery. Ask what they will do if something goes wrong and how they will handle it.
Not a bad idea to have Mom & Dad around to help with the decision.
Find someone who had the surgery a few years ago and still has a good result-then visit that doctor.
In the meantime orthotics/orthoses may help with the pain and slow down the bunion a little bit until you find the right doc. Try some silicone bunion pads. Don't bother with bunion splints-they don't work.
Don't wait too long if the bump is growing, the toe is drifting, or it is hurting with regular shoes. See our website AnkleNFoot.com for additional info on bunions.
Hope this helps
Dr George Tsatsos
Chicago & Elmhurst Podiatrists
Board Certified in Foot and Ankle Surgery & Orthopedics
New Chicago South Loop Location 60661
AnkleNFoot.com
)