Honest advice, a little humor, and what to expect when you’re under my care.
One of the best parts of being a direct care podiatrist is the time I get to spend actually talking with my patients—no insurance checkboxes, just real conversations. Over the years, I’ve found myself repeating certain phrases that sum up my philosophy about foot care, treatment plans, and what really works.
Here are five of my go-to lines—and the important truths behind them:
1. “Warts make me look like an idiot or a genius.”
Warts are tricky. You can throw every treatment at them—topical acids, cryotherapy, Swift microwave therapy, and more—and sometimes they’ll still stick around. Other times, the simplest treatment clears them up instantly.
There’s no one-size-fits-all wart cure, which is why I tailor treatment based on you—your skin type, your immune response, and how long the wart’s been there. But yes, sometimes they make me feel like a genius… and sometimes not so much!
2. “I recommend the ‘kitchen sink’ method for fungal nails.”
Fungal nails are stubborn. I don’t believe in chasing them with just one treatment. I believe in combining forces—topical prescriptions, oral medications when appropriate, and laser therapy to attack the fungus from every angle.
Think of it like cleaning mold out of your shower. You wouldn’t just spray it once and call it a day. You’d scrub, ventilate, maybe even replace tile. That’s the kind of persistence we need for fungal nails.
3. “Your fungal nails are going to take a long time to get better. Seasons will change, houses will be built, babies will be born before your nails are clear.”
If you’re looking for instant results with fungal nail treatment, I want to set realistic expectations. Toenails grow slowly—really slowly. Even with aggressive treatment, it can take 12–18 months to see full clearing.
That doesn’t mean the treatment isn’t working—it just means your body is doing its slow, steady work of growing out new, healthy nails.
4. “Not one thing works for heel pain.”
Heel pain is one of the most common complaints I see, and also one of the most misunderstood. Patients often come in saying, “I tried stretching,” or “I bought new shoes,”—but those alone rarely do the trick.
To truly heal, you need a layered approach: stretching, supportive footwear, orthotics, maybe shockwave therapy or laser, and yes—sometimes changes in activity. It’s not about one magical fix—it’s about building the right combination that works for your body.
5. “The definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over. I’d like to think I’m not insane—so we’re going to try something different.”
If something’s not working, I don’t believe in throwing more of the same at it. Whether it’s a persistent wart, unresolved heel pain, or a nail that just won’t clear—I take the time to re-evaluate, shift the approach, and try something new. Because your body deserves a solution that works.
Real Talk. Real Results.
At Lighthouse Foot and Ankle Center, you won’t find cookie-cutter care. You’ll get honesty, options, and a doctor who’s willing to roll up her sleeves (and sometimes laugh at herself) to get you feeling better.
Why Choose Direct Care?
As a direct care podiatrist, there’s no insurance approval or referral needed. That means:
- Appointments that run on time
- More face-to-face time with your doctor
- Treatment plans based on what works, not what’s covered
Call 207-774-0028 or book online to experience a more personal, practical, and effective approach to foot care.
