Frequently Asked Questions

We provide specialized care to many patients experiencing foot and ankle pain. Allow us to promptly address your questions and guide you on what to expect when beginning treatment with Dr. Kamel.

Patient Care
Can you describe the range of surgical treatments you offer for foot and ankle problems?

There is a wide range of surgical treatments available for foot and ankle conditions from ankle stabilization procedures, Achilles tendon repair, fracture care, reconstruction surgery for bunions and arthritis, as well as minimally invasive surgery.

Can you explain the process and criteria for determining if a patient needs custom vs over-the-counter orthotics?

In general, having support from orthotics is better than not having it. Dr. Kamel usually recommends using Superfeet as his go-to over the counter orthotic recommendation, however there are circumstances where having a custom orthotic molded would provide better support and therefore better outcomes. This decision requires an assessment to evaluate the patient's foot type, flexibility, and specific activity needs.

What are your policies regarding follow-up care and monitoring of chronic conditions?

Depending on your condition, Dr. Kamel may require that you be seen on a routine basis in order to evaluate the progression of your condition. Other times, routine follow up may not be necessary, but he will be sure to give you all the necessary information to know when would be a good time to be re-evaluated and what signs and symptoms to look out for to prevent worsening of your condition.

What are the most recent advancements in podiatric care that you have adopted?

Surgically: Dr. Kamel offers minimally invasive procedures. This is where procedures that are traditionally done in a more invasive way, are done by dramatically reducing the size of the incision and the trauma to tissues at the surgical site. This results in less swelling and quicker healing all while accomplishing the same orthopedic outcome. One recent advancement that Dr. Kamel has adopted is minimally invasive bunion surgeries. Patients are able to achieve dramatic improvements in pain while maintaining cosmesis.

‍Medically: Dr. Kamel offers alternative injections. Steroids are great for reducing inflammation and therefore pain. This is great for a lot of patients, but it doesn’t come without certain side effects and there are some patients who want more. Platelet rich plasma (PRP) injections are a great alternative. With PRP injections, we are taking platelet rich plasma from the patient’s own blood and injecting it back into the body. Recent research has shown that PRP is a powerhouse treatment with incredible healing properties. It does this by triggering the release of growth factors that stimulate and increase the number of reparative cells your body produces. This significantly enhances the body's natural healing process.

‍Diagnostically: Dr. Kamel utilizes ultrasound to quickly and accurately diagnose patients. This is not as commonly done, and as a result, patients are often sent for additional imaging through MRIs, which can take weeks to months to accomplish. By using ultrasound, the diagnosis can be confirmed the same day. In-office ultrasound can even be used to improve the accuracy of an injection given therefore improving results.

What is your experience with sports-related foot and ankle injuries, and how do you approach treatment for athletes?

Dr. Kamel has worked with athletes from all levels including pre-high school, high school, college, and professional athletes. As a previous athlete himself, Dr. Kamel understands the mind set of an athlete and therefore treats those patients in a manner in which they can get back on the field or court in the safest way, as fast as possible. This is done with advanced surgical treatment and non-surgical treatment modalities.

How do you integrate patient education into your treatment plans?

Studies have shown that the more informed a patient is, the more likely they will be compliant, ultimately resulting in better outcomes. Every person learns and processes information in different ways, therefore Dr. Kamel integrates various forms of media, verbal, and written instructions to ensure that his patients have all the resources necessary.

How do you coordinate care with other healthcare professionals for patients with complex medical conditions?

Dr. Kamel is very connected within the medical community. Part of adequately taking care of patients appropriately, is having good communication with all members of the healthcare team. Our office will assist patients with coordinating care with other providers if Dr. Kamel finds it necessary, as well as direct doctor-to-doctor communications in cases that are more urgent.

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Typically if you have swelling that persists for more than 2-5 days after home remedies or have pain that doesn’t improve after several weeks. Any type of injury to the foot and ankle should be assessed within a few days to make sure there are no tears of soft tissue structures or fractures that may require surgical intervention. Outcomes for these injuries have better outcomes when addressed sooner rather than later.

Post Op Care
How do you approach pain management for post-operative patients?

Anesthesia and other prescription medications will be administered to manage patient's pain during the surgical procedure. It is not uncommon to experience pain and discomfort during the recovery process. This is part of the body's natural active healing process.

Every patient varies in the amount of pain they experience post-operatively. Your pain levels may fluctuate throughout the healing journey, typically peaking in the initial 3-5 days after surgery. Many patients report intense postsurgical pain at night, likely influenced by factors such as stress, medication impact on sleep, other disruptions to sleep, and the body's natural cycles of activity and rest.

Dr. Kamel will work with you to effectively manage your pain during the recovery process. The primary objective of postsurgical pain management is to reduce pain enough for you to be able to get around and rest comfortably.

After surgery, you may experience different types of pain, including aching or soreness attributed to inflammation to muscles and soft tissues. Additionally, pain from healing nerves may manifest as burning or tingling sensations.

There are many factors to consider to control pain, but Dr. Kamel will tailor the recommended pain medication based on these factors to ensure you are comfortable during your recovery process. Medications may be administered in various forms, including pills, injections, or intravenous (IV) delivery.

Common post-surgical pain medications include: Acetaminophen, Gabapentin, nerve blocks (local and regional anesthetics), non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like ibuprofen or naproxen, and opioid analgesics.

Many patients hesitate to take pain medication due to concerns about dependency or overuse. This is understandable, however, avoiding pain medication immediately after surgery may actually be detrimental. Studies have shown that patients who responsibly use pain medication for post-surgical pain tend to use less overall compared to those who attempt to avoid it entirely.

When should I see the doctor after surgery?

Refer to your surgery instruction sheet for the follow-up timeframe. Typically, the initial postoperative appointment is scheduled one to two weeks after surgery, as outlined in your surgery instructions.

What do I do if I am having a lot of pain after surgery?

Follow prescribed pain medication instructions and apply the R.I.C.E principle. Over-the-counter pain medications like Tylenol or Ibuprofen can be used unless contraindicated. If pain persists, please contact our office.

There is some drainage/bleeding from the incision site, what should I do?

Slight drainage from one or more incision sites is normal within the first few days. This drainage is typically thin and watery, appearing clear to reddish. If there is drainage that increases by the hour or day, is discolored, or purulent, and accompanied by pain or fevers, please call our office as soon as possible. Otherwise, reinforce or change the dressing as needed.

Why am I so Itchy after surgery?

Sometimes chlorhexidine is a surgical site skin preparation used to clean the skin and may cause itching. Another cause may be due to the narcotics that are given. Taking over-the-counter antihistamines like Benadryl or Claritin may be helpful to alleviate itching. If you experience an allergic reaction, such as hives or shortness of breath, please stop medication immediately and contact our office.

Why am I constipated after surgery?

Constipation is common due to reduced activity and pain medications, especially narcotics. Increase fluid, fruit, and fiber intake, and consider a stool softener. Constipation is usually temporary; if persistent after 3-4 days, please call our office.

How often and how long should I use ice packs?

Ice aids in reducing inflammation. For that reason it may be beneficial to introduce ice therapy or a cold machine for up to 1-2 weeks. Apply ice for no more than 20 minutes at a time.

When should I be seen for my foot and ankle issue?

Typically if you have swelling that persists for more than 2-5 days after home remedies or have pain that doesn’t improve after several weeks. Any type of injury to the foot and ankle should be assessed within a few days to make sure there are no tears of soft tissue structures or fractures that may require surgical intervention. Outcomes for these injuries have better outcomes when addressed sooner rather than later.

What do I do if I have nausea or I am vomiting and can’t eat?

Continue to intake fluids to prevent dehydration. Over-the-counter medications like Benadryl or Dramamine may help with nausea. If over-the-counter medications don't work to relieve the nausea, please contact our office for possible prescription options.

Scheduling Appointments
What is the best way to contact the office?

The best and fastest way to get a hold of Dr. Kamel's office is to give us a phone call at (909) 593-7437. You may also click this link, fill out the short form, and someone should get a hold of you within 24-48 hours.

How can I make an appointment to see Dr. Kamel?

There are a few options to schedule an appointment with Dr. Kamel. The fastest method is to call the clinic at (909) 593-7437 and speak with one of our appointment schedulers. You may also consider requesting an appointment, fill out the appropriate information, and someone will reach out to you within 24-48 hours to help finalize the appointment. The third option is to schedule the appointment online using Zocdoc. One of our representatives will still reach out to you to finalize your appointment even if the appointment is made through this platform.

Insurance
What services are covered under my insurance plan?

With Dr. Kamel, the services covered by your insurance plan depend on your specific insurance provider. Our team works with a wide range of insurance providers and can provide specific details about what services are covered under each plan.

Does Dr. Kamel accept Medicare?

Yes

How does insurance coverage affect my treatment plan with Dr. Kamel?

Insurance coverage can affect your treatment plan. For example, some treatments might require pre-approval from the insurance company. Dr. Kamel's team works closely with your insurance provider to ensure that you receive the maximum benefits available under your plan.

What does it mean that Dr. Kamel is in-network with all major insurance providers?

Being in-network means that Dr. Kamel has agreed to provide services to insured patients at rates negotiated with the insurance companies. This often results in lower out-of-pocket costs for patients compared to seeing an out-of-network provider.

What are the potential out-of-pocket costs with Dr. Kamel's services?

Potential out-of-pocket costs can vary depending on the services received and your specific insurance plan. Costs may occur for services not covered by insurance.

Still have questions?

Please do not hesitate to reach out if you have any questions!