Life was a whole lot simpler just three months ago before a new strain of the coronavirus called COVID-19 began to spread across the globe. Back then, the most difficult thing about grocery shopping was remembering to bring your shopping list. Now the same chore looks more like implementing a strategic maneuver with facemasks, social distancing, and hand sanitizer.
Accessing medical care is another one of those important responsibilities that has seen dramatic changes since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic. Knowing which doctors are still open for business and what types of services are available can be confusing, and it seems to change every day.
Dr. Jarna Rathod-Bhatt, Dr. Rahul Bhatt, and our podiatry team at Apple Podiatry Group want to help cut through the confusion so that you can get the quality foot care you’ve grown to rely on and trust.
Rest assured that pandemic or not, your care and safety is and will always be our primary objective. At Apple Podiatry, we’re implementing a COVID-19 policy, but our offices in Arlington and Irving, Texas, are open with modified hours.
Currently we’re seeing patients with urgent or emergency needs – patients suffering from infections, ingrown nails, severe pain, or fractures. These protocols are similar to those happening at other doctors’ offices across the country.
These measures are intended to minimize the risk of spreading COVID-19 by limiting interactions as well as conserving the precious supply of personal protective equipment that’s needed by the front-line health care workers who are treating coronavirus patients. But what’s happening with podiatry that’s particularly unique to our specialty is an increased vigilance for managing wound care, specifically as it relates to diabetic foot care.
Patients with diabetes are particularly at risk for getting coronavirus because of their underlying health condition. If you have diabetes, it’s important to keep your feet healthy and manage any wound issues before they turn into infections that require a visit to the emergency room. If you have diabetic foot ulcers, call the office and we’ll talk about your situation and decide whether an urgent visit to our office is warranted.
Right now, the safest way for us to deliver most routine podiatry services is via a telemedicine consultation. We know this is different from what you’re used to, but it temporarily provides a good tool to dispense medical care in the safest way possible. Think of it as the modern version of the old-fashioned house call.
If you do have an urgent medical need and make an appointment to see us at the office, you’ll notice some procedures designed to keep you and our community safe. We’ve made adjustments in scheduling to minimize the number of patients in our office at one time.
Like you, we wash our hands frequently and wipe down surfaces in our exam and waiting rooms. Despite the uncertainty that faces us each day with the COVID-19 pandemic, please know that the one thing you can rely on is our unrelenting commitment to your health. If you have any questions about our new procedures or protocols, don’t hesitate to contact us.
If you’ve been to our office recently and think you've been exposed to the coronavirus, please let us know as soon as possible.
Recently some asymptomatic patients around the nation have reported what’s being called “COVID toes,” which looks like purple or red discoloration on or around the toes. This may be accompanied by a loss of the sense of smell. However, more common COVID-19 symptoms include a fever, cough, chills, and increased chest pressure or shortness of breath.
We hope all of our patients are safe and well. If you have an urgent foot care need, please contact our podiatry team by phone to discuss your situation.
