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Dr. Mark Miller, DPM

Podiatrist (Foot and Ankle Specialist)

Dr. Mark Miller is a podiatrist practicing in Carlsbad, CA. Dr. Miller is a medical doctor specializing in the treatment of the foot , ankle and related parts of the leg. As a podiatrist, Dr. Miller diagnoses and treats conditions of the feet. The feet are key body parts that give a person stability, absorb shock, allow for walking and standing and are necessary for overall well-being. So, the feet need expert care. Podiatrists can specialize in surgery, wound care, sports medicine, diabetic care and pediatrics.
Learn More About Me
35 years Experience
Dr. Mark Miller, DPM
  • Carlsbad, CA
  • Temple University College of Podiatric Medicine
  • Accepting new patients

Thick nail?

Ingrown nail surgery can, sometimes, injure the nail bed and the nail growing cells, called the Matrix. If this happens, as the nail regrows, while the matrix is in a weakened READ MORE
Ingrown nail surgery can, sometimes, injure the nail bed and the nail growing cells, called the Matrix. If this happens, as the nail regrows, while the matrix is in a weakened (healing) state, nail fungus can be introduced into the matrix and can cause a thicker, discolored, malgrowing portion or total nail. I recommend using an over-the-counter fungal nail liquid, Even Tea Tree Oil will help to grow a more normal looking nail. However, using any of the treatments can take 6 to 10 months to produce to better looking nail. Thank you.

How long before you can walk after hammertoe surgery?

Usually, you can walk immediately after hammertoe surgery, BUT, until the skin incision and the bone heals, you will need to possibly use a surgical shoe and or crutches. Be sure READ MORE
Usually, you can walk immediately after hammertoe surgery, BUT, until the skin incision and the bone heals, you will need to possibly use a surgical shoe and or crutches. Be sure to ask your podiatrist to fully explain the procedure and the expected Recovery. Thank you.

Can you walk after ankle surgery?

It's always a good idea to rest and elevate after most foot and ankle surgeries. Depending on the surgeon, the procedure, any hardware used, and a few other factors, the answer READ MORE
It's always a good idea to rest and elevate after most foot and ankle surgeries. Depending on the surgeon, the procedure, any hardware used, and a few other factors, the answer is that you should be able to walk within a few days of the surgery with an assisted device, i.e., CAM Walker boot, crutches, or roller bench.

How long does it take for foot fractures to heal?

Several factors affect bone healing, i.e. as general health, autoimmune diseases, chronic diseases being treated for, ex. osteoporosis, Diabetes, and others. However, in general, READ MORE
Several factors affect bone healing, i.e. as general health, autoimmune diseases, chronic diseases being treated for, ex. osteoporosis, Diabetes, and others. However, in general, fractures take 6-8 weeks to heal. A diet of good protein will speed up recovery.

How can I relieve my ankle pain?

Dear Ankle Pain, There are many things that can cause ankle pain, i.e., bones, joints, muscles, tendons, ligaments, and nerves; activity level, body weight, previous injuries, READ MORE
Dear Ankle Pain,

There are many things that can cause ankle pain, i.e., bones, joints, muscles, tendons, ligaments, and nerves; activity level, body weight, previous injuries, and many other factors can also cause or add to the pain. It would be best to get checked out thoroughly by a Podiatrist in your local area. There are as many treatments as there are causes.

Dr. M. Miller

How long does it take to realign a sprained ankle?

Since you are still young, it should realign more quickly than 50+ yrs. old, depending how healthy you are in all other areas. However, a sprained ankle will need time to restrengthen. READ MORE
Since you are still young, it should realign more quickly than 50+ yrs. old, depending how healthy you are in all other areas. However, a sprained ankle will need time to restrengthen. Also, depending on how badly damaged the ligaments, tendons, and the ankle joint itself are, it can take 3-6 months or longer to heal completely enough to return to your normal activities. The best thing to do is to begin a Rehab regimen as soon as the swelling and pain allow it. Consult with a Sport Trainer or Physical Therapist for ideas on specific sports injuries.

Dr. MM

Do podiatrists treat toenail fungus?

Yes, podiatrists specialize in everything lower legs, ankles, feet, toes, and toenails. Toenail fungus is difficult to treat, but can be cured (or improved) using certain anti-fungal READ MORE
Yes, podiatrists specialize in everything lower legs, ankles, feet, toes, and toenails. Toenail fungus is difficult to treat, but can be cured (or improved) using certain anti-fungal liquids and/or pills, if appropriate.

Wrong orthotics?

I'm sorry to hear your problems with the orthotics. When orthotics are made wrongly for the individual patient, they often cause the pain you described. Sometimes, a break-in READ MORE
I'm sorry to hear your problems with the orthotics. When orthotics are made wrongly for the individual patient, they often cause the pain you described. Sometimes, a break-in period is recommended of 2 hours the 1st day and 1 hour longer each next day or until the pain becomes too intense to continue wearing the orthotics. The good news is that, once you discontinue the orthotic, your knee pain should subside. The pain relief would happen more quickly by using RICE: rest, ice, compression (ace bandage or elastic wrap, and elevation. If the pain does not subside within 2 weeks, you should see a podiatrist or orthopedic surgeon. Good luck!

Will I need time off work after toenail removal?

Recovery from toenail surgery is usually very quick. Barring any major medical conditions, i.e. diabetes, poor circulation, autoimmune diseases, etc., I tell my patients to stay READ MORE
Recovery from toenail surgery is usually very quick. Barring any major medical conditions, i.e. diabetes, poor circulation, autoimmune diseases, etc., I tell my patients to stay off the foot/feet and elevate for 1 day, take Motrin only if needed, soak the area in epsom salts/warm water and cover it with a bandaid with antibiotic ointment 2x/day until the area no longer drains. You should plan to NOT work only the day of the procedure. good luck!

Why do I need to keep my foot elevated after surgery?

Elevating prevents the blood and bodily fluids from collecting in the feet and legs due to gravity, thusly, reducing or preventing swelling in the surgical area(s). Icing also READ MORE
Elevating prevents the blood and bodily fluids from collecting in the feet and legs due to gravity, thusly, reducing or preventing swelling in the surgical area(s). Icing also reduces swelling by preventing inflammation and increased fluid collection in the feet and legs.

What medication can I take for ankle pain?

My favorite "go-to" for joint and muscle pain is Naprosyn (Naproxen or OTC Aleve). It's easy on the stomach and pretty effective. I also like natural Arnica lotion or Voltaren READ MORE
My favorite "go-to" for joint and muscle pain is Naprosyn (Naproxen or OTC Aleve). It's easy on the stomach and pretty effective. I also like natural Arnica lotion or Voltaren Gel. Make sure you also use support for the ankle, like an ace bandage or elastic ankle support.

Dr. Mark Miller

Big toes issues?

Yes, there is a procedure available where, either, a portion or the entire nail can be permanently removed. It's done under local anesthesia and usually takes about 2-3 weeks to READ MORE
Yes, there is a procedure available where, either, a portion or the entire nail can be permanently removed. It's done under local anesthesia and usually takes about 2-3 weeks to heal completely. Once healed, a layer of skin develops over the nail bed and hardens to become a normal skin covering. My practice is mobile and we can perform the procedure in your home. Most insurances cover it.
Dr. Mark Miller