expert type icon EXPERT

Dr. Peter Redko, DPM, FACFAS

Podiatrist (Foot and Ankle Specialist)

Dr. Peter Redko is a board certified foot and ankle surgeon and has been with North Bay Foot & Ankle center since 2004. Prior to relocating to Petaluma, Dr. Redko was the chief of foot and ankle surgery at Beverly Hills Surgical Institute in Los Angeles. He currently has offices in Petaluma and Sonoma and is on staff at Palm Drive, Petaluma Valley. Novato Community, and Sonoma Valley Hospitals.
Dr. Peter Redko, DPM, FACFAS
Specializes in:
  • Podiatrist
  • Petaluma, CA
  • Temple University in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
  • Accepting new patients

Why does my big toe hurt when I apply too much pressure?

This is possible, as the nail can curve into the skin and cause pain with pressure. Try soaking the foot for 15 minutes twice a day in warm saltwater to see if that helps. If not, READ MORE
This is possible, as the nail can curve into the skin and cause pain with pressure. Try soaking the foot for 15 minutes twice a day in warm saltwater to see if that helps. If not, go see your podiatrist

Would I need surgery for my heel spur?

If you have gone through 6 months of treatments and you're not improved, then you may possibly need surgery. There are various techniques based on the surgeons expertise/preference. READ MORE
If you have gone through 6 months of treatments and you're not improved, then you may possibly need surgery. There are various techniques based on the surgeons expertise/preference. Expect to be in a walking boot for 4 weeks followed by physical therapy.

How can I get rid of toenail fungus?

Possibly, but fungus also has a genetic basis, which may require and aggressive and an extended approach. Make sure you treat your shoes, nails, and skin topically. Tolcylen is READ MORE
Possibly, but fungus also has a genetic basis, which may require and aggressive and an extended approach. Make sure you treat your shoes, nails, and skin topically. Tolcylen is currently the most effective topical. Laser, or anti-fungal pills may also be needed.

Is there a cure for toenail fungus?

Possibly, depending on how severe your case is. You may also have a genetic component, worsening your condition. Use a strong family of anti-fungals, Tolcylen is my suggestion READ MORE
Possibly, depending on how severe your case is. You may also have a genetic component, worsening your condition. Use a strong family of anti-fungals, Tolcylen is my suggestion under your docs care.

Why are my feet dry and cracked?

Yes, because there are various causes for cracked skin, from fungus, to dermatitis, to eczema, to environmental causes. See your doc to find out why your skin is cracking in the READ MORE
Yes, because there are various causes for cracked skin, from fungus, to dermatitis, to eczema, to environmental causes. See your doc to find out why your skin is cracking in the first place.

Is the pain in my heel a heel spur?

It is possible, see your doctor to get an x-ray and get treated

I keep getting bunions--what should I do to prevent them?

Bunions are genetic, and even after surgery, the structure of your foot wants to continue forming them. The best way to minimize recurrence is to wear custom orthotics and proper READ MORE
Bunions are genetic, and even after surgery, the structure of your foot wants to continue forming them. The best way to minimize recurrence is to wear custom orthotics and proper fitting shoes.

Is there any way to prevent plantar warts?

Plantar warts are caused by a virus and it may be impossible to prevent them 100% but you can lower your risk by not going barefoot in public areas, keep your feet and shoes dry. READ MORE
Plantar warts are caused by a virus and it may be impossible to prevent them 100% but you can lower your risk by not going barefoot in public areas, keep your feet and shoes dry.

What should I avoid doing after my ingrown toenail removal?

Follow your doctor's post op instructions. Everyone has a slightly different way of treating and caring for an ingrown nail procedure.

Is Vick's really a treatment for athlete's foot?

There are no studies to show that Vick's is effective or ineffective for treating fungal infections. I suggest speaking with your doctor about maintenance treatment options for READ MORE
There are no studies to show that Vick's is effective or ineffective for treating fungal infections. I suggest speaking with your doctor about maintenance treatment options for skin fungal infections, including using an anti-fungal spray in your shoes to minimize spreading of the infection.

Do bunion correctors work?

No. They will only have an effect while you wear them, if you wear them.

How can I prevent heel pain?

Best support possible and stretching is key, to take tension off of the plantar fascia. See your doc about using night splints and getting into orthotics and physical therapy. READ MORE
Best support possible and stretching is key, to take tension off of the plantar fascia. See your doc about using night splints and getting into orthotics and physical therapy.

What happens if I leave my ingrown toenail untreated?

It may get worse and infected, which would force you to seek medical attention. Better to deal with it before it gets to that point. See your doc

Are arch supports the only way to treat neuroma?

A neuroma is an inflamed, scarred nerve. Structural support, of which there are various kinds, to alleviate pressure by the opposing bones is one way to treat neuromas. There READ MORE
A neuroma is an inflamed, scarred nerve. Structural support, of which there are various kinds, to alleviate pressure by the opposing bones is one way to treat neuromas. There are various ways to treat neuromas including physical therapy, taping, injections, padding, splints, orthotics, and surgery

Is a bunion a bone growth?

Yes, a bunion is genetic, and is a progressive growth of bone and angulation of the great toe. Shoe and environmental factors can affect the progression of the symptoms. Wear comfortable READ MORE
Yes, a bunion is genetic, and is a progressive growth of bone and angulation of the great toe. Shoe and environmental factors can affect the progression of the symptoms. Wear comfortable shoes to start and go speak with your podiatrist

What can I do to prevent bunions?

Bunions are genetic, so your body will want to re-grow it in time. But, you can significantly slow down the process by wearing properly fitted shoes and custom orthotics.

How are corns under a toenail removed?

These corns can be caused by bending of the nail and causing the skin to build up and harden underneath the nail, or it can be due to a bone spur under the nail. See your podiatrist READ MORE
These corns can be caused by bending of the nail and causing the skin to build up and harden underneath the nail, or it can be due to a bone spur under the nail. See your podiatrist to evaluate this properly.

I have pain in my ankle and it may need surgery. Will my diabetes make it difficult to heal my ankle?

Diabetes raises your risks for any surgery, so I'd discuss the details with your surgeon, as to what you can do to maximize your healing.

What is the best way to clean your feet when you have diabetes?

Regular bathing and showering and make sure to clean and dry between the toes. More importantly look over your feet after bathing, and if you see anything unusual or concerning, READ MORE
Regular bathing and showering and make sure to clean and dry between the toes. More importantly look over your feet after bathing, and if you see anything unusual or concerning, go see your doctor about it.

What is the cause of my foot pain?

You may be having plantar fasciitis symptoms and then compensating for the way you walk. See your podiatrist for treatment.