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

What can I do for my dry and cracked heels?

If you don't wear a supportive shoe then your heel moves when you walk. The sheer forces cause friction to the skin layers and they also dry out and crack. Wear a supportive shoes READ MORE
If you don't wear a supportive shoe then your heel moves when you walk. The sheer forces cause friction to the skin layers and they also dry out and crack. Wear a supportive shoes and apply moisturizing cream twice a day to the skin. If it doesn't get better in 2 weeks, see your doc as it may be a fungal infection.

I have an ingrown toenail. How would it be removed?

There are various methods. One is to remove the entire nail, or only removing the corner, or removing the corner and cauterizing the root, after anesthetizing the toe of course. READ MORE
There are various methods. One is to remove the entire nail, or only removing the corner, or removing the corner and cauterizing the root, after anesthetizing the toe of course. Speak with your doc about which option may be best for you.

Should I see a podiatrist for my feet If I have diabetes?

YES! Absolutely! Go now and make regularly scheduled appointments

How are ingrown toe nails removed?

If the area is mildly sore soaking in warm salt water for 15 mins should help, If there is pus or pain you should see your podiatrist. The nail corner may need to be removed to READ MORE
If the area is mildly sore soaking in warm salt water for 15 mins should help, If there is pus or pain you should see your podiatrist. The nail corner may need to be removed to drain the pus and decompress the area or a permanent procedure may be performed to stop the corner of the nail from growing back.

Should I stay away from pedicures?

It's difficult to predict how clean the tub salons are. Some salons use disposable plastic barriers and other's don't. Some clean the tubs to the manufacturers specs and other's READ MORE
It's difficult to predict how clean the tub salons are. Some salons use disposable plastic barriers and other's don't. Some clean the tubs to the manufacturers specs and other's don't. I'd recommend bringing in your own set of nail tools for the technician to use and avoid the tubs to be on the safe side.

I have a small growth around my ankle. Could it be serious?

It could be a ganglion cyst, which is a small pocked of fluid with the consistency of jelly, often from a joint irritation. It can also by a lipoma, which is a fat and fluid filled READ MORE
It could be a ganglion cyst, which is a small pocked of fluid with the consistency of jelly, often from a joint irritation. It can also by a lipoma, which is a fat and fluid filled mass. Both are benign, but should be checked by your doc to make sure.

What should I do to prevent my feet from hurting in the snow?

Make sure you wear supportive lace up hiking style boots and you may also need an insole if your soreness continues.

How are bunions removed?

Bunions are bones which can be shaved off or may need to be cut and re-positioned. You should see your podiatrist to evaluate this properly.

Why does my foot feel heavy?

It's possible that your developed an overuse strain, and the inflammation is pressing on a nerve, causing the feeling of heaviness and "dragging". I recommend you see your doc READ MORE
It's possible that your developed an overuse strain, and the inflammation is pressing on a nerve, causing the feeling of heaviness and "dragging". I recommend you see your doc to evaluate this properly.

Can bunions indicate an underlying foot problem?

Hi, Bunions are a symptom of a progressive, genetically induced structural change of your foot. You would benefit from a biomechanical evaluation and see if custom orthotics READ MORE
Hi,

Bunions are a symptom of a progressive, genetically induced structural change of your foot. You would benefit from a biomechanical evaluation and see if custom orthotics would be appropriate for you. See your podiatrist.

Why do I find it hard to flex my toes?

If this is a new problem, it could be due to swelling or inflammation in the foot. Ice and rest should help, but you should see your doc soon to see why this has developed and READ MORE
If this is a new problem, it could be due to swelling or inflammation in the foot. Ice and rest should help, but you should see your doc soon to see why this has developed and what options you have.

Can heel pain be treated surgically?

Not necessarily. Most heel pain can and should be treated non-surgically. See your doc about support, physical therapy, stretching, and orthotic options.

My foot looks like it has a wart on the bottom of it. How can I get rid of it?

Hi, It could be a wart or it could be something else like a corn or callus. See your doc to determine what it really is.

I frequently get blisters on my feet when I wear shoes. Why does this keep happening?

Blisters are often caused by too much friction and too much moisture in the same area. Try to keep the area dry and use low friction inserts as a start. An anti-perspirant on the READ MORE
Blisters are often caused by too much friction and too much moisture in the same area. Try to keep the area dry and use low friction inserts as a start. An anti-perspirant on the feet helps.

How can I control the bad smell from my feet?

Hyperhidrosis causes too much moisture be released by your sweat pores and then bacteria break down the salts in the perspiration, producing an odor. Try to apply a clear gel anti-perspirant READ MORE
Hyperhidrosis causes too much moisture be released by your sweat pores and then bacteria break down the salts in the perspiration, producing an odor. Try to apply a clear gel anti-perspirant to the bottom of your feet, wear a cotton/polyester blend sock, change socks daily, use an anti-fungal spray in your shoes

Is dipping feet in hot water with Epsom salt supposed to help my heel spurs?

Salt water soaks are therapeutic and may help with the symptom, but severe heel pain usually requires a more aggressive and directed treatment plan involving rest, immobilization, READ MORE
Salt water soaks are therapeutic and may help with the symptom, but severe heel pain usually requires a more aggressive and directed treatment plan involving rest, immobilization, taping, physical therapy, stretching, orthoics. See your podiatrist

My legs and feet become very heavy during my periods. What is the connection and how can I manage the pain better?

This may be affected due to swelling of the legs. Speak with your doc about this.

Why do I keep getting blisters even after switching shoes?

If your feet perspire too much, the excess moisture will lead to blisters, even in other shoes. Keep the feet as dry as you can, using a topical clear gel anti-perspirant is one READ MORE
If your feet perspire too much, the excess moisture will lead to blisters, even in other shoes. Keep the feet as dry as you can, using a topical clear gel anti-perspirant is one way to try.

Why do I have flat feet?

Flat feet are believed to be initiated due to a delayed myelination of the nervous system of the lower extremities during fetal development, and also due to decreased proprioceptive READ MORE
Flat feet are believed to be initiated due to a delayed myelination of the nervous system of the lower extremities during fetal development, and also due to decreased proprioceptive feedback from our feet in early childhood, resulting in elongated ligaments and a lower arch structure. As such, there is progressive change and adaption through the developmental process from child to adulthood resulting in the foot becoming inefficient and tire easily. The first course of action is to properly evaluate the biomechanics of your lower extremities.

Why do my feet hurt every time I run?

Is the pain in the heel and arches? This could mean straining and micro-tears in the plantar fascial tissues, often known as plantar fasciitis.