board-certified foot surgeon. Since he was a medical student, he felt drawn to wound care. While in school, he had the opportunity to work with patients at a wound care center. His interest was reinforced after spending time learning from a friend who was a podiatrist. “When I was younger, I was in lots of athletics and sports and had some injuries,” Dr. Rawson explains. “I had a friend who was a foot doctor, so I followed him around a little bit and learned that I liked the variety of what he did and what doctors do.” Dr. Bingham joined CMH in 2020 as its first Seaside-based podiatrist. He has more than 10 years of experience. “We provide surgical treatment for really anything foot and ankle, from treating foot and ankle fractures and flat feet to bunions, hammertoes and even ingrown toenails,” Dr. Bingham says. Other podiatry services include heel pain treatment, treatment for arthritis and other chronic conditions, cortisone injections, custom orthotics, bracing, splinting, and help with guiding physical therapy for patients. All three doctors provide both clinical and surgical care to patients. “We try to keep it balanced and tend to see more clinical patients than surgical patients,” Dr. Bingham says. “As much as I like surgery, I always try to exhaust nonsurgical treatments first.” About half of Dr. Rawson’s practice is wound care, which often means treating patients with diabetes. He focuses on ulcer care and prevention and limb salvaging. He also provides general podiatry services. “People with diabetes are more likely to have ulcers in the foot, which is basically limb-threatening for amputation,” says Dr. Rawson. “We treat the wounds to heal them so patients don’t have amputations. We also do other kinds of wound care.” Caring for yourself All three doctors aim to set their patients up for success and work to educate them so they can be active players in their health care. Daily foot checks are the start to improving foot and ankle care, they say. They also recommend controlling obesity, wearing supportive and well-fitting shoes, and avoiding going barefoot. “We want you to understand how to keep your feet healthy and functioning,” Dr. Bingham says. “Be proactive with your care. Stretch your feet to maintain your muscle strength as well as elasticity — whether it’s hiking, biking, just walking or playing sports, stay active.” For those with diabetes, Dr. Rawson echoes the importance of frequent foot inspections. “A lot of people with diabetes get neuropathy, which is how they often get wounds — they don’t feel them because of decreased circulation and other issues,” Dr. Rawson says. “Most of us get a little cut, and it heals within two weeks, but most diabetic wounds take several months to heal. It is essential to ensure no blisters, cuts or open sores form.” If those problems arise, the podiatrists urge patients to make an appointment with them or their primary care provider. Dr. Murdock says as far as shoes go, a stiff-soled shoe that fits well and is supportive is imperative to prevent chronic foot issues. “The goal should be to have the shoe take the force or the impact of terrain or activity, not the foot,” he explains. Mark Rawson, DPM COLUMBIAMEMORIAL.ORG FALL 2022 3
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