About
Bio
Trained in Chicago and San Francisco, I practice in California. I'm passionate about healthy living, education, and volunteering and fundraising for good causes.
SpecialtiesDoctors may have more than one area of specialty interest. Board certification in a specialty area means the doctor has completed formal training and has practice experience in that specialty, and has passed the certification examination from the corresponding accredited medical specialty board.
Doctors may have more than one area of specialty interest. Board certification in a specialty area means the doctor has completed formal training and has practice experience in that specialty, and has passed the certification examination from the corresponding accredited medical specialty board.
Podiatry
Wound care
Doctor Q&A
696 Answers
77 Agrees
The number of answers this doctor has agreed with.
A 53-year-old member asked:
Dr. Libby Putnamanswered
Podiatry 14 years experience
Anywhere!: Toes and weight bearing areas are the most common culprits, but anywhere there is trauma or pressure can become a problem for diabetics.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 18-year-old member asked:
Dr. Libby Putnamanswered
Podiatry 14 years experience
Bunion surgery.: If you have it surgically removed, there are several ways your surgeon could go about it. Depending on the angle of your bones (you'll need an x-ray),... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.1k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 37-year-old member asked:
Dr. Libby Putnamanswered
Podiatry 14 years experience
Bunion surgery.: There are no braces or exercises to get rid of a bunion. If you have it surgically removed, there are several ways your surgeon could go about it. Dep... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.1k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 23-year-old female asked:
Dr. Libby Putnamanswered
Podiatry 14 years experience
Bunion surgery.: There are no braces or exercises to get rid of a bunion. If you have it surgically removed, there are several ways your surgeon could go about it. Dep... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.1k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 28-year-old member asked:
Dr. Libby Putnamanswered
Podiatry 14 years experience
Several treatments.: You can try over the counter wart removers, but be careful: i've seen them do more harm than good. Other options your doctor might offer include cryot... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 23-year-old member asked:
Dr. Libby Putnamanswered
Podiatry 14 years experience
Both.: Any diabetic (type 1 or 2) with peripheral neuropathy is at risk for developing a foot ulcer. Wear good protective supportive shoes, perform daily foo... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.2k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 63-year-old member asked:
Dr. Libby Putnamanswered
Podiatry 14 years experience
Not guaranteed.: The reason you hear so many different treatments for toenail fungus is because there is no perfect, sure-fire treatment that works 100% of the time. I... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 32-year-old member asked:
Dr. Libby Putnamanswered
Podiatry 14 years experience
Pain, numbness. : When diabetics have uncontrolled blood sugars their nerves pay the price over time. They can have pain, tingling, burning, and numbness, and once it h... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 34-year-old member asked:
Dr. Libby Putnamanswered
Podiatry 14 years experience
Several treatments.: You can try over the counter wart removers, but be careful: i've seen them do more harm than good. Other options your doctor might offer include cryot... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 33-year-old member asked:
Dr. Libby Putnamanswered
Podiatry 14 years experience
Very common.: Which isn't a good thing. A diabetic foot ulcer is an outward sign of an internal problem that has been going on for far too long already. Ulcers occu... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.5k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 25-year-old male asked:
Dr. Libby Putnamanswered
Podiatry 14 years experience
See your doctor. : You can try over the counter wart removers, but be careful: i've seen them do more harm than good. Other options your doctor might offer include cryot... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 31-year-old member asked:
Dr. Libby Putnamanswered
Podiatry 14 years experience
Several treatments.: You can try over the counter wart removers, but be careful: i've seen them do more harm than good. Other options your doctor might offer include cryot... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 22-year-old female asked:
Dr. Libby Putnamanswered
Podiatry 14 years experience
Removal...: ...Is the only permanent solution. Just the painful border can be removed, or the entire nail if necessary. After removal you can let the border grow ... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5k viewsAnswered >2 years agoMerged
A 32-year-old member asked:
Dr. Libby Putnamanswered
Podiatry 14 years experience
A type of hammertoe.: People can get hammertoes several different ways, including just an unlucky roll of the genetic dice, but the fundamental result is usually the same: ... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.2k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 36-year-old member asked:
Dr. Libby Putnamanswered
Podiatry 14 years experience
Depends on job.: After a toenail removal you'll probably want to be in open toed shoes or loose-toed shoes for several days, up to two weeks. If your job allows for th... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 33-year-old member asked:
Dr. Libby Putnamanswered
Podiatry 14 years experience
Fracture or PF.: Could be many things, but the two most likely are either a stress frature or plantar fasciitis. The best way to know is to get an x-ray of your foot. ... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.1k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 36-year-old member asked:
Dr. Libby Putnamanswered
Podiatry 14 years experience
Several treatments.: You can try over the counter wart removers, but be careful: i've seen them do more harm than good. Other options your doctor might offer include cryot... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 40-year-old female asked:
Dr. Libby Putnamanswered
Podiatry 14 years experience
Combo treatment. : If you have plantar fasciitis, and hurt most with the first few steps in the morning, the more you can do together, the better: #1: supportive shoes. ... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.1k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 41-year-old member asked:
Dr. Libby Putnamanswered
Podiatry 14 years experience
Good habits. : Diabetics should get into the habit of checking their feet daily for changes. Keep them moisturized with good lotion rather than soaking (which can dr... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.1k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 30-year-old member asked:
Dr. Libby Putnamanswered
Podiatry 14 years experience
We can try!: Toenail fungus is very common, and unfortunately very difficult to cure 100%. We can test the nail to see if it is a callused or traumatized nail or i... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.2k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 34-year-old member asked:
Dr. Libby Putnamanswered
Podiatry 14 years experience
Bent toe.: If you catch hammertoes in the early stages, a small, in-office procedure to release one of the tendons will often allow the toe to lie straight again... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.2k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 31-year-old member asked:
Dr. Libby Putnamanswered
Podiatry 14 years experience
Surgery.: Unfortunately, yes, recovering from surgery can be painful. A bunionectomy is a procedure to remove the bony "bump" from the inside of your big toe, a... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.5k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 43-year-old member asked:
Dr. Libby Putnamanswered
Podiatry 14 years experience
It can be.: The good news is approx 90% of patients get better without surgery or other invasive treatment. On the conservative side, the more you can do together... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.5k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 30-year-old member asked:
Dr. Libby Putnamanswered
Podiatry 14 years experience
Antifungals.: Athlete's foot is a fungal infection in the skin of your feet. It can happen between toes and along the soles of your feet. Change your shoes regularl... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.5k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 37-year-old member asked:
Dr. Libby Putnamanswered
Podiatry 14 years experience
Maybe?: The reason you hear so many different treatments for toenail fungus is because there is no perfect, sure-fire treatment that works 100% of the time. I... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.1k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 33-year-old member asked:
Dr. Libby Putnamanswered
Podiatry 14 years experience
Not guaranteed.: The reason you hear so many different treatments for toenail fungus is because there is no perfect, sure-fire treatment that works 100% of the time. I... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 31-year-old member asked:
Dr. Libby Putnamanswered
Podiatry 14 years experience
Several treatments.: The reason you hear so many different treatments for toenail fungus is because there is no perfect, sure-fire treatment that works 100% of the time. I... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 41-year-old member asked:
Dr. Libby Putnamanswered
Podiatry 14 years experience
Combo treatment. : If you have plantar fasciitis, and hurt most with the first few steps in the morning, the more you can do together, the better: #1: supportive shoes. ... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.5k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 39-year-old member asked:
Dr. Libby Putnamanswered
Podiatry 14 years experience
Lots of things!: Swelling can be due to water retention, infection, gravity, trauma, allergic reaction, even athlete's foot. If it's just one toe, consider infection, ... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.5k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 37-year-old member asked:
Dr. Libby Putnamanswered
Podiatry 14 years experience
Several treatments.: You can try over the counter wart removers, but be careful: i've seen them do more harm than good. Other options your doctor might offer include cryot... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.5k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 42-year-old member asked:
Dr. Libby Putnamanswered
Podiatry 14 years experience
Maybe?: The reason you hear so many different treatments for toenail fungus is because there is no perfect, sure-fire treatment that works 100% of the time. I... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.1k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 38-year-old member asked:
Dr. Libby Putnamanswered
Podiatry 14 years experience
Recovery.: The first few weeks after foot surgery gravity is your enemy. Keep your dressing clean, dry, and intact, and elevate the foot. The more you elevate, t... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.1k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 42-year-old member asked:
Dr. Libby Putnamanswered
Podiatry 14 years experience
Bent toe.: People can get hammertoes several different ways, including just an unlucky roll of the genetic dice, but the fundamental result is usually the same: ... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.2k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 36-year-old member asked:
Dr. Libby Putnamanswered
Podiatry 14 years experience
Technical term.: "hallux valgus" is the technical term for a bunion, the bump some people develop at the big toe joint. "hallux" refers to the big toe itself, and "val... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.2k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 32-year-old member asked:
Dr. Libby Putnamanswered
Podiatry 14 years experience
Stay off of it.: Depends on the part of your foot you injured (bone, tendon, ligament, joint?). In general, resting includes staying off of it, elevating the foot, and... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.5k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 45-year-old member asked:
Dr. Libby Putnamanswered
Podiatry 14 years experience
Not guaranteed.: The reason you hear so many different treatments for toenail fungus is because there is no perfect, sure-fire treatment that works 100% of the time. O... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 22-year-old female asked:
Dr. Libby Putnamanswered
Podiatry 14 years experience
Removal...: ...Is the only permanent solution. Just the painful border can be removed, or the entire nail if necessary. After removal you can let the border grow ... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 23-year-old male asked:
Dr. Libby Putnamanswered
Podiatry 14 years experience
Dehydration. : There are several ways to treat night cramps, including drinking enough water during the day, making sure you're eating a balanced diet with a multivi... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.5k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 42-year-old member asked:
Dr. Libby Putnamanswered
Podiatry 14 years experience
Don't deroof it. : You don't want to deroof a blister. You can pop it, using a clean instrument, but if you're concerned (if the fluid is an unusual color, or if the sur... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.5k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 31-year-old member asked:
Dr. Libby Putnamanswered
Podiatry 14 years experience
Plantar fasciitis.: The most common cause of heel pain is plantar fasciitis: an inflammation of a thick band of tissue that helps hold up the arch of your foot. It attach... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.1k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 37-year-old member asked:
Dr. Libby Putnamanswered
Podiatry 14 years experience
Several treatments.: You can try over the counter wart removers, but be careful: i've seen them do more harm than good. Other options your doctor might offer include cryot... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.2k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 36-year-old member asked:
Dr. Libby Putnamanswered
Podiatry 14 years experience
Tendinitis, sciatica: Either achilles tendinitis or sciatica (pinched nerve in your upper thigh) are the most likely answers, but the treatment for each is very different, ... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.1k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 19-year-old female asked:
Dr. Libby Putnamanswered
Podiatry 14 years experience
Removal...: ...Is the only permanent solution. Just the painful border can be removed, or the entire nail if necessary. After removal you can let the border grow ... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.2k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 47-year-old member asked:
Dr. Libby Putnamanswered
Podiatry 14 years experience
A podiatrist!: Podiatrists are specialists of the foot and ankle. We do surgery (bunions, hammertoes, ankle fractures, etc.), wound care for diabetics or trauma pati... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.1k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 37-year-old member asked:
Dr. Libby Putnamanswered
Podiatry 14 years experience
Several treatments.: You can try over the counter wart removers, but be careful: i've seen them do more harm than good. Other options your doctor might offer include cryot... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 39-year-old male asked:
Dr. Libby Putnamanswered
Podiatry 14 years experience
See her podiatrist.: She should be checked out to make sure she heals properly from her fall. Podiatrists can also provide nail care, check ups, wound care (trimming callu... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 47-year-old member asked:
Dr. Libby Putnamanswered
Podiatry 14 years experience
Maybe?: The reason you hear so many different treatments for toenail fungus is because there is no perfect, sure-fire treatment that works 100% of the time. I... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 34-year-old member asked:
Dr. Libby Putnamanswered
Podiatry 14 years experience
Fracture or PF.: Could be many things, but the two most likely are either a stress fracture or plantar fasciitis. The best way to know is to get an x-ray of your foot.... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.1k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 35-year-old member asked:
Dr. Libby Putnamanswered
Podiatry 14 years experience
No.: Generally, once the ingrown nail is removed, you have much less pain. The doctor will numb your toe for the procedure, and afterward, it's like having... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.1k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 32-year-old member asked:
Dr. Libby Putnamanswered
Podiatry 14 years experience
Pain, redness.: Redness and pain along the nail border, sometimes with drainage indicates an ingrown toenail. If your ingrown nail is infected, you'll likely need ant... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
TestimonialsRecommendations and Thank you notes are endorsements given from patients or other doctors.
Recommendations and Thank you notes are endorsements given from patients or other doctors.
6
Recommendations
736
Thank you notes
Jun 24, 2013
For the most thorough foot and ankle care in Statesboro and all of Bulloch county you can't get any better than Dr. Putnam.
Mar 25, 2013
Great responses!
HealthTap member
Mar 30, 2015
Dr. Putnam is an amazing doctor! #nationaldoctorsday2015 #virtualflower1
HealthTap member
Thank you, your answer was very helpful! I am going to try some of these. R there antiflamatory pills over the counter tho?
HealthTap member
Thank you, your answer was very helpful! Thanks, I haven't been too Dr yet. Just the thought raises my anxiety
HealthTap member
Thank you, your answer was very helpful! Thank you!!!! This answer was very helpful!!!!! Is there an alternativ
Education & Training
Medical/Graduate school
Scholl College of Podiatric Medicine
Graduated 2009MD
Residency
Palo Alto Health Care System
Awards
Top Doctor, Second Place, Savannah, GA - Winter
2013
Most Influential, Second Place, Savannah, GA - Winter
2013
Thought Leader, Third Place, Savannah, GA - Winter
2013
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