Podiatrist

A fracture (break) of your ankle usually happens due to a fall, an accident or hard blow. There are different types of fractures that occur depending upon the severity of the injury. Spiral, hairline, open, crushed bones are names used to describe fractures.

Podiatric surgeons are experts in fracture care and will perform x-rays to determine the type fracture you have. Sometimes it is necessary to realign the bones through a process called reduction. Casting of the fracture, a walking boot, brace or splint are used to hold the bone in place during healing.

A hammertoe is a term used to describe a crooked, deviated, or contracted toe. Although the condition usually stems from muscle imbalance, it is often aggravated by poor-fitting shoes or socks that cramp the toes. Over a period of years, the tendons that move the toe up and down begin to pull the toe with unequal tension, and the toe then begins to buckle or become contracted. Normally hammertoes by themselves are not painful, but with foot wear the prominent knuckle of the toe rubs the shoe, producing an area of irritation which eventually forms a corn.

Hammertoes can be treated with protective pads, orthotic devices, specially fitted shoes, medication and also surgically.

Bunion is a lay term describing a painful swelling of the soft tissue overlying the big toe of the foot. The deformity arises when a progressive dislocation of the joint causes the big toe to drift toward the second toe. Simultaneously, the first metatarsal bone separates or spreads in the opposite direction, creating a bony enlargement on the inside of the foot. The pain and swelling you experience with a bunion are a result of shoe pressure against the bony prominence.

There are two ways to treat bunions, live with the problem and avoid excessive shoe pressure or correct the problem with surgery. Bunion surgery is categorized into three category types which depends upon the type of bunion deformity. Surgery is performed as an outpatient procedure. Most patients will be able to return to full activity in three months.

Problems that occur within the joints of the foot and ankle will require surgical repair. Arthroscopy allows our doctors to inspect, examine and correct problems in the joints with the use of needle-like probes. Since arthroscopy uses smaller instruments and requires only small openings to be made, your recovery time is shortened and causes less damage to the joints and surrounding areas.

Pain and discomfort in your feet and ankles can be helped with podiatric surgery. Conservative treatment, such as a protective pad or cushion, only alleviates your pain temporarily.

Reconstructive foot surgery can correct conditions that are caused because of the following:

* Inherited at Birth
* Improper Footwear
* Physical Stress
* Accident
* Infection
* Neoplastic Disorders
* Arthritic Disorders

Surgery can help alleviate pain from sprains, fractures, bunions, warts, corns, flatfeet and other common problems. Foot surgery is performed on an outpatient basis and your recovery time varies depending upon the condition being corrected.

When you have diabetes, daily wear and tear can take its toll on your feet, especially in the areas that absorb the most pressure. Because of poor blood circulation, or loss of feeling in your feet, even a minor problem such as a tiny crack in your skin, may develop into a serious infection. Diabetic patients can develop what we call neuropathy which is a damaging effect to the nerves making it difficult to feel pain, pressure, heat and cold. You may notice irritated skin, pain, or pressure caused by collapsing joints. As the disease progresses in diabetic patients, blocked blood vessels will bring fewer nutrients to your feet. Without this nourishment, sores and pressure areas on the foot may not heal. Additionally, diabetic patients may develop weakened bones, that can slowly shift causing your feet to become deformed, changing the way your foot distributes pressure.

Podiatrists should perform a thorough podiatric evaluation including: a detailed medical history, foot examination, evaluation of the skin and blood supply, diagnostic testing, which can be very important, including doppler or ABI studies, to evaluate blood flow. Ask for a simple test, called the Semmes-Weinstein test, that is done in the office with a tuning fork in order to check the level of feeling in the foot. X-rays and other tests, such as bone scans and MRI, might also be utilized.

Often the best treatment, for our diabetic patients, is prevention. This may be accomplished by the education of our patients in the care and treatment of their feet. Learn to examine your feet on a regular basis, with a regular schedule of podiatric care to help identify and prevent problems that can become long term. Have your podiatrist examine your feet regularly, teach you about self-care, provide foot maintenance and even recommend special footware.

Four out of every five Americans eventually suffer some sort of foot problem, which eventually cause pain throughout the skeletal structure, and manifest themselves as pain in the knee, hip or back.

Podiatrists are specially trained physicians whose clinical and surgical training allow them to diagnose foot and ankle problems and provide a treatment plan tailored to the specific needs of the patient.

Problems & Procedures

• Diabetes
• Reconstructive Foot Surgery
• Arthroscopic Surgery

Disorders

• Bunions
• Hammertoes
• Fractures
• Sprains
• Neuromas
• Heel Pain & Plantar Faciitis
• Ingrown Nails
• Corns & Calluses
• Fungal Nails
• Plantar Warts
• Other Problems

Other Foot Care

• Geriatrics
• Pediatrics
• Orthotics

Some other common foot problems that may benefit from podiatric treatment include:

* Athlete’s Foot
* Black-And-Blue Nails
* Tendonitis
* Thickened Nails
* Pressure Ulcers