Items filtered by date: September 2025

Limb salvage, also known as limb sparing surgery, is a medical approach that focuses on preserving a patient’s limb rather than resorting to limb loss. In podiatry, it is especially important for individuals with diabetes who may develop severe infections, ulcers, or poor circulation in their feet. Risk factors include uncontrolled blood sugar, neuropathy, vascular disease, and delayed wound healing. Limb salvage is often necessary when conservative treatments fail, and the goal is to maintain mobility and quality of life while preventing further complications. A podiatrist plays a crucial role in early detection, wound care, surgical intervention, and ongoing management. If you have diabetes and have developed foot wounds that will not heal, it is strongly suggested that you are under the care of a podiatrist for treatment.

Limb salvage can be an effective way in preventing the need for limb amputation. If you have diabetes, cancer, or any other condition that could lead to foot amputation if left unchecked, consult with Kristopher Jerry, DPM from Podiatry Health Services . Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

What Is Limb Salvage?

Limb salvage is the attempt of saving a limb, such as the foot from amputation. Podiatrists also try to make sure that there is enough function in the foot after the salvage that it is still usable. Diabetes is the number one cause of non-traumatic amputations in the United States. Those with diabetes experience poor blood circulation, which prevents proper healing of an ulcer. If the ulcer is left uncheck, it could become infected, which could result in the need for amputation.

However, there are other causes as well, such as cancer and traumatic injury. Links between higher mortality rates and amputation have been found. This translates into higher healthcare costs, and a reduced quality of life and mobility for amputees. Podiatrists have attempted to increase the prevalence of limb salvage in an attempt to solve these issues.

Diagnosis and Treatment

Limb salvage teams have grown in recent years that utilize a number of different treatments to save the infected limb. This includes podiatrists that specialize in wound care, rehabilitation, orthotics, and surgery. Through a combination of these methods, limb salvage has been found to be an effective treatment for infected limbs, and as an alternative to amputation. Podiatrists will first evaluate the potential for limb salvage and determine if the limb can be saved or must be amputated. 

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our offices located in Port St Lucie, Stuart, and Hollywood, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Research has shown the feet can indicate serious health issues within the body. The condition known as scleroderma may be evident in the feet. The symptoms can consist of cold feet and toes and can be associated with Raynaud’s phenomenon. Additional signs of scleroderma may include having patches of thickened skin that develop on the feet. The affected skin may be dry or itchy and will often require expert medical care. A chilblain may occur with Raynaud's disease and the skin may turn red, swollen, and become tender when touched. Having poor blood circulation and exposure to cold weather may lead to this condition, and it can affect the toes. There are simple methods that can be implemented to properly care for the feet. These can consist of choosing shoes that fit correctly and moisturizing the feet often. Many people who are affected by systemic sclerosis can experience a feeling of walking on small pebbles and this may be relieved by wearing custom-made orthotics. If you have any of these symptoms and would like to know more about systemic diseases of the feet, please confer with a podiatrist.

When dealing with systemic disease of the feet, it is extremely important to check the affected areas routinely so that any additional problems are caught quickly.  If you have any concerns about your feet and ankles contact Kristopher Jerry, DPM from Podiatry Health Services . Our doctor will assist you with all of your podiatric needs.

Systemic Diseases of the Feet

Systemic diseases affect the whole body, and symptoms usually are displayed in the feet. This condition can make a patient’s ability to walk unbearable.  Systemic diseases include gout, diabetes mellitus, neurological disorders, and arthritis.

Gout – is caused by an excess of uric acid in the body. Common symptoms include pain, inflammation, and redness at the metatarsal/phalangeal joint of the base big toe. Gout can be treated by NSAIDs to relieve pain and inflammation, and other drugs that lower the acid levels in the body.

Diabetes mellitus – is an increase in the level of blood sugar that the body cannot counteract with its own insulin. Failure to produce enough insulin is a factor in Diabetes.

Diabetes of the Feet

Diabetic Neuropathy – may lead to damaged nerves and affect the feet through numbness and loss of sensation.

Peripheral Vascular Disease – can restrict the blood flow to the feet, and often times lead to amputation of the feet. 

If you have any questions please contact our offices located in Port St Lucie, Stuart, and Hollywood, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Toe pain is a common issue that can interfere with walking and daily activities. A stubbed toe occurs when the toe is forcefully hit against a hard surface, leading to bruising, swelling, or even fractures. The pain may be sharp at first and linger as the toe becomes inflamed. While most cases improve with rest, some injuries can be more severe and require medical attention. A podiatrist can determine if the toe is fractured, provide proper treatment, and help prevent long-term complications. If you have ongoing toe pain after stubbing your toe, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist who can provide effective relief tips. 

Toe pain can disrupt your daily activities. If you have any concerns, contact Kristopher Jerry, DPM of Podiatry Health Services . Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

What Causes Toe Pain?

Most severe toe pain is caused due to a sports injury, trauma from dropping something heavy on the toe, or bumping into something rigid. Other problems can develop over time for various reasons.

Toe pain can be caused by one or more ailments. The most common include:

• Trauma
• Sports injury
• Wearing shoes that are too tight
• Arthritis
• Gout
• Corns and calluses
• Hammertoe
• Bunions
• Blisters
• Ingrown toenails
• Sprains
• Fractures (broken bones)
• Dislocations

When to See a Podiatrist

• Severe pain
• Persistent pain that lasts more than a week
• Signs of infection
• Continued swelling
• Pain that prevents walking

Diagnosis

In many cases the cause of toe pain is obvious, but in others, a podiatrist may want to use more advanced methods to determine the problem. These can range from simple visual inspections and sensation tests to X-rays and MRI scans. Prior medical history, family medical history, and any recent physical traumatic events will all be taken into consideration for a proper diagnosis.

Treatment

Treatments for toe pain and injuries vary and may include shoe inserts, padding, taping, medicines, injections, and in some cases, surgery. If you believe that you have broken a toe, please see a podiatrist as soon as possible.

If you have any questions please contact our offices located in Port St Lucie, Stuart, and Hollywood, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Trimming toenails may seem simple, but doing it the wrong way can lead to discomfort and foot problems. Cutting nails too short or rounding the edges can increase the risk of painful ingrown toenails. The safest way to trim is to cut the nails straight across and avoid digging into the corners. It is also important to use clean, sharp clippers and take your time, especially if you have thickened or brittle nails. For seniors with diabetes, poor circulation, or vision problems, toenail care can be more complicated. Attempting self-care may cause small cuts or infections that can become serious, if not properly treated. A podiatrist can safely trim your toenails, reduce thickness, and prevent complications. They also provide expert care if ingrown nails or nail infections are already present. For safe and healthy toenail management, it is suggested that you see a podiatrist for professional care.

Proper foot care is something many older adults forget to consider. If you have any concerns about your feet and ankles, contact Kristopher Jerry, DPM from Podiatry Health Services . Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

The Elderly and Their Feet

As we age we start to notice many changes in our body, but the elder population may not notice them right away. Medical conditions may prevent the elderly to take notice of their foot health right away. Poor vision is a lead contributor to not taking action for the elderly.

Common Conditions 

• Neuropathy – can reduce feeling in the feet and can hide many life-threatening medical conditions.
• Reduced flexibility – prevents the ability of proper toenail trimming, and foot cleaning. If left untreated, it may lead to further medical issues.
• Foot sores – amongst the older population can be serious before they are discovered. Some of the problematic conditions they may face are:
• Gouging toenails affecting nearby toe
• Shoes that don’t fit properly
• Pressure sores
• Loss of circulation in legs & feet
• Edema & swelling of feet and ankles

Susceptible Infections

Diabetes and poor circulation can cause general loss of sensitivity over the years, turning a simple cut into a serious issue.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our offices located in Port St Lucie, Stuart, and Hollywood, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Toenail fungus, also known as onychomycosis, can appear in several forms, each requiring careful treatment. The most common is distal subungual onychomycosis, which starts at the tip of the nail and spreads underneath, often treated with oral antifungal medications. White superficial onychomycosis affects the top layer of the nail, creating chalky white spots that can sometimes be managed with topical antifungal creams. Proximal subungual onychomycosis begins at the base of the nail and moves outward, and is more common in people with a weakened immune system. Treatment usually includes prescription antifungal therapy. Candida onychomycosis is caused by yeast rather than dermatophytes and can make nails thick, discolored, and painful, often requiring both oral and topical antifungals. Since toenail fungus can worsen if untreated, it is suggested that you visit a podiatrist to ensure an accurate diagnosis and obtain the most effective treatment for restoring healthy nails.

For more information about treatment, contact Kristopher Jerry, DPM of Podiatry Health Services . Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Toenail Fungus Treatment

Toenail fungus is a condition that affects many people and can be especially hard to get rid of. Fortunately, there are several methods to go about treating and avoiding it.

Antifungals & Deterrence

Oral antifungal medicine has been shown to be effective in many cases. It is important to consult with a podiatrist to determine the proper regiment for you, or potentially explore other options.

Applying foot powder on the feet and shoes helps keep the feet free of moisture and sweat.

Sandals or open toed shoes – Wearing these will allow air movement and help keep feet dry. They also expose your feet to light, which fungus cannot tolerate. Socks with moisture wicking material also help as well.

If you have any questions please contact our offices located in Port St Lucie, Stuart, and Hollywood, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.