Tuesday, 10 September 2024 00:00

Benefits and Drawbacks of Ankle Fusion Surgery

Ankle fusion surgery, also known as arthrodesis, involves joining the bones of the ankle joint to alleviate pain and improve function. This procedure is often recommended for people with severe arthritis or significant joint damage when other treatments have failed. One major advantage of ankle fusion is the reduction of pain, as the procedure eliminates the damaged joint surfaces. It can also restore stability and improve walking ability. However, there are potential drawbacks to consider. The primary downside is the loss of ankle mobility, which can impact overall movement and flexibility. Additionally, there may be a risk of complications, such as infection or nonunion of the bones. If you are suffering from the above ankle conditions, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can determine if ankle fusion surgery is right for you.

Foot surgery is sometimes necessary to treat a foot ailment. To learn more, contact Kristopher Jerry, DPM of Podiatry Health Services . Our doctor will assist you with all of your foot and ankle needs.

When Is Surgery Necessary?

Foot and ankle surgery is generally reserved for cases in which less invasive, conservative procedures have failed to alleviate the problem. Some of the cases in which surgery may be necessary include:

Removing foot deformities like bunions and bone spurs
Severe arthritis that has caused bone issues
Cosmetic reconstruction

What Types of Surgery Are There?

The type of surgery you receive will depend on the nature of the problem you have. Some of the possible surgeries include:

Bunionectomy for painful bunions
Surgical fusion for realignment of bones
Neuropathy decompression surgery to treat nerve damage

Benefits of Surgery

Although surgery is usually a last resort, it can provide more complete pain relief compared to non-surgical methods and may allow you to finally resume full activity.

Surgical techniques have also become increasingly sophisticated. Techniques like endoscopic surgery allow for smaller incisions and faster recovery times.

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 and ankle needs.

Foot Surgery

In most cases, foot surgery is often chosen as the last available option for conditions that have otherwise been unsuccessfully treated. Surgery may be necessary for several reasons, including the removal of foot deformities (e.g. bone spurs or bunions), arthritis problems, reconstruction due to injury, and congenital malformations (e.g. club foot or flat feet). Regardless of one’s age, foot surgery may be the only successful option for treatment for certain conditions.

The type of surgery one undergoes depends on the type of foot condition the patient has. For the removal of a bunion growth, a bunionectomy is necessary. If the bones in the feet need to be realigned or fused together, a surgical fusion of the foot is needed. For pain or nerve issues, a patient may require surgery in which the tissues surrounding the painful nerve are removed. Initially, less invasive treatments are generally attempted; surgery is often the last measure taken if other treatments are unsuccessful.

While in many cases surgery is often deemed as the final resort, choosing surgery comes with certain benefits. The associated pain experienced in relation to the particular condition is often relieved with surgery, allowing patients to quickly resume daily activities. The greatest benefit, however, is that surgery generally eliminates the problem immediately.

Podiatry history has shown that foot treatments continue to evolve over time. In the field of foot surgery, endoscopic surgery is just one of the many advanced forms of surgery. As technology vastly improves so too will the various techniques in foot surgery, which already require smaller and smaller incisions with the use of better and more efficient tools. Thanks to such innovations, surgery is no longer as invasive as it was in the past, allowing for faster and easier recoveries.

Published in Featured

Tagged under

Tuesday, 03 September 2024 00:00

Preventing Diabetic Limb Loss

Preventing limb loss in diabetic patients is a significant health concern, as the majority of nontraumatic lower-limb amputations are linked to diabetic foot ulcers, or DFUs. The rise in diabetes-related amputations, especially among younger adults, underscores the importance of proactive care. Key factors that contribute to amputation can include poor glucose control, unmanaged peripheral neuropathy, and ineffective wound care. Early intervention by a podiatrist is essential to both identify and manage these risk factors. Regular foot assessments, proper wound care, and controlling blood sugar levels can significantly reduce the risk of amputation. Podiatrists play a vital role in these preventative strategies, by performing debridement, managing infections, and recommending appropriate dressings. These combined efforts can halt the progress of an ulcer and decrease the likelihood of an amputation. If you have diabetic foot problems that may lead to a loss of limbs, it is suggested that you schedule regular appointments with a podiatrist for treatment and management options.

Diabetic Limb Salvage

Diabetic limb salvage can be an effective way in preventing the need for limb amputation. If you have a foot ulcer and diabetes, 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 Diabetic Limb Salvage?

Diabetic limb salvage is the attempt of saving a limb, such as the foot, that has an infected ulcer, from amputation. Podiatrists also try to make sure that there is enough function in the foot after the salvage that it is still usable. 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.

Diabetes is the number one cause of non-traumatic amputations in the United States. Amputation has been found to lead to higher mortality rates. 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.

Diabetic Limb Salvage

Limb salvage is a procedure that involves saving a lower extremity from amputation. In podiatry, limb amputation often occurs as a result of diabetes. The fundamental goal of limb salvage is to restore and maintain stability and movement of the affected lower extremity.

The procedure typically involves removing the diseased tissue and a small portion of the surrounding healthy tissue, as well as the removal of any affected bone if necessary. If bone is removed it is then replaced with prostheses, or synthetic metal rods or plates, or grafts from either the patient’s body or a donor. Limb salvage is typically the preferred choice of procedure over amputation, as the procedure preserves both the patient’s appearance and allows for the greatest possible degree of function in the affected limb.

Upon diagnosis and determining that limb salvage is the appropriate treatment, the podiatrist may enlist the help of a physical and/or occupational therapist to prepare the patient for surgery by introducing various muscle-strengthening, walking, and range of motion exercises. Such exercises may be continued as rehabilitation post-procedure.

Published in Featured

Tagged under

Friday, 30 August 2024 00:00

Gout Pain Can Be Managed

Gout is a painful, inflammatory form of arthritis. Those affected will typically feel an intense stiffness in the joints of their feet, particularly in the big toe. Schedule a visit to learn about how gout can be managed and treated.

Published in Blog

Tagged under

Tuesday, 27 August 2024 00:00

Foot Structure and Common Conditions

The foot is a complex structure essential for mobility and balance, consisting of various bones, ligaments, and joints. It includes 26 bones, categorized into three types, which are the tarsals, metatarsals, and phalanges. The tarsals form the rear part of the foot, including the heel and ankle bones. The metatarsals make up the middle part, while the phalanges are the toe bones. This intricate arrangement supports the body’s weight, absorbs shock, and allows for diverse movements. Common foot conditions such as flat feet, plantar fasciitis, and bunions can arise from structural abnormalities or excessive stress. Understanding the anatomy and function of the foot helps in diagnosing and managing these conditions effectively. If you have a foot condition that is causing you pain and discomfort, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can diagnose the cause of your foot pain, and treat it accordingly.

If you have any concerns about your feet, 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.

Biomechanics in Podiatry

Podiatric biomechanics is a particular sector of specialty podiatry with licensed practitioners who are trained to diagnose and treat conditions affecting the foot, ankle and lower leg. Biomechanics deals with the forces that act against the body, causing an interference with the biological structures. It focuses on the movement of the ankle, the foot and the forces that interact with them.

A History of Biomechanics

Biomechanics dates back to the BC era in Egypt where evidence of professional foot care has been recorded.
In 1974, biomechanics gained a higher profile from the studies of Merton Root, who claimed that by changing or controlling the forces between the ankle and the foot, corrections or conditions could be implemented to gain strength and coordination in the area.

Modern technological improvements are based on past theories and therapeutic processes that provide a better understanding of podiatric concepts for biomechanics. Computers can provide accurate information about the forces and patterns of the feet and lower legs.

Understanding biomechanics of the feet can help improve and eliminate pain, stopping further stress to the foot.

Published in Blog

Tagged under

Tuesday, 27 August 2024 00:00

Biomechanics in Podiatry

Podiatry is a branch of medicine that deals with the study, diagnosis, and treatment of foot and ankle conditions. There are various subdivisions in podiatry; biomechanics is one of them. Biomechanics is the way in which the bones, muscles, and joints of the feet and lower limb interact with each other.

Our feet play crucial roles in the way we move, and it is rare to have feet that are completely symmetrical. Common biomechanical issues include high or low arches or uneven leg heights. Excessive pronation often leads to fallen arches, or flat feet, and is a common cause of running injuries. People whose feet are over-pronated tend to have flexible and unstable feet. Pain is usually experienced during walking and running.

At times, people may be able to adapt to these abnormalities without any difficulties, but in other cases, these issues can cause a great deal of pain. This pain occurs because the joints, muscles, ligaments, and tendons are put under an excess amount of stress during movement. Common symptoms of biomechanical problems stemming from the feet include hip pain, knee pain, leg cramps, ankle pain, lower back pain, weak ankles, tripping, heel pain, Achilles pain, and shin splints.

Many biomechanical issues can be treated with orthotics. Orthotics are shoe insoles that are used to help control the way the foot operates. They can provide relief from foot pain, heel pain, and knee pain. Depending on your specific case, you may need to purchase over-the-counter orthotics or custom orthotics to fit your feet. Your podiatrist will be able to prescribe the perfect orthotic for your feet to help you walk around with ease.

Gait is defined as the way we move our bodies from one point to another. This is usually done by either walking or running. Gait analysis is a method used to assess the way we walk or run to highlight biomechanical abnormalities. Gait analyses are a great way to take a detailed look at how you walk and how your foot moves while you walk. An examination of the feet will help your podiatrist understand why you are suffering pain in other parts of your body.

Published in Featured

Tagged under

Tuesday, 20 August 2024 00:00

Negatives of Wearing Flip Flops

Flip-flops, while convenient and casual, are not ideal for foot health. Their lack of arch support and cushioning can lead to issues like foot pain, poor posture, and increased risk of injury. The minimal support may worsen conditions like plantar fasciitis and contribute to misalignment of the feet. Flip-flops also offer little protection from sharp objects or uneven surfaces, making them unsuitable for extended walking or physical activities. They are best worn for brief periods in low-risk environments, such as the poolside or beach, where minimal foot protection is needed. For daily wear or activities that involve prolonged standing or walking, opt for footwear that provides proper arch support and cushioning to promote overall foot health and comfort. Foot conditions may develop when flip flops are frequently worn. If this applies to you, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist for treatment and who can guide you toward more appropriate shoe choices.

Flip-flops are not always the best choice of footwear. If you have any concerns about your feet or ankles, contact Kristopher Jerry, DPM from Podiatry Health Services . Our doctor will assist you with all of your foot and ankle needs.

Flip-Flops and Feet

When the weather starts warming up, people enjoy wearing flip-flops. Flip-flops are comfortable, stylish, and easy to slip on and off; they're perfect for any summer beach goer. However, these shoes can cause harm to the feet.

How Can Flip-Flops Affect Me Long-Term?

Ankle problems
Hip problems
Lower back problems
Pain in the balls of the feet
Problems with foot arches
Changes in the way you walk

Are There Injuries Associated with Flip-Flops?

Yes. Since flip-flops are relatively weak and do not provide the same amount of support as sneakers, people who wear flip-flops regularly are more susceptible to injuries. On top of that, the open nature of the shoe makes your feet more prone to other problems, such as cuts and even infections. Common injuries and ailments include:

Sprained ankles
Blisters
Infections
Cuts and Scrapes

I like Wearing Flip-Flops. Are There Safe Alternatives?

When buying flip-flops, try to find ones that have sturdy soles and that are made of high-quality materials that will support for your feet. These flip-flops will cost more but will also last longer as a result.

Published in Blog

Tagged under

Tuesday, 20 August 2024 00:00

Flip Flops and Your Feet

When the weather heats up, you may want to start wearing flip-flops. However, it has been proven that these are not the ideal shoes in terms of preserving the health of your feet.

Flip flops are known to expose your feet to different types of bacteria and fungal infections. When you wear your flip flops in public, you are exposing them to staphylococcus which is a skin-irritating bacterium. Athlete’s foot is also highly contagious and can be spread when you walk around nearly-barefoot.

Another harmful effect of wearing flip-flops is that they develop blisters on the feet. This is because the thin strap rubs against the skin with each step taken. Unfortunately, when blisters pop, they cause you to be more vulnerable to pathogens you pick up by having your feet exposed.

These shoes may also cause “shooting pains”. If you have flat feet, you need arch support to keep your knees, hips, and back in alignment. If you wear flat shoes, your joints are forced to compensate which can cause injuries throughout the body.

If you constantly wear flip-flops, you should avoid doing so as they can lead to many problems for your feet. If you are experiencing any of these foot issues, you should seek help from a podiatrist right away.

Published in Featured

Tagged under

Tuesday, 13 August 2024 00:00

Treatment for Broken Ankles

A broken ankle, or ankle fracture, occurs when one or more of the bones in the ankle joint break. This injury can result from a variety of incidents, including falls, car accidents, or sports activities that involve twisting or rolling the ankle. Symptoms include severe pain, swelling, bruising, and an inability to bear weight on the affected foot. Those most at risk for broken ankles include athletes, the elderly, and individuals with osteoporosis, which weakens bones. Immediate treatment involves immobilizing the ankle and seeing a podiatrist. X-rays are used to diagnose ankle fractures and determine the appropriate treatment, which may include casting, bracing, or surgery for severe cases. Recovery typically involves rest, stretching and strengthening exercises, and a gradual return to weight-bearing activities to ensure proper healing and regain strength. If you have sustained a broken ankle, it is strongly suggested that you visit a podiatrist as quickly as possible.

Broken ankles need immediate treatment. If you are seeking treatment, 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.

Broken Ankles
A broken ankle is experienced when a person fractures their tibia or fibula in the lower leg and ankle area. Both of these bones are attached at the bottom of the leg and combine to form what we know to be our ankle.

When a physician is referring to a break of the ankle, he or she is usually referring to a break in the area where the tibia and fibula are joined to create our ankle joint. Ankles are more prone to fractures because the ankle is an area that suffers a lot of pressure and stress. There are some obvious signs when a person experiences a fractured ankle, and the following symptoms may be present.

Symptoms of a Fractured Ankle

Excessive pain when the area is touched or when any pressure is placed on the ankle
Swelling around the area
Bruising of the area
Area appears to be deformed

If you suspect an ankle fracture, it is recommended to seek treatment as soon as possible. The sooner you have your podiatrist diagnose the fracture, the quicker you’ll be on the way towards recovery.

Blog

Blog Archives