Podiatry Center
The Podiatry Center staff is committed to providing the best comprehensive care using surgical and non-surgical solutions, regardless of age. While we can provide a wide range of surgical interventions to treat foot and ankle problems, our specialists will perform comprehensive diagnostic examinations and provide alternate treatment options before recommending surgery.
Often simple solutions like braces or taping can prove effective for minor ailments and our custom made orthotics can provide long-term relief for many chronic joint alignment and postural issues. We ensure comfort and optimal effect by hand measuring for best fit. Each set of custom orthotics is individually manufactured for each patient and comes with a money-back guarantee.
The on-site Imaging Center at Grace Health System® provides podiatry patients with a place to get an MRI, x-ray, and CT scans done in one location. These services give your foot and ankle specialist a better look at problem areas, allowing them to better plan your path of care. Our compounding pharmacists, chiropractor and physical therapists are all part of a comprehensive team that works with you to provide relief and restore quality of life.
Although a last resort, it may be determined that a surgical procedure is needed to treat more complex conditions of the foot, including bunions and hammertoe. A bunion is a caused by calcium deposit buildup on the joint of the big toe and is most commonly formed when it’s pushed against the large first joint, often from wearing tight-fitting or high heel shoes. Bunions can also form on the small toes.
The Podiatry Center can also treat problems affecting the arches like high arch or flat feet, as well as tendonitis of the foot and ankle. Minimally invasive procedures using tiny, rapidly healing incisions can be used for many minor conditions.
Our podiatry specialists also routinely repair traumatic injuries and provide follow up rehabilitation treatment for torn ligaments and bone fractures in the ankles and feet. Living with foot and ankle pain can be miserable. The Podiatry Center is designed to provide effective relief of your foot and ankle pain and restore quality of life.
Diabetes can be dangerous to your feet. To avoid serious foot problems, follow these prevention tips:
- Inspect your feet daily. Check for cuts, blisters, redness, swelling, bleeding or nail problems. Use a magnifying hand mirror to look at the bottoms of your feet (if your eyesight is poor, ask someone to check your feet for you). Call our office to schedule an appointment if you notice any unusual symptoms.
- Wash your feet in lukewarm water. Keep your feet clean by washing them daily in lukewarm, not hot, water. If you have numbness in your toes or feet, test the water temperature with your elbow.
- Cut nails carefully and straight across. Don’t cut nails too short since this could cause ingrown toenails. Also, file nail edges.
- Never trim corns or calluses. Don’t perform “bathroom surgery”—let your foot and ankle surgeon do the job. Don’t use sharp instruments to cut at anything on your feet. Even small cuts can lead to big problems.
- Moisturize your feet. Use a moisturizer daily to keep dry skin from itching or cracking. However, don’t use moisturizer between your toes, as this could lead to fungal infection.
- Wear socks to bed. If your feet get cold at night, wear thin socks without tight elastic bands. Never use a heating pad or a hot water bottle to keep your feet warm in bed. Cold feet can be a sign of poor circulation—bring this up with your physician.
- Keep your feet warm and dry. Don’t get your feet wet in snow or rain. Wear warm socks and shoes in the winter and also make sure your footwear is dry before putting it on.
- Shake out your shoes and boots before wearing. You may not always feel something in your shoe, so be sure to look inside before putting them on. Do this several times a day in case you pick something up inside your shoe during the day.
We can help you prevent diabetic foot complications before they start.
If you or your family members have diabetes, request an appointment with the Podiatry Center so we can make sure your feet are in tiptop shape for the winter.