Items filtered by date: July 2022

When there are serious and potentially dangerous complications in the feet and legs, sometimes undergoing a surgical procedure may be recommended. One surgical procedure that may be needed is limb salvage surgery. Sometimes, this procedure is performed on the leg when a tumor forms in the limb. Commonly, it will be used as a way to address cancers that may form in the soft tissue or the bone. As opposed to an amputation, limb salvage can save the limb. During this procedure, pieces of the bone and tissue, or parts of the limb, might be removed. This procedure has the potential to be especially useful to patients, as it would enable them to keep their bodies intact despite any serious complications they may have in their lower limbs. If you think that you may be a candidate for limb salvage surgery, it is suggested to contact a podiatrist who can help provide guidance.

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 Dr. Jeffrey Lerner from Palm Beach Podiatric Center. 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 one of our offices located in Wellington and Boca Raton, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

This is much less likely to happen in children than adults because kid’s feet are so tender and mechanical foot factors are not at play yet. However, there are situations where children can have cracked heels. Usually, a child has something abnormal going on with their immune system which impacts the functioning of their skin. Cracks can happen with disorders of nervous system regulation or hormones. Cracked heels can come on with stress, neuropsychic overstrain, or insufficient nutrition, particularly with a deficiency in vitamins B, A, and/or E. If cracks appear, it is usually during a transition period, such as adapting to going to school, the onset of adolescence, or from shock (like in the divorce of parents). Skin can become dry and flaky in response to stressors. As with adults, cracks in children’s feet need attention so as not to become infected and turn into wounds. If your child has cracked heels, protect the heel by covering it with a band-aid, and it is suggested you then take him or her to a podiatrist for appropriate treatment.

Cracked heels are unsightly and can cause further damage to your shoes and feet. If you have any concerns, contact Dr. Jeffrey Lerner from Palm Beach Podiatric Center. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Cracked Heels

Cracked heels appear unappealing and can make it harder for you walk around in sandals. Aside from looking unpleasant, cracked heels can also tear stockings, socks, and wear out your shoes. There are several methods to help restore a cracked heel and prevent further damage.

How Do You Get Them?

Dry skin is the number one culprit in creating cracked heels. Many athletes, walkers, joggers, and even swimmers suffer from cracked heels. Age and skin oil production play a role to getting cracked heels as well.

Promote Healing

Over the counter medicines can help, especially for those that need instant relief or who suffer from chronic dry feet.

Wear Socks – Wearing socks with medicated creams helps lock in moisture.

Moisturizers – Applying both day and night will help alleviate dryness which causes cracking.

Pumice Stones – These exfoliate and remove dead skin, which allows for smoother moisturizer application and better absorption into the skin. 

Change in Diet

Eating healthy with a well-balanced diet will give the skin a fresh and radiant look. Your body responds to the kinds of food you ingest. Omega-3 fatty acids and zinc supplements can also revitalize skin tissue.

Most importantly, seek professional help if unsure how to proceed in treating cracked heels. A podiatrist will help you with any questions or information needed. 

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact one of our offices located in Wellington and Boca Raton, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

When visiting a podiatrist, you will be able to consult with medical professionals who can help you create treatment plans for foot afflictions you might have. Depending on your affliction, a podiatrist may recommend the use of orthotics for your feet. Orthotics are specially designed full shoe inserts, heel inserts, and other devices that are meant to provide support or correction to your feet. Unlike inserts that you may be able to purchase at the pharmacy, orthotics are personalized and built to fit your specific foot. Orthotics may be used to rectify deformities in the structure of the foot, support the ankle, or improve foot functioning. These devices have been used to help patients suffering from conditions including arthritis, heel spurs, high arches, plantar fasciitis, bunions, and back pain. Orthotics can be built with rigid materials and significantly flexible substances. While many patients have benefitted from the use of orthotics, success is largely dependent on several factors such as the kind of shoe to which the orthotics are applied as well as the amount of time that the patient actually wears the devices. Each patient is understandably different, and so you might consider consulting with a podiatrist to determine whether or not orthotics could help you address your foot conditions.

If you are having discomfort in your feet and would like to try orthotics, contact Dr. Jeffrey Lerner from Palm Beach Podiatric Center. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

What Are Orthotics?

Orthotics are inserts you can place into your shoes to help with a variety of foot problems such as flat feet or foot pain. Orthotics provide relief and comfort for minor foot and heel pain but can’t correct serious biomechanical problems in your feet.

Over-the-Counter Inserts

Orthotics come in a wide variety of over-the-counter inserts that are used to treat foot pain, heel pain, and minor problems. For example, arch supports can be inserted into your shoes to help correct overarched or flat feet, while gel insoles are often used because they provide comfort and relief from foot and heel pain by alleviating pressure.

Prescription Orthotics

If over-the-counter inserts don’t work for you or if you have a more severe foot concern, it is possible to have your podiatrist prescribe custom orthotics. These high-quality inserts are designed to treat problems such as abnormal motion, plantar fasciitis, and severe forms of heel pain. They can even be used to help patients suffering from diabetes by treating foot ulcers and painful calluses and are usually molded to your feet individually, which allows them to provide full support and comfort.

If you are experiencing minor to severe foot or heel pain, it’s recommended to speak with your podiatrist about the possibilities of using orthotics. A podiatrist can determine which type of orthotic is right for you and allow you to take the first steps towards being pain-free.

If you have any questions please contact one of our offices located in Wellington and Boca Raton, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Foot pain is a common ailment among many people. The feet undergo daily stress while walking, standing, or running for much of the day. Diabetic patients may be familiar with the pain associated with a foot ulcer and sometimes surgery is necessary for proper healing. Diabetics may also be affected by neuropathy, which is the inability to feel cuts, bruises, or scrapes on the feet. This happens from having elevated blood glucose levels. An uncomfortable foot condition known as athlete’s foot can cause severe redness and itching. Athlete’s foot originates from a fungus and is contagious. A bony protrusion that forms on the side of the big toe is known as a bunion and can occur from wearing shoes that do not have adequate room for the toes to move freely in. Having an ingrown toenail becomes painful as the nail grows into the skin instead of over it. Surgery is sometimes a necessary treatment option so the toe can properly heal. If you have any type of foot pain, it is strongly suggested that you use the services of a podiatrist who can properly diagnose and treat foot pain.

Foot Pain

Foot pain can be extremely painful and debilitating. If you have a foot pain, consult with Dr. Jeffrey Lerner from Palm Beach Podiatric Center. Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

Causes

Foot pain is a very broad condition that could be caused by one or more ailments. The most common include:

• Bunions
• Hammertoes
• Plantar Fasciitis
• Bone Spurs
• Corns
• Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome
• Ingrown Toenails
• Arthritis (such as Gout, Rheumatoid, and Osteoarthritis)
• Flat Feet
• Injury (from stress fractures, broken toe, foot, ankle, Achilles tendon ruptures, and sprains)
• And more

Diagnosis

To figure out the cause of foot pain, podiatrists utilize several different methods. This 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

Treatment depends upon the cause of the foot pain. Whether it is resting, staying off the foot, or having surgery; podiatrists have a number of treatment options available for foot pain.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact one of our offices located in Wellington and Boca Raton, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.