Items filtered by date: June 2024

Limb salvage surgery is a critical procedure used to avoid foot or toe amputation due to severe injuries, infections, or cancers. During the surgery, doctors remove the damaged or diseased parts of the foot while preserving as much healthy tissue as possible. This requires advanced reconstruction techniques to keep the foot functional. Limb salvage surgery helps patients maintain physical abilities and provides significant emotional benefits to enhance the overall quality of their lives. Complex Infections, such as osteomyelitis, can destroy bone and surrounding tissue, requiring careful surgical intervention. Additionally, conditions like bone cancers, severe diabetic ulcers, and peripheral artery disease can severely impair blood flow and tissue health, making limb salvage surgery necessary to prevent amputation. If you or someone you know struggles with severe trauma, infections, bone cancers, diabetic ulcers, or poor circulation affecting your feet, it is suggested you make an appointment with a podiatrist for evaluation and treatment options.

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 Soorena Sadri, DPM from FootWorx Active Podiatry. 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 office located in Fort Myers, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Toe numbness and tingling, often described as a pins-and-needles sensation, can arise from various causes. Commonly, it results from poor circulation, nerve compression, or injury. Prolonged pressure on the nerves, such as from wearing tight shoes or sitting in one position for too long, can lead to temporary numbness. Medical conditions like diabetes, peripheral neuropathy, or multiple sclerosis can also cause these symptoms. Additionally, deficiencies in vitamins such as B12, or mineral imbalances, may contribute to nerve problems. Recognizing the underlying cause is essential for effective treatment. If numbness and tingling persist or are accompanied by other symptoms, like pain or muscle weakness, it is important to seek medical advice from a podiatrist. If you have these sensations in your feet or toes, it is suggested that you visit this foot doctor for a diagnosis and treatment.

Toe pain can disrupt your daily activities. If you have any concerns, contact Soorena Sadri, DPM of FootWorx Active Podiatry. 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 feel free to contact our office located in Fort Myers, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.

In the realm of orthotics, quality stands as a cornerstone of efficacy and patient satisfaction. Assessing orthotic strength and contour holds importance in ensuring optimal performance and comfort. Strength, indicative of the material's durability and supportiveness, determines the orthotic's ability to withstand daily wear and maintain its shape over time. A robust orthotic not only offers reliable support but also withstands the rigors of daily use, ensuring longevity and sustained effectiveness. Equally critical is contour, as the shape and design of the orthotic directly influence its ability to provide targeted support and alleviate discomfort. A well-contoured orthotic molds seamlessly to the foot's anatomy, addressing specific areas of concern and promoting proper alignment and function. By prioritizing both strength and contour in orthotic assessment, podiatrists uphold standards of excellence, delivering tailored solutions that optimize patient outcomes and enhance overall foot health. If believe you may need custom orthotics for a specific foot condition, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist.  

If you are experiencing discomfort in your feet and would like to try custom orthotics, contact Soorena Sadri, DPM from FootWorx Active Podiatry. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

What Are Custom Orthotics?

Custom 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. 

Over-the-Counter Inserts

Shoe inserts come in a wide variety and 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, custom 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're experiencing minor to severe foot or heel pain, it’s recommended to speak with your podiatrist about the possibility of using custom orthotics or shoe inserts. A podiatrist can determine which type of custom orthotic or shoe insert is right for you and help you take the first steps toward being pain-free.

If you have any questions please contact our office located in Fort Myers, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Peripheral neuropathy is a condition caused by damage to the peripheral nerves, often resulting in numbness, tingling, burning sensations, and pain in the extremities. There are several types of peripheral neuropathy, each with its own set of causes and symptoms. Regardless of the underlying cause, peripheral neuropathy can have a significant impact on the feet, leading to decreased sensation, balance issues, and an increased risk of foot injuries and ulcers. Diabetic neuropathy is one of the most common types and is caused by nerve damage from prolonged exposure to high blood sugar levels in people with diabetes. Other types include compressive neuropathy, which occurs when nerves are compressed or pinched, and toxic neuropathy, which can result from exposure to certain medications, chemicals, or toxins. Proper foot care, including regular inspections, supportive footwear, and maintaining good blood sugar levels for diabetes, is essential for managing symptoms and preventing complications associated with peripheral neuropathy. If your feet are affected with any of the above symptoms, it is strongly suggested that you meet with a podiatrist who can offer you effective methods to manage the type of neuropathy you have.

Neuropathy

Neuropathy can be a potentially serious condition, especially if it is left undiagnosed. If you have any concerns that you may be experiencing nerve loss in your feet, consult with Soorena Sadri, DPM from FootWorx Active Podiatry. Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment for neuropathy.

What Is Neuropathy?

Neuropathy is a condition that leads to damage to the nerves in the body. Peripheral neuropathy, or neuropathy that affects your peripheral nervous system, usually occurs in the feet. Neuropathy can be triggered by a number of different causes. Such causes include diabetes, infections, cancers, disorders, and toxic substances.

Symptoms of Neuropathy Include:

• Numbness
• Sensation loss
• Prickling and tingling sensations
• Throbbing, freezing, burning pains
• Muscle weakness

Those with diabetes are at serious risk due to being unable to feel an ulcer on their feet. Diabetics usually also suffer from poor blood circulation. This can lead to the wound not healing, infections occurring, and the limb may have to be amputated.

Treatment

To treat neuropathy in the foot, podiatrists will first diagnose the cause of the neuropathy. Figuring out the underlying cause of the neuropathy will allow the podiatrist to prescribe the best treatment, whether it be caused by diabetes, toxic substance exposure, infection, etc. If the nerve has not died, then it’s possible that sensation may be able to return to the foot.

Pain medication may be issued for pain. Electrical nerve stimulation can be used to stimulate nerves. If the neuropathy is caused from pressure on the nerves, then surgery may be necessary.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in Fort Myers, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Ankle pain from arthritis can impact your daily life substantially. Ankle arthritis occurs when the joints in your ankles become inflamed. This can lead to pain, stiffness, and restricted movement. The three types of arthritis that can affect the ankles are osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, and gout. Osteoarthritis is caused by the gradual wearing away of cartilage in the joints, causing the bones to rub against other bones. Rheumatoid arthritis is a type of arthritis where the body's immune system attacks the joints by mistake and causes inflammation. Gout is a type of arthritis that causes pain, redness, and tenderness in your joints for a week or two, then returns to normal. No matter what the type is, ankle arthritis can make daily activities like walking or standing painful and challenging. If you are experiencing ankle pain, especially in the joints, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist, or foot doctor, to find the best treatment options. 

Ankle pain can have many different causes and the pain may potentially be serious. If you have ankle pain, consult with Soorena Sadri, DPM from FootWorx Active Podiatry. Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

Ankle pain is any condition that causes pain in the ankle. Due to the fact that the ankle consists of tendons, muscles, bones, and ligaments, ankle pain can come from a number of different conditions.

Causes

The most common causes of ankle pain include:

• Types of arthritis (rheumatoid, osteoarthritis, and gout)
• Ankle sprains
• Broken ankles
• Achilles tendinitis
• Achilles tendon rupture
• Stress fractures
• Tarsal tunnel syndrome
• Plantar fasciitis

Symptoms

Symptoms of ankle injury vary based upon the condition. Pain may include general pain and discomfort, swelling, aching, redness, bruising, burning or stabbing sensations, and/or loss of sensation.

Diagnosis

Due to the wide variety of potential causes of ankle pain, podiatrists will utilize a number of different methods to properly diagnose ankle pain. This can include asking for personal and family medical histories and of any recent injuries. Further diagnosis may include sensation tests, a physical examination, and potentially x-rays or other imaging tests.

Treatment

Just as the range of causes varies widely, so do treatments. Some more common treatments are rest, ice packs, keeping pressure off the foot, orthotics and braces, medication for inflammation and pain, and surgery.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in Fort Myers, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.