Diabetic Foot Conditions Specialists

 

Experienced Podiatrists in Bradenton, Tampa, & Sarasota

 

Florida Foot and Ankle Specialists are dedicated to delivering superior foot and ankle care. Our team of board-certified podiatrists, enhanced by extensive fellowship training, is adept at diagnosing and managing a broad spectrum of foot, ankle, and lower leg disorders. Whether your needs involve routine preventive care, cutting-edge regenerative medicine, or intricate reconstructive surgery, we utilize the latest treatment strategies to ensure you achieve your desired outcomes.

We strongly believe that a comprehensive understanding of your condition is paramount to your treatment journey. To ensure this, we go the extra mile by thoroughly and clearly explaining your specific condition and the range of available treatment options. Our approach is centered around prioritizing your health above all else, and we are committed to delivering personalized and empathetic care.

At our facility, we strive to create an environment that is highly responsive to your unique needs. Our dedicated team is focused on helping you recover quickly while receiving exceptional quality care. We understand that your foot or ankle health is of utmost importance, and we are here to address any questions or concerns you may have.

Rest assured, our goal is to provide you with the highest level of care and support throughout your treatment journey. Your well-being is our top priority, and we are dedicated to ensuring your complete satisfaction with our services. Please do not hesitate to reach out to us if you require any further assistance or guidance. We are here to help you every step of the way!

 

 Call Us Now at 941-241-5333

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    Diabetic Foot Conditions

    Charcot Neuroarthropathy

    Charcot neuroarthropathy is a dynamic process which can be caused by a known or unknown traumatic injury. There is typically abnormal bone and joint loading leading to eventual deterioration, fracture and deformity of your foot or ankle. You may notice your foot begin to change and develop a “rocker bottom” like shape.

    Diabetic, neuropathic patients are at considerably higher risk of developing this disorder (1-10% of patients in the diabetic population). Charcot neuroarthropathy continues to be a destructive disorder to the diabetic population, and a challenging issue for foot and ankle surgeons. Neuroarthropathic changes affects both feet or ankles in as high as 75% of Charcot patients. We like to depict what Charcot does to patient’s bones as leaving a cardboard box out in the rain. It originally starts with form, structure and support but quickly turns into wet cardboard that loses all these qualities.

    Symptoms of Neuroarthropathy

    Some symptoms that often show up in the early stages of Charcot include increased warmth, redness, swelling, pain, deformity, and ulcerations. Diagnosis typically starts with X-rays and a thorough history and clinical evaluation. If you are diabetic, it is helpful to know your latest hemoglobin A1c level and how controlled your diabetes is. It is imperative to present to a Foot and Ankle Specialists as soon as possible and follow the recommended treatment regimen. There is significant risk for life-changing events such as loss of life or amputation. If you suspect that you have an open wound, infection or may be suffering from Charcot, we recommend you contact a specialist and seek medical evaluation as soon as possible.

     

    Fungal Nails

    Nail fungus, often referred to as onychomycosis, is a common issue for patients who live in Florida. The fungus responsible for this infection typically grows in a warm and moist environment. Once set in, nail fungus is very difficult eradicate.

    Symptoms

    You may notice that your nails thicken, become discolored, are brittle or misshaped. It important to get evaluated to ensure you are not at greater risk for a more serious infection. Our specialists have specific treatment plans that are designed to successfully treat your nail fungus.

     

    Custom Orthotics and Braces

    Orthotics and bracing are a mainstay of non-conservative treatment measures to help alleviate foot and ankle pain. Our specialists will perform a clinical biomechanical evaluation of your feet which, in conjunction with advanced imaging studies, can identify what medical pathology is afflicting you. Our specialist can determine whether you are a candidate for a custom, medical grade orthotic or brace. Utilizing a state-of-the-art digital scanning module, we can obtain a three dimensional industrial grade impression of your lower extremities. This allows us to extrapolate the most precise, accurate impression to produce an orthotic or bracing device that can help support and re-align your feet.

    Reasons for use

    Common reasons why you may be a candidate for custom orthotics include but are not limited to: flat feet, posterior tibial tendonitis/dysfunction, high arch (cavus) feet, heel pain, bunions, arthritis, Achilles tendonitis/pain, ankle sprains, sports injuries, diabetic neuropathy and foot/ankle wounds.

     

    Peripheral Neuropathy

    Neuropathy occurs when damage is caused to your nerves because of a medical condition. When the damage is outside of the brain and affects your extremities such as your feet and ankles, it is referred to as peripheral neuropathy. One of the most common conditions causing neuropathy stems from diabetes mellitus. It can also result from alcohol abuse, vitamin deficiencies, nutritional imbalances, chemotherapy, certain medications, genetics, and inflammatory conditions.

    Symptoms

    If you are diabetic and do not have strict glycemic control, you are more prone to developing peripheral neuropathy. Symptoms may include numbness, burning, tingling, sharp pain, weakness, instability, and dry, cracked skin. It addition, those suffering from neuropathy are predisposed to developing deformities and ulcerations. It is important to provide a detailed medical history during your visit. Your specialist will perform a thorough clinical evaluation to help determine the extent of your condition. There are treatments available to help with your symptoms. Be sure to talk with our specialists about preventing any further deleterious consequences. Come see a Foot and Ankle Specialist today for proper evaluation and treatment of your condition.

     

    Diabetic Foot Wounds (Ulcerations)

    A wound, commonly referred to as an ulceration, is a break in the outer layer of the skin leaving the tissues underneath open. There are various reasons why ulcerations develop. One of the most common in the foot and ankle is complications from diabetes and peripheral neuropathy. Regardless of the reason, it is critical to see a Foot and Ankle Specialist anytime you suspect that you have an open wound. Complications from ulcerations can be devastating and sometimes lead to infection of the soft tissue and bone.

    Symptoms

    Symptoms that you could monitor for include calluses that may open, open wounds, increased redness, drainage, odor, and systemic signs such nausea, fever, vomiting, chills. Typical diagnosis includes X-rays and a thorough clinical evaluation. It is vital to not only evaluate the wound but also assess your complete medical history and any other confounding factors such as arterial or venous disease. Our award-winning specialists are experts in wound care and will work diligently with you towards healing you ulcer. We understand that this is a difficult time, and we are here to help.

    Your health is our number one priority, so come see our specialists today for proper evaluation and treatment.

    This site does not contain or provide medical/health advice. The medical/health information is provided for general information and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional advice. Accordingly, before taking any actions based upon such information, we encourage you to consult with the appropriate professionals. The use or reliance of any information contained on this site is solely at your own risk.