Articles Tagged with: Foot & Ankle Specialists
Jan
21

PRP for Plantar Fasciitis

PRP for PLANTAR FASCIITIS

Common injuries of the feet such as ankle sprains, Achilles tendonitis, and plantar fasciitis, as well as acute and chronic tendon and joint diseases such as arthritis, can all be treated with PRP injections. For many, this therapy has lead to greatly reduced pain and increased function of the foot. Combining exercise or physical therapy with the PRP injections will help increase the success of the treatment.

Here’s Dr. Toe Jam demonstrating how it’s done!

Call the Foot and Ankle Specialists at JAWSpodiatry Today to Schedule an Appointment

The experienced and skilled podiatrists at JAWSpodiatry in Hollywood, Florida can help you keep your feet healthy, and help you get back on your feet when problems arise. We are a growing group of exceptional professionals who offer the highest degree of care in a welcoming, comfortable environment. Please contact us today at (954) 922-7333 to schedule a consultation.

Jan
14

Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP) Therapy for Chronic Venous Ulcer

PRP for chronic venous ulcer

Chronic venous leg ulcers come with cost and morbidity for patients. A leg ulcer is a long-lasting (chronic) sore that takes more than four to six weeks to heal. They usually develop on the inside of the leg, just above the ankle. The symptoms of a venous leg ulcer include pain, itching and swelling in the affected leg. For patients with chronic venous leg ulcers, autologous platelet-rich plasma (PRP) is safe and effective, with highly significant improvement in ulcer size compared to conventional treatment.

This patient has been in-and-out of the hospital multiple times with this wound caused by poor blood flow. Watch as Dr. Wagner performs PRP therapy treatment for their chronic venous ulcer.

Call the Foot and Ankle Specialists at JAWSpodiatry Today to Schedule an Appointment

The experienced and skilled podiatrists at JAWSpodiatry in Hollywood, Florida can help you keep your feet healthy, and help you get back on your feet when problems arise. We are a growing group of exceptional professionals who offer the highest degree of care in a welcoming, comfortable environment. Please contact us today at (954) 922-7333 to schedule a consultation.

 

Jan
07

Frostbite Prevention and Treatment

Frostbite Prevention and TreatmentHere is sunny South Florida, temperatures rarely drop to the frigid levels they do elsewhere in the country. This means that many folks may not be prepared for cold temperatures on those rare occasions they do come our way or when traveling to colder climates. Failing to arm yourself against cold weather won’t just leave you shivering or chattering your teeth. It can cause permanent damage and even the loss of a limb or extremity if you develop the condition known as frostbite. 

What is Frostbite?

Frostbite is what happens when skin and underlying tissues freeze. That freezing occurs when not enough blood flows throughout the body, and extreme cold can dramatically decrease blood flow. The reason frostbite occurs most often in hands, feet, fingers, and toes is that they are the farthest away from your body’s core and blood has to travel a longer distance to get to these extremities. If blood isn’t flowing well, it will never get there. Since the nose, ears, cheeks, and chin, are often left exposed, they also are at risk for the development of frostbite.

The length of time it takes for frostbite to develop in freezing temperatures depends on the severity of the conditions outside and what protection, if any, is being worn to shield the skin from exposure. In extreme cold and wind, frostbite can start to develop as quickly as five minutes.

Severe, advanced cases of frostbite make their way through all skin layers into the tissue below. The numbness that develops at this stage may cause the loss of any sensations of cold or pain in the affected areas.  This often causes people to underestimate or ignore the extreme damage that being inflicted on their body. Joints and muscles may stop functioning, and ultimately, frostbite can cause gangrene – the death of tissue and muscles – which can result in amputation to prevent infection from spreading.

Frostbite Treatment

If you believe that you may be getting frostbite, get inside and out of the cold and seek medical attention as soon as you can. Soak your hands or feet in warm water (between 104-107 F). Make sure the water temperature is not too hot, as the numbness and loss of sensation could prevent you from feeling any burning or scalding. As your body and skin warm, you may experience pain and blistering as well as changes in the color of the affected skin.

Frostbite Prevention

The key to avoiding frostbite in cold weather is to protect yourself with the proper clothing and accessories. If you are heading north during the winter or the temperature goes south down here, keep these functional fashion tips in mind as you venture out into the cold:

  • Wear layers of loose clothing, including a layer closest to your skin made of a material that will keep you dry.
  • Make sure your outer garments are windproof and waterproof.
  • Wear a hat, headband, or earmuffs that completely cover your ears.
  • Go with mittens instead of gloves
  • Wear wool socks over a pair of moisture-resistant socks and wear insulated and waterproof shoes or boots.
  • Get out of wet clothing as quickly and safely as possible.

JAWS podiatry: Your Hollywood, Florida Foot and Ankle Specialists

At JAWS podiatry in Hollywood, Florida we are committed to excellence in the care and treatment of your feet and ankles. A growing group of exceptional professionals we offer the highest degree of care in a welcoming, comfortable environment. Please call us today at (954) 922-7333 or contact us online to schedule a consultation.

Dec
31

Cheilectomy for Severe First Metatarsal Arthritis

Cheilectomy for severe first metatarsal arthritis

Today, arthritis and foot pain are both major public health problems.  This patient was having a lot of pain in his big toe for a long time. The X-rays showed typical changes due to arthritis. The first metatarsophalangeal joint (MPJ) of the big toe/great toe is a common condition (hallux limitus/rigidus) marked by pain, stiffness, and impaired ambulation.

Watch as Dr. Wagner performs a Cheilectomy for severe first metatarsal arthritis.Read More

Dec
10

Dr. Wagner Featured on Univision’s Despierta America

Dr. Wagner was honored to be invited on Univision’s Despierta America show. The discussion centered around the upcoming Latin Grammy’s and as we all know high heels will be in full effect.

Dr Wagner on Set of Univision's Despierta America

Watch as Dr. Wagner discusses the ramifications of the shoes we wear with Dr. Juan Rivera.

Call the Foot and Ankle Specialists at JAWSpodiatry Today to Schedule an Appointment

The experienced and skilled podiatrists at JAWSpodiatry in Hollywood, Florida can help you keep your feet healthy, and help you get back on your feet when problems arise. We are a growing group of exceptional professionals who offer the highest degree of care in a welcoming, comfortable environment. Please contact us today at (954) 922-7333 to schedule a consultation.

Dec
03

Preventing Diabetic Foot Ulcers

Diabetic Foot UlcersAmericans living with diabetes face an array of challenges and dangers which require constant vigilance and maintenance if catastrophic consequences are to be avoided. This is especially true when it comes to foot care. For diabetics, their feet and legs are particularly prone to serious problems which can, if left unnoticed and untreated, result in amputation.  Perhaps the most common problem experienced by people with diabetes are diabetic foot ulcers, a treatable condition but one which can cause major problems if not addressed in a timely fashion.

What Are Foot Ulcers?

Approximately 15 percent of diabetic patients experience foot ulcers, and about six percent of the people who develop an ulcer wind up in the hospital due to infection or other ulcer-related complication.

Diabetic foot ulcers are open sores or wounds that usually develop on the bottom of the foot. A number of factors can contribute to the development of ulcers, including poor circulation, deformities, irritation from pressure or friction, trauma, and diabetes that has been present for a long time. Redness, swelling, and drainage are frequent and visible symptoms of a foot ulcer.

Notice that pain is not listed among those symptoms. That’s because nerve damage caused by diabetes can lead to the inability to feel pain, which in turn may keep a person with diabetes from realizing they have developed an ulcer or seeking treatment for it until after it becomes extremely severe.  Making matters worse, diabetes reduces blood flow to the legs and feet, making it harder for the ulcer to heal.

Diabetic Foot Ulcer Prevention Tips

The first step in diabetic foot ulcer prevention is awareness of the risk. Knowing that you are vulnerable to the problem should spur you to stay vigilant and take other steps to reduce the likelihood of their development.

Five good ways to keep foot ulcers from becoming a serious problem are:

  • Check your feet every day, keeping an eye peeled for cuts, cracks, and blisters
  • Clean your feet each day with mild soap and lukewarm water, paying particular attention to the areas between your toes. Make sure to dry them thoroughly and use talcum powder to keep them dry.
  • Stop smoking
  • Pick shoes that do not cause friction or irritation and wear socks at all times
  • See a podiatrist at least once every year for a complete foot examination

Call the Foot and Ankle Specialists at JAWSpodiatry Today to Schedule an Appointment

The experienced and skilled podiatrists at JAWSpodiatry in Hollywood, Florida can help you keep your feet healthy, and help you get back on your feet when problems arise. We are a growing group of exceptional professionals who offer the highest degree of care in a welcoming, comfortable environment. Please contact us today at (954) 922-7333 to schedule a consultation.

Nov
26

Pediatric Ingrown Toenail Removal

Ingrown toenails are a common condition we treat in children. Tight shoes, tight socks and incorrect nail trimming for most cases is mainly to blame. In other cases, children may inherit the tendency for nails to curve.

pediatric ingrown toenail removal

The only proper way to treat a child’s ingrown toenail is with a minor surgical procedure at a doctor’s office. Parents should never try to dig the nail out or cut it off. These dangerous “bathroom surgeries” carry a high risk for infection. Watch as Dr. Wagner removes this 13-year-old’s patient two HUGE, infected, ingrown toenails on both big toes. In this video, we completely remove the right toenail.

01:55 – 3, 2, 1.. we have liftoff!!

If you are experiencing any symptoms of toenail fungus or think you may have an infection, the experienced and skilled podiatrists at JAWSpodiatry in Hollywood, Florida can help. We offer the highest degree of care in a welcoming, comfortable environment and are committed to providing an exceptional patient experience. To schedule an appointment, please contact us online or call us at (954) 922-7333.

Nov
19

Dangers of Ignoring a Toenail Fungus Infection

Toenail Fungus InfectionIgnoring a problem doesn’t make it go away. This is particularly true when it comes to health issues. Dismissing a health problem as minor or just hoping that it resolves itself usually makes things worse. Such can be the case with toenail fungus. If you develop this common condition, don’t just treat it as an unattractive annoyance. If you fail to treat toenail fungus, it can lead to severe infections that can keep you off your feet – or worse.

What is Toenail Fungus?

Toenail fungus is highly contagious and quickly spread. You can get it walking on wet surfaces, at a nail salon, or anywhere your feet come into contact with a surface where the fungus lives. The fungus may make your toenails discolored, thick, brittle, and separated from the nail bed. Since toenail fungus is a living, growing organism, it may take some time between the time you come into contact with the fungus and the time symptoms become visible.

When you do realize that you may have an issue with toenail fungus, there are plenty of over-the-counter anti-fungal ointments and creams that can help resolve the issue. For particularly stubborn or severe cases, JAWSpodiatry offers an advanced, innovative, safe, and effective treatment for toenail fungus called Clearanail sometimes called the “silver bullet” for attacking and curing toenail fungus.

Read More

Nov
12

All About Tendonitis: Treatment and Prevention

The tendons in our bodies are crucial to movement. These tough, fibrous, and flexible tissues attach our muscles to our bones and work together with muscles to exert the pulling force that allows our hands, arms, feet, and legs to move the way they’re supposed to. Tendons have a hard job and they can usually stand up to the constant work they have to do. Sometimes, though, they can cry “uncle” when the stress and strain become too much. They do so through inflammation and pain.

This inflammation and pain are called tendonitis, and it manifests itself in such conditions as “tennis elbow,” “pitcher’s shoulder,” “jumper’s knee,” and, of course, Achilles tendonitis.

The Achilles tendon is the large tendon at the back of your ankle and is the largest tendon in your entire body. It connects the back of your lower calf muscles to your foot, providing power when you are pushing off while walking or running.

Achilles tendonitis, also called Achilles tendinothapy, is usually the result of overuse, such as training too hard without giving the tendon time to recover from the strain put on it. It can be exacerbated by other factors, such as poor footwear, soft running surfaces, or running uphill for extended periods of time. Additionally, weak calf muscles, poor range of motion in the ankles, and excessive pronation have all been associated with Achilles damage.

The word damage is appropriate, because Achilles tendonitis isn’t just pain or inflammation, as the suffix “itis” usually implies. Achilles tendonitis involves actual damage to the fibers in the tendon. As we age, we become more prone to such damage.

Treatment And Prevention for Achilles Tendonitis

Fortunately, most cases of Achilles tendonitis can be effectively and simply treated without the need for professional attention, though such help may be needed in more severe cases or if the following home treatments don’t fix the problem:

  • resting the joint
  • hot and cold treatment
  • pain relievers such as ibuprofen, available over-the-counter (OTC) or online.
  • splinting of the affected joint
  • Contrast hot and cold treatment – take two small buckets/trash cans and fill one with hot bath temperature water and the other with ice water and put your whole leg (up to the calf) in the cold. Hold for 5 minutes and then switch to the hot for 5 minutes. Repeat 2 or 3 times, ending with cold. This helps rush blood in and out of the area, which facilitates healing
  • Switch to more supportive shoes while walking around until your pain is completely gone, and avoid flats and high heels
  • Perform ankle strengthening and mobility exercises.

Exercise – and stretching before doing so – can help strengthen the muscles around the tendon and reduce the chances of further injury. Warming up and cooling down after workouts and avoiding repetitive movements can also minimize the likelihood of swelling and inflammation.

Call JAWSpodiatry Today to Schedule an Appointment

If you are experiencing pain, swelling, or other problems with your Achilles tendon, please schedule an appointment with the committed foot and ankle specialists at JAWSpodiatry in Hollywood, Florida. We know how painful and frustrating such problems can be and we use the most advanced and non-invasive techniques to reduce foot and ankle pain and speed recovery. Please call us today at (954) 922-7333 or contact us online to schedule a consultation.

Nov
05

Benefits of Custom-Made Pediatric Orthotics

Some people refer to orthotics as “arch supports,” but they do more than that! Orthotics are shoe inserts that help to correct improper foot alignment during activities like walking and running. The goal for some musculoskeletal conditions that are common to kids is early intervention and conservative treatment.

Custom-Made Pediatric Orthotics

Watch as Dr. Wagner explains the benefits of custom-made pediatric orthotics.

Custom-made orthotics are so crucial in a world where we walk in shoes at all times. The experienced and skilled podiatrists at JAWSpodiatry in Hollywood, Florida can help you keep your feet healthy, and help you get back on your feet when problems arise. We are a growing group of exceptional professionals who offer the highest degree of care in a welcoming, comfortable environment. Please contact us today at (954) 922-7333 to schedule a consultation.
 

Questions? Contact our office today: (954) 922-7333