Podiatric Medicine: Best Foot Forward Dr. Kevin J. DeAngelis, DPM Brandywine Family Foot Care 213 Reeceville Rd. Suite 13 Coatesville, PA
What is a Podiatrist? Specially trained physician specializing in ALL aspects of the foot and ankle. Both MEDICAL and SURGICAL management of Skin Problems and Nail Deformities Foot/Ankle Trauma and Fractures Nerve pain and Neuropathy Diabetic Care and Limb Preservation Sports Medicine and Biomechanics Bunions, Hammertoes Ankle sprains Heel and Arch pain Babies, Kids, Adults, Seniors
Training 4 years pre-medical undergraduate degree 4 years of post-graduate podiatric medical school 3 years of hospital-based surgical and medical residency Fellowships for sub-specialization State licensing exam, board certification
General Foot Health & Preventative Care Simple Hygiene Tips Wash and dry between toes daily (avoid fungus). Trim nails straight across. NEVER STICK ANYTHING INTO NAIL EDGES TO CLEAN THEM. Moisturize skin daily to keep skin supple.
Common foot problems Bunions Hammertoes Fungal Toenails Diabetic Care Heel Pain Tendonitis and Muscle Pain Warts Callus and Pressure Points Fractures
Fractures of the Foot and Ankle
Bunions What is it? Bony bump on the side or top of the great toe joint. Causes Genetics, shoes, arthritis Malaligment,foot structure Symptoms Pain from shoes rubbing, because of trouble with fit. Pain at the big toe joint. Pain at neighboring joints and toes from structural imbalance
Bunions Treatment Depends on person Activity level Age Health Severity and cause of bunion Surgical Different types of procedures usually requiring a screw. Some may bear weight within a week some require up to 4 weeks with a boot Orthotics Correct mechanics and foot structure Shoe gear Avoid irritation and give space.
Heel Pain Many causes Most common cause is Plantar Fasciitis Usually due to altered mechanics Pain with first step in the morning or after long rests One of the most common problems we treat
Heel Pain Treatment Shoe modification Inserts vs. orthotics NSAIDs Steroids Steroid Injections Stretching/PT Night splints Surgery
Orthotics Medical device that fits into shoes. Biomechanical control for an unstable foot type. Different types and styles. Custom offers variety of materials and options.
SHOES, SHOES, SHOES Wide toe box. Toes should be able to move side-to-side and top-to-bottom. Protect toes. Get FITTED: inappropriate shoes may CAUSE a wound Alternate shoes each day. Medicare may COVER Diabetic Shoes
Hammertoes What is it? Buckling of the toe. Causes Arthritis Toe flexor muscles overpower extending muscles Symptoms Pain or callus at tops of toes from rubbing against shoes. Pain or callus on bottom of ball of foot.
Hammertoes Treatment Depends on person. Surgical Removing or fusing the knuckle to straighten toe. With or without pin. Absorbable? Non-surgical Soft padding for toe Extra depth shoes Crest pad
The Dreaded Fungal Toenails
Fungal Toenails What is it? Infection of the toenail plate. Signs and Symptoms Thickening of toenail. Changes in color, shape. Causes Hereditary Fungus from showers or shoes Wet, dark, warm areas
Fungal Toenails Treatment Options Laser Medication Tablet: broken down by liver Topical medicine. Managed care Keeping nails thin. Cut straight across.
What is Diabetes? Unregulated SUGAR in BLOOD Genetic component as well as DIET Some people control it with diet and exercise Some take pills to help the body regulate Some take insulin
WARNING SIGNS OF DIABETES
How do you CHECK sugar? HbA1c Is BLOODWORK Checks how your sugar is over the course of 3 MONTHS LONG TERM (MOVIE) 5-6 is NORMAL, 10 is VERY HIGH Finger Stick Use a GLUCOMETER and finger stick to check sugar Tells you how sugar is at THAT moment Higher after a meal, lower after medication is taken SHORT TERM (SNAPSHOT) 60-120 is NORMAL
What does Diabetes have to do with MY FEET? Diabetes effects your ability to HEAL NORMALLY Diabetes effects your ability to FIGHT INFECTION Diabetes effects your SENSATION and NERVES
What is NEUROPATHY? Diabetes AFFECTS the NERVES Nerves are like WIRES if damaged it lessens ability to FUNCTION properly Numbness, Pins and Needles, Lack of Sensation Shooting, burning, electric shock pain
What do I do if I have NEUROPATHY? Some medication helps with PAIN But overall just CHECK YOUR FEET Use a HAND MIRROR if unable to bend Keep them PROTECTED and SAFE SEE YOUR PODIATRIST
What do I do if I get an ULCER? If you have any concerning cut, blister, wound, or infection of you foot see your podiatrist right away A simple BLISTER or NON-HEALING CUT could mean BIG problems if left untreated
Innovative Modern Medicine and Wound Healing There are many ways to successful treat diabetic wounds Avoid amputation Keep ACTIVE and HEALTHY
Thank you! Questions?