Podiatry

Podiatrists at Lakewood Ranch Medical center diagnose and treat conditions of the feet and ankles. They use non-surgical and surgical techniques to help patients regain pain-free mobility and promote better podiatric health.

If you have a medical problem that is very specific to your feet or ankles, a podiatrist at Lakewood Ranch Medical Center may be a good first choice for a consultation.

Conditions We Treat

We treat a wide range of conditions affecting the feet and ankles, including:

• Bone spurs
• Bunions and hammertoes
• Foot/ankle/metatarsal arthritis
• Foot issues related to diabetes
• Fractures and injuries
• Neuromas
• Plantar fasciitis
• Plantar warts
• Tendonitis

Services We Provide

Bone Spur Treatment

A bone spur is a bony growth that forms on the edge of a bone. The primary cause of bone spurs is joint damage associated with osteoarthritis. Some bone spurs cause no symptoms and do not require treatment. If treatment is necessary, it will depend on where the spurs are located and how your health is affected.

Bunion and Hammertoe Care

A bunion is a large lump on the joint at the base of the big toe that results from changes in alignment of bones of the front part of the foot. Bunions can cause extreme pain if left untreated. Surgery, including a bunionectomy, is usually the last option and podiatrists encourage patients to make footwear and other changes to avoid surgery.

A hammertoe is a contracted or “crooked” toe, which may have resulted from previous trauma or from an imbalance in the muscles or tendons. Hammertoes may be aggravated by shoes that don’t fit properly. The condition may also be hereditary. Treatment options vary with the type and severity of each hammertoe. If surgery is needed, podiatrists can remove the tiny bone that is prominent and restore the toe joint to normal alignment, which often relieves pain.

Foot Issues Related to Diabetes

Different types of foot problems can occur in people with diabetes due to the nerve and vascular damage caused by the disease. Signs of diabetic foot problems can include bunions, corns, calluses, hammertoes, fungal infections, dry skin and ingrown toenails. Many diabetes-related foot problems can be prevented by adequate control of blood sugar levels combined with appropriate care of the feet.

Fracture and Injury Treatment

Fractures and injuries to the foot bone, such as a broken foot, can cause great discomfort. Fractures can range from tiny cracks in your bones to breaks that pierce the skin. Treatment is dependent on the site and severity of the injury.

Neuroma Treatment

Neuromas are a painful condition causing sharp, tingling, burning pain in the ball of your foot and numbness in toes. Treatment may include steroid injections or surgery, if necessary.

Plantar Fasciitis Care

Plantar fasciitis is an inflammation of the band of tissue that extends from the heel to the toes. The fascia first becomes irritated and then inflamed, resulting in heel pain. People who have problems with their arches are more prone to developing plantar fasciitis. Treatment include pain relievers, physical therapy and over-the-counter or custom-fitted arch supports (orthotics) to help distribute pressure more evenly across the feet.

Plantar Wart Care

Plantar warts are growths typically appearing on the heels of the feet. Most plantar warts aren’t a serious health concern and eventually go away on their own. If necessary, plantar warts can be treated at home or possibly removed by a doctor.

Tendonitis Treatment

Tendonitis is the inflammation or irritation of a tendon causing pain and tenderness just outside the joint. In most cases, treatment includes rest, physical therapy and pain relievers. In severe cases, surgery may be necessary.

Total Ankle Replacements

If you have pain or swelling of your ankle joint due to arthritis, you may be a candidate for a total ankle replacement. During ankle replacement surgery your damaged ankle joint is replaced with an artificial one. This is intended to reduce or eliminate the pain and swelling.