Lower limb amputations, and specifically amputations associated with diabetes, have been on the rise in the United States for several years. These include both minor and major amputations. The rates of amputation have particularly increased among people ages 18-44 and 45-64, and are more common in men than in women. Many risks are associated with amputation, including permanent disability and death. When it comes to lower limb care, focus should be on preserving the limbs. Patients who regularly see a podiatrist, even if they have severe lower limb complications, have a decreased chance of amputation. Podiatrists can provide preventive care and treatments to manage various lower extremity problems, with the goal of preserving the limb and your quality of life. If you are diabetic or experience any foot or ankle problems, schedule an appointment with a podiatrist near you.

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 Imaze Marian Davis, DPM from Marian Davis, DPM, PA. Our doctors 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 Miami, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Many people endure foot and ankle injuries, pain, biomechanical problems, deformities, infections, and damage from systemic conditions that affect the lower limbs, but are hesitant to talk to their primary care doctors about it, thinking that an aching heel or a bunion has no bearing to their overall health. This is patently untrue. The feet are the foundation of the body, supporting its weight and carrying you throughout your daily life. If you have any foot or ankle problems, you should not suffer in silence. Instead, schedule an appointment with a podiatrist. Podiatrists are foot and ankle specialists who diagnose, treat, and assist patients in managing a huge variety of foot and ankle conditions. These include fractures, sprains, plantar fasciitis, bunions, hammertoes, diabetic neuropathy and foot ulcers, ingrown toenails, and much more. If you have a foot problem bothering you, consult with a podiatrist today.

If you are dealing with pain in your feet and ankles, you may want to seek help from a podiatrist. Feel free to contact Imaze Marian Davis, DPM from Marian Davis, DPM, PA. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

What Is a Podiatrist?

A podiatrist is a doctor of podiatric medicine who diagnoses and treats conditions of the foot, ankle, and related structures of the leg. Your podiatrist may specialize in a certain field such as sports medicine, wound care, pediatrics, and diabetic care. Podiatrists have the ability to become board certified through training, clinical experience, and then taking an exam.

What Do Podiatrists Do?

On a daily basis, a podiatrist may perform the following activities:

• Diagnose foot ailments such as ulcers, tumors, fractures, etc.
• Use innovative methods to treat conditions
• Use corrective orthotics, casts, and strappings to correct deformities
• Correct walking patterns and balance
• Provide individual consultations to patients

It is very important that you take care of your feet. It’s easy to take having healthy feet for granted, however foot problems tend to be among the most common health conditions. Podiatrists can help diagnose and treat a variety of feet related conditions, so it is crucial that you visit one if you need assistance.

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

People who develop corns on their feet are often aware of the pain and discomfort they can cause. They are generally categorized into three types, consisting of hard, soft, and seed corns. A soft corn can appear as a result of wearing shoes that do not fit correctly. They are found between the toes, and remain moist from wearing shoes and socks for the majority of the day. Hard corns are on top of the toes. A small cluster of corns on the sole of the foot may represent seed corns. Some patients have found mild relief when a protective pad is worn over the corn, or between the toes. This may help to reduce a portion of the friction that can cause corns to form. If you have developed corns on your feet, an appointment with a podiatrist can be helpful in determining what the best course of treatment is for you.

Corns can make walking very painful and should be treated immediately. If you have questions regarding your feet and ankles, contact Imaze Marian Davis, DPM of Marian Davis, DPM, PA. Our doctors will treat your foot and ankle needs.

Corns: What Are They? And How Do You Get Rid of Them?
Corns are thickened areas on the skin that can become painful. They are caused by excessive pressure and friction on the skin. Corns press into the deeper layers of the skin and are usually round in shape.

Ways to Prevent Corns
There are many ways to get rid of painful corns such as:

• Wearing properly fitting shoes that have been measured by a professional
• Wearing shoes that are not sharply pointed or have high heels
• Wearing only shoes that offer support

Treating Corns

Although most corns slowly disappear when the friction or pressure stops, this isn’t always the case. Consult with your podiatrist to determine the best treatment option for your case of corns.

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

Whether you’re training for a marathon or running just for fun, you should be aware that runners are at an increased risk for foot and ankle injuries. Fortunately, there are a great deal of things that you can do to minimize your risk. When you are beginning to run, it is important to build mileage gradually. Do not suddenly increase the distance or intensity of your runs, as this can strain and damage the muscles and ligaments of your lower limbs. Instead, increase your mileage slowly over time. It is also important to stretch and strengthen your feet and ankles, as strong, flexible lower limbs are more resistant to injuries. Wearing comfortable and supportive shoes, running on level surfaces, and allowing yourself time to rest and recover following runs will help you avoid injury as well. For more information about preventing foot and ankle problems as a runner, please consult with a podiatrist. 

Exercising your feet regularly with the proper foot wear is a great way to prevent injuries. If you have any concerns about your feet, contact Imaze Marian Davis, DPM of Marian Davis, DPM, PA. Our doctors will treat your foot and ankle needs.

How to Prevent Running Injuries

Many common running injuries are caused by overuse and overtraining. When the back of the kneecap starts wearing out and starts causing pain in your knee, this is commonly referred to as runner’s knee. Runner’s knee is a decrease in strength in your quadriceps and can occur if you’re not wearing properly fitted or supporting shoes. To prevent runner’s knee, focusing on hip strengthening is a good idea, as well as strengthening your quads to keep the kneecaps aligned.

What Are Some Causes of Running Injuries?
- One cause of a common running injury is called iliotibial band syndrome.
- Plantar fasciitis is also another common injury.
- Stress fractures can occur from overtraining, lack of calcium, or even your running style.

Best Ways to Prevent Running Injuries
- Wear footwear that fits properly and suits your running needs.
- Running shoes are the only protective gear that runners have to safeguard them from injury.
- Make a training schedule. Adding strengthening exercises as well as regular stretching can help keep you strong and limber and can lessen the possibility of injuries.
- Stretching keeps muscles limber; this will help you gain better flexibility.

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