Foot and ankle dislocations are common injuries that result from trauma. If there is enough force, a direct trauma can cause a bone to break, or fracture. But when this force is directed around a joint, it can cause one segment of the joint to become misaligned, or dislocated. While the shoulder is the most commonly dislocated joint in the human body, the joints of the foot and ankle are not far behind. If left untreated, these injuries can cause severe pain and disability.

Timing is critical for proper management of foot and ankle dislocations. After 24 hours, swelling around the injured joint sets in and makes the bones more difficult to relocate. Additionally, the ligaments that normally maintain the alignment of the joint may become locked in their new position. Closed manipulation, also referred to as closed reduction, of the involved joint is the first line of treatment to re align the joint into its normal position. This is often done only after administration of an anesthetic block to minimize pain during manipulation. Once the joint is realigned, it is critical to keep the foot immobilized so that the bones do not re-dislocate. If the injury cannot be reduced through manipulation, surgical intervention may be necessary. This usually involves using a wire or pin to re align the bones of the joint.

Do not underestimate the importance of a properly aligned foot. As mentioned, timing is crucial for proper management of these devastating injuries. After any bone or joint injury, do not hesitate to make an appointment with the skilled doctors of Advanced Podiatry!

Athletes Foot is probably the best known infection you can pick up at the gym. It’s an itchy rash that is usually red, inflamed, and scaly. It is highly contagious and can be caught anytime you are barefoot, in open toed shoes, while wearing wet or damp socks, or shoes. 

According to the American Podiatric Medical Association, over 30 million people in the United States have diabetes and approximately 7 million have the disease but have not been diagnosed yet. The most common reason a person with diabetes is admitted to the hospital is for foot problems.

Diabetes can have a significant impact on your feet and the American Podiatric Medical Association recommends that diabetics see their podiatrist every 6 months. This exam should be a part of your comprehensive team approach in controlling diabetes.

Diabetic foot ulcers occur in approximately 15% of diabetic patients. Out of those patients, 6% will be hospitalized with an infection related to the ulcer. In addition, 14-24% will require an amputation. After an amputation, the chance of another amputation is as high as 50% within the next 3-5 years! According to the American Podiatric Medical Association, including a podiatrist in your diabetic care reduces the risk of a lower limb amputation up to 85% and lowers the risk of hospitalization by 24%. The key to helping prevent amputation is early recognition and intervention.

Daily foot checks are very important as a diabetic. Check your feet daily for any cuts, blisters, redness, or cracks. If you are unable to see the bottom of your feet you can get someone to help you or place a mirror on the floor and hover your foot over it. If you notice anything unusual, please contact your podiatrist right away.

Our doctors are able to help you in all aspects of diabetic foot care and treatment of the diabetic foot. If you have diabetes, please give our offices a call at (516) 869-3300- Manhasset, (631) 869-3300 - Huntington, (718) 639-0499 Maspeth, (516) 681-8866 - Plainview.

Let us help you keep your feet healthy!