NOT ALL INJURIES REQUIRE SURGERY.
Dr. Robyn Joseph
Podiatric Medicine & Surgery
Diplomate: American Board of Foot & Ankle Surgery
Certified Wound Care Specialist Physician
Care that allows you to live the lifestyle you want!
There are a variety of reasons why you may need to see a Podiatrist. The musculoskeletal system of the feet, ankles and lower legs involves many different parts that have to work together in unison to create pain-free movement. If any of these parts are not functioning properly, it may cause pain.
We are highly skilled in treating a variety of conditions and issues. Whether you have slight discomfort or severe pain, we can provide you with the care that allows you to live the lifestyle you want!
What we treat:
Ankle Sprains & Fractures
The feet and ankles work together to provide support and mobility to the body. A foot or ankle sprain occurs when you injure the soft tissue surrounding the bones in your foot. A fracture, however, occurs, when you actually break the bone.
Bunions
A bunion is an enlargement of the joint at the base of the big toe that forms when the bone behind the big toe moves out of place causing the big toe to slant towards the smaller toes.. This can cause your foot to appear wider. Over time, the pressure over the joint becomes painful and makes it difficult to wear shoes and perform activities.
Children's Foot Problems
Children typically have softer feet because their bones have not yet fully developed. This can potentially lead to foot problems. Common foot problems we see in children are flat feet or fallen arches, pigeon toes (children walk with their feet turned inward), heel pain, ingrown toenails, and plantar warts.
Diabetic Foot Evaluation & Management
Diabetes can affect many areas of the body, including your feet, but regular care with your podiatrist can help you manage your symptoms. Diabetes warning signs involving the foot and ankle include things like skin color changes, swelling of the foot or ankle, numbness in the feet or toes, pain in the legs, open sores that are slow to heal, bleeding corns & calluses, and ingrown toenails. Some individuals with diabetes experience a diabetic foot ulcer, or an open sore or wound, and is commonly located on the bottom of the foot.
Foot & Leg Wound Care
Wounds on the foot and leg develop for various reasons including falls and bumps to rubbing from shoes, to stepping on an object. Poor circulation, long term leg swelling and numbness from neuropathy can prolong healing. All wounds should be evaluated by the podiatrist for guidance and care to ensure proper healing in a timely fashion.
Fractures: Conservative & Surgical
The conservative treatment of fractures involves repositioning of bone fragments, wound closure, and applying a cast or splint to hold the bones in place. Sometimes, however, when pain or deformity persists, surgery may be appropriate to alleviate discomfort or to restore the function of your foot.
Toenail Disorders
Ingrown toenails & fungus are two common toenail disorders. Ingrown toenails are nails whose corners or sides dig painfully into the soft tissue of nail grooves, often leading to irritation, redness, and swelling. Toenail fungus is an infection underneath the surface of the nail caused by fungi. The disease is characterized by a progressive change in a toenail's quality and color.
Hammertoes
A hammer toe is a bending of the toe at the joint, causing the toe to stick up and interfere with shoe wear comfort. These toes can develop painful corns that may require professional shaving of the hard skin. When these painful areas become chronically painful, surgical straightening of toes can provide long lasting relief and maintain proper alignment of the foot.
Heel Pain
The heel bone is the largest of the 26 bones in the human foot and is subject to outside influences that can affect its integrity and cause heel pain. When the tendons and ligaments that attach to this bone become tight, they pull on the bone, causing bone spurs to develop leading to pain and swelling. These symptoms can often be controlled by arch supports, stretching and better shoe gear.
Neuropathy
Neuropathy is damage or dysfunction of one or more nerves that typically results in numbness, tingling, muscle weakness and pain in the affected area, often starting with your feet. Over time increased numbness can lead to foot injury that goes undetected. People with lower leg and foot neuropathy should be monitored by a podiatrist to help educate on how to prevent injuries from occurring.
Reconstructive Foot & Ankle Surgery
Certain foot disorders such as painful bunions, hammertoes, long standing injuries and tendon ruptures require surgery to repair and reposition. Contact our team to see if you are a candidate for reconstructive surgery.
Sports Injuries Children and Athletes
Whether it's on a field, court, or stage, ankle and foot injuries can occur that prevent an athlete from participating in their sport. Injuries may include stress fractures, tears, sprains, tendon inflammations and growth plate injuries. These need to be evaluated for proper treatment to ensure proper growth, continued good alignment and the resumption of all activities without further injury.
Skin Disorders
Skin disorders that affect the foot can range from painless & harmless to painful and severe. It's best to seek treatment to clear up any condition. Common skin disorders we see include: Athlete's Foot, corns and calluses, Psoriasis (may present as whitish-silver patches on your foot), skin cancer, sweaty feet, and warts.