Pediatric
Podiatric Medicine & Surgery
Pediatric foot problems can appear very early
in life. The two most common children's foot
problems are toeing-in and flatfeet. Abnormal
in-utero positioning may predispose children
to metatarsus adductus which can lead to a toeing-in
gait. If left uncorrected, this condition can
cause further foot pathology in the form of
bunion and hammertoe deformities. Early diagnosis
and treatment can prevent the development of
these deformities in adolescents. Toeing-in
can cause tripping and make learning to walk
very difficult.
Children are not born with flatfeet. Their feet
resemble normally contoured adult feet when
nonweight bearing. Children pronate excessively
when they begin to bear weight early, which
deforms their feet and maintains a flatfoot.
Children with flatfeet or low arches, may not
be able to keep up with other children because
of the added strain on their feet and legs.
The foot needs to be maintained in proper alignment
while the bones are maturing or else static
deformities will develop. If the problem is
detected early, through such treatments as exercise,
casting, and orthotics, these deformities can
be corrected.
Adolescent/Adult
Podiatric Medicine & Surgery
There are many common foot and ankle problems
that can affect both the adolescent and adult
populations. Teens are particularly susceptible
to athlete's foot and warts. Both of these infectious
processes are due to a fungus and several viruses
respectfully. Problems common to both groups
are: Bunions and Hammertoes
which are hereditary; Corns
and Calluses due to abnormal
pressure areas secondary to poor bone alignment;
Ingrown Toenails which can be traumatic
or hereditary Heel Pain due
to abnormal foot structure, foot function, and
arthritis.
These common foot and ankle problems can
lead to abnormal gait and posture which can
affect the knee, hip, and lower back. Proper
lower extremity evaluation and gait analysis,
along with skilled surgical judgment can frequently
alleviate all foot and ankle problems.
Geriatric
Podiatric Medicine & Surgery
As we reach the later years in life, our bodies
go through some major changes. In the feet,
the skin becomes drier, and toenails grow
thick which makes self-care more difficult.
The unusual problems that we encounter with
adult feet, if left untreated may now become
severe. The normal fat pad in the ball of
the feet decreases with time which can add
to these problems. Relief of pain is frequently
achieved with routine Pediatric care, arch
supports, and patient education.
Sports
Medicine
The variety of sports and weekend activities
we participate in place great stress on our
feet and ankles. Most sports injuries can
be prevented by wearing proper shoes, performing
warm-up stretching exercise, and gradual conditioning.
Some common foot and ankle sports injuries
treated in our practice consist of the following:
Shin Splints: are overuse
injuries that cause pain and swelling where
the muscle attaches to bone in the front or
inner aspect of the lower leg.
Achilles Tendonitis: usually
an overuse injury, but can be secondary to
functional or mechanical properties of supportive
soft tissue and bone.
Sprained Ankle: a traumatic
injury or twisting to the supportive ligaments
that stabilize the ankle joint. Pain and swelling
are present lateral to the ankle area.
Heel Spur/ Plantar Fasciitis:
Heel pain on the plantar aspect of the foot
secondary to abnormal biomechanics of the
foot and ankle. inflammation of the plantar
fascia with concomitant bone spur formation
Stress Fracture: an overuse
injury to the bones of the foot and lower
leg. Continual sports activities produce a
localized dull pain. The foot and ankle are
subject to extensive physical stress in many
sports activities. Complete knowledge of the
anatomy and biomechanics of the lower extremity
is our specialty. This is essential to the
care and treatment of sports related injuries.
Diabetic
Foot Management Program
The Doctors and Staff at Atlantic Foot &
Ankle Center have developed a specialized
Diabetic Foot Management Program. Patients
have the unique opportunity to be a part of
a program designed to prevent the complications
frequently associated with Diabetes Mellitus.
This is done through a comprehensive evaluation,
instructional video tapes and educational
materials. Patients are encouraged to join
the local chapter of the American Diabetes
Association in order to receive the local
newsletter announcing educational programs
and workshops in the area. Furthermore, Atlantic
Foot and Ankle Center has been active in the
development of the new Diabetes Center of
Eastern Virginia in affiliation with Eastern
Virginia Medical School, Our Doctors are fully
trained in complete medical and surgical care
of the diabetic foot and are certified wound
specialists. We are available through Virginia
Beach General emergency room should emergencies
arise 24 hours a day. Our program provides
the most up to date medical evaluation and
treatment available should any problem arise.
Reconstructive Foot & Ankle Surgery
Certain systemic diseases like rheumatoid arthritis,
osteoarthritis, and diabetes mellitus can lead
to significant foot and ankle deformities. The
doctors at Atlantic Foot & Ankle Center
specialize in reconstructive and limb salvage
techniques in order to prevent lower extremity
amputations. Working closely with the primary
care physicians, rheumatologists, vascular surgeons,
orthopedic surgeons, a team approach to patient
care is employed. This enables the patient to
receive the most comprehensive care available
in the Hampton Roads area. Sports related and
traumatic injuries to the foot and ankle can
lead to a chronic problem resulting in post-traumatic
arthritis. Reconstructive procedures of bone,
ligaments, and joint replacements are performed
in order to alleviate these problems. The goal
of limb salvage and reconstructive surgical
techniques of the foot and ankle is to provide
a pain-free and functionally stable base for
amputation.
Hospital Based Surgery & Consults
Atlantic Foot & Ankle Center's doctors are
on staff at all of the major local hospitals.
They have been trained to deal with all foot
and ankle trauma, infections and emergencies.
When necessary, patients are operated on at
these facilities on an outpatient/inpatient
basis. The majority of foot and ankle procedures
are done in the outpatient ambulatory Surgical
Centers. The doctors are also certified to perform
Laser Surgery. When indicated, Lasers produce
a high intensity beam which decreases blood
loss, discomfort, and improves healing. Dr.
Simon, Dr. Bava, Dr. Rayno and Dr. Pfeiffer
work closely with other Doctors and professionals
in the hospital to provide a comprehensive multidisciplinary
approach to foot and ankle surgical needs. When
needed, total foot care is provided for hospitalized
patients when consultation is requested by the
primary care physician.
Office
Surgery
Atlantic Foot & Ankle Center's office has
a minor surgical suite that is fully equipped
with modern medical equipment and technology.
This enables the doctors to provide complete
surgical care of common foot deformities and
soft tissue lesions in an office setting as
needed.
Overall, the Doctors and Staff at Atlantic Foot
and Ankle Center are available for all medical
and surgical needs of the foot and ankle. Our
friendly staff will guide you through the sometimes
tedious referral process and schedule your appointment
as conveniently as possible. We participate
in most insurances in the Tidewater area, and
keep your Primary Care Doctor informed of your
care. Your visit here at our center will be
a pleasurable, professional, rewarding experience,
and we look forward to helping you. |
