Limb salvage surgery is a surgical procedure designed to prevent amputation of a limb. The main goal of this surgery is to save the limb, restore or improve its function, and help the patient return to their daily activities. Certain conditions may endanger your lower extremities and require surgery to prevent amputation of the affected limb. Specific types of bone fractures, advanced diabetic wounds, infections, cancers, frostbite, and poor circulation may need surgical intervention to save the affected limb. For more information about limb salvage surgery as it pertains to the lower extremities, please consult with a podiatrist.

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 Gregory Rorick, DPM from Rorick Podiatry, PC. Our doctor 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 New York Mills, Utica, NY . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Research has indicated that daily foot care is essential in possibly preventing unpleasant foot conditions. Some of these conditions can include cracked heels and calluses. It is beneficial to wash your feet daily, followed by drying them thoroughly. Additionally, it may help to exfoliate and lather them with a good moisturizer. Some patients apply cuticle oil to the edge of the toenails, as this can help to keep the overall foot smooth. Performing weekly  buffing routines and monthly peels or foot soaks are necessary in keeping the feet looking their best. If you would like additional information about how to perform everyday foot care routines, please consult with a podiatrist.

Everyday foot care is very important to prevent infection and other foot ailments. If you need your feet checked, contact Gregory Rorick, DPM from Rorick Podiatry, PC. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Everyday Foot Care

Often, people take care of their bodies, face and hair more so than they do for their feet. But the feet are a very important aspect of our bodies, and one that we should pay more attention to. Without our feet, we would not be able to perform most daily tasks.

It is best to check your feet regularly to make sure there are no new bruises or cuts that you may not have noticed before. For dry feet, moisturizer can easily be a remedy and can be applied as often as necessary to the affected areas. Wearing shoes that fit well can also help you maintain good foot health, as well as making it easier to walk and do daily activities without the stress or pain of ill-fitting shoes, high heels, or even flip flops. Wearing clean socks with closed shoes is important to ensure that sweat and bacteria do not accumulate within the shoe. Clean socks help to prevent Athlete’s foot, fungi problems, bad odors, and can absorb sweat.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in New York Mills, Utica, NY . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Seed corns are a particularly small type of foot corn that can form on the foot due to excess pressure or friction. They typically form on the soles of the feet and are associated with dry skin. Seed corns usually appear as hard, circular, well-defined spots of skin, and they are smaller than other types of corns. While seed corns are often asymptomatic, they can sometimes cause pain when pressure is applied to them, especially during weight bearing activities like walking or running. Seed corns are treated by reducing thickened skin through filing or applying over the counter topical medications, soaking your feet, moisturizing regularly, and wearing comfortable and well fitted shoes and socks. If you have seed corns that are not responding to home treatments or that are causing you pain, it is suggested that you see a podiatrist.

Corns can make walking very painful and should be treated immediately. If you have questions regarding your feet and ankles, contact Gregory Rorick, DPM of Rorick Podiatry, PC. Our doctor 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 New York Mills, Utica, NY . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Patients who are missing an arch in their foot have the condition that is known as flat feet. Flat feet fall into two categories. Flexible flat feet have an arch that disappears when the foot bears weight and reappears while sitting or standing on tiptoes. Rigid flat feet do not have an arch regardless of whether you stand or sit. Children that have flat feet may benefit from wearing soft insoles, and this may provide additional comfort. If your child has flat feet that are causing them discomfort, it is suggested that you confer with a podiatrist who can offer treatment options.

Flatfoot is a condition many people suffer from. If you have flat feet, contact Gregory Rorick, DPM from Rorick Podiatry, PC. Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.

What Are Flat Feet?

Flatfoot is a condition in which the arch of the foot is depressed and the sole of the foot is almost completely in contact with the ground. About 20-30% of the population generally has flat feet because their arches never formed during growth.

Conditions & Problems:

Having flat feet makes it difficult to run or walk because of the stress placed on the ankles.

Alignment – The general alignment of your legs can be disrupted, because the ankles move inward which can cause major discomfort.

Knees – If you have complications with your knees, flat feet can be a contributor to arthritis in that area.  

Symptoms

• Pain around the heel or arch area
• Trouble standing on the tip toe
• Swelling around the inside of the ankle
• Flat look to one or both feet
• Having your shoes feel uneven when worn

Treatment

If you are experiencing pain and stress on the foot you may weaken the posterior tibial tendon, which runs around the inside of the ankle. 

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in New York Mills, Utica, NY . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Abnormalities in one’s pattern of walk or gait can be caused by a large variety of conditions. Often, an injury, deformity, or disease that affects the lower limbs is responsible for causing the abnormal gait. Injuries such as bone fractures, sprains, shin splints, or tendonitis may affect your walk temporarily, and improve with treatment as the injury heals. Birth defects, like clubfoot, can affect gait if left untreated. Arthritis, which causes joint pain, inflammation, stiffness, and weakens the joints over time, often affects the feet and ankles and leads to a restricted range of motion and abnormal walking patterns. If you have a walking abnormality that stems from a foot or ankle problem, it is suggested that you consult with a podiatrist. 

If you have any concerns about your feet, contact Gregory Rorick, DPM from Rorick Podiatry, PC. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Biomechanics in Podiatry

Podiatric biomechanics is a particular sector of specialty podiatry with licensed practitioners who are trained to diagnose and treat conditions affecting the foot, ankle and lower leg. Biomechanics deals with the forces that act against the body, causing an interference with the biological structures. It focuses on the movement of the ankle, the foot and the forces that interact with them.

A History of Biomechanics

• Biomechanics dates back to the BC era in Egypt where evidence of professional foot care has been recorded.
• In 1974, biomechanics gained a higher profile from the studies of Merton Root, who claimed that by changing or controlling the forces between the ankle and the foot, corrections or conditions could be implemented to gain strength and coordination in the area.

Modern technological improvements are based on past theories and therapeutic processes that provide a better understanding of podiatric concepts for biomechanics. Computers can provide accurate information about the forces and patterns of the feet and lower legs.

Understanding biomechanics of the feet can help improve and eliminate pain, stopping further stress to the foot.

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