A podiatrist is a specialist who provides medical diagnosis and treatment, including surgery, of foot and ankle problems. Common foot conditions treated at WinnMed are:
The podiatry program at WinnMed offers full-time care to patients of all ages.
A bunion is a common condition of the foot where there is misalignment that forms at the base of the big toe. The skin over a bunion can become red and sore, and there can be pain with activity, including even simple activity like wearing a shoe.
Some bunions will never cause any problems, while others may result in painful or irritating symptoms. Cosmetically, bunions may prevent people from wearing fashionable shoes like high heels or boots due to the tightfitting or narrow nature of those shoes.
Thomas Marquardt, D.P.M., Mayo Clinic Health System podiatrist at WinnMed, offers a new treatment for bunions. Called Lapiplasty ®3D Bunion Correction, this procedure stabilizes the bottom toe joint to correct the alignment.
The new technology uses a titanium plate to secure the joint in three locations to correct the misalignment. The titanium plate remains on the joint to prevent it from drifting back out of alignment. Most patients are able to put weight on their foot within days after surgery, and once recovered, can wear their desired shoes without limitations.
Following a full recovery using the 3D bunion technology, most patients can return to their normal practices, including activities and shoe choice.
If you have questions about bunions, or are interested in learning more about Lapiplasty ®3D Bunion Correction at WinnMed, call Dr. Marquardt for an appointment at 563-382-2911.
A neuroma is the thickening of nerve tissue. Neuromas are commonly found in the foot, and when one develops at the base of the third and fourth toe, it is called Morton’s neuroma. If left untreated, neuromas can lead to permanent nerve damage.
Anything that causes compression or irritation of the nerve can lead to the development of a neuroma. Wearing shoes with a tapered toe box or high-heeled shoes that compress the toes are common causes of neuromas. They can also be caused by repetitive activities, such as running or racquet sports.
Bone fractures in the foot and ankle are common and require evaluation by a specialist. Another type of fracture that is commonly seen in the lower extremity is a stress fracture. Stress fractures commonly afflict athletes. All fractures require x-rays for thorough evaluation.
Diabetes may cause nerve damage that takes away the feeling in your feet. Additionally, diabetes may reduce blood flow to the feet, making it harder to heal an injury or resist infection. Proper care by a foot/ankle specialist is necessary to maintain good foot health and prevent complications, such as amputation.
When a toenail is ingrown, the nail is curved downward and grows into the skin, usually at the sides of the nail. If an ingrown nail causes a break in the skin, bacteria may enter and case an infection. Most ingrown nails are hereditary-based. Cutting your nails too short can also encourage ingrown nails to develop. Ingrown toenails can also be caused by injury. Seek care early for a better long-term outcomes.
Planter warts are non-cancerous growths that occur on the sole, heel or ball of the foot. They are rough and spongy, and most are gray or brown with dark pinpoints. Planter warts are caused by exposure to the human papilloma virus (HPV), which can invade the body through tiny cuts or breaks in the skin on the bottom of the foot. HPV infection, and the resulting planter warts, can largely be avoided by not walking barefoot in public locker rooms, showers and swimming pools. These can often be cared for or managed with over-the-counter treatments in the home setting. Seek care early for the best outcomes.
Podiatrists perform the following surgical procedures at WinnMed:
Podiatry specialty appointments can be made by calling WinnMed at 563-382-2911. You can also request an appointment through MyChart.
