Christie Clinic’s Department of Foot and Ankle Surgery provides a full range of services for both children and adults, including: Diabetic Foot Care and Reconstruction According to the American Diabetes Association, nearly 16 million people (5.9 percent of the United States population) have diabetes. Neuropathy (nervous system damage) affects two-thirds of diabetics and is a serious complication that can cause diabetics to lose feeling in their feet or, at its most extreme, amputation. Foot and ankle problems are a constant risk for those with diabetes and require consistent monitoring of the feet. Something as small as a blister from too-tight shoes can cause serious damage to someone with diabetes because the disease decreases blood flow, slows the healing process and increases the risk of infection and diabetic ulcers. From diabetic foot ulcers to Charcot fractures and other diabetic foot care issues, the Christie Clinic Department of Foot and Ankle Surgery is a resource you can trust for your diabetic foot care. Treatment of Fractures and Foot Trauma Your feet are home to nearly one-fourth of all the bones in your body. From stress fractures caused by sports or your occupation to trauma caused by an accident, the Christie Clinic Department of Foot and Ankle Surgery has experience treating many different types of fractures and foot trauma. Wound Care Open wounds on the feet and ankles can become very serious if not properly treated, especially when a wound fails to heal within several weeks or an underlying condition such as diabetes, low blood circulation or neuropathy that is impeding the wound from closing properly. A podiatrist can thoroughly evaluate your condition and treat such issues as diabetic ulcers, leg ulcers, bed sores, bone infections, gangrene, skin tears, post-operative wound complications, failed skin grafts, and more. Foot Surgery - General Foot Care Orthotics and Biomechanics In most people, the left and right sides are rarely completely symmetrical. This is also true for our feet and legs. The result is that our bodies struggle to compensate for these anomalies. This compensation puts structures such as muscles, joints, ligaments and tendons under undue strain as they begin functioning in an abnormal way.A Biomechanics assessment looks for abnormalities to understand the possible underlying causes of pain and impairment. Once we have identified the causes of the problems, we develop a treatment plan to improve your symptoms. Treatment may involve: Exercises to stretch or strengthen muscles Orthotics – specially made devices for you to wear inside your shoe to control, realign or cushion the abnormalities Footwear advice Orthotics An ‘orthosis’ is a medical term that describes a device that supports, realigns, or assists in the function of the musculoskeletal system. In podiatry, we use foot orthotics designed to support, align or improve the function of the feet and lower limbs during gait. Functional orthotics apply forces to the feet enabling us to alter certain movements or off-load stress within tissues. Non-functional orthotics may be designed to improve skin and tissue viability or off-load painful pressure areas. PROstep Minimally Invasive Surgery If foot and bunion pain is limiting your everyday activity, find relief with PROstep™ Minimally Invasive Surgery (MIS). PROstep™ surgery can both reduce pain and improve the appearance of your feet. Barefoot Medical Spa Available services include waterless medical-grade pedicures, callus reduction, cuticle care, nail shaping and trimming, and polish application. All services are performed with autoclaved or disposable tools to ensure no transmission of bacteria occurs.