The Department of Podiatric Medicine and Surgery's motto might well be "You never walk alone," as podiatry specialists here have treated foot and ankle disorders for 33 years.

The department's priorities are to standardize podiatry procedures and cross-train staff, which allows us to maximize our ability to treat our patients as well as maximize time for doctor/patient encounters in the most efficient way. A 'team-type' approach brings the doctor and patient together more quickly.

The Department of Podiatric Medicine and Surgery employs the latest minimally invasive podiatry therapies to lessen patient discomfort and recuperative downtime. One example is the treatment of neuroma, a non-malignant, tumor-like growth on the ball of the foot. It can be a very painful and disabling problem. Now, a system of weekly injections causes the tumor to essentially shrivel up.

Another non-invasive innovation in podiatry is the use of an Ossatron machine to treat plantar fasciitis, heel spurs and inflammation of the heel. The machine provides shock-wave therapy to the affected area, thus helping to reduce inflammation.

Among the more sophisticated podiatry procedures is the use of external fixation to repair foot fractures in diabetics who have lost sensation and function of their feet. Pins and transfixing wires go into the foot along with implantable electronic bone-growth stimulators much like a heart pacemaker. The use of bone grafting to enhance bone healing is another promising frontier.

Other problems treated by our podiatry specialists are foot and ankle injuries, sprains, strains, bunions, hammer toes, heel pain, sports injuries, ingrown nails, corns, calluses, warts and nail fungus.