Showing posts with label Podiatrist. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Podiatrist. Show all posts

Tuesday, January 14, 2014

Thursday, September 12, 2013

Meet Our Doctors


Stephen T. Frascone, D.P.M.
Dr. Stephen Frascone earned his Bachelor of Science degree from St. John's University in his home state of Minnesota, and completed his postgraduate medical training at the Iowa College of Podiatric Medicine and Surgery in 1993. He then completed a three year surgical residency at St. John Hospital - North Shores in Harrison Twp. He also completed a fellowship in traumatology and reconstructive foot and ankle surgery at The University Clinic for Traumatology in Vienna, Austria. Dr. Frascone is Board Certified, a Diplomate of the American Board of Podiatric Surgery, a Fellow of the American College of Foot and Ankle Surgery, and is certified as a wound care specialist by the American Academy of Wound Management. His specialty interests include endoscopic and arthroscopic procedures, elective reconstructive foot and ankle surgery, diabetic preventative care and chronic wound management.




Matthew Hansen, D.P.M.
Dr. Hansen earned his Bachelor of Science degree in chemistry from Madonna University in Livonia, Michigan. His post graduate medical training was completed at the Ohio College of Podiatric Medicine in Cleveland, Ohio. He then completed a three year podiatric surgical residency at St. John North Shores Hospital in Harrison Township, Michigan. Dr. Hansen is Board Certified in foot surgery, as well as reconstructive foot and ankle surgery by the American Board of Podiatric Surgery. He is a member of the American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons.His extensive surgical training involves reconstructive foot and ankle surgery, flatfoot procedures, arthroscopic and endoscopic techniques, diabetic limb salvage, and wound care management.




Laura LaMar, D.P.M.
Dr. Laura LaMar earned her Bachelor of Science degree from Michigan State University, and completed her postgraduate medical training from the Temple University School of Podiatric Medicine in Philadelphia Pennsylvania in 2000. She then went on to complete a three year podiatric surgery residency at St. John North Shore Hospital in Harrison Township, Michigan. She is Board Certified in foot surgery, as well as reconstructive foot and ankle surgery by the American Board of Podiatric Surgery. She is a member of both the American Podiatric Medical Association, as well as the American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons. Her specialty interests include reconstructive foot and ankle surgery including diabetic limb salvage as well as trauma, surgery, arthroscopic procedures, pediatric procedures, sport related injuries, wound care as well as forefoot surgery.


Jonathan King, D.P.M.
Dr. Jonathan M. King was raised in Rigby, Idaho and completed his undergraduate degree work at Idaho State University. He later received his Doctorate of Podiatric Medicine degree from Des Moines University in Iowa. He went on to complete a three year podiatric surgical residency at Henry Ford Macomb Hospital in Clinton Township, Michigan. In addition to his extensive training in the medical and surgical management of the foot and ankle, he also received specialized training in arthroscopic, traumatology and reconstructive forefoot and rear foot surgery. He practiced in the Phoenix, AZ Metro area previously before joining Great Lakes Foot and Ankle. He and his wife and three boys are glad to be back in Michigan.

If you would like to schedule an appointment to see one of our doctors at any of our four office locations, you can request an appointment online!

CLICK HERE TO SCHEDULE AN APPOINTMENT!

Tuesday, June 22, 2010

Gout

Gout (also known as gouty arthritis) is a condition caused by a buildup of the salts of uric acid (a normal byproduct of the diet) in the joints. A single big toe joint is the most commonly affected area, possibly because it is subject to so much pressure in walking. Attacks of gouty arthritis are extremely painful. Men are more likely to be afflicted than women. Diets heavy in red meat, rich sauces, shellfish, and brandy have been linked to gout. However, other protein compounds in foods, such as lentils and beans, may play a role.



The main symptom of gout is waking up in the middle of the night with an acute throbbing pain in the big toe, which is swollen. The pain lasts for around three or four hours and then subsides. However, pain in the same toe usually returns within a few months.



Gout can be controlled by with prescription medications and diet. Note: Please consult with your physician before taking any medications. The application of ice or cooling lotions helps alleviate pain and swelling during an acute phase. In some cases, specially-made shoes are prescribed to relieve the pain associated with gout.

Arthritis

Arthritis is an inflammation and swelling of the cartilage and lining of the joints, generally accompanied by an increase in the fluid in the joints. Arthritis is a disabling and occasionally crippling disease afflicting almost 40 million Americans. In some forms, it appears to be hereditary. Although the prevalence of arthritis increases with age, all people from infancy to middle age are potential victims. People over 50 are the primary targets.

If the feet seem more susceptible to arthritis than other parts of the body, it is because each foot has 33 joints that can be afflicted, and there is no way to avoid the pain of the tremendous weight-bearing load on the feet. Arthritic feet can result in loss of mobility and independence. However, early diagnosis and proper medical care can limit or slow the damage.

Symptoms of arthritis in the foot and ankle include:

∙ Early morning stiffness.
∙ Limitation in motion of joint.
∙ Recurring pain or tenderness in any joint.
∙ Redness or heat in a joint.
∙ Skin changes, including rashes and growths.
∙ Swelling in one or more joints.
∙ Forms of Arthritis

Osteoarthritis is the most common form of arthritis. It is frequently called degenerative joint disease or wear and tear arthritis. Aging usually brings on a breakdown in cartilage, and pain gets progressively more severe. Dull, throbbing nighttime pain is characteristic, and may be accompanied by muscle weakness or deterioration. Many of these symptoms can be relieved with rest. Overweight people are particularly susceptible to osteoarthritis. The additional weight contributes to the deterioration of cartilage and the development of bone spurs.

Rheumatoid arthritis is a major crippling disorder and the most serious form of arthritis. It is a complex, chronic inflammatory group of diseases, often affecting more than a dozen smaller joints during its course. In the foot, it frequently affects both ankles and toes.

Arthritis of the foot and ankle can be treated in many ways, including:

∙ Physical therapy and exercise.
∙ Anti-inflammatory medication and/or steroid injections into the affected joint. Note: Please consult your physician before taking any medications.
Orthotics or specially prescribed shoes.

Visit Great Lakes Foot & Ankle Institute's Webpage

Sunday, April 25, 2010

When To Call a Doctor

People call a doctor of podiatry for help diagnosing and treating a wide array of foot and ankle problems. Please contact our office if you experience one of the following:

•Persistent pain in your feet or ankles.
•Changes in the nails or skin on your foot.
•Severe cracking, scaling, or peeling on the heel or foot.
•Blisters on your feet.
•There are signs of bacterial infection, including:
•Increased pain, swelling, redness, tenderness, or heat.
•Red streaks extending from the affected area.
•Discharge or pus from an area on the foot.
•Foot or ankle symptoms that do not improve after two weeks of treatment with a nonprescription product.
•Spreading of an infection from one area of the foot to another, such as under the nail bed, skin under the nail, the nail itself, or the surrounding skin.

Thickening toenails that cause discomfort. Heel pain accompanied by a fever, redness (sometimes warmth), or numbness; tingling in the heel; persistent heel pain without putting any weight or pressure on your heel; or pain that is not alleviated by ice or over-the-counter painkillers (such as aspirin, ibuprofen or acetaminophen). Diabetics with poor circulation who develop Athlete's Foot.

What is a Podiatrist?

A podiatrist, also called a doctor of podiatric medicine, is a specialist who provides medical diagnosis and treatment of foot and ankle problems, such as bunions, heel pain, spurs, hammertoes, neuromas, ingrown toenails, warts, corns and calluses. A podiatrist also renders care of sprains, fractures, infections, and injuries of the foot, ankle and heel. In addition to undergraduate medical school training, podiatrists also attend graduate school for a doctorate degree in podiatry. Podiatrists are required to take state and national exams, as well as be licensed by the state in which they practice.

According to the American Podiatric Medical Association, there are an estimated 15,000 practicing podiatrists in the United States. Podiatrists are in demand more than ever today because of a rapidly aging population. In addition, according to the association, foot disorders are among the most widespread and neglected health problems affecting people in this country.


Typically, podiatrists:

•Consult with patients and other physicians on how to prevent foot problems.

•Diagnose and treat tumors, ulcers, fractures, skin and nail diseases, and deformities.

•Perform surgeries to correct or remedy such problems as bunions, clawtoes, fractures, hammertoes, infections, ruptured Achilles, and other ligaments and tendons.

•Prescribe therapies and perform diagnostic procedures such as ultrasound and lab tests.

•Prescribes or fits patients with inserts called orthotics that correct walking patterns.

•Treat conditions such as: bone disorders, bunions, corns, calluses, cysts, heel spurs, infections, ingrown nails, and plantar fasciitis.