Aspirus | Aspire | Spring 2018

aspirus.org 5 technology involving the use of plates and screws. There have been several innovations in this area, one of which is the locking plate. A metal implant that enhances stability more than other options previously available, the locking plate allows for earlier weight- bearing and improved outcomes. “With the use of locking plates, we’ve seen patients walk on their foot the same day as certain bunion procedures that previously would have required six weeks THE human foot and ankle contain 26 bones and 33 joints, so there’s a lot that can go wrong. Foot and ankle issues can happen to people of all ages and commonly include sprains, ingrown toenails, bunions, hammertoes and heel pain. When these things occur, they often require the care of a podiatrist, who specializes in the treatment of feet and ankles. “The foot is one of the most complex structures in the body and takes the abuse of daily locomotion and our full body weight,” said Nicholas Lombardo, DPM, podiatrist at Aspirus Podiatry Associates in Wausau. “When problems arise, they can be debilitating to the extreme.” When more complex issues like diabetic complications, arthritis and deformities occur, treatment and recovery can get even more difficult. For some surgeries, it used to be common for people to have to stay completely off the affected foot for weeks and even months. “The foot represents the end of the road in terms of circulation, so people with diseases like diabetes can experience a decrease in blood flow to the foot and ankle that impacts healing,” Dr. Lombardo said. Innovationshelpwithstability When forced to be off your feet for extended periods of time, Dr. Lombardo said you have a greater chance of developing additional problems, such as blood clots, weight gain and depression. To combat these issues, it’s important people get back on their feet as soon as possible. To do that, the affected foot or ankle has to be stable enough to support weight and activity. To improve stability, foot and ankle surgeries often use surgical fixation of crutch use,” Dr. Lombardo said. “These innovations also can reduce pain during recovery and make treatment options available to people who may not have been candidates without them.” Despite innovations in technology and treatments, foot and ankle surgery remains very complex. If you do have foot and ankle issues, consider discussing them with a podiatrist to evaluate the best options for your situation. A complicated matter Nicholas Lombardo, DPM GETBACKONYOURFEET To find an Aspirus podiatrist, go online to aspirus.org or call the Aspirus Customer Contact Center at 800.847.4707 . Specialized care for complex foot and ankle issues