High-tech help for your foot and ankle problems
When you have foot or ankle pain, you need the latest medical technology. We’ve got you covered.
Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injections
EPAT
EPAT stands for Extracorporeal Pulse Activation Technology. EPAT is a form of ESWT (Extracorporeal Shock Wave Therapy). It’s a new treatment developed and widely used in Europe. It treats severe or chronic bone, muscle, ligament, tendon, and nerve injuries.
EPAT uses sound waves to safely increase the metabolism and blood flow to injuries, which helps heal them. We recommend EPAT for patients with severe injuries as a way of speeding healing. It’s also great for chronic injuries that have failed to respond to other therapies. If you choose to get EPAT treatment, you should discontinue all anti-inflammatory medication at least one week prior to the procedure. This includes ibuprofen, Advil, Aleve, and all prescription anti-inflammatories. Tylenol is allowed since it’s not an anti-inflammatory.
Examples of conditions treated with EPAT:
- Plantar fasciitis
- Achilles tendonitis
- Posterior tibial tendonitis
- Anterior tibial tendonitis
- Plantar plate injuries
- Peroneal tendonitis
- Interdigital neuromas
The treatment is performed in the office and consists of three to five sessions per week. Each session lasts 10–15 minutes. EPAT doesn’t usually require anesthesia or a nerve block. Most patients have an immediate reduction of pain. You’ll be able to walk out of the office and resume normal weight-bearing activities.
Digital X-rays
At Mid-South Foot & Ankle Specialists, we use digital X-rays to image our patients’ feet and ankles. Digital X-rays allow us to digitally transfer and enhance images. They also require less radiation than traditional X-rays.
Ultrasound imaging
Ultrasound imaging is a noninvasive medical test that helps podiatrists diagnose and treat medical conditions. It allows us to see and diagnose problems with the soft tissues of the foot, including plantar fasciitis, ligament tears, tendon tears, sprains, neuromas (nerve tumors), and ganglion cysts.
Often, an ultrasound can replace an MRI for surgical planning. Ultrasounds are done in real time in the office. This means we can perform same-day treatment for confirmed soft-tissue problems. At Mid-South Foot & Ankle, an ultrasound can also be used in the office to assist with procedures. For example, cortisone injections are much more accurate and effective with ultrasound guidance. We can see the needle in real time as the medication is delivered to the injured area of the foot and ankle.
Custom orthotics/Bracing
Custom orthotics are prescription arch supports crafted for you and no one else. They match the contours of your feet and are designed for the way you move. Custom orthotics are manufactured only after a podiatrist has conducted a complete evaluation of your feet, ankles, and legs so the orthotic can accommodate your unique foot structure and issues.
Custom orthotics are divided into two categories:
- Functional orthotics — designed to control abnormal motion. They may be used to treat foot pain caused by abnormal motion. They can also treat shin splints or tendinitis, and they help alleviate knee, hip, and back pain.
- Accommodative orthotics — designed to be softer and provide additional cushioning and support. They can treat diabetic foot ulcers, painful calluses on the bottom of the foot, and other uncomfortable conditions, such as rheumatoid arthritis.
Podiatrists use orthotics to treat plantar fasciitis, bursitis, tendinitis, diabetic foot ulcers, and foot, ankle, and heel pain. Clinical research studies have shown that podiatrist-prescribed foot orthotics decrease foot pain and improve function.
Orthotics typically cost less than arch supports sold at major arch support retail stores. Unlike over-the-counter arch supports, custom orthotics are made to fit your feet and support your unique foot structure. Custom orthotics are also made of top-notch materials and last many years when they are cared for correctly.
Vascular testing
At Mid-South Foot & Ankle Specialists, we use vascular testing to assess a patient’s blood flow to their feet. We work directly with vascular surgeons, cardiologists, and interventional radiologists to make sure our patients are getting the blood flow they need to keep their feet healthy.
Advanced wound care
Our physicians at Mid-South Foot & Ankle Specialists have many years of experience treating complicated wounds. To heal wounds, we use:
- Topical dressings
- Medications
- Bioengineered skin grafts
- Surgery
Once the wound is healed, we make sure that patients have the appropriate shoes, orthotics, and braces needed to keep their feet healthy. Wounds are typically a symptom, not a cause. As part of our total care philosophy, we work closely with local vascular surgeons, infectious disease doctors, and endocrinologists to find and resolve the underlying causes of wounds.
Surgery
The physicians at Mid-South Foot & Ankle Specialists completed residency programs in foot and ankle surgery and are board-qualified or -certified to perform surgery. We always try to find noninvasive treatment options; however, sometimes surgery is necessary for the best outcome.
Surgery may be used to treat:
- Sprains and fractures
- Arthritis and joint disease
- Benign and malignant tumors
- Birth deformities
- Bunions
- Calluses and warts
- Corns and hammertoes
- Flatfeet
- Heel or toe spurs
- Neuromas
While some small procedures can be performed in our office using local anesthesia, most surgeries are performed at a hospital or surgery center under general anesthesia.
Most foot surgeries require a period of immobilization after the procedure. We use bandages, splints, surgical shoes, pneumatic boots, and casts to immobilize injuries after surgery.
After surgery, you may be instructed to:
- Limit the time you use your injured foot or ankle
- Stay off your foot or ankle completely
- Elevate and ice the foot
- Keep the area dry for the first two weeks following surgery until sutures are removed
- Attend physical therapy or treatments after surgery to speed recovery
Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injections
Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy uses injections of your own platelets to accelerate the healing of injured tendons, ligaments, muscles, and joints. Platelets, also called thrombocytes, are blood cells that cause blood clots and other necessary growth and healing functions.
PRP injections are made by running tubes of your own blood through a centrifuge to concentrate the platelets. The activated platelets are then injected directly into your injury. This stimulates healing.
PRP injections are used to treat:
- Sprains
- Arthritis
- Tendinosis
- Pulled muscles
- Plantar fasciitis
- Tendon injuries
- Ankle ligament injuries
- Post-op foot or ankle pain
Over-the-counter products
At Mid-South Foot & Ankle Specialists, we offer:
- Silicone products to pad and cushion high-pressure areas
- Topical nail antifungal gel
- Arch supports
- Compression socks
- Foot and ankle splints
- Foot lotions and creams
- Surgical shoes and boots
- Cast covers
- Pain gel
- Antifungal/anti-odor foot spray
We offer many more foot and ankle products. Ask your physician if over-the-counter products can help your feet.