Specialty Care

Limb salvage is a remarkable medical approach that aims to preserve a limb (such as an arm or leg, and in our case a foot) affected by malignant tumors or other severe conditions. Instead of resorting to amputation, limb salvage combines various treatments and procedures to restore limb function while effectively treating the underlying disease. Here are the key points about limb salvage:

1. Purpose and Benefits:

   • Avoiding Amputation: Limb salvage allows patients to keep their limbs intact, even when faced with malignant tumors.
   • Improved Function: Advances in technology and surgical techniques enable functional reconstruction after tumor removal.
   • Better Quality of Life: Patients can maintain daily activities and mobility without the physical and emotional challenges of amputation.

2. Treatment Components:

   • Medical Treatments: Before surgery, patients often receive chemotherapy and/or radiation therapy. These treatments shrink tumors, making them easier to remove and preserving critical structures like nerves and blood vessels.
   • Surgical Treatments:
     • Tumor Resection: Surgeons carefully remove the tumor, ensuring no contamination of the surgical area.
     • Reconstruction: Detailed surgical planning, aided by MRI and CT imaging, guides reconstruction of the limb. Techniques include using allograft bone (from a donor) and endoprosthesis (implantable devices).

3. Success Rates:

   • For osteosarcoma, a type of bone cancer, limb salvage has significantly improved outcomes. Previously, only 1 in 20 patients was cured with aggressive amputations. With chemotherapy and limb salvage, 60% to 65% of osteosarcoma patients can now be cured without amputation. Those who respond well to chemotherapy have an 85% to 90% long-term survival rate.

4. Patient-Specific Approach:

   • Each case is unique, and limb salvage requires:
     • Confidence in Safe Tumor Removal: Surgeons ensure tumor-free margins without risking recurrence.
     • Reconstruction Planning: Detailed imaging helps plan reconstruction, minimizing uncertainty about tumor location and extent.

Remember that limb salvage is a testament to medical progress, offering hope and improved outcomes for individuals facing limb-threatening conditions.

Comprehensive Diabetes Footcare is a crucial aspect of managing diabetes, especially for individuals with neuropathy (loss of protective sensation in the feet). Here are essential guidelines to maintain healthy feet:

1. Daily Foot Care:

   • Cleaning Your Feet:
     • Use warm (not hot) soapy water to wash your feet.
     • Avoid prolonged soaking, as it can dry out the skin.
   • Toenail Care:
     • Keep toenails trimmed and file down sharp edges using an emery board.
   • Daily Self-Inspection:
     • Regularly check your feet for:
       • Sores
       • Cuts
       • Blisters
       • Corns
       • Redness
     • Inspect your feet even if you don’t feel any discomfort.
   • Socks and Shoes:
     • Choose moisture-wicking socks to keep feet dry.
     • Ensure proper shoe selection and fit.
     • Always wear protective footwear to prevent ulcers and injuries.
     • Check shoes for sharp objects before putting them on.

2. Words You Should Know:

   • Protective Sensation: Having enough feeling in your feet to quickly notice problems or injuries.
   • Loss of Protective Sensation (LOPS): Sensory loss that puts you at risk of injury without feeling it.
   • Insensitive Foot: A foot that has lost protective sensation.
   • Ulcer: Any opening in the skin, often occurring on the bottom of the foot.
   • Barefoot: Walking without protective footwear (even socks or slippers count).
   • Protective Foot: Consult a footcare specialist for appropriate footwear.
   • Footcare Specialist: A trained professional responsible for routine foot care.

Remember, regular foot exams by your footcare specialist and daily self-care are essential for preventing complications and maintaining healthy feet. If you have concerns, discuss them with your specialist.

.

Geriatric foot care is essential for seniors to maintain healthy feet as they age. Here are some key points about geriatric foot care:

1. Why Is Geriatric Foot Care Necessary?

   • Seniors’ feet tend to weaken over time, making them more susceptible to injuries.
   • Proper geriatric foot care can mitigate injuries and support overall health.
   • Foot issues can impact balance, mobility, and overall well-being.

2. Common Geriatric Foot Issues and How to Address Them:

   • Loss of Cushioning on Feet Over Time:
     • Known as fat pad atrophy or heel pad syndrome.
     • Gradual loss of the fat pad in the heel or ball of the foot.
     • Strategies:
       • Wear properly fitted and supportive shoes.
       • Stretch before exercising.
       • Adjust physical activity to match energy levels.
       • Rest when sore.
   • Geriatric Foot Pain:
     • Foot pain is not normal and can indicate various health conditions.
     • Seek medical attention if you experience foot pain.
   • Ingrown Toenails:
     • Regularly cut toenails to prevent ingrown nails.
   • Toenail Fungus:
     • Maintain good hygiene and seek treatment if needed.
   • Loss of Bone Density in the Feet:
     • Consult a podiatrist for preventive measures.
   • When to Start Geriatric Foot Care:
     • Begin early to maintain foot health.
     • Regular visits to a podiatrist are crucial for seniors.

Remember, taking care of your feet is vital for overall health and quality of life as you age.

At Toe-Tally Awesome Feet, we are here for you and hope we can be your lifelong footcare pertner and healthcare specialist.  Whether you are in dire straits or have a little pain, some discomfort, or an issue that is severely impacting your life, if you want to come in, or you just need to call, we truely believe that YOUR Feet are awesome!  Take care of them!