FOOT & ANKLE
The foot and the ankle are highly intricate structures that work in unison to help support our body weight, allowing us to stand, and move in a variety of ways. When the foot or ankle is injured, it often requires highly specialized treatment to restore its function and movement.
Our specialty-trained podiatric surgeon, Dr. Killian, is dedicated to working with his patients to create a personalized plan in treating foot and ankle injuries. Common foot and ankle procedures our surgeon often performs include arthroplasty of the foot and ankle, bunion and hammertoe correction, flatfoot reconstruction, achilleas tendon surgery, and lateral and medial ligament reconstruction. From operative to nonoperative foot and ankle care, Dr. Killian provides an individualized treatment plan focused on your goals.
COMMON
AREAS THAT ARE TREATED
Bunions
A bunion (also referred to as hallux valgus or hallux abducto valgus) is often described as a bump on the side of the big toe. But a bunion is more than that. The visible bump actually reflects changes in the bony framework of the front part of the foot.
Corns & Calluses
Corns and calluses are areas of thick skin that result form excessive pressure or friction over a boney prominence. When these areas develop on the bottom of the foot they are called calluses.
Diabetic Foot Care
Due to the high risk of foot complications with diabetes, your podiatrist is a vital part in managing your diabetes. Dr. Killian will perform regular foot exams to monitor for any changes. If you happen to see changes to your feet, like cuts, breaks in the skin, ingrown nails, contact the office to set up a follow up appointment.
Heel Pain
Heel pain is most often caused by plantar fasciitis, a condition that is sometimes also called heel spur syndrome when a spur is present. Heel pain may also be due to other causes, such as a stress fracture, tendonitis, arthritis, nerve irritation, or, rarely, a cyst.
Hammertoes
Hammertoe is a contracture (bending) of one or both joints of the second, third, fourth, or fifth (little) toes. This abnormal bending can put pressure on the toe when wearing shoes, causing problems to develop.
Orthotics
A prescription foot orthosis is an in-shoe brace which is designed to correct for abnormal foot and lower extremity function (the lower extremity includes the foot, ankle, leg, knee, thigh and hip).
Ingrown Toenail
Ingrown toenails are due to the penetration of the edges of the nail plate into the soft tissue of the toe. It begins with a painful irritation that often becomes infected.
Warts
The common wart is known as verruca vulgaris. They are caused by a viral infection of the skin. This occurs as a result of direct contact with the virus. They do not spread through the blood stream. They occur more commonly in children than adults.
Nail Fungus
Nail fungus, also called onychomycosis, is an infection of the nails which can cause the nails to become yellow, thick, brittle, discolored and sometimes painful. This is a common condition estimated to affect up to 10% of the population.
The infection can be caused by either a fungal or yeast microbe, similar to the same organism which causes Athlete’s foot. This infection thrives in areas that are warm, dark and moist, like shoes and socks.