Technology

At Foot & Ankle Associates, we believe in investing in our podiatry technologies that improves our efficiency to ultimately improve patient outcomes. Although technology comes at a price, we feel that this is part of what makes us different and better. Following are a few examples of the foot care technologies we use daily in our offices:

Electronic Medical Records
Since switching to electronic medical records, we now have better access to your data while reducing the chances of misfiling or losing important patient information. Your information is accessible from anywhere at any of our offices at any time. We are also able to keep your referring doctor up to date with the click of a button, improving overall communication.

 

Digital Xrays
Our digital xray system eliminates actual films and allows us to view your xrays on a computer monitor and manipulate them in a way which increases visibility and the chances of making the correct diagnosis. These xrays can easily be shared with referring doctors by placing them on a CD which can be viewed on any computer.

 

FootMaxxTM
When custom orthotics are needed, we utilize the FootMaxxTM system for digital gait analysis. You will walk on our computerized foot scanning mat which then transfers that information into digital form and is sent to the lab along with a prescription from the doctor for manufacturing. With this system, we can see areas of high pressure, overpronation, early heel lift and improper gait mechanics that may be causing your symptoms.

KeryFlex
For anyone with toenail fungus, “soccer toe,” or other toenail conditions, the KeryFlexTM Nail Restoration System finally gives you the chance to show off your toes. KeryFlexTM uses polymer resins and special activators to create a durable, yet flexible artificial nail when exposed to a certain frequency of ultraviolet light. KeryFlexTM is available only through a properly trained podiatrist, who can complete the application of the product, with UV light curing time included, in as little as 10-15 minutes for the big toenail.

Local podiatrist Marco Vargas, who has received training on KeryFlexTM application, thinks the product will really change how people deal with toenail fungus. “The new toenail looks very natural. If done properly, it’s hard to tell the new nail apart from the other nails,” says Dr. Vargas.

The interval between applications will vary according to the patient, but in general, the time between applications is six to eight weeks. If the patient wants to have the nail removed, the podiatrist can file away the artificial nail until it is no longer attached to the natural nail. Rarely, a KeryFlexTM nail may detach from the natural nail. This usually occurs with repeated trauma to the KeryFlexTM nail, such as might occur with long-distance running. But if the podiatrist is careful not to extend the KeryFlexTM nail beyond the fleshy edge of any toe, the KeryFlexTM nail should handle the stress just fine.

The incidence of toenail fungus in the U.S. has been estimated to be 15% to 20% among persons aged 40 to 60 years. According to one study, 75% of persons diagnosed with nail fungus were embarrassed by their nails. Nail fungus is difficult to cure, and the current topical and systemic pharmaceutical products do not have an immediate effect on nail appearance. The KeryFlexTM Nail Restoration System, while not a treatment, can be used as a cosmetic adjunct with pharmaceutical agents designed to eradicate the fungus.

So, if you’re tired of looking down on your toenails, check with Foot & Ankle Associates to see if they might be able to help you with KeryFlexTM.


PADnet LABTM
Peripheral arterial disease, or PAD, affects about 8 million Americans. By age 65, 12 to 20 percent of the population has it. Diagnosis is critical, as people with PAD have a four to five times higher risk of heart attack or stroke. If you have a history of diabetes, high blood pressure, tobacco use, heart disease, stroke or family history of poor circulation, it is important you have your lower extremity circulation tested on a regular basis to prevent such complications as slow healing wounds or amputation. We offer non-invasive testing of your circulation in our office using the PADnet LABTM system. Pressure cuffs will be placed on both legs at 4 points measuring the blood flow from your thighs to your toes. The results are then read by a local vascular surgeon, Dr. Gonzalo Vargas. The American Diabetes Association urges all diabetic patients to be tested once a year for amputation prevention.

VST Myodynamic Device Here are just a few of the benefits VST treatment provides:

  • Increased local blood circulation
  • Removes edema/swelling
  • Muscle re-education
  • Prevention of disuse atrophy
  • Increases range of motion
  • Relaxation of muscle spasms
  • Immediate post-surgical stimulation
  • Reduction and elimination of Pain
  • Reduces Post Surgical Complications

VCARE's VST MyoDynamic® Device can be instrumental to your healing process for most soft tissue injuries such as ligament strains/tears, neuropathies - especially painful diabetic peripheral neuropathy, and the post-surgical recovery process.

The unique wave technology of the MyoDynamic Treatment Device appears to overcome the natural inhibitory arc imposed by the body during injury or trauma. This unique feature allows for the recruitment of deep muscle tissue in the injured area without discomfort. The deep penetration accounts for significantly increased blood flow derived from the unlocking of the capillary and lymph systems or nerve fibers.

This means faster recovery for you, the patient.