1 Foot 2 Foot

1Foot 2Foot Centre for Foot and Ankle Care is privileged to be the first and most experienced podiatry (foot and ankle) practice in Hampton Roads to offer Diagnostic Ultrasound for the investigation and VISUALIZATION of soft tissue diseases of the foot and ankle. This leads to a more concise diagnosis and more efficient personalized treatment.

What is diagnostic ultrasound?

Diagnostic ultrasound, or musculoskeletal ultrasound, is a non-invasive test used to evaluate the soft-tissues (tendons, ligaments, nerves, muscles, etc.) of the foot and ankle. It is similar to sonar used on submarines by the military and fetal ultrasound used by OB-GYN doctors to evaluate the developing baby. Ultrasound diagnosis is performed with high frequency sound waves - higher than the range of human hearing. Visualization of soft tissue structures is created when the ultrasound beam is transmitted into the foot and echoes are reflected from these structures. The echoes are then seen on a small television-like screen. In experienced hands, the images and information obtained from the ultrasound can provide as much information as much more expensive and time-consuming tests such as MRI and CT-Scans.

What is involved?

Diagnostic ultrasound is quick and painless (and covered by most insurance plans). The entire process can usually be completed during your regular office visit and involves simply placing some gel over the areas to be inspected and using a small probe to explore the tissues. Since the ultrasound waves are harmless (otherwise they would not be used on developing babies) this test never causes any pain at all.

What is diagnostic ultrasound used for?

We use this test to evaluate and document problems such as tendonitis, heel pain, pinched nerves and neuromas, puncture wounds caused by stepping on glass or wood, deep infections in the foot and ankle regions and stress fractures.

With the addition of the diagnostic ultrasound, 1Foot 2Foot continues its reputation as a leader in the diagnosis and treatment of foot and ankle diseases and pathology. If you are suffering from chronic foot pain associated with soft tissue injury or disease, diagnostic ultrasound could help in obtaining an accurate diagnosis of your foot or ankle problem. Call 1Foot 2Foot today to schedule a consultation to see if "Podiatric diagnostic ultrasound" can help in the treatment of your foot problem.

Electronic medical records (EMR) are the most efficient way for providers to communicate between providers and locations. No longer are messy, disorganized charts needed. All previous records are immediately available to the practitioner and we are no longer ‘waiting on the previous visit’s dictation.’ The space consumed by charts in the past, can now be used for patient care. The front office staff can be updating the patient’s insurance information and the physician can be reviewing the patient’s latest ankle x-rays or ultrasound, simultaneously!

The whole system streamlines the patient care environment, as well as greatly reducing the amount of paper consumed in the medical office - a big plus for us and the environment!

1Foot 2Foot uses digital gait analysis and foot pressure analysis to provide information that simple clinical examination cannot.  A digital foot scan is an advanced diagnostic procedure performed to detect imbalances within the feet that may cause back, neck and knee pain. After this procedure, patients may be fitted with orthotics that correct the imbalance, or may require additional treatment for more severe conditions.

Benefits of Digital Foot Scan

The digital foot scan provides a more thorough assessment of the patient's foot, along with other important factors. During this procedure, a map of the foot is created, taking into account the weight, weight distribution and foot pressure of the patient, as well as any foot abnormalities. The scan takes just a few minutes to perform and provides a comprehensive evaluation of each person's gait, arch structure and potential problem areas.

What is Peripheral Arterial Disease- PAD?

The arteries are the blood vessels that carry the blood from the heart to all the areas of the body. Peripheral arterial disease (PAD) is a condition in which fatty deposits (called plaque) build up along the walls of the arteries that carry blood to the arms and legs. This is also known as arteriosclerosis or hardening of the arteries. The arteries slowly narrow and may even become blocked, affecting blood circulation, especially in the legs and feet.

Who Has It? What Are The Signs of PAD

• Cramping pains in the legs or hip muscles with walking that stops during rest
• Feelings of numbness, weakness or heaviness of the legs with no pain
• Burning or aching in the feet and toes while at rest, particularly while lying flat
• Cooling of the skin in specific areas of the legs or feet
• Color changes in the skin, particularly in the arms or legs
• Sores (wounds or ulcers) on the feet and toes, especially ones that do not heal
• No pulses in the feet
• (20-50% of patients with PAD have no symptoms - Peripheral Arterial Disease Coalition)

What Are The Risks - What Can Happen?

The six signs listed above may mean that an artery is being blocked. This is a progressive condition. Left alone, it will get worse. If sores do not heal, they will allow bacteria to enter and start a deep infection of the soft tissue or bone. If there is inadequate blood flow, a procedure to increase the circulation by making the artery wider (angioplasty) or surgery to replace a portion of the artery may be necessary. If there is a part of the foot that will not heal, this may require amputation. "In the next five years, one in four patients with peripheral arterial disease will suffer a heart attack, stroke, amputation or death" - Peripheral Arterial Disease Coalition

Who is At Risk?

• Smoking is the number one risk factor for PAD and will interfere with treatment of the disease. People with PAD should stop smoking completely because even 1 or 2 cigarettes daily can affect treatment.
• Diabetes is a significant risk factor for PAD. People with diabetes should keep strict control of the their blood sugar to avoid serious problems resulting from PAD.
• Older age is a predictor for PAD. It occurs more frequently in those 60 years of age or older.
• People with a family history of heart disease are at greater risk for PAD.

How Do You Test for PAD?

The first step is to perform a non-invasive vascular examination. This is a simple test done by placing blood pressure cuffs about the leg at different levels to measure the blood pressure and obtain an image of the pulse wave form. This will give your doctor an excellent idea if there is evidence of PAD. Your doctor can then advise you if you need any treatment at all or if further testing is necessary.

When Should You Be Tested for PAD?

If you have any of the six Signs of PAD you should have a non- invasive vascular exam.

Sources: American Heart Association., Center for Disease Control and Prevention, National Institute of Health, Society of Cardiovascular and interventional Radiology, Vascular Disease Foundation, World Health Organization

DISCLAIMER: *MATERIAL ON THIS SITE IS BEING PROVIDED FOR EDUCATIONAL AND INFORMATION PURPOSES AND IS NOT MEANT TO REPLACE THE DIAGNOSIS OR CARE PROVIDED BY YOUR OWN MEDICAL PROFESSIONAL. This information should not be used for diagnosing or treating a health problem or disease or prescribing any medication. Visit a health care professional to proceed with any treatment for a health problem.