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Foot and Ankle Issues? Dr. Tea Nguyen enhances patient outcomes with restorative therapies and minimally invasive techniques in our patient centered facility. We Love Treating: • Amputation Prevention • Ankle Pain • Ankle Sprains • Achilles Tendonitis • Bunions • Callus, Corns, Warts • Diabetic Foot Care • Flat Feet in kids & adults • Foot Fractures • Ganglion Cysts • Geriatric Foot Care • Hammertoes • Heel Pain (plantar fasciitis) • Ingrown Toenail • Minimally Invasive Procedures • Mole Removal • Neuropathy, Neuromas • Pediatric Foot Care • Plastic Surgery Techniques • Regenerative Medicine • Scar Removal • Second Opinions • Soft Tissue Disorders • Stress Fractures • Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome • Tendonitis • Toenail Fungus • Wounds Call Today for A Consultation 831-288-3400 243 Green Valley Road, #A, Freedom, CA 95019 831feet.com Premium Hearing Healthcare Dr. Jeannine is the only board- certified audiologist in the Santa Cruz and Monterey area. She diagnoses and treats hearing loss and specializes in tinnitus. At Harmony Audiology, solutions are tailored to your needs and values with a focus on patient- centered care. www.harmonyaudiology.com (831) 854-2882 820 Bay Avenue, Suite 210 Capitola, CA 95010 JeanneAnne ("Jeannine") Ramacho-Talley, Au.D., CCC-A, CH-TM American Board of Audiology Certified Answers for Farm Finds Word Search on Page 2 Do you know someone who has experienced a diabetic foot ulcer or still suffering from one? People report they fear an amputation more than they fear death. People with diabetes have an increased risk in developing a foot ulcer, which is an open sore, that can lead to in- fection and amputation. Here's what I want you to know about diabetic foot ulcers: 1.If you or someone you know is diabetic, estab- lish care with a podiatrist immediately. 2.Early treatment is key to amputation prevention and this starts with regularly scheduled foot care with your podiatrist. High risk patients with a diabetic foot ulcer may need to be seen as frequently as once a week, while stable diabetics with no other co- morbidities should be seen at least once a year. 3.Studies show ~50% of ulcers will recur within the first year of healing. Therefore, those who have healed from a diabetic foot ulcer remain at-risk for future recurrence so close monitoring is essential. What's new in treating diabetic foot ulcers? There are many ways to accelerate healing of diabetic foot ulcers including having good control of blood sugars, nicotine cessation, proper weight management, being properly revascularized in the presence of periph- eral arterial disease and managing infections and malnutrition if present. Bioengineered grafts, negative pressure wound therapy and hyperbaric ox- ygen treatments have been a remarkable addition to wound care treatment options. The foot is unique in that diabetic foot ulcers tend to occur in areas of high pressure points. In order to maintain healing with lasting results, surgery is needed to correct the underlying biomechanical deformities. Diabetics have a unique physiology for 2 major reasons. First, the protective fat pad cushion thins out with ag- ing or shifts away causing bone to be more promi- nent. Second, muscle im- balances due to peripheral neuropathy cause deformi- ties such as hammertoes, bunions and bone spurs. Having a history of toe amputations may also lead to a change in foot struc- ture that makes one more susceptible to developing a new foot ulcer. Minimally invasive foot surgery aims to restore balance in those with diabetic foot ulcers. By surgically reducing pres- sure points and realigning deformities, diabetic foot ulcers can heal faster. My signature technique uses just a 3mm incision to heal diabetic foot ulcers in combination with advanced wound care therapies. Most correc- tions can be performed under local anesthesia in the office. No pins, screws or implants are neces- sary with my technique. Sometimes even sutures are not needed. I follow my patients for the rest of their lives to ensure they remain ulcer-free. Home care and preven- tion 1If you are being treated for a diabetic foot ulcer, follow your doctor's recommendations closely. Avoid any foot soaks or medications that were not authorized by your doctor. 2.Avoid barefoot walking or wearing unsupportive shoes. Use medical devic- es as prescribed by your doctor even when you are at home. 3.Check your feet daily for signs of a cut, blister, callus, skin color chang- es, or toenail problems. Contact your doctor immediately if you notice any changes. A neat trick to see the bottom of your foot is placing a mirror on the ground and putting your foot over it. 4.Never put your feet in hot water. Always test the temperature with a ther- mometer or checking with your hands first. 5.Daily foot care includes moisturizing to avoid skin cracking, drying well between the toes after bathing before putting on socks, and shaking out your shoes before putting them on. You'd be surprised at what objects I find in a patient's shoes! Diabetic foot ulcers that take longer than a month to show improve- ment despite careful management could benefit from minimally invasive surgery. What should I expect from my appointment with Dr. Tea Nguyen? I understand that the doctor's office may not be your most favorite place to be but listen, you don't want to end up in the Emergency Room either. I would love to help you get back on your feet. Here is what happens as you become our patient: 1.We jump for joy! 2.A friendly staff mem- ber will ensure that your questions are answered and that we see you im- mediately. 3.I will review your med- ical history, examine you and explain everything I'm doing so you know exactly what's going on. 4.Within the visit you're going to ask yourself why you didn't choose to do this sooner. 5.We offer a concierge practice model that allows you direct access with Dr. Tea without delay. You deserve happy and healthy feet so don't wait any longer. Give us a call at 831-288- 3400 Learn more at 831feet.com Request an appointment online at http://bit.ly/dr_tea What this podiatrist wants you to know about diabetic foot ulcers (DFU) By Tea Nguyen, DPM Pacific Point Podiatry