Northport Wellness Center Podiatrist, Dr. Steven Stummer uses several procedures to treat foot-related problems for male and female patients of all ages.

Geriatrics

Older patients have distinct foot problems usually related to circulatory impairment or arthritis. Routine visits help to monitor secondary foot disorders and prevent further complications.

 

Pediatrics

Growth should not be a painful process. Soreness and cramping in the feet and legs are not normal. Often parents are told that their children may "grow out of it." This may be true in some cases but a level of reassurance from a specialist can go a long way in easing a parents' concern. Parents are encouraged to have their children examined annually.

 

Childhood foot conditions like flat feet, curved feet, toe walking, in-toeing and out-toeing, can cause the child to walk or run in ways that are unnatural. This can lead to more serious foot, leg and motor problems later in life.

 

Orthotics

Orthotics are a custom-made biomechanical device fabricated from a plaster cast of your foot. Structural deficiencies and damaging compensatory habits can be modified with the use of properly fitted orthotics.

 

Orthotics are molded right at the Northport Wellness Center and take less than 30 minutes to be fitted. It then takes a few days for the orthotics to be created from the cast.

 

Ankle Joint Replacement

Although not as common as other joint problems, the ankle can suffer from severe pain, stiffness, loss of motion and other symptoms that leave patients unable to walk or stand. Severely damaged ankle joints may benefit from joint replacement surgery. This procedure is typically performed on older patients who don’t place much of a demand on their ankles.

Ankle replacement surgery uses prosthetic material to restore full, painless ankle motion to patients with arthritis or other injuries. Metal and plastic prosthetics are attached to the ends of the shin and ankle bones to act as a new ankle joint and relieve joint pain. Function can be brought back through physical therapy and minimal activity that helps strengthen the new joint.

 

Fracture Care

Treatment for foot fractures depends on the location and type of injury. Stress fractures in the toes or metatarsals can be treated by resting and avoiding stress on the area, while a fracture of the mid-foot, heel or ankle may require surgery. A cast and crutches are required for most foot fractures.

 

Pediatric Foot Care

Most parents worry about each part of their developing child’s body, and the feet should be no exception. Learning proper techniques for using and caring for your feet is an essential part of maintaining strong, healthy feet throughout your life. Many adult foot problems originate during childhood, so it is important to see a professional regularly in order to prevent long-term problems from occurring.

 

Dr. Stummer can treat a wide range of foot problems commonly found in children, such as heel pain, arch pain, ingrown toenails, warts and flat feet. He also corrects early walking abnormalities, such as toeing in or out or knock knees.

 

Children should be seen for regular foot care regardless of if they have current foot problems or not.

 

Diabetic Foot Care

People with diabetes are at high risk for developing problems with their feet. More than half of diabetics lose sensation in their feet due to nerve or blood vessel damage, and can hurt themselves without knowing it. Diabetes also slows the healing process, often turning minor injuries into life-threatening conditions. Even the smallest of foot injuries, such as a blister or ingrown toenail can lead to a serious infection or tissue death.

It is important to inspect your feet on a daily basis and see your doctor regularly if you have diabetes. Dr. Stummer is experienced in treating a wide range of diabetic foot conditions to ensure quick and thorough treatment in order to prevent further complications.

Extracorporeal Pulse Activation Treatment (EPAT®)

Extracorporeal pulse activation treatment (EPAT®) is a noninvasive, FDA-approved procedure used to treat muscle and tendon pain by stimulating blood circulation and promoting proper healing in patients with acute or chronic pain in their back, neck, shoulder, foot, ankle or other common areas of pain.

 

What are the results of this EPAT?

After EPAT, some patients may experience immediate pain relief, while for others, it may take up to four weeks before significant relief is felt. Over 80 percent of patients report a complete or substantial reduction in pain with the EPAT treatment.

 

To learn more, contact Northport Wellness Center Podiatrist, Dr. Steven Stummer at 631.262.8505 or email him at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. .