Contact Casting

Dr. Tracy frequently utilizes contact casting to off load wounds on the bottom of the foot.

By casting, Dr. Tracy is able to completely remove all pressure and shearing forces on the wound which facilitates healing.  In addition, Fracture splints and modified surgical shoes are also utilized when indicated.

Therapy

Negative-pressure wound therapy (NPWT) is a therapeutic technique using a vacuum dressing to promote healing in acute or chronic wounds and enhance healing of first and second degree burns.

Wound Care Services

Dr. Tracy is Board Certified in Foot Surgery by The American Board of Podiatric Surgery and specializes in wounds of the feet and lower legs.

Lower-extremity peripheral artery disease (LE PAD) is a prevalent disorder that affects approximately 8 million Americans. In its end stage, patients with severe PAD can require lower extremity amputation. Survival after 2 years after a leg amputation is approximately 60% at 2 years.

Diabetic Considerations

Diabetes affects 23 million Americans and accounts for over 50% of all non-traumatic amputations.

A diabetic is 40% more likely to require and amputation than a non-diabetic.

The above represents a wound in a diabetic wound secondary to the use of "corn removal solution" . Corn removal solutions should never be used on a diabetic or patients with peripheral arterial disease as they contain caustic acid. Dr. Tracy’s treatment  included removal of all dead skin, obtaining  antibiotic cultures, wound care, off-loading and appropriate antibiotic therapy..

Footwear

Extra depth shoes and custom molded orthotics are frequently utilized to batrh treat and prevent diabetic and peripheral vascular wounds.

Dr. Tracy personally evaluates each patient regarding the proper shoe, size and fit. Extra depth shoes no longer look like "clod hoppers"and most are indistinguishable from regular shoes. Dr. Tracy offers many styles and colors from New Balance and Dunham, to Propet and Orthofeet.

Preventing Complications

The best strategy for preventing complications of diabetes — including foot ulcers — is proper diabetes management with a healthy diet, regular exercise, blood sugar monitoring and adherence to a prescribed medication regimen.

Proper foot care will help prevent problems with your feet and ensure prompt medical care when problems occur. Tips for proper foot care include the following:

Inspect your feet daily. Check your feet once a day for blisters, cuts, cracks, sores, redness, tenderness or swelling. If you have trouble reaching your feet, use a hand mirror to see the bottoms of your feet, place the mirror on the floor if it's too difficult to hold, or ask someone to help you.

Don't remove calluses or other foot lesions yourself. To avoid injury to your skin, don't use a nail file, nail clipper or scissors on calluses, corns, bunions or warts. Don't use chemical wart removers. See your podiatrist for removal of any of these lesions.

Don't go barefoot. To prevent injury to your feet, don't go barefoot, even around the house.

Don't smoke. Smoking impairs circulation and reduces the amount of oxygen in the blood.

Take foot injuries seriously. Contact your podiatrist if you have a foot sore that doesn't begin to heal within a few days or other persistent problems with your feet. Your podiatrist will inspect your foot to make a diagnosis and prescribe the appropriate course of treatment.

Dr. Mark Tracy  | Murdock Foot and Ankle Clinic, 17835 Murdock Circle, Port Charlotte, FL 33952  |  941 624-6300