04/23/2026
RESPONSES/COMMENTS (PODIATRISTS IN THE NEWS)
From: Glenn C. Vitale, DPM
Thank you, Dr. Sushynski. During the first five years of my 43 years of practice, I routinely used a medial approach when performing a plantar fascial release, also removing the spur, with a half inch resection of the plantar fascia to prevent anastomosis. After convincing myself that the spur is not the cause of pain, I stopped removing the spur and switched to a plantar half-moon approach, resulting in successful patient outcomes.
Glenn C. Vitale, DPM, West Haven, CT
04/22/2026
PODIATRISTS IN THE NEWS - PART 2
IL Podiatrist Explains Why Diabetics Should Wear Light Colored Socks
Regular foot care is essential for anyone living with diabetes, and daily foot checks can prevent small problems from turning into serious infections, said Kyle Swanson, DPM, OSF HealthCare podiatric surgeon. “Diabetes can cause neuropathy, which decreases sensation in your feet, so you may not feel blisters or sores forming,” Dr. Swanson said. “That’s why it’s important to look at your feet every day. If you can’t reach or see the bottom of your foot, ask someone to help or use a mirror.”
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Dr. Kyle Swanson |
Swanson also says wearing light-colored socks can help people with diabetes spot problems sooner. Because lighter fabric shows blood or drainage quickly, it can reveal a cut, blister, or sore before the person ever feels it, acting like an early warning system for foot injuries. Equally important as daily foot checks is making sure to maintain proper moisture levels. “If your feet get too sweaty, that moisture can break down the skin and allow bacteria or fungus to grow,” he said. “If they’re too dry, the skin can crack and become an entry point for infection. That balance can shift from day to day, which is why daily checks matter.”
Source: Shaw Local [4/18/26]
04/22/2026
PODIATRISTS IN THE NEWS - PART 1
MI Podiatrist Dispels Myth That Heel Spurs Cause Pain
"The feet perform a significant amount of work each day, carrying the body from place to place, supporting body weight, and helping maintain an active lifestyle. However, when problems arise, foot pain can make even simple tasks difficult. Understanding common foot conditions and knowing when to seek care can make a big difference in a person's comfort and overall health," says Laura Reitz Sushynski, DPM.
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Dr. Laura Reitz Sushynski |
"One of the biggest myths involves heel spurs. Many people think heel spurs cause pain, but in most cases, they don’t. A large percentage of people have them without any symptoms. The pain that people feel is often actually due to plantar fasciitis. Another misconception is that treatment will be very painful. While some procedures may cause mild discomfort, we work hard to make treatments as comfortable as possible," says Dr. Sushynski.
Source: My Michigan Health [4/18/26]
04/21/2026
PODIATRISTS IN THE NEWS
OH Podiatrist Launches New Healthcare Advocacy Coalition
Former Rep. Brad Wenstrup, DPM (R-Oh), is launching Americans for Health Excellence (AFHE), a new political advocacy group to push for better healthcare policies. The former congressman from southwestern Ohio, who is also a podiatrist, retired from the House in 2025. He currently serves on President Donald Trump’s President's Intelligence Advisory Board (PIAB).
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Dr. Brad Wenstrup |
Dr. Wenstrup said the coalition will lobby for policies that improve patient access, protect U.S. innovation and preserve free and fair markets. “A lot of times in Washington, you talk about something and it sounds good on paper, but they're not realizing how it might affect patients in the long run,” said Wenstrup. “So we look at the things that address transparency and accountability and affordability.”
Source: Harri Leigh, Spectrum News [4/17/26]
04/17/2026
HOSPITAL PODIATRISTS IN THE NEWS
OH Podiatrist Announces OPMH's $65 Million Expansion Project
OhioHealth Pickerington Methodist Hospital (OPMH) has begun work on an expansion of the emergency department (ED) and an additional inpatient unit. The two-story, 57,000 square foot addition will add: 28 ED treatment rooms (bringing total to 44 treatment rooms), One additional ED resuscitation room (bringing total to two), one additional ED triage room (bringing total to two), and two ED intake rooms.
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Dr. Kevin Lutz |
“We expanded from a medical campus to a hospital in 2023 and the support from the community has been tremendous,” says Kevin Lutz, DPM, president, Pickerington Methodist Hospital. “To continue to provide high-quality patient care for those who live and work in the area, we’ve realized we need to grow to meet the increasing demand for emergency and inpatient care.” The expansion is a $65 million continued investment in the Pickerington community.
Source: Healthcare Facilities Today
04/16/2026
PODIATRISTS IN THE NEWS - PART 2
Don't Ignore Athlete's Foot: OH Podiatrist
“Athlete's foot can be a portal of entry for some dangerous infections, particularly in the elderly and people with diabetes. So, it's important to realize that it is a problem,” says Georgeanne Botek, DPM, Head of Podiatry at the Cleveland Clinic.
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Dr. Georgeanne Botek |
“Many times, athlete's foot is asymptomatic. But in the elderly or others at higher risk, we can see serious complications that can end up with multiple visits to the doctor, multiple prescription medications, and impairment to normal activity,” says Dr. Botek.
Source: Cleveland Today [4/13/26]
04/15/2026
PODIATRISTS IN THE NEWS
IL Podiatrist Discusses Ingrown Toenails
An ingrown toenail might seem like a minor nuisance, but left untreated, it can turn into a serious problem — especially for people with diabetes. Marc Leonard, DPM, a podiatrist at OSF HealthCare, says the condition is one he sees frequently, and in most cases, it’s preventable. Ingrown toenails occur when the nail grows into the surrounding skin. Some people are more prone to them due to genetics, but lifestyle factors play a role too.
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Dr. Marc Leonard |
Treatment depends on severity. In mild cases, a podiatrist may simply trim the side of the nail. More serious cases may require numbing the toe and removing a portion of the nail, along with antibiotics. For chronic sufferers, a permanent solution exists. “We’ll actually kill the side of the nail,” Dr. Leonard said. “We’ll put a chemical in the base of the toe to kill the root. That eliminates growth of the nail on the side.” Recovery from any ingrown nail treatment involves rest and soaking the toe in warm water, with most patients returning to normal activities fairly quickly.
Source: Zeno Jo, Chambana Today [4/12/26]
04/14/2026
PODIATRISTS IN THE NEWS
Diabetic Amputations Often Begin With a Small Cut: TX Podiatrist
"In Texas, [there are] 65,000 amputations a year, and about 7,000 of those occur here in the Rio Grande Valley," UTRGV School of Podiatry Clinical Assistant Professor Raul Maldonado, DPM said. "I was just consulted from the ER to go see a patient with gangrene to the foot. Most likely, this patient will require an amputation; and it started with something simple and now he's going to have an appointment with me in the OR," Dr. Maldonado said.
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Dr. Raul Maldonado |
Many of Dr. Maldonado's patients have diabetes. He says, "many of their injuries start small, but are left untreated. The main thing is prevention, but they should have a first aid kit at home in case they do have an accident or if there's any break in the skin, but they have to call their doctor immediately and make an appointment." Diabetes affects blood circulation, which makes it harder for wounds, especially in the feet, to heal properly. "Any time you cut yourself, you need more blood to heal, and if you cut yourself and you don't have enough blood to heal that injury, then it will develop into gangrene," Maldonado said.
Source; Astrid Mendez, KRGV News [4/11/26]
04/13/2026
PODIATRISTS IN THE NEWS
Podiatry: Misunderstood, but Often a Lifesaver: FL Podiatrist
What's misunderstood could also be a potential lifesaver. That's especially true when it comes to foot health. Podiatry remains one of the most misread branches of medicine in today's society. Because of this, Candice Kennedy, DPM, owner of Total Foot Care and Wellness Clinic, said it's important to keep tabs on just how healthy your feet are. "I tell everyone, your feet are the foundation of your mansion. If your feet are not happy, it can literally throw off your entire body," she said.
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Dr. Candice Kennedy |
As a podiatrist, Dr. Kennedy said she handles issues such as bunions, fractures, heel pain, tendonitis, hammertoes, amputations, wound care, and sports injuries. "A lot of people are shocked to find out the scope of everything that we deal with," Kennedy said. As April is National Foot Health Awareness month, Kennedy said her practices are making sure to take a key approach to making sure patients are educated and aware of the importance of seeing a podiatrist. Podiatry, she said, is often a lifesaver. "We're oftentimes the first ones to diagnose certain things such as circulation issues or diabetes," Kennedy said. "So, a lot of times we're catching stuff before other disciplines are doing it."
Source: Kyle Woodard, Clay Today [4/8/26]
04/13/2026
HOSPITAL PODIATRISTS IN THE NEWS
Montefiore Einstein Welcomes NY Podiatrist
Montefiore Einstein welcomes Kamal S. Farha, DPM, MBA who joins the faculty as Attending Physician, Orthopedic Surgery (Podiatry), Montefiore Einstein. Dr. Farha’s clinical interests include specialized conservative and surgical treatment of disorders of the foot and ankle, with an emphasis on limb salvage and wound healing. His research focuses on wound management and prevention.
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Dr. Kamal Farha |
Dr. Farha earned his podiatric medical degree at the Temple University School of Podiatric Medicine and completed his residency at Montefiore Mount Vernon Hospital, serving as the chief resident in his final year. He then pursued a fellowship in advanced tissue and wound healing at St. John’s Episcopal Hospital. Dr. Farha has also completed his Master of Business Administration at the University of Miami.
Source: Montefiore Einstein Now [4/13/26]
04/10/2026
HOSPITAL PODIATRISTS IN THE NEWS
IL Podiatrist Promotes April as National Foot Health Awareness Month
"April is National Foot Health Awareness Month, a great time to spread awareness about opportunities for podiatric care," says David Yeager, DPM, a podiatric surgeon at Morrison Community Hospital (MCH).
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Dr. David Yeager |
Dr. Yeager was recently promoted to Chief of Staff and Chief of Surgery at MCH, and in the past he served as President of the Illinois Podiatric Medical Association and sat on the Board of the American Podiatric Medical Association. He has also volunteered to perform complimentary foot screenings for the past 18 years for the Elks Crippled Children Clinic.
Source: Shaw Local [4/8/26]
04/09/2026
PODIATRISTS IN THE NEWS
OR Podiatrist Provides Tips to Keep Diabetic Feet Healthy
Good diabetes foot care starts at home, and it takes only a few simple habits to identify foot problems before they grow serious, or to stop them from developing in the first place. If it’s not easy for you to examine the bottoms of your feet independently, enlist the help of a loved one or caregiver. “If [you’re] unable to do it [yourself], then it’s best to have a family member assist,” says Ryan Downey, DPM, the chief of podiatry at Kaiser Permanente Northwest in Salem, Oregon. “Using a mirror or smartphone camera to get a look at the bottom [of your feet] is also a good idea.”
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Dr. Ryan Downey |
Not keeping your feet clean can increase your risk for infection, too. “Regular bathing or showering, including cleaning and inspecting between the toes, is very beneficial,” says Dr. Downey. Cleaning your feet should be a daily practice. Use warm soapy water, and after washing, make sure to dry your feet thoroughly, especially between your toes. “If moisture gets trapped in between the toes, and socks or shoes are put on right away, that skin can be more prone to breakdown and infection,” says Downey. “So either thoroughly drying the feet or letting them air dry for a bit before putting on socks and shoes is important.”
Source: Jessica Freeborn, Everyday Health [3/20/26]
04/06/2026
PODIATRISTS IN THE NEWS
NY Podiatrist Discusses How Pregnancy Can Increase Foot Size
No two pregnancies are exactly the same and every person’s body reacts differently. That said, there are certain biological things that happen during this time that can lead to some common bodily shifts — including swollen feet. “During pregnancy, many patients notice that their feet become flatter and sometimes slightly longer or wider,” says Samantha Landau, DPM, an Assistant professor at Touro University New York College of Podiatric Medicine. “The arch often lowers because the ligaments that support the arch become more lax.”
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Dr. Samantha Landau |
All of these changes can result in needing a larger shoe size. “In my clinical experience, it is very common for women to increase by about half a shoe size, and some may increase by a full-size during pregnancy,” says Dr. Landau. “For many individuals, about half a size increase may remain even after pregnancy.”
Source: Bethany Heitman, NBC-TV [4/2/26]
03/31/2026
PODIATRISTS IN THE NEWS
NY Podiatrist Discusses the Changing Doctor-Patient Relationship in the Digital Age
According to Amar Alkhafaji, DPM, "The doctor–patient relationship has always been based on trust, communication, and shared decision-making. However, in today’s digital age, that relationship is changing in ways that are both exciting and challenging—especially for younger physicians starting their careers. For younger physicians, transparency and authenticity are especially important. Patients may assume less experience based solely on the physician’s age, but they also value openness, approachability, and a willingness to collaborate. Combining current medical training with clear communication helps bridge generational gaps and builds confidence in the doctor–patient relationship."
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Dr. Amar Alkhafaji |
"Ultimately, the digital age has not diminished the importance of this relationship; it has simply transformed it. While technology and online information will continue to influence healthcare, the core values of empathy, expertise, and trust remain unchanged. By fostering informed conversations and guiding patients through the noise, I aim to strengthen relationships by providing care that is both modern and deeply human," says Dr. Alkhafaji.
Source: Buffalo Healthy Living [3/29/26]
03/25/2026
PODIATRISTS IN THE NEWS
TX Podiatrist Saves Feet and Lives at New San Antonio Clinic
Michael Sobolevsky, DPM is one of the leaders of the new Limb Salvage Clinic at University Health’s Texas Diabetes Institute in San Antonio, which opened last year. It’s a collaboration with Dr. Anand Prasad, founding director of the University Health Cardiovascular Center, to address the rising number of diabetes-induced amputations in Bexar County. With their combined expertise, the two are working to provide holistic care for patients with diabetes and vascular disease. Rather than relying on amputation, the doctors offer their specialties under one roof to detect and treat limb-threatening conditions early and address patients’ overall cardiovascular risk.
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Dr. Michael Sobolevsky |
Dr. Sobolevsky attended medical school at Rosalind Franklin University in Chicago and completed his residency at UT Health San Antonio in 2018. He ultimately chose podiatry because of the range of options it provided him in private practice, a hospital-based system, clinical or surgical. Since starting his own podiatry division at the Texas Diabetes Institute, it has grown into a team of five.
Source: Lily O'Neill, San Antonio Express News [3/22/26]
03/24/2026
RESPONSES/COMMENTS (PODIATRISTS IN THE NEWS)
From: Howard Zlotoff, DPM
The management of pain is complex and intimidating with such oversight by the medical community. Having been on the “other side” of pain, suffering from intense nerve pain for many weeks, I developed a much different attitude when my patients needed strong medications to control pain. Acute, severe pain can literally drive a person crazy if not alleviated appropriately.
There are patients that have short duration acute pain that justifies opioid use on a short term basis. I felt comfortable managing these patients. Then there are those patients with conditions that evoke chronic severe pain for extended periods of time. Rather than compromise appropriate care that this type of patient needs, I suggest consulting with a pain management doctor who has the experience and expertise to give this type of patient adequate relief for as long as necessary. This relieves the podiatrist of concern that opioid prescriptions will trigger oversight and possible medical board involvement. Everyone wins. The patient gets pain relief, the podiatrist can find an off-ramp to avoid concern of opioid prescriptions being investigated and let the medical system work as it should.
Howard Zlotoff, DPM, Grantham, PA
03/24/2026
PODIATRISTS IN THE NEWS
NY Podiatrist Has Concerns About Cushioned Shoes for Hip Arthritis Study
Studies as recently as 2023 support cushioned shoes for arthritic hip pain. However, some of those study participants also had knee arthritis, and so pain management was directed at multiple joints. Even so, Samantha Landau, DPM, assistant professor at Touro University New York College of Podiatric Medicine, maintains steadfast concerns about how this study was conducted. She points out that its participants were all lumped under the general diagnosis of arthritic hip pain, despite hip pain being a very broad concept that needs specific evaluation and treatment planning.
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Dr. Samantha Landau |
“Importantly, the conclusions do not align with typical evidence-based recommendations for arthritis management,” she reiterates. In any patient with degenerative joint disease, Dr. Landau typically recommends stable, supportive footwear. “Interestingly, even within the study’s own findings, the stable shoe group demonstrated improvement in foot and ankle pain, likely due to improved gait function,” Landau theorizes. “They also had fewer adverse events.”
Source: Kayla Blanton, Prevention [3/15/26]
03/23/2026
PODIATRISTS IN THE NEWS
ND Podiatrist Uses Patient Toolkit to Lower Patient Opioid Use
Recent studies found 75% of illegal opioid use starts with pills prescribed by doctors for pain management. Those same pills are linked to thousands of overdose deaths every year. Now, a surgical center in Minot is working to change that by launching an effort to cut back on these prescriptions. Doctors now give patients a toolkit which includes a chart to track pill use as well as a disposal kit for leftover opioids. This is made possible through Goldfinch, a healthcare company behind the Billion Pill Pledge Program.
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Dr. Aaron Albers |
“It’s changed the way I prescribe opioids, because we’re able to monitor how many prescriptions and how many pills patients were getting after their surgeries. And I’ve been able to make adjustments,” said Aaron Albers, DPM, podiatry specialist at Dakota Surgical Center. The results are already showing up at the center. The center said so far, 12 patients have used zero opioid pills after their operations.
Source: Kyona Rivera, KFYR-TV [3/18/26]
03/18/2026
PODIATRISTS IN THE NEWS
NY Podiatrist Discusses Buying Shoes for Diabetics
For people with particularly bad cases of neuropathy, healthcare providers may prescribe footwear specifically designed for people with diabetes, which can often be customized to meet an individual’s needs. According to Samantha Landau, DPM, a podiatrist at Touro University’s New York College of Podiatric Medicine, diabetes shoes can be beneficial for people with deformities or a history of ulcers. “However, many well-designed athletic or walking shoes can be equally appropriate if they meet biomechanical and protective requirements,” she said.
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Dr. Samantha Landau |
If you’re shopping around for your next pair of walking shoes, popular brands like Brooks and Hoka are a great place to start, but the most important thing is to find something that works for you. You want a shoe that feels good the minute you put it on. “Shoes should fit well from the start and not require a ‘break-in’ period,” Dr. Landau said.
Source: Andrew Saintsing, diatribe Learn [3/9/26]
03/12/2026
PODIATRISTS IN THE NEWS
Many Patients Have Misconceptions About Bunions: IA Podiatrist
Bradly Bussewitz, DPM, a foot and ankle fellowship-trained surgeon at Steindler Orthopedic Clinic in North Liberty, Iowa, sees anywhere from 20 to 40 patients with bunions each month. A lot of these patients think they’re forming extra bone from getting more calcium, not realizing it is their bones moving out of place.
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Dr. Bradly Bussewitz |
Another common misconception is that bunions are caused by wearing heels or shoes that are too tight. While tight shoes can exacerbate the problem and contribute to discomfort, most of the time — other than after a traumatic injury to the foot — it is caused by genetics. “It’s not causing the bunion, it’s causing the bunion to happen much sooner in life than it otherwise would have without tight or restrictive footwear,” Dr. Bussewitz said.
Source: Carrie Campbell, The Gazette
03/11/2026
PODIATRISTS IN THE NEWS
CA Podiatrist Discusses Choosing Shoes for Plantar Fasciitis
According to Holly Spohn-Gross, DPM, podiatrist and past president of the California Podiatric Medical Association, the best shoes to manage plantar fasciitis are ones that will support the arch of the foot and reduce pressure on the inflamed tendon.
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Dr. Holly Spohn-Gross |
“If the patient has a low arch or flat foot, I usually recommend a motion control or stabilizing shoe,” Dr. Spohn-Gross said. “If the patient has an average arch, then I lean towards a neutral shoe. Finally, if the patient has a high arch, then I will recommend a neutral or cushioned shoe.” She typically suggests that patients wear running shoes. And in some cases, the need for custom orthotics or orthotic inserts will arise.
Source: Tessa Flores, HuffPost [3/9/26]
03/07/2026
PODIATRISTS IN THE NEWS
Tread Mill is Best Alternative for Unsteady Walkers: MD Podiatrist
Walking is rightly hailed as an accessible and effective type of exercise, but that doesn’t mean everyone finds walking easy to do. For instance, walking outdoors can be scary if you’re unsteady on your feet. That’s where a treadmill can come into its own, according to Mikel Daniels, DPM, the president and chief medical officer at WeTreatFeet Podiatry.
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Dr. Mikel Daniels |
Dr. Daniels told me that the treadmill is clearly the better place to start walking for those with neuropathy who can’t reliably feel the ground, patients with a history of ankle sprains or poor balance, and people recovering from surgery who need a predictable footing and easy access to a handrail. “In these cases, the smooth belt, climate control, and the ability to stop instantly make treadmill walking safer and more sustainable,” he says.
Source: Lou Mudge, Fit and Well [3/5/26]
03/05/2026
PODIATRISTS IN THE NEWS
IL Podiatrist Provides a Six-Step Plan to Treat Onychomycosis
According to John M. Sigle, DPM, “Achieving clear nails requires a multi-faceted, customized approach.” If you want healthy nails by summer, here is the proven six-step plan that offers effective results: 1) Get an accurate diagnosis 2) Prepare the nails for treatment 3) Use laser therapy 4) Restore nails with Keryflex 5) Use science-based topicals and 6) Sanitize footwear.
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Dr. John Sigle |
"Managing toenail fungus is a marathon, not a sprint. Success depends on a correct diagnosis and a multi-faceted, customized approach using the best products, medications, and state-of-the-art technology to combat the condition. While laser treatments are often an out-of-pocket expense, some insurance carriers are beginning to provide coverage. Now is the ideal time to start treatment so your feet are healthy and ready for sandal season," says Dr. Sigle.
Source: Illinois Times
03/04/2026
PODIATRISTS IN THE NEWS
PA Podiatrist Discusses Causes of Bunions
A bunion is a bony bump that sticks out from the side of your foot at the base of the big toe. The word bunion comes from the Greek word for turnip – perhaps because a bunion can look swollen and reddish. “The common wisdom is that women get bunions because they spend too much time in narrow-toed high heels,” says Brian Stahl, DPM, a podiatrist and foot and ankle surgeon with LVPG Podiatry–Hecktown Oaks.
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Dr Brian Stahl |
“Tight shoes can certainly be a contributing factor,” he says, “but bunions can be caused by anything that puts extra pressure on your big toe joint, such as the way you walk, standing for a long time, and even some health conditions.” Heredity or previous foot injuries also can be a factor, Dr. Stahl says.
Source: Paul Wirth, Lehigh Valley Health Network [3/3/26]
03/02/2026
PODIATRISTS IN THE NEWS - PART 2
TX Podiatrist Advocates for Early Foot & Wound Care Awareness
Hope Jacoby, DPM of the Dallas-Fort Worth area is urging patients to take foot pain and lower extremity wounds seriously before small issues become life-altering complications. "Foot pain is often dismissed as minor," says Dr. Jacoby. "But the feet carry the entire body. When something is wrong, it affects balance, mobility, and overall health."
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Dr. Hope Jacoby |
Chronic wounds affect an estimated 6.5 million patients nationwide and cost the U.S. healthcare system billions annually. She emphasizes that early symptoms - such as numbness, slow-healing sores, swelling, or persistent foot pain - should never be ignored. "By the time some patients seek treatment, the condition has progressed significantly," she says. "The earlier we intervene, the better the outcome."
Source: Access Newswire [2/27/26]
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