South Florida Orthopaedics & Sports Medicine

Podiatry

Your Podiatry Experts

Foot and ankle issues can keep you from enjoying your day-to-day life no matter your age and activity level. The muscles, tendons, bones and joints of the foot and ankle work together to help you walk, run, balance and jump; and if one element is not functioning properly the entire body can be affected, even the hips and spine. Left untreated, damage can become worse and lead to long-term loss of function.

Injuries to the foot and ankle can occur from overuse, age or trauma and treatment methods often range from noninvasive options such as bracing and physical therapy to reconstructive surgery when deemed necessary by our board certified surgeons.

If you’re dealing with pain or loss of functionality, call (772) 288-2400 or click here to request your appointment with one of our foot and ankle specialists to take the first step toward getting back to your life without pain.

Meet Our Podiatry Experts

Craig J. Breslauer, DPM

Anthony Romano, DPM

Podiatry FAQs

A podiatrist, also called a doctor of podiatric medicine, is a specialist who provides medical and surgical treatment of foot and ankle problems, including, but not limited to ankle arthritis and achilles tendon ruptures, sprains and fractures, bunions, heel pain/spurs, hammertoes, neuromas.

After four years of undergraduate, pre-med studies, a podiatric surgeon attends four years of medical school followed by three years of surgical residency.

Bunions develop when the pressures of bearing and shifting your weight fall unevenly on the joints and tendons in your feet. This imbalance in pressure makes your big toe joint unstable, eventually molding the parts of the joint into a hard knob that juts out beyond the normal shape of your foot. Other causes include: inherited foot type, foot injuries, and deformities present at birth (congenital).

A hammertoe occurs from a muscle and ligament imbalance around the toe joint which causes the middle joint of the toe to bend and become stuck in this position. The most common complaint with hammertoes is rubbing and irritation on the top of the bent toe.
Toes that may curl rather than buckle — most commonly the baby toe — are also considered hammertoes. It can happen to any toe. Women are more likely to get pain associated with hammertoes than men because of shoe gear.

Hammertoes can be classified in two ways: flexible hammertoes or rigid hammertoes. The muscles of each toe work in pairs. When the toe muscles get out of balance, a hammertoe can form. Muscle imbalance puts a lot of pressure on the toe’s tendons and joints. This pressure forces the toe into a hammerhead shape. The are generally the result of genes, arthritis, or an injury to the toe.

What is EPAT?

Extracorporeal Pulse Activation Technology (EPAT), sometimes referred to as ESWT or shock wave therapy, is the most advanced and highly effective non invasive treatment method cleared by the FDA. This proprietary technology is based on a unique set of pressure waves that stimulate the metabolism, enhance blood circulation and accelerate the healing process.

EPAT is the most advanced non invasive technology which uses energy based on unique sets of acoustic pressure waves. EPAT helps to improve the regenerative potential, rather than further damage an area that has degenerated because of poor blood flow, tissue injury, overuse or weakness. In as few as three weekly five to ten minute sessions, you’ll be able to return to your favorite sport or activity. And there’s no downtime.

Find out how you can feel better faster.

Generally, acute or chronic musculoskeletal pain and/or pain that significantly impairs mobility or quality of life including:
• Foot and heel pain
• Achilles pain
• Tendon and/or tendon insertion pain
• Neuromas
• Trigger points

• Evidence based
• Non invasive
• No anesthesia required
• No risk of infection
• No scarring
• No downtime
• Over 80% patient satisfaction
• Cost effective
• Faster, easier healing

Some patients report immediate pain relief after the treatment, although it can take up to four weeks for pain relief to begin. The procedure eliminates pain and restores full mobility, thus improving your quality of life. Over 80% of patients treated report to be pain free and/or have significant pain reduction.

Yes. This FDA cleared technology was developed in Europe and is currently used around the globe. A wealth of medical experience, state of the art engineering and optimal quality have been built into each EPAT device, and extensive clinical studies and tests have confirmed its safety and efficacy.

Treatment sessions take approximately 5-10 minutes depending on the disorder to be treated. Generally, at least 3-5 treatment sessions are necessary at weekly intervals.

The non invasive EPAT treatment has virtually no risks or side effects. In some cases, patients may experience some minor discomfort which may continue for a few days. It is normal to have some residual pain after intense exercise or a full day of work.

The safety and effectiveness of the EPAT procedure has not been determined on people with the following health
conditions. Your doctor will provide you with information about how these and other conditions might affect the
determination to perform the EPAT procedures.
• Malignancies
• DVT (Deep Vein Thrombosis)

Coupling gel is applied to the treatment area of interest to enhance effectiveness. After these preparations, EPAT
pressure waves are released via the applicator moved over the area of interest in a circular motion.

EPAT has a proven success rate that is equal to or greater than that of traditional treatment methods (including surgery)
and without the risks, complications and lengthy recovery time.
EPAT is:
• Performed in your physician’s office/ clinic
• Does not require anesthesia
• Requires a minimal amount of time
Patients can:
• Bear weight (i.e. walk) immediately,
• Return to work/normal activities within 24 48 hours
• Resume strenuous activities after 4 weeks.