Foot and Ankle Doctor Blog Space

Hyperbaric Oxygen

Hyperbaric oxygen treatments  (HBOT) have been effective in treating hypoxic wounds. Wounds need an optimal environment of nutrients and oxygen to promote new cell growth and healing. Chronic wounds take years to heal because the blood circulation to the wound area has diminished. As a result of poor blood flow the wound has a poor supply of nutrients and oxygen. Hyperbaric oxygen therapy has been used to heal chronic wounds by placing patients in a chamber of 100% pure oxygen. During the HBO treatment and up to 4 hours afterwards, the oxygen is dissolved in the blood and carried to the wound site. As a result new blood vessel production occurs which helps with collagen and epithelial formation at the ulcer site to increase healing time. Patients are placed in an HBO tank for no longer than 90 minutes. HBOT can also be used for:

  • Diabetic ulcers
  • Wound healing
  • Burns
  • Gas gangrene
  • Necrotizing infections
  • Compromised or failed skin grafts and flaps

For more information about HBOT, come see one of our physicians at Foot & Ankle Doctors, Inc

Dr. Dardashti

 

 

 

Viscosupplementation for Ankle Arthritis

Osteoarthritis is the most common forms of arthritis. It occurs over time as the cartilage on the ends of bones wears down resulting with bone on bone grinding. Osteoarthritis worsens with time and patients often experience pain, stiffness, loss of flexibility, grinding sensation and formation of bone spurs. Currently there is no cure, and maintaining a healthy weight and healthy lifestyle can help slow the progression.

Knee and ankle implants have a lifespan of 10 years and is often reserved as a treatment option for later in life. An alternative treatment option is the use of hyaluronate injections. Hyaluronate sodium is a derivative of hyaluronic acid a natural substance that surrounds joints. The fluid acts as a lubricant and shock absorbent protecting joints. Over a course of four to eight weeks the use of hyaluronate injections may reduce the need for a joint replacement and help promote production of synovial fluid. In a diseased arthritic joint the production of hyaluronate decreases leading to mechanical destruction of the joint and pain. At the moment hyaluronate products are considered as off-labeled use in the ankle joint, but FDA approved for the knee joint. There are six major trade name products: Euflexxa, Gel-one, Hyalgan, Supartz, Synvisc, Orthovisc. Most of these products are injected into the ankle joint 3 times a week. Patients can return to normal daily activities but should postpone strenuous activities for 48 hours after the injection. For more information about viscosupplementiation come see one of our physicians at Foot & Ankle Doctors, Inc

Dr. Dardashti

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