Struggling with a non-healing wound? Discover advanced wound care treatments designed to promote healing and reduce infection risk.
Chronic, non-healing wounds are a serious health concern, especially for patients with diabetes, poor circulation, or limited mobility. In SWFL where diabetes and vascular disease are common, access to specialized advanced wound care*from experienced SWFL podiatrists can make a critical difference in preventing infection, hospitalization, and amputation.
What Is a Chronic Wound?
A wound is considered chronic when it does not heal within four weeks despite basic treatment. Common chronic wounds treated by podiatrists include:
* Diabetic foot ulcers
* Venous leg ulcers
* Pressure ulcers (bedsores)
* Non-healing surgical wounds
* Traumatic foot and ankle wounds
Without advanced care, these wounds can worsen and lead to serious complications.
Why Chronic Wounds Fail to Heal
Many patients experience delayed wound healing due to:
* Diabetes and peripheral neuropathy
* Poor circulation or peripheral arterial disease
* Infection or repeated pressure on the foot
* Swelling and venous insufficiency
* Advanced age or weakened immune system
Treating the wound alone is often not enough—addressing the underlying cause is essential.
What Is Advanced Wound Care?
Advanced wound care is a specialized approach that goes beyond standard bandages and topical creams. It focuses on creating the ideal environment for healing while managing circulation, infection, pressure, and overall foot health. SWFL podiatrists trained in advanced wound care play a key role in limb preservation and long-term recovery.
Modern Advanced Wound Care Treatments
1. Debridement
Removal of dead or infected tissue promotes healthy tissue growth and reduces infection risk.
2. Advanced Wound Dressings
Specialized dressings help control moisture, prevent bacterial growth, and support tissue regeneration.
3. Negative Pressure Wound Therapy (Wound VAC)
This therapy uses gentle suction to remove excess fluid, improve blood flow, and accelerate healing in deep or complex wounds.
4. Biologic and Regenerative Therapies
Advanced treatments may stimulate the body’s natural healing response, especially in difficult-to-heal diabetic wounds.
5. Infection Control
Early detection and treatment of infection are critical to prevent worsening wounds and limb-threatening complications.
6. Offloading and Pressure Relief
Custom footwear, braces, or orthotics reduce pressure on the wound—especially important for diabetic foot ulcers.
Benefits of Advanced Wound Care With a Podiatrist
* Faster healing of chronic foot and ankle wounds
* Reduced risk of infection and hospitalization
* Prevention of foot ulcers from worsening
* Lower risk of amputation
* Improved mobility and quality of life
When to See a Podiatrist for Wound Care
Schedule an evaluation if you notice:
* A wound that hasn’t healed after 2–4 weeks
* A diabetic foot wound or open sore
* Redness, swelling, drainage, or odor
* Numbness, pain, or poor circulation in the feet
* A wound that repeatedly opens or worsens
Early intervention by a podiatrist trained in advanced wound care can save time, tissue, and limbs.
Expert Advanced Wound Care in Southwest Florida
At Family Foot & Leg Center, advanced wound care is personalized to each patient’s condition, lifestyle, and overall health. Our goal is not just to heal the wound—but to prevent recurrence and preserve long-term foot health.
Schedule an Advanced Wound Care Consultation Today
If you or a loved one has a non-healing foot or ankle wound, don’t wait. Early treatment can prevent serious complications.
Bunions are more than just a cosmetic concern—they can make walking, standing, exercising, and even wearing shoes uncomfortable. If you’ve been putting up with bunion pain for months or years, it may be time to explore your options. One of the most advanced treatments available today is minimally invasive bunion surgery (MIS), which can correct the deformity with less tissue disruption and a faster recovery than traditional surgery.
What Is a Bunion?
A bunion, or hallux valgus, is a bony bump that forms at the base of the big toe. Over time, the big toe drifts toward the second toe, causing the joint to protrude outward. Common symptoms include:
Pain or soreness in the joint
Redness and swelling
Difficulty finding comfortable shoes
Limited movement of the big toe
Left untreated, bunions can worsen over time, leading to increased pain and difficulty with daily activities.
What Is Minimally Invasive Bunion Surgery?
Minimally invasive bunion surgery corrects the alignment of the toe and joint through tiny incisions, often smaller than those used in traditional surgery. This modern approach aims to:
Reduce trauma to surrounding muscles and tissues
Minimize post-operative pain and swelling
Speed up recovery
Allow earlier weight-bearing and return to activities
MIS techniques use specialized instruments and X-ray guidance to reposition the bones with precision, offering a less invasive alternative to conventional open surgery.
Why Consider MIS Surgery?
If bunion pain has been holding you back from work, exercise, or everyday activities, addressing it now can improve your quality of life for the coming year. Benefits of considering surgery sooner rather than later include:
Preventing Further Deformity – Bunions tend to progress over time. Early correction can reduce long-term complications.
Improved Mobility – Correcting the alignment of the toe can make walking, running, and standing more comfortable.
Faster Recovery – MIS often allows a quicker return to normal shoes and activities compared to traditional surgery.
Planning Around Your Schedule – The end of the year or holiday downtime can provide the perfect opportunity to focus on recovery.
Who Is a Candidate?
Minimally invasive bunion surgery may be suitable for patients who:
Have difficulty wearing shoes or performing daily activities
Have a progressive deformity affecting foot function
Want a surgical option with smaller incisions and potentially faster recovery
A thorough evaluation with a podiatric surgeon is essential to determine the best approach for each individual.
What to Expect During Recovery
Recovery varies depending on the severity of the bunion and the surgical procedure. Patients can generally expect:
Wearing a surgical or protective shoe for the first few weeks
Gradual return to weight-bearing activities
Swelling that decreases over several weeks
Return to normal shoes and light activities as healing progresses
Following your surgeon’s instructions is key to a smooth recovery and optimal results.
Take the First Step Toward Pain-Free Feet
Bunion pain shouldn’t keep you from enjoying life, staying active, or wearing the shoes you love. Minimally invasive bunion surgery offers a modern, effective solution that may allow you to start the next year feeling lighter, healthier, and more mobile.
Schedule a consultation with Dr. Kevin Lam today to learn if MIS bunion surgery is right for you—and take the first step toward pain-free feet.
Year-end is the best time to see a podiatrist. Learn how early treatment and preventive care can help you start the new year pain-free.
As the year comes to an end, many people focus on holidays, travel, and planning for the new year—often putting their health on the back burner. However, **year-end is one of the best times to see a podiatrist, especially in Florida, where foot problems can worsen due to warm weather, increased activity, and footwear choices.
Scheduling a podiatry visit before the end of the year can help address lingering foot pain, prevent small issues from becoming serious, and help you start the new year feeling your best.
Common Foot Problems People Ignore Until the New Year
Many patients wait months—or longer—before seeking care for foot and ankle issues. Some of the most common problems we see at year-end include:
* Heel pain or plantar fasciitis
* Ingrown or painful toenails
* Corns and calluses
* Fungal toenails or athlete’s foot
* Bunions and hammertoes
* Numbness, tingling, or burning sensations
Left untreated, these conditions can worsen over time and interfere with daily activities, exercise, and overall mobility.
Florida’s Climate Can Make Foot Issues Worse
Living in Florida means year-round warmth, humidity, and frequent sandal use. While comfortable, these factors can increase the risk of:
* Fungal and bacterial infections
* Skin breakdown from moisture
* Foot injuries from walking barefoot or in unsupportive shoes
A podiatrist can identify climate-related foot problems early and recommend treatments and preventive care tailored to Florida lifestyles.
Why Seeing a Podiatrist Before Year-End Makes Sense
There are several important reasons to schedule your appointment now instead of waiting:
1. Early Treatment Prevents Bigger Problems
Foot pain is often a sign of an underlying issue. Treating problems early can prevent infections, chronic pain, or the need for more invasive treatments later.
2. Start the New Year Pain-Free and Active
Addressing foot issues now helps you stay active, comfortable, and mobile as you move into the new year—whether your goals include exercise, travel, or simply daily comfort.
Diabetic Patients: Don’t Skip Your Year-End Foot Exam
For patients with diabetes, year-end foot care is especially important. Routine podiatry visits help:
* Monitor circulation and nerve function
* Detect early signs of ulcers or infection
* Safely manage toenails, calluses, and skin conditions
Preventive diabetic foot care can significantly reduce the risk of serious complications.
Take the First Step Toward Healthier Feet
Your feet support you every day—don’t wait until pain forces you to seek care. Year-end is the ideal time to prioritize foot health and start the new year on the right foot.
Bunions are more than a cosmetic concern — they can cause pain, limit mobility, and make everyday shoes uncomfortable. Thanks to minimally invasive bunion surgery (MIS), patients can now experience effective correction with smaller incisions, less pain, and faster recovery.
Here’s a closer look at what patients can expect before and after surgery
Before Surgery: The Challenge
Many patients come in with:
* Painful bunions making walking uncomfortable
* Difficulty finding shoes that fit properly
* Swelling, redness, or corns at the bunion site
* Reduced activity due to foot discomfort
Traditional bunion surgery often required large incisions and longer recovery times, which could impact daily life for weeks or months.
Patient Story – Before:
> “I struggled to find shoes that fit and avoided walks with my family because of the pain. I didn’t think surgery would let me be active again quickly.”
The Minimally Invasive Solution
Minimally invasive bunion surgery uses tiny keyhole incisions and specialized instruments to correct the toe alignment without disturbing the surrounding tissue.
What makes MIS different:
* Small incisions, minimal scarring
* Reduced soft tissue trauma
* Less postoperative pain
* Faster recovery and return to activities
How It Works:
1. Small incisions are made at the bunion site.
2. Specialized instruments realign the toe bone.
3. Screws or pins stabilize the correction internally.
4. The foot begins healing with minimal disruption to soft tissue.
After Surgery: The Results
*Early recovery: Most patients walk with a protective shoe almost immediately, experiencing less swelling and pain compared to traditional surgery.
*Long-term results:
* Straightened big toe with reduced bunion prominence
* Improved foot function and mobility
* Ability to wear regular shoes comfortably
* Return to daily activities and exercise sooner
Patient Story – After:
> “Within a few weeks, I could walk comfortably. Months later, my bunion is gone, and I’m back to hiking with my family. The small scars are barely noticeable!”
🔹 Why Choose Minimally Invasive Bunion Surgery?
Minimally invasive techniques offer:
* Faster recovery and less downtime
* Smaller scars and less noticeable to almost invisible incisions
Heel pain is one of the most common foot problems people face, often affecting daily activities like walking, exercising, or even standing for short periods. While many assume heel pain will “go away on its own,” early evaluation and proper treatment can make a major difference in recovery time and long-term comfort.
At Family Foot & Leg Center (FFLC), patients receive tailored solutions designed to diagnose the root cause of heel pain and provide fast, effective relief. Whether the discomfort is sharp, dull, intermittent, or chronic, understanding what’s causing the pain is the first step toward healing.
Common Causes of Heel Pain
1. Plantar Fasciitis
The most common cause of heel pain, plantar fasciitis occurs when the plantar fascia— the thick band of tissue supporting the arch — becomes inflamed.
Symptoms include:
* Sharp pain in the heel, especially during the first steps in the morning
* Pain after long periods of standing
* Discomfort following exercise
2. Heel Spurs
Heel spurs are bony calcium deposits that develop on the underside of the heel bone, often forming over an extended period due to chronic strain or repeated stretching of the foot’s soft tissues. These deposits typically develop where the plantar fascia attaches to the heel, which is why they are so commonly associated with plantar fasciitis.
Although heel spurs can grow up to half an inch in length, many people never realize they have them because the spur itself doesn’t always cause pain. In fact, in many cases, the discomfort people feel is actually due to the inflammation of the surrounding tissues rather than the spur pressing into the foot. However, when heel spurs do cause symptoms, they may lead to sharp, stabbing sensations during the first steps in the morning or a persistent aching discomfort throughout the day.
Heel spurs often develop as a result of repetitive stress—activities such as running, long walks on hard surfaces, or even prolonged standing can gradually contribute to their formation. Poorly cushioned shoes, abnormal foot mechanics (like flat feet or high arches), and tight calf muscles can also increase the likelihood of developing heel spurs.
Early diagnosis through imaging, combined with supportive treatments such as orthotics, stretching, improved footwear, and targeted therapies, can help alleviate symptoms and prevent the spur from worsening. While surgery is rarely necessary, comprehensive care can significantly reduce the pain associated with heel spurs and improve overall foot function.
3. Achilles Tendinitis
Inflammation of the Achilles tendon, known as Achilles tendinitis, occurs when the tendon connecting the calf muscles to the heel becomes irritated or overworked, often due to repetitive stress or sudden increases in physical activity. This condition can cause pain, stiffness, and swelling at the back of the heel, which typically worsens during activities like running, jumping, or climbing stairs. Over time, the tendon may become thickened or develop small microtears, making movement increasingly uncomfortable and potentially limiting daily activities. Factors such as tight calf muscles, improper footwear, sudden changes in exercise intensity, or biomechanical issues like flat feet or high arches can increase the risk of developing Achilles tendinitis. Early intervention—including rest, targeted stretching and strengthening exercises, supportive footwear, and other non-invasive therapies—can reduce inflammation, relieve pain, and help restore normal tendon function before the condition progresses to a more serious injury.
4. Flat Feet or High Arches
The structure of your foot plays a crucial role in how weight and pressure are distributed during everyday activities such as walking, running, or standing, and even small imbalances can lead to significant heel pain over time. Individuals with flat feet, high arches, or abnormal gait patterns often place uneven stress on the plantar fascia, heel bone, and surrounding soft tissues, which can result in inflammation, microtears, or chronic discomfort. Improper support from footwear—such as shoes lacking adequate cushioning, arch support, or stability—can exacerbate these structural issues, causing the heel to absorb more impact than it is naturally designed to handle. Over time, this uneven pressure may contribute to conditions like plantar fasciitis, heel spurs, or Achilles tendinitis, and can make simple daily activities painful. Addressing foot mechanics through proper shoes, custom orthotics, strengthening exercises, and corrective therapies can help redistribute pressure more evenly, reduce strain on the heel, and prevent long-term damage, allowing for better mobility and comfort.
5. Overuse or Improper Footwear
Everyday activities such as running, taking long walks, standing for extended periods, or even engaging in high-impact sports can place significant stress on the heel, especially when combined with unsupportive or poorly cushioned footwear. Repetitive pressure and impact can strain the plantar fascia, Achilles tendon, and surrounding soft tissues, leading to inflammation, microtears, and pain that can develop gradually or appear suddenly. Individuals who spend a lot of time on hard surfaces or who engage in intense physical activity without proper foot support are particularly susceptible to heel pain, which may start as a mild discomfort but can worsen if left unaddressed. Additionally, shoes that fail to provide adequate arch support, cushioning, or stability can exacerbate underlying biomechanical issues, causing uneven distribution of pressure and accelerating the development of conditions such as plantar fasciitis, heel spurs, or tendonitis. Taking preventive measures—including wearing supportive footwear, incorporating stretching routines, and avoiding sudden increases in activity—can help reduce the risk of heel pain and maintain overall foot health.
How FFLC Provides Effective Heel Pain Relief
FFLC takes a personalized, patient-centered approach to heel pain treatment. Rather than relying on generic advice, the team conducts a thorough evaluation to understand the exact source of your discomfort.
1. Customized Treatment Plans
No two feet are the same. FFLC uses diagnostic tools, gait analysis, and tailored care strategies to design treatment plans that fit each individual’s unique needs.
2. Advanced Therapies
Treatment options may include:
* Anti-inflammatory therapies
* Shockwave therapy
* Prescription orthotics
* Supportive bracing
* Stretching and strengthening programs
* Footwear guidance
* Minimally invasive procedures when necessary
These therapies aim to reduce inflammation, restore function, and prevent future pain.
3. Fast, Focused Relief
FFLC prioritizes both immediate pain relief and long-term solutions. By treating the underlying cause—not just the symptoms—patients experience faster recovery and improved foot health.
Tips for Managing Heel Pain at Home
While professional care is essential, there are steps you can take to ease discomfort:
* Stretch your calves and plantar fascia daily
* Wear supportive shoes with proper cushioning
* Avoid walking barefoot on hard surfaces
* Apply ice to reduce inflammation
* Reduce high-impact activities until the pain improves
If heel pain persists for more than a few days or worsens, seeking professional evaluation is crucial.
When to Seek Professional Help
You should consider visiting FFLC if you experience:
* Persistent heel pain lasting more than a week
* Swelling, redness, or warmth in the heel
* Pain that interferes with daily activities
* Pain after an injury or sudden movement
Early treatment often leads to faster results and fewer complications.
Get Back on Your Feet With FFLC
Heel pain doesn’t have to slow you down. With expert diagnostics, personalized care plans, and advanced treatment options, FFLC helps patients find reliable relief and restore comfort.
If you’re experiencing heel pain, taking the first step toward treatment can be the key to long-term healing and improved mobility.
Bunion deformities are a common condition affecting the alignment of the great toe, often leading to pain, stiffness, and difficulty with footwear. At the Family Foot & Leg Center (FFLC), we utilize advanced, minimally invasive techniques to correct bunions with less downtime and improved long-term outcomes.
In this featured case, Dr. Kevin Lam performed a reverse Peabody procedure combined with an Akin osteotomy to restore alignment and function. This approach allows for excellent correction with minimal soft tissue disruption and faster recovery compared to traditional open methods.
Case Overview
This patient underwent a reverse Peabody bunion correction along with an Akin osteotomy for fine-tuning of the toe alignment.
The combination of these procedures enables precise bone realignment, stable fixation, and improved cosmetic and functional outcomes.
At the 10-week postoperative visit, results were outstanding:
* ✅ Excellent bone healing and stable fixation on X-ray
* ✅ Corrected toe alignment and balanced joint position
* ✅ Minimal swelling and good scar healing
* ✅ Comfortable walking and return to daily activities
Why the Reverse Peabody and Akin Osteotomy Work So Well
The reverse Peabody technique is a refined method that repositions the metatarsal head through a smaller incision while preserving joint integrity. When paired with the Akin osteotomy, which adjusts the proximal phalanx, the combination provides a balanced correction of the bunion deformity.
Benefits of this minimally invasive approach include:
* Smaller incisions, less soft tissue trauma
* Reduced postoperative pain and scarring
* Faster recovery and return to function
* Strong, lasting correction of the bunion deformity
Dr. Lam is internationally recognized for his expertise in minimally invasive foot and ankle surgery, including the Lam Bunionectomy, reverse Peabody procedure, and other advanced reconstructive techniques.
He leads a team of board-certified specialists across FFLC locations in SWFL, offering comprehensive care for foot, ankle, and leg conditions.
Dr. Lam is also the Founder & CEO of the Family Foot & Leg Center, P.A., based in Naples, Florida.
Learn More or Schedule a Consultation
If you’re suffering from bunion pain or considering surgical correction, schedule a consultation with Dr. Kevin Lam and the expert team at Family Foot & Leg Center to explore your treatment options.
Can you see the scar on this patient after bunion surgery?
Scarless Bunion Surgery by Dr. Kevin Lam
This patient came to Dr. Lam with a severe bunion. In most people’s minds, a severe bunion means a large incision, a long recovery, and months of visible scarring.
That is not what happened here.
* Recovery was fast
* Recovery was essentially pain-free
* And the scar? Practically invisible
This is what Dr. Lam’s patients mean when they talk about the “scarless bunionectomy” experience — the incision is placed and closed in a way that makes the scar blend so naturally that, to the naked eye, it’s hard to see that surgery ever happened.
Why patients choose us before committing to bunion surgery anywhere else
Most doctors still use techniques that leave a large dorsal or medial scar along the side of the big toe. Dr. Lam’s method is designed around four priorities:
1. Cosmetic discretion — Incision approach and closure designed to fade into the natural lines of the foot
2. Rapid return to function — Patients walk the same day
3. Pain-minimizing protocols — Most patients describe recovery as “shockingly easy”
4. Correction built to last — Cosmetic improvement without compromising biomechanics
Before you get bunion surgery — see us first
If you were told that bunion surgery “will hurt,” “will leave a scar,” or “will take months to recover from,” you may be hearing about an older technique.
You have options.
Visit Dr. Lam — at the home of the scarless bunionectomy at ScarlessBunion.com
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