Tag Archives: foot pain

Is PRP Right For Me?

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You may be going crazy, you might have a foot or ankle problem that has not healed and is limiting your life. You may have tried a lot of simple things and had some improvement, but you just can’t get over the hump. You want to exercise, you want to wear normal shoes, you want to be the person you know you are. Platelet Rich Plasma Injection Therapy could be right for you. It is a low risk treatment for those people who can’t get over the hump.  Now let me be clear: it involves drawing blood from your arm, separating the healing cells, and injecting them back into your injured area. Yep, it’s a shot. But, with proper numbing medicine and a little TLC, this can be relatively comfortable.

Also, this treatment is not for everyone. Not every foot and ankle problem can benefit from PRP. However, this treatment can be quite beneficial for some common problems such as achilles tendonitis and plantar fasciitis. If you’ve tried a lot of treatments, been to a lot of doctors, and feel like you’re losing your mind because you can’t be the active, healthy person you want to be, PRP Injection Therapy may just be right for you. 

How Do PRP Injections Work?

PRP injections work by taking a patient’s own blood and spinning it in a centrifuge to isolate an increased number of the healing cells in that patient’s own blood. Following this sterile protocol, these cells are injected, by the doctor, into the injured area. Utilizing an increased number of healing cells in a focused location of injury can improve how healing occurs and how pain is relieved. This treatment is done in an office setting with numbing medicine. This is not a surgery and it is not done in a hospital. It can be a comfortable, safe procedure that allows the patient to continue daily activities. PRP Injection Therapy  is rarely covered by insurance, so costs to the patient are likely. Because we are caring for an injured part, control of strain to the area is usually necessary with a supportive shoe insert, an ankle brace, or a removable air cast boot. Treatment results vary, based on what type of injured body part is being treated and how long the condition has been present. Risks associated with this treatment are low. Reactions and side effects are minimal since there is no incision and no general anesthesia, as well as no oral medications needed. Ask a board-certified foot and ankle specialist if PRP Injection Therapy is right for you.

Call 919-850-9111 (for Raleigh and Holly Springs)

http://www.raleighfootandanklecenter.com

Get To Know Your Doctor: Dr. Kirk Woelffer

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Are you a music lover? 

Celebrating his 19th year at Raleigh Foot & Ankle Center, Dr. Kirk Woelffer is known for his warm personality and fun sense of humor. He loves his job and it shows. Dr. Woelffer is crazy about cars and sports, and he sings in a classic rock band. He shares these interests with his wife Christina, and their three kids.

Here’s a little more about the man who serves as the official podiatrist for NCFC Professional Men’s Soccer, North Carolina Courage Professional Women’s Soccer and Carolina Ballet.

5 Questions With Dr. Woelffer:

What was your first concert?

Prince, 1984, Minneapolis, Minnesota (where I am from). The Purple Rain Tour. It was awesome! I was 14. My buddy’s mom dropped us off in her cool Dodge van, not minivan, and waited for us in the parking lot until it was over. We were too young to be there– it was perfect!

What’s your favorite part about your job?

Giving people a hope-filled plan for a healthy future. I love seeing people achieving their fitness goals.

What chance encounter changed your life forever?

Meeting Dr. Robert Hatcher. He gave me my job here, and he guided me every step of the way to this great place I LOVE working at every day.

What’s the best thing you got from your parents?

They gave me a philosophy to be positive about everything. They would say, “If you believe you can do it, you probably can.” It even feels good to say it now, as a grown-up!

What skill would you like to master?

I would love to be able to play the piano– I have taken lessons 3 times in my life! Turns out it takes practice. 🙂

Dr. Woelffer earned his bachelor’s degree at St. Olaf College, attended medical school at Des Moines University, and completed his surgical residency at Deaconess Hospital in St. Louis. He is Board Certified in Foot Surgery and Reconstructive Rear-Foot/Ankle Surgery by the American Board of Foot and Ankle Surgery, and he is a Fellow in the American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons. Dr. Woelffer is also an Associate of the American Academy of Podiatric Sports Medicine. To learn more about Dr. Woelffer, click here.

If you or a loved one is experiencing foot or ankle pain, Dr. Woelffer would be happy to come up with a plan to get you back on your feet quickly. Schedule an appointment with him today at (919) 850-9111.

Raleigh Foot & Ankle Center is a division of Foot & Ankle Specialists of the Mid-Atlantic, LLC. 

Five Storm Safety Tips From Doctors

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Hurricane Florence is being called a “monster storm” which is predicted to bring flooding, high winds, downed trees and power outages to North Carolina. Prevent a trip to the emergency room with these Five Storm Safety Tips from the doctors at Raleigh Foot & Ankle Center.

 
1. Always wear shoes indoors. “The most common home injuries we treat are centered around being barefoot, so always wear shoes,” said Dr. Jordan Meyers. “If you have an aversion to wearing shoes inside for cleanliness reasons, get an indoor house shoe or slipper.”

 

2. Put aside stylish shoes and wear sturdy footwear. One of the best ways to prevent a trip to the ER during inclement weather is to make sure your feet and ankles are properly protected. Ditch the cute flip flops. Dr. advised, “When you’re outside on slippery surfaces such as decks and asphalt, make sure you are wearing sturdy shoes with good tread.”

 

3. Keep a first aid kit and emergency phone numbers handy. “You never know what you may encounter with the threat of high winds, flooding and power outages, said Dr. Alan Boehm. “Have a first aid kit accessible, and remember you can always call 911 for emergencies, even during power outages.”

 

4. Make sure your kids are protecting their feet. Dr. Kirk Woelffer recommended, “Don’t forget about the children– protected feet are happy feet.”

 

Raleigh Foot & Ankle Center offers foot and ankle care for all ages with the latest advances in technology to get you back on your feet quickly. Surgeons Dr. Kirk Woelffer, Dr. Alan Boehm, Dr. Jordan Meyers bring over 35 years of trusted medical experience to compassionately care for all your foot and ankle needs in two Triangle locations, with a new Holly Springs satellite office opening in November. For more information call (919) 850-9111 or visit www.RaleighFootAndAnkleCenter.com. Raleigh Foot & Ankle Center is a division of Foot & Ankle Specialists of the Mid-Atlantic, LLC

Here We Grow Again: We’re Coming to Holly Springs!

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Raleigh Foot & Ankle Center is pleased to announce the addition of its Holly Springs office in November 2018. The new state-of-the-art podiatry practice will open at 1004 Werrington Drive, Ste. 300 in Main Street Square along G.B. Alford Highway (Hwy 55). The practice will offer foot and ankle care for all ages. Services will include surgical and non-surgical treatment for skin and nail conditions, fractures, sprains, sports injuries, birth deformities, foreign bodies, diabetic foot care and disorders, pediatric conditions, nerve disorders, and wounds.

“Our vision is to serve the community by providing compassionate and progressive foot and ankle care for children, adolescents, and adults,” said Dr. Kirk Woelffer. “And our mission is to provide advanced care through a dedicated, well-trained healthcare team in a friendly, professional setting.”

“We offer the latest advances in technology to get you back on your feet quickly,” said Dr. Alan Boehm. “This includes digital x-rays, Extracorporeal Shockwave Therapy (ESWT), ultrasound, 3D scanning for custom molded orthotics, and laser therapy for toenail fungus.”

The Holly Springs office will also feature an onsite nail care salon with medically trained technicians who will perform podiatrist-supervised pedicures for patients, including those with diabetes.

Raleigh Foot & Ankle Center’s surgeons Dr. Kirk Woelffer, Dr. Alan Boehm, Dr. Jordan Meyers, bring over 35 years of trusted podiatry experience. They volunteer at Open Door Clinic, Alliance Medical Ministry, and Project Homeless Connect.

“Holly Springs has seen a tremendous amount of growth, with little increase in available foot and ankle care,” said Dr. Jordan Meyers. “Making time to go to the doctor is challenging enough, so we are excited to provide advanced foot and ankle care a little closer to home for all the great people in Holly Springs and its surrounding areas. This also provides an opportunity for us to not only offer great medical care, but contribute and give back to the community through various avenues of charitable work.”

Raleigh Foot & Ankle Center plans to open the Holly Springs satellite office on November 12, 2018. For more information call (919) 850-9111 or visit www.RaleighFootAndAnkleCenter.com. Raleigh Foot & Ankle Center is a division of Foot & Ankle Specialists of the Mid-Atlantic, LLC.

 

Injury Prevention Made Easy

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Did you know you should ALWAYS wear shoes… even at home? Check out Dr. Jordan Meyers’ easy and practical tips for “Injury Prevention Made Easy.” He provides some great tips for the home, office and gym to keep you from needing emergency podiatric care. Read it here.

Back to school – and sports!

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It’s that time of year again – kids and their parents are everywhere!  Soccer, dance, piano – and of course, homework!  It’s a lot.

 

And it’s a lot for the feet!  Kid’s feet get a lot of overuse this time of year – P.E. at school, dance practice, soccer cleats – keep an eye out, parents!  The tell-tale sign?  Limping around the house.  If you see your child walking funny in the kitchen, give your friendly neighborhood podiatrist a call.  We don’t need Junior missing out on the fun!

 

Many easy suggestions can keep your little person enjoying all the action.  One tip:  Keep shoes on all the time.  Shoes make feet happy!  Everyone wants happy feet. 🙂 

Embrace Technology?!

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Dr. Woelffer

Oh, man. Technology. For me, definitely a love/hate relationship with it. I both love and hate my cell phone, my electronic medical records, and even my millions of kid photos on my home computer. Ugh!

 

But I have to go with it, right? If I give up, my wife will say I’m out of touch and getting older by the minute, destined to be a grumpy old man before my time. Not good. So I soldier on, reluctantly changing passwords daily.

 

For you and your foot pain, I say join me and fight the good fight! Embrace technology! Specifically, consider MLS Laser for your painful foot problem.

 

It is the latest treatment option available to help you heal and get on with your life. Visit our website to learn more about MLS Laser Therapy or call our office to make an appointment with one of our doctors. See if MLS Laser is right for you. Embrace technology!

-Dr. Woelffer

In the News: Achilles Tendon Rupture

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If you watch football, you might have seen that former Carolina Panthers wide receiver (and current Baltimore Raven) Steve Smith tore his Achilles tendon in a football game against the San Diego Chargers. After catching a pass, Smith went to the ground and clutched his lower leg. He had to be helped off the field by Ravens athletic trainers. It was later announced that the torn Achilles tendon has brought Smith’s season to an end.

The podiatrists at Raleigh Foot & Ankle Center frequently treat sports-related injuries like these. Here are some common questions we answer about this injury:

What is the Achilles tendon?

The Achilles is the major tendon located at the back of the ankle. It connects the ankle to the muscles in your lower leg.

What causes the Achilles tendon to tear?

Excessive strain. It’s usually seen in athletes (like Steve Smith) who are very active and put a lot of strain on their lower leg and ankle.

How do you treat a torn Achilles tendon?

Usually surgery, sometimes putting a cast on the leg can help, too.

How is this different from Achilles tendinitis? Are they related?

Tendinitis is an irritation of tendon fibers but the tendon is still intact, not torn or ruptured. A rupture is when the tendon completely tears and is usually a lot more painful. Click here for more information on Achilles tendinitis and possible treatments.

How can I prevent my Achilles tendon from tearing?

It can be difficult to predict. In general, remember to warm-up and stretch before exercise.

How do I know if I need to see a podiatrist for my Achilles tendon?

One word: pain! If you ever experience pain in your Achilles tendon, or any other part of your feet and ankles, call Raleigh Foot & Ankle Center at (919) 850-9111 or request an appointment online and make an appointment today. We frequently have same-day appointments available, and we now have a second location on Blue Ridge Road which may be more convenient for you.

 

Feet, Feet, Feet

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Dr. Woelffer and family

As everyone knows, feet are everywhere—especially at the neighborhood pool! As I was “swimming” with my kids, (“swimming” means getting squirted on by squirt guns, throwing them around until my rotator cuffs are on fire, and playing “Ariel” on my stomach on the pool steps), one of the neighborhood moms said to me, “Do you do kids?”

“Do you do kids?”

Why, yes, we do; big kids, little kids, tiny baby kids, and teenage/college kids. We do kids all day long. Turns out, kids have feet, too! We love treating kids at our medical practice. All of our doctors have kids, so we are used to the quiet ones, the loud ones, the hungry ones, and even the scared ones. For me, there is nothing better than working to get a high-five from a little kid who is not excited to be at the doctor. That’s my goal every time I meet one!!

Happy to Help

At Raleigh Foot & Ankle Center, we see kids from newborns with congenital deformities to college athletes with major injuries. We see warts, ingrown toenails, flatfeet, and injuries suffered in the home. All of our doctors are board certified foot surgeons happy to help—usually without surgery. So, the next time you or a friend is wondering about a foot or ankle problem, remember this blog—yep, we do kids. And we love it!

Summer Feet!

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Care for your feet in the summer sun!

Sunny days are here, and you know what that means – time to break out your favorite summer clothes and accessories. From sunglasses and flip flops to t shirts and shorts, the possibilities are endless. But remember when you’re heading out to the pool or the beach, or even just for a walk in the sunlight or a round of golf, to put on your sunscreen, even on your feet!

Think about it: for the majority of the year, your feet are covered in shoes and don’t get much exposure to the sun and UV rays. Because your feet are used to being protected, it’s possible they will be more sensitive to the sunlight and more likely to get sunburned. It’s even possible to get burned on the soles of your feet. Ouch!

If you have plans to be outside, remember to put on a sunscreen that offers protection from broad spectrum UVA and UVB rays, and remember to reapply often. There’s nothing worse than discovering you got sunburned feet because you forgot to put on more sunscreen after swimming and toweling off! Also remember to apply sunscreen to your entire foot, even if you are wearing sandals, so you don’t end up with splotchy or striped skin.

Summer shoes come with their own set of problems for your feet. Flip flops, sandals, and other open toed styles expose the feet not just to the sun, but also to dirt, germs, and higher risk for injury. Limit flip flops to the beach, the pool, and public showers only whenever possible. After your outing, be sure to wash your feet in warm and soapy water and dry thoroughly to prevent bacterial or fungal infections. You also want to make sure your shoes fit properly and aren’t causing discomfort.

If you do experience any issues with your feet this summer, please contact Raleigh Foot & Ankle Center at (919) 850-9111 and make an appointment. Our doctors have experience treating a wide variety of foot problems and will do their best to get you back on your feet!