Dr. L. David Richer- Foot, Ankle & Leg Center

02/15/2025

Check out our all new website and book your appointment online!

02/14/2025

Check out our new website!

12/15/2024

12/23/2022

We are wishing you all a very Merry Christmas! 🎄
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12/21/2022

All growing children have growth plates — soft areas of cartilage where new bone growth occurs, typically at the ends of long bones (i.e., arms, legs, feet). One such area where growth plates reside, and trouble sometimes springs up, is the forefoot.

The metatarsal bones, the long ones running along the top of the foot, connect with the toes. Sometimes repet- itive stress causes microfractures in the metatarsals at the growth plates. Circulation to the bone is impeded, and cellular death occurs in the head of the bone. This condition is known as Freiberg’s disease. Although it’s not common, it’s still a pain in the ... foot for kids to deal with.

The second metatarsal is most susceptible, and in some patients that’s because their second toe is longer than their big toe, bearing more weight and absorbing more shock than normal. For reasons as yet unclear, young girls are over three times as susceptible to Freiberg’s as boys.

The calling cards of Freiberg’s are pain and discomfort in the forefoot, swelling, and stiffness in the joint (metatarsophalangeal joint), which may cause a noticeable limp. The RICE method (Rest, Ice, Compression, and Elevation) may help initially, but symptoms will eventually intensify and become more persistent without professional care.
If your child is dealing with forefoot pain, contact our office. If we diagnose Freiberg’s disease, conservative treatments are highly effective and may include a combination of immobilization (boot or cast), medication for inflammation and pain, metatarsal pads, physical therapy, orthotics, and properly fitting shoes with a wide toe box. Left untreated, Freiberg’s can eventually cause arthritis and might require surgery.
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12/19/2022

Happy Hanukkah everyone! We are wishing you a warm and wonderful holiday with the ones you love.
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12/15/2022

Did you know that extensive studies performed on Radial Shockwave Therapy over the past 20 years have shown a success rate for treatment of soft tissue tendinopathy of 80%.

It’s true! RSWT has a proven success rate that is equal to or greater than that of traditional treatment methods, including surgery, without the risks, complications, and lengthy recovery periods. There are no incisions and no risk of infections, or scar tissue, like with surgery. There is no need for anesthesia to be administered during treatment, as opposed to high-energy shockwave therapy reserved for use in the hospital or outpatient setting. Patients treated with RSWT may be active immediately and resume their normal routine the same day. Many patients find a significant and immediate reduction in their pain. Some patients will feel results gradually after each treatment.

Call our office today to find out more.
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12/15/2022

Ten percent of Americans have toenail fungus, an unsightly, annoying, and sometimes underestimated condition. Funguses thrive in warm, moist environments (showers, locker rooms, poolside, sweaty shoes, etc.). As we age, our immune systems weaken and toenails also become more brittle and subject to cracks, providing added opportunity for fungal infections.

Frequently, the first sign of toenail fungus is a whitish or yellowish spot beneath the nail surface. If ignored, the situation can progress to nail discoloration, thickening, shape distortion, an odor most foul, and pain that makes walking a chore.

Unattended toenail fungus can also spread to neighboring nails and skin. It’s an even more concerning condition for those with diabetes, circulatory issues, and immune disorders. Some people try to hide fungal nails under polish. “Out of sight, out of mind” doesn’t solve anything. The problem will just worsen as the fungus becomes more deeply entrenched in the nail layers. Over-the-counter medications are useless for advanced cases.

Your best game plan is to schedule an appointment with our offi ce. Once we evaluate your nail(s) and confirm  a diagnosis of toenail fungus, we will help you devise a treatment plan. Oral medications, medicated polishes and creams, and laser therapy are tools at our disposal. In advanced cases, the nail may need to be removed.

Achieving the desired result isn’t instantaneous. For example, oral medication may need to be taken for six to 12 weeks. Laser therapy might require several sessions scheduled about a month apart. The healed nail will also need to completely grow out to reach full cosmetic effect — typically six months to a year. Warm weather heralds the arrival of sandal and open-toed shoe season. Start getting ready now.
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12/13/2022

We love making our patient's happy. Our job is to help you recover as safely and quickly as possible. Reach out to our office today to find out more.
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12/09/2022

Diabetics should be seen at least once annually for a diabetic foot evaluation. Don’t wait to call us and set up an appointment, we are here for you and the ones you love.
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12/09/2022

If you have diabetes and discover an open sore or wound on your foot—also known as a diabetic ulcer—the decisions that you make within the next few days could determine whether you’ll be able to keep your foot.

We’re not exaggerating. Every year in the United States, nearly 100,000 people with diabetes end up requiring a lower extremity amputation in order to stop a severe infection that began with a simple foot sore.

We say this not to frighten you, but to urge you to take action! Nearly all of these amputations were preventable. Seeking immediate medical attention from a wound care specialist like Dr. L. David Richer and following your aftercare instructions carefully can help you avoid amputation and preserve your health, mobility, and independence as long as possible.

Dr. Richer is one of the Valley’s leading wound care specialists, and our office is equipped with many advanced therapies and procedures to help you recover quickly and successfully. 

Reach out to our office today to find our more!
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