- ArthritisAnkle deformities may be the result of injury, a congenital birth defect, degenerative changes brought on by age, or they can result from neuromuscular conditions and diseases like diabetes and rheumatoid arthritis.
- FibromyalgiaFibromyalgia testing: Fibromyalgia can be confused with other illnesses including rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, chronic fatigue syndrome, and Lyme disease, so these and other disorders need to be ruled out. Imaging tests and nerve and muscle studies may help with this diagnosis.
- Plantar FasciitisIf you have been diagnosed with plantar fasciitis or are suffering from chronic arch or heel pain, contact your us to obtain more information on your treatment options, including low level laser therapy. With the help of Dr. Litsas, you can enjoy improved foot functionality in no time.
- CryotherapyWarts that refuse to go away without treatment may need to be removed by a physician. One of the most popular methods of removing warts is cryotherapy.
- Primary CareAt our practice, our focus is podiatry. Our training and experience is concentrated on understanding the workings of feet and ankles, allowing us to better understand the intricate workings of these parts of the body. With our expertise we are able to diagnose and treat injuries, diseases, and other conditions of your feet and ankles better than a general healthcare practitioner. Although your primary care physician may be able to diagnose and treat a problem with your feet or ankles, it is wise to speak with a skilled podiatrist about your issues because this is our area of expertise. Many podiatric health conditions have similar symptoms as other conditions and can be easily misdiagnosed.
- Neurolysis
- Diabetes Care
- Ultrasound
- MRIPhysical examinations and X-rays are great diagnostic tools, but in some cases, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is needed to better diagnose pain, discomfort, or swelling in your feet, ankles, and lower legs. Unlike conventional X-rays or CAT scans, MRI scans do not use radiation, which makes this a valuable tool for patients who cannot undergo radiation-related tests. Also, MRIs are better at detecting soft-tissue conditions than X-rays.
- X-Rays
- Computed TomographyIf you are experiencing foot or ankle pain and your podiatrist cannot determine the cause through a physical examination, you may need a computerized axial tomography scan or CAT scan. (This test is also called a computer tomography or CT scan.)
- General Surgery
- ArthroscopyArthroscopy is a surgical procedure used to visualize and treat problems inside the ankle joint. The term arthroscopy literally translates to “looking within the joint.” During an arthroscopy procedure, fiber optic cameras and small surgical tools are used to explore the ankle joint and remove debris. The procedure can help treat ankle pain and confirm a diagnosis of damage to bones, cartilage, tendons, and ligaments.
- Ankle SurgerySerious ankle deformities can interfere with daily activities, and can make it difficult to enjoy outdoor activities or maintain employment. When conservative methods of treatment fail to relieve ankle pain, ankle surgery is the only solution.
- Bunion SurgeryThere are countless variations of bunion surgery. In general, bunion surgery involves the removal or realignment of soft tissue and bone near the toe joint. If the joint is severely deformed, it can be stabilized with wires, stitches, screws, or plates.
- Joint ReplacementThe procedure recommended by your physician will depend on the type of arthritis you have, the location of the arthritis, and the progression of the disease. Three surgical procedures are designed to treat arthritis of the foot and ankle: arthroscopic debridement, joint fusion, and joint replacement.
- Metatarsal SurgeryThe surgery involves re-setting the metatarsal bone, pinning the bone in place, and allowing the surgical site to heal. Once the foot heals from metatarsal surgery, patients typically experience relief from pain and improved foot functionality.
- Cyst RemovalGanglion cyst removal, or ganglionectomy, is a procedure designed to permanently remove a cyst from the foot. During the procedure, the cyst is separated from surrounding tissue and removed with the fluid sac intact. An alternative to surgical removal of ganglion cysts is drainage of the cyst with a needle or syringe.
- Arthritis Surgery
- BunionsA bunion, which is an abnormal bump on the big toe joint caused by enlargement of the joint, may cause significant pain, disfigurement, and deformity. When the joint swells, it can place pressure on the other toes, causing them to crowd together and extend outside the normal foot profile. Although bunions are a relatively minor foot ailment, it is important to obtain treatment while in the earlier stages. With prompt treatment by a skilled doctor, most patients can enjoy improved foot comfort.
- Neurosurgery
- Toe SurgeryToe ailments cause pain and can be disabling. With the proper surgical procedure, your doctor can correct the condition and relieve symptoms. Toe surgery may involve removing or smoothing bones, repositioning ligaments and tendons, removing nerve tissue, or reducing pressure on a compressed nerve.
- Achilles SurgeryAchilles surgery is the treatment of choice for athletes and anyone with a high level of physical activity. The goal of the surgery is to reattach the torn Achilles tendon to its normal position. The procedure requires a small incision in the back of the leg near the ankle. The surgeon identifies the torn ends of the tendon and stitches them back together to repair the tendon.
- Heel Surgery
- ArthroscopyScar tissue: Certain conditions and injuries can cause an accumulation of scar tissue or loose debris in the ankle joint. Removing scar tissue via arthroscopy can help reduce pain and swelling inside the joint.
- Ingrown Toenails
- Hammertoe SurgeryHammertoe surgery corrects a foot deformity in which the first joint on one or more of the four small toes is bent. During surgery, the first joint of the toe is straightened to correct the deformity and relieve the symptoms commonly associated with hammertoe including pain and inflammation.
- CornsA corn is a small, rough mound of thick, hardened skin. Corns can develop wherever skin rubs together. They usually occur at pressure points on the foot, such as the top of the toe “knuckle” or in between toes.
- Cyst
- UlcerCorns can eventually bore down into the skin and press on underlying nerves, causing extreme pain. At a certain point, the body begins to treat corns as a foreign object and an ulcer can develop. Ulcers present a serious complication for those with diabetes and poor circulation.
- CallusesProperly fit shoes will also reduce the occurrence of blisters, calluses, and other problems caused by your shoe rubbing against your foot.
- FungusFungal nail treatment is used to clear up fungal infections affecting the nails. Treatment may involve using a topical medication, taking an oral medication, or undergoing surgery. Topical medications can treat minor fungal infections of the nail where only part of the nail is infected. However, once the fungus covers the whole nail or spreads to other nails, it becomes more difficult to treat and topical medication alone may not suffice. Oral medications are often effective, but they are also expensive and can have serious side effects. Oral medications are often more effective when combined with surgery, as this can treat the infection more quickly thereby reducing side effects. However, surgery is usually performed as a last resort when topical and oral medications have proven unsuccessful.
- Sports MedicineOur entire staff is committed to improving the health of your feet. As an expert in the field of podiatry, Dr. Litsas will do a comprehensive exam and diagnostic analysis of your condition. He will offer innovative treatments for injuries, diseases, and other conditions of your feet. As well as being a board certified surgeon, Dr. Litsas specializes in sports medicine and custom molded orthotics.
- Physical TherapyThe foot contains 28 bones and more than 30 joints. When arthritis develops in any of the joints of the foot, it can cause pain and create difficulty walking. In some cases, arthritis of the foot and ankle can be managed with orthotics, anti-inflammatory medication, and physical therapy. When conservative treatment fails, surgery to restore movement is necessary.
- Flatfoot Correction
- Heel Pain
- Back Pain
- Orthotics and Prosthetic Therapy
- General PodiatryEveryone at our podiatry practice is dedicated to treat your foot and ankle ailments and to providing you with education to better avoid future podiatric problems. We believe that every step you take should be pain free and we will work with you to make this a reality.
- Ankle SprainCartilage damage: Cartilage damage is common in people who have suffered an injury to the ankle joint (like a sprained ankle). If left untreated, cartilage damage can eventually lead to arthritis of the ankle joint.
- Bunions ProblemsBunions are caused by ongoing pressure on the feet, particularly on the big toe. Some common sources of such pressure include...
- CallusesMetatarsal surgery is an outpatient procedure performed while the patient is anesthetized (usually via intravenous sedation or general anesthesia). After the patient is completely anesthetized, the surgeon begins the procedure by incising into the skin just behind the toe, thereby accessing the metatarsal bone. He then incises the bone, places it in its proper position, and pins it in place with a metal pin or screw. Finally, he stitches the incision. (The doctor may also remove any foot calluses and correct any other problems if necessary.)
- Flat Feet
- HammertoesClaw toe is a deformity of the toes that can interfere with the function of the foot. A "claw" toe is a toe that is contracted at the middle and end joints. Tight ligaments and tendons cause the tow to curl downward, putting pressure against the sole of the shoe.
- Heel SpursHeel Spur - Bone spurs on the heel are often associated with plantar fasciitis, a condition in which the tissue that supports the arch separates from the heel bone and causes pain and inflammation. As the affected area becomes inflamed, calcium deposits form and gradually create bone spurs.
- Heel Pain
- Foot Pain
- Ingrown Toenails
- Metatarsalgia
- Plantar FasciitisBone spurs may develop on the heel, toe, or arch of the foot and typically form as a reaction to pressure or arthritis. Bone spurs may form on one or both feet and commonly affect middle-aged adults. Those who have suffered from plantar fasciitis for several years, individuals with flat feet or high arches, and those who wear high heels are at the greatest risk of developing bone spurs.
- Podiatric DeformitiesTo remove corns, your physician may begin by recommending a change in footwear. To reduce pain, protective padding can be used to cushion the corn and give it time to heal. Your doctor can remove a corn in a single office visit by using a small knife to trim down the corn. Part of your treatment plan may also include surgery to correct foot deformities that might cause corns to continue developing.
- Podiatric SurgeryDr. Litsas attended the University of Southern California where he earned his Bachelors degree. While at USC, Dr. Litsas joined the athletic medical staff of the USC Trojans Football team where he gained vast knowledge and treatment of various sports related injuries. Dr. Litsas then earned his Doctor of Podiatric Medicine degree from William M. Scholl College of Podiatric Medicine, affiliated with Rosalind Franklin University, in 2000. After four years of medical school he pursued a three year surgical and reconstructive foot and ankle residency at Saint Joseph Hospital in Chicago, IL, affiliated with Northwestern University Medical School. In his final year of residency, Dr. Litsas was rewarded as the Chief Resident of Podiatric Surgery. From there Dr. Litsas completed an internship in external reconstructive fixation of the foot and ankle in Chicago, IL.