A festering wound on the leg or foot can result in amputation, but advanced treatments are helping to save limbs.
Davenport Foot and Ankle Specialist Dr. Narmo Ortiz has completed a fellowship to learn these advanced procedures. “They can help with limb salvage for a diabetic person, for someone with a foot and ankle deformity, and for the restoration of movement in a foot and leg as well,” says Dr.Ortiz, who is a member of the medical staff at Heart of Florida Regional Medical Center.
Dr. Ortiz recently completed a four-month Fellowship in External Fixation, Muscle Flaps, Microscopic Nerve Repair, and Autologous Therapies at the Chicago Foot and Ankle Deformity Correction Center.
Microscopic nerve repair can help people suffering from chronic pain. “What I do is a nerve bypass procedure. I can take another piece of nerve and bypass the damaged nerve,” he explains. “Once that replaced nerve starts working, the patient should be pain-free. It is amazing how this procedure can help people who have chronic pain and have not been able to find any relief.’’
The procedure can speed healing where there is damage because of trauma, surgery, or uncontrolled diabetes involving wound infection and nerve and bone damage.
In general, the advanced treatments offer new options to patients with foot and ankle injuries. “This is something that I think the community will benefit from,” he says. “I wanted to be one of the first ones in the area to offer this.’’
DR. ORTIZ’S BACKGROUND
The Puerto Rican-born physician joined the podiatry practice at Heart of Florida Physician Group in December 2015. Dr. Ortiz, who has been in the United States for about 30 years, earned his medical degree from Barry University School of Podiatric Medicine in Miami Shores. He completed his residency at Primary Podiatric Medicine with BUSPM and Cedars Medical Center and Podiatric Surgery at Coral Gables Hospital.
He is certified by the American Board of Foot and Ankle Surgery and the American Academy of Wound Management.
Dr. Ortiz loved biology as a child. That love was fostered through his parents’ involvement in the Rotary Club, where he was exposed to medical professionals. He gravitated towards doctors and others in the medical and caregiving fields.
“I became a doctor because of my love for science and technology and the ability to be of service to others,” he says. “I chose podiatry as a career because it is very rewarding to be able to help alleviate pain, in many cases on the same day, and to contribute in saving the lower limbs for many people that suffer from foot, ankle, and leg pain, deformity or infection.”
AILMENTS TREATED
Dr. Ortiz treats a variety of problems in the feet and ankles, some which develop as people age. For example, balance issues can result from stroke or the interaction of medications. Yet, staying mobile is important to overall health. Appropriate footwear is advisable. “We discourage the use of flip flops or flat shoes that offer little to no support,” Dr. Ortiz continues, “but we’re from Florida, so we know that’s a very hard sell.” He suggests patients wear cotton socks and properly fitting shoes, with heel support and adequate room for the toes.
SPECIFIC CONDITIONS HE TREATS INCLUDE:
✔ Nerve pain
✔ Arthritis in the feet and ankles
✔ Heel spurs
✔ Bunions, hammertoes and other deformities
✔ Athletic sprains and injuries
✔ Fractures and other trauma to the feet
✔ Diabetic complications in the lower limb
✔ Balance and mobility issues
✔ Collapsed Arch
Located at 280 Patterson Road, Suite 3, in Haines City, next door to the Center for Wound Care and Hyperbaric Medicine, Dr. Ortiz’s office is open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to noon and 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. He treats everyone, from the young to the old. To schedule an appointment, call (863) 422-2356.
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