Dr. Michael A. Reuter is a podiatrist with Medial Associates of Rhode Island with offices in East Providence and Bristol. He is board-certified in foot surgery and affiliated with The Miriam Hospital, Rhode Island Hospital and Roger Williams Medical Center.
Reuter received his Doctor of Podiatric Medicine from the New York College of Podiatric Medicine and completed his residency at Roger Williams Medical Center. He is active in the medical community, serving on the boards of the Rhode Island Podiatric Medical Association and the Hattie Ide Chafee Home, lecturing across the country and training both residents and medical students locally. On April 14, Reuter will take to the dance floor as a participant in Dancing with the Doctors, helping to raise money for the Rhode Island Free Clinic.
PBN: There are many specialties in medicine, what got you interested in podiatry?
REUTER: I was fortunate to grow up with a father who was a dedicated podiatrist, so I was exposed to the profession from an early age. When I was coming out of college, I knew I wanted to pursue a career in medicine. Podiatry attracted me because it combines a surgical and an office-based practice.
PBN: Obesity leads to so many health problems in our country, including with the foot. How come?
REUTER: Obesity puts added strain and stress on the entire body, and the foot is the foundation for the body. If too much weight is put on the foundation, it can cause the foundation to break down and cause pain and difficulty walking.
Obesity often leads to diabetes, and a main complication of diabetes is foot disorders, such as neuropathy and arterial deficiency. Both can lead to ulcerations, wounds and infections, not to mention the pain that neuropathy and lack of blood flow can cause. Neuropathy can also remove sensation to the foot, which can lead to a patient not even knowing that they have a wound, fracture or other problem. In these situations, early detection and treatment is key.
PBN: As we approach spring, people tend to go outside and walk more. What are some of the nagging foot problems to worry about and what should people do?
REUTER: As we shake off the cobwebs from winter, it is important that we look at our footwear before resuming outdoor activities. Proper footwear can help prevent conditions such as plantar fasciitis, tendonitis and stress fractures. The big takeaway is that foot pain is not normal. If you have foot or ankle pain, you should call your podiatrist and get it checked out.
I often remind people in the spring to start up their walking and running activities slowly and to stretch and ease back in. Stretching of the foot and calf is key before and after exercise. Remember that it’s been a long winter.
PBN: Cold weather is ending and people may be taking their shoes off for the first time this year soon. What are some of the aesthetic concerns that should be addressed and can be treated?
REUTER: As the flip-flops and sandals start coming out, I see many patients concerned about their unsightly bunions and hammer toes. These can be corrected surgically, if painfully. Another concern as sandal season approaches is unsightly yellow-brown discolored toenails. These are often the result of toenail fungus, which can be treated with medication and laser therapies. Another cosmetic issue is deformed toenails caused by trauma or severe cases of fungus. I am happy to be one of the few podiatrists in the region trained in a nail restoration system that gives patients with a damaged toenail the appearance of a natural-looking nail.
PBN: What are some of the advances in podiatry treatment that you are currently using and are on the horizon that may change the industry for the better?
REUTER: Innovative stem cell technology has been a game-changer in many facets of medicine, and the foot is no exception. I use stem cell technology daily to treat complex, nonhealing wounds of the foot and ankle. Limb salvage is a focus of my practice, and I lecture on limb salvage techniques, including stem cell therapies.
In the future, I see minimally invasive foot surgery becoming more common, helping our patients achieve a good surgical outcome with faster recoveries and shorter downtimes.
Rob Borkowski is a PBN staff writer. Email him at Borkowski@PBN.com.
