Charcot Foot, Ankle Arthritis, Pediatric Podiatry & Female Podiatrist in Southwest Florida | FFLC

Charcot foot is one of the most complex and potentially devastating conditions in podiatric medicine. Without early diagnosis and aggressive surgical management from a qualified reconstructive surgeon, it can progress to severe deformity, chronic ulceration, and limb loss. At Family Foot and Leg Center, our ABFAS double board-certified surgeons are among the most qualified foot and ankle reconstructive specialists in Southwest Florida to diagnose, manage, and surgically correct Charcot foot deformity.

What Is Charcot Foot?

Charcot neuroarthropathy occurs when neuropathy — most commonly from diabetes — causes progressive destruction of the bones, joints, and soft tissues of the foot and ankle. Because pain sensation is damaged, patients often do not feel the injury occurring. The result is a foot that progressively collapses into a rocker-bottom deformity that creates pressure points, skin breakdown, ulceration, and a direct pathway to infection and amputation. The acute phase mimics infection or gout and is frequently misdiagnosed in emergency rooms. FFLC’s ABFAS double board certification in Reconstructive Rearfoot and Ankle Surgery specifically validates competence in Charcot reconstruction — a procedure not performed by ABPM-only certified physicians.

Ankle Arthritis Without Replacement: Non-Surgical Options

Not every patient with ankle arthritis requires total ankle replacement. FFLC offers corticosteroid and hyaluronic acid injections, PRP under ultrasound guidance, custom AFOs, arthroscopic debridement, supramalleolar osteotomy to delay or avoid replacement, and subtalar and triple arthrodesis for adjacent joint arthritis. Our surgeons evaluate each patient across this full spectrum and recommend the least invasive effective intervention.

Female Podiatrist in Southwest Florida: Dr. Lori DeBlasi

Dr. Lori DeBlasi, DPM is one of the most credentialed female podiatric physicians in Southwest Florida. She served nine years as a Council Member of the Council on Podiatric Medical Education (CPME) and rose to Chair — the highest elected position on the national body overseeing all podiatric school accreditation and residency approvals in the US. Dr. DeBlasi practices at our Estero location, serving Bonita Springs, Estero, and surrounding communities.

Pediatric Podiatry and Hospital Affiliations

FFLC physicians treat children across all nine SWFL locations for flat feet, Sever’s disease, juvenile bunions, congenital deformities, and sports injuries. FFLC physicians also hold active hospital surgical privileges at regional SWFL hospitals for complex inpatient procedures — the same physician who evaluated you performs your hospital surgery, maintaining full continuity of care. Book an appointment today. No referral required. Medicare accepted.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Charcot foot and how is it treated?

Charcot foot (Charcot neuroarthropathy) is a condition in which peripheral neuropathy — usually from diabetes — causes progressive destruction of foot and ankle bones and joints. The foot collapses into a rocker-bottom deformity over time. Treatment in the acute phase involves total contact casting and strict non-weight-bearing. Established deformity requires surgical reconstruction using internal or external fixation. FFLC’s ABFAS double board-certified surgeons are among the most qualified specialists in Southwest Florida for Charcot reconstruction.

Is there a female podiatrist near me in the Bonita Springs or Estero area?

Yes. Dr. Lori DeBlasi, DPM practices at Family Foot and Leg Center’s Estero location serving Bonita Springs, Estero, and surrounding areas. Dr. DeBlasi is one of the most credentialed female podiatric physicians in Southwest Florida, having served as Chair of the Council on Podiatric Medical Education (CPME) — the national body overseeing podiatric medical school accreditation in the US.

Does FFLC treat children’s foot problems?

Yes. FFLC physicians treat pediatric foot and ankle conditions across all nine Southwest Florida locations. Common pediatric conditions treated include flat feet, in-toeing and out-toeing gait abnormalities, Sever’s disease (growth plate heel pain), juvenile bunions, congenital toe deformities, plantar warts, and sports-related growth plate injuries. Same-day pediatric appointments are available. No referral required.

What are non-surgical treatment options for ankle arthritis?

Non-surgical and intermediate surgical options for ankle arthritis at FFLC include corticosteroid injections, hyaluronic acid injections, PRP under ultrasound guidance, custom ankle-foot orthoses (AFOs), arthroscopic ankle debridement, and supramalleolar osteotomy to correct alignment and delay or avoid replacement. FFLC surgeons evaluate each patient across the full spectrum before recommending ankle fusion or total ankle replacement.

Do Family Foot & Leg Center physicians have hospital privileges in Southwest Florida?

Yes. FFLC physicians hold active hospital surgical privileges at regional hospitals across Southwest Florida. When a patient requires inpatient surgical care — Charcot reconstruction, total ankle replacement, complex fracture repair, or limb salvage — the FFLC physician who evaluated and knows your case is the surgeon who operates on you, maintaining full continuity of care from first visit through hospital discharge.