DeLand Foot and Leg Center

06/05/2026

FOOT FOCUS FRIDAY

05/29/2026

Saving Lives, One Foot at a Time: Why We Are Podiatric Lifestyle Medicine

When people think of a podiatry office, they often think of simple, routine nail care. But at our clinic, we don't just look at the feet—we look at the whole patient.
Recently, a gentleman came to our office looking for what he thought was just routine nail maintenance. We don't offer simple cosmetic care here because we treat the feet as a window into your entire systemic health.
During his comprehensive evaluation, our team noticed signs that warranted a closer look. We conducted an arterial Doppler right here in the office, and the results revealed a significant peripheral arterial disease (PAD) complication. Recognizing the immediate risk, we bypassed routine care and referred him directly to cardiology.
The findings were staggering: cardiologists discovered an over 90% blockage in his Left Anterior Descending (LAD) artery—often referred to as the "widowmaker."
Thanks to that thorough evaluation, he was successfully stented, completely avoiding a massive heart attack. He came in for a nail trim; he left with a saved life.

PS: We are so grateful for flowers 🌺🌹🌺.

PSS: One bite can change your life—discover how whole-food, plant-based nutrition can reverse disease, protect your heart from the inside out, and why The Heart Healthy Plant-Based Cookbook is the ultimate prescription for true, whole-body health.





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05/18/2026

Are you ready? 15mins away.

05/08/2026

Foot Focus Friday: The HFMD Curveball
Did you know that Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease (HFMD) doesn't always follow the "rules"? While we usually look for spots specifically on the palms and soles, an atypical presentation can show up in unexpected places—like on just one toe or climbing up the legs—while leaving the palms and soles completely clear!

The Case Study
This week, we saw a little warrior with sores in the mouth and on the hands, but a very unique pattern on the lower extremities. Because the lesions appeared in lines and stayed away from areas covered by sleep clothes, we even had to rule out environmental factors like bed bugs.

The Lifestyle Medicine Lens: In pediatric cases, HFMD is viral and typically resolves on its own within 7–10 days. Our focus here is supporting the immune system through proper hydration and rest. However, the "brilliant" catch in cases like this is monitoring for secondary bacterial infections. When lesions become crusted or show signs of cellulitis, it’s no longer just a virus—it’s a job for expert clinical intervention.

Why Our Office?
Navigating childhood skin concerns can be stressful for parents! Our fantastic staff ensures every family feels heard and comfortable, while our clinical team provides the high-level diagnostic expertise needed to distinguish a common virus from a secondary infection. We don't just look at the foot; we look at the whole patient.

05/04/2026

What a fabulous day! We went off to Norwood for a late lunch... Then back home to Sundar Rich for a fun double-decker veggie dinner accompanied by the Petit Chablis wine. May your Sundays be fun and fabulous. Cheers to a well-rested weekend! Ⓥ

To the Social Connection: May you find rest in the community that keeps us resilient.

Here’s to moving beyond the bandage, treating the cause, and transforming the future.

05/01/2026

What do a peaceful backyard garden, a surprise encounter with a wild raccoon, and a fabulous recovery all have in common? 🦝🌿 Welcome to this week’s wild edition of !

The Case
Recently, a wonderfully active patient came to us with an unforgettable story: while tending to her beloved garden ferns, she accidentally stepped on a resting raccoon and sustained wild animal bites to both of her lower legs! For an individual managing underlying health factors like diabetes and peripheral arterial changes, deep wounds can be highly complex and slow to heal. But instead of rushing to aggressive surgical debridement, our brilliantly meticulous Dr. Jenneffer took a patient, evidence-based approach. By utilizing simple, highly effective topical care, protecting the body's natural healing tissue, and closely monitoring her progress, the wounds are healing beautifully and naturally—without a single sign of infection!

This is exactly where Podiatric Lifestyle Medicine (PLM) changes the game. We don’t just treat the wound; we treat the whole person! To support her vascular health and arterial flexibility from the inside out, we discussed the power of targeted nutrition, specifically adding a Vitamin K2 regimen to her daily routine. Furthermore, we actively encouraged her to keep up her favorite hobby! Gardening beautifully incorporates multiple PLM pillars: it provides daily movement to boost lower extremity circulation and offers profound stress management through a deep connection to nature. We simply equipped her with fresh knowledge on protective outdoor footwear to keep her safe from future furry surprises!

Navigating the aftermath of an animal bite is stressful enough, but our team made sure the patient felt completely at home while Dr. Jenneffer mapped out a comprehensive, compassionate care plan. Our incredible clinical staff even went the extra mile to help her navigate confusing medical supply pricing—expertly guiding her to find her specialty wound dressings online for just $8 instead of the original $120 pharmacy quote! It’s all about providing an absolutely fabulous, supportive atmosphere where top-tier medical expertise meets genuine community care.

04/24/2026

Check this face out patients. If anyone has room in their home for an adoption, that's your girl. Or maybe you know a mom who wants to add on a few pounds. Mother's Day is just right around the corner.

✨ADOPT ME✨

❤️I know what you’re thinking ….”🎵You’re adorable…without even trying 🎶”
And well- yes I am 😀And I could be all yours!!!

Hi, I’m Theresa Cookie, and I’m looking for my forever humans & would be your constant companion (if that’s okay).

I’m a super social girl—I’ll be the first to greet you when you walk in and the last to say goodbye when you leave. I love being held, enjoy kisses, and I’m always ready to play! I’ll even show you my adorable belly, but fair warning, it’s for looking, not petting—I might give your hand a little playful nibble 😸

I am a chatter box and will talk to you especially when it’s time to get my breakfast and dinner! I’ve only ever eaten wet food (two 3oz. cans a day!) because it keeps me healthy and hydrated—just the way cats thrive best.

My journey hasn’t been easy. I was rushed to an emergency vet when I couldn’t deliver one of my babies and needed a life-saving C-section. After that, I found my way into rescue, where I became known as “Mother Theresa” because I not only cared for my own kittens but also helped raise orphaned babies who needed me.

I was adopted once, and we thought it was forever—but life changed for my mom when she lost her job and home , and now I’m back, still full of love and hope.

I like it here at Furry Nation Salvation, but all I really want is a family to call my own again. Could that be you?

📞 If you’d like to meet me, call or text my foster mom at 386-295-2755
Email: [email protected]
Port Orange, Fl

WHY all cats need wet food daily (and limiting the dry food is key)
Furrynationsalvation.org/wetfood

04/24/2026

Foot Focus Friday: When Swollen Ankles Tell a Bigger Story
Ever wonder why your podiatrist asks about your heart or lungs when you only came in for puffy feet?

Today’s case involved a patient with significant swelling in both legs, no known medical history, and no primary doctor. In cases like this, podiatrists act as the first line of defense for your systemic health. Bilateral lower extremity edema (swelling in both legs) is often a "check engine light" for organs far above the ankle.

The Big Four Systemic Culprits:
When we see unexplained swelling, we immediately look toward these major systems:
1. The Heart: Congestive heart failure can cause fluid to back up into the legs.
2. The Lungs: Pulmonary hypertension or chronic lung issues can increase pressure in the vascular system.
3. The Kidneys: If the kidneys aren't filtering properly, the body retains excess salt and fluid.
4. The Liver: Chronic liver disease (sometimes accompanied by a slight yellowing of the skin or eyes) can cause fluid to leak into the tissues.

Our Action Plan:
We don’t just look at the feet; we look at the whole person. For this patient, our priority was:
* Stability First: Ensuring he was safe to go home while we waited for answers.
* Initial Labs: Ordering blood work to see what is happening under the hood.
* The Hand-off: Helping him find a Primary Care Physician (P*P) to manage the underlying cause.
* Constant Contact: We will be reviewing his results over the weekend. If they look critical, we will be the ones calling him to head to the ER.
The Takeaway: If your legs are swelling, don't ignore it. Make sure your provider has a plan to stabilize you, diagnose the root cause, and connect you with the right specialists.

# podiatriclifestylemedicine

04/22/2026

Want a vegetarian options for Mother's Day? Watch this.
Hari Pulapaka
Amy Kaufeldt