Paradigm Foot Care and Podiatric Medicine, southeast Louisiana’s preeminent provider of advanced care and treatment for conditions affecting ankles and feet. At Paradigm, our mission is to provide an extraordinary healthcare experience to every patient—delivered by one of the most esteemed physician teams in the nation.
Practice Focus – Podiatric Surgery, Sports & Running Injuries, Plantar Fasciitis, Diabetes Complic...
Practice Focus - Sports and Running Injuries, Plantar Fasciitis, Flat Foot/Fallen Arches, Orthopedic T...
Our podiatric surgeons employ the most advanced techniques and procedures to help you or your loved ones overcome ankle and foot conditions caused by illness, injury, and the wear and tear of everyday life. Utilizing state-of-the-art diagnostic services and the latest non-surgical and surgical methods, we strive to maximize function and minimize discomfort for our patients. From initial diagnosis through treatment and rehabilitation, you’ll enjoy peace of mind knowing that you’re receiving podiatric care from an experienced staff widely recognized for their diagnostic and therapeutic expertise.
For many of us, our feet are the furthest things from our minds, both physically and mentally. We expect they’ll be uncomfortable at times, and we put up with it when they hurt. But healthy feet are fundamental to the quality of our lives.
The good news is that everyone—from the child with pediatric podiatry problems to the active adult suffering from over-use or sports injuries — can benefit from the expertise of an podiatric surgeon. There are treatment options that help people lead happier and more productive lives. That’s why we use a multi-faceted approach to encompass the latest, proven treatments for our patients.
Podiatric surgeons treat patients of all ages — from newborns to the elderly – with diverse conditions and varied lifestyles the physicians at Paradigm Foot Care and Podiatric Surgery are committed to exploring nonsurgical options first. Patients’ individual needs are met through comprehensive evaluation and treatment designed to help them achieve active, pain-free lifestyles. The patient and their relatives are encouraged to ask questions, discuss treatment options and to take an active role in the entire process.
When surgery does become necessary, Paradigm physicians utilize the latest minimally invasive techniques to minimize trauma and restore the patients quality of life in the shortest time possible.
Paradigm Health System offers a comprehensive wound care program that utilizes traditional and advanced therapies to treat all wounds of the foot and ankle, but especially those that are chronic and have become difficult to treat. We offer an amputation prevention program that treats conditions such as diabetic foot ulcers or infections that could result in amputation without proper care/treatment.
Drs. Darren Vigee, DPM and Zachary Lamkin, DPM, have a combined 22 years of specializing in the advanced treatment of chronic wounds and ulcerations. Paradigm Foot and Ankle treats the following types of wounds: chronic, non-healing wounds, Osteomyelitis (infection in the bone), foot or leg ulcerations or wounds, diabetic wounds, infected wounds, Charcot foot, Gangrene, traumatic wounds, arterial and venous wounds, crush injuries and radiation induced ulcerations.
Comprehensive treatment methods utilized for healing wounds:
Cleaning and Debridement of Wound
Removal of unhealthy tissue from the wound allowing the wound to begin the healing process.
Collagen Wound Dressings
Collagen dressings provide a moist healing environment that allows the wound to heal. These type of dressings aid in allowing the body's natural collagen to be used for new tissue growth. Collagen dressings are sent directly to your home with instructions for care given during the initial office visit.
Compression Therapy
If poor blood circulation is what caused the chronic wound, then compression stockings or compression bandages can help it to heal faster. The pressure from the stockings and bandages helps the veins to carry blood back to the heart and improves circulation.
Antibiotic Therapy
Wounds are less likely to heal well if they are infected with bacteria. Depending on how severe the infection is, antibiotics may be considered. They can either be applied to the wound using an ointment or placed on the wound using a compress.
Skin Grafts
There are skin grafts that are made from human cell products and synthetic materials. Studies have shown that skin grafts increase the chances of poorly healing venous leg ulcers closing faster.Most therapies are covered by Medicare and Commercial insurance carriers with the patient paying the applicable copays and deductibles required by the individual plan.