Dr. Susan Gallegos, DPM is a Podiatry with a Focus on Foot & Ankle Surgery, dedicated to providing compassionate, comprehensive Podiatric care for older adults at her clinic in Pembroke Pines, FL. She is registered with The Florida Board of Medicine and practices under the Florida Statutes, Title XXXII, Chapter 458 (Medical Practice), ensuring adherence to the highest professional standards. Dr. Gallegos understands the unique needs of seniors and is committed to partnering with them on their health journey, recognizing that foot and ankle health significantly impacts overall well-being.
General podiatrists provide expert care for seniors' common foot and ankle problems, including diabetic foot care, arthritis, and mobility issues, working collaboratively with your primary care physician and other specialists to prevent falls and maintain your overall health. This area of practice focuses on the compassionate management of foot & ankle surgery to help patients maintain function and improve their quality of life. Dr. Gallegos is specifically focused on the needs of older adults (65 years and older) and is committed to creating a supportive environment where patients and their families feel heard and empowered in their healthcare decisions. She is currently welcoming new patients, and you can schedule an appointment by calling (954) 998-4466.
Dr. Susan Gallegos, DPM is a podiatry specialist in Pembroke Pines, FL, affiliated with medical facilities such as HCA Florida Mercy Hospital and Memorial Hospital Pembroke. She is accepting new patients and offers consultations in Spanish. Her approach to care is collaborative and evidence-based, focusing on creating a supportive environment for seniors and their families. Her commitment to patient-centered care ensures that every individual receives personalized attention and is empowered to make informed decisions about their health.
A cornerstone of effective senior care is a strong patient-doctor partnership. Dr. Susan Gallegos is a vital partner in this journey, focusing on holistic strategies to protect health and enhance quality of life.
Dr. Gallegos is a compassionate podiatrist dedicated to providing comprehensive, person-centered care for seniors. Her expertise extends to general podiatric care, addressing common foot and ankle concerns like diabetic foot ulcers, arthritis, and mobility issues. She also provides skilled foot and ankle surgery, focusing on restoring function and improving the quality of life for her patients. Dr. Gallegos collaborates closely with other healthcare professionals to ensure a coordinated approach to senior care, promoting overall health and well-being.
By working together, you, your family, and Dr. Susan Gallegos can create a clear, actionable plan that respects your individual needs and healthcare goals.
Specific Plans Accepted
Blue Cross Blue Shield of Florida
Cigna
HealthSun Health Plans
Also Accepts These Carriers
- Ambetter
- Curative
- Curative EPO
- Curative PPO
- Curative PPO Plus
- First Health
- First Health (Coventry Health Care) PPO
- Health Net
- Medicaid
- Midwest Health Plan
- Molina
- Molina Healthcare
- Superior Health Plan
- Tricare
Effective management of health is key to well-being in later life. Dr. Susan Gallegos provides expert, compassionate care for a range of conditions common in older adults, with a focus on managing symptoms and maintaining function. Common areas of focus include:
- Hammer Toe: Managing hammer toe may involve wearing wider shoes, using toe pads for cushioning and support, or undergoing simple surgery to correct the deformity and improve walking ability.
- Onychomycosis: Onychomycosis, a fungal toenail infection, can make everyday activities like walking or wearing shoes difficult, but timely treatment can restore your foot health and improve your quality of life.
- Bunion: If you have a bunion, it's important to see a podiatrist to explore options for pain relief and to prevent complications such as restricted movement and discomfort.
- Ingrown Toenail: Dealing with an ingrown toenail can be uncomfortable, but proper care, including soaking the foot and trimming the nail correctly, can significantly ease the pain and prevent infection, letting you stay mobile.
- Flat Foot: If you're experiencing pain or discomfort due to flat feet, know that you're not alone. A podiatrist can assess your specific needs and recommend solutions like orthotics or physical therapy to help you stay on your feet.
- Rupture of Achilles Tendon: Imagine the thick cord at the back of your ankle snapping; that's a ruptured Achilles tendon. It leads to significant pain and makes walking tough, but timely medical attention and rehabilitation can help restore your ability to walk comfortably and reduce pain.
- Toenail Fungal Infection: A toenail fungal infection, or onychomycosis, is a common condition where a fungus infects the toenail, causing it to thicken, discolor, and become brittle, but with proper treatment, you can regain healthy, attractive toenails.
- Diabetic Foot Conditions: Diabetes can cause nerve damage and poor blood flow to the feet, resulting in decreased sensation and increased risk of infections and ulcers; proactive foot care and close monitoring can help you avoid serious complications and maintain your ability to walk and stay active.
- Osteoarthritis of Foot: The painful stiffness and swelling in your foot joints caused by osteoarthritis can be significantly improved through various treatments such as physical therapy, joint injections, or even surgery, helping you maintain your ability to move around and enjoy life.
- Heel Spur: Heel spurs, bony projections on the heel, are a common cause of heel pain in older adults, but with proper care, including supportive shoes, custom orthotics, and physical therapy, you can significantly reduce pain and improve your quality of life.
- Plantar Wart: Plantar warts, caused by a virus, can appear as hard, painful bumps on the soles of your feet. Treating these warts can significantly improve your comfort and prevent them from spreading.
- Warts: Worried about a wart? Podiatrists offer several treatment options to safely remove warts from your feet, helping you maintain your independence and enjoy daily activities.
This list highlights some common health concerns and is for informational purposes. An accurate diagnosis and a personalized care plan can only be developed through a direct consultation with a qualified medical professional based on your specific health history.
To provide comprehensive and person-centered care, Dr. Susan Gallegos offers a range of services designed to diagnose, manage, and support the health of older adults:
- Bunion Surgery: Bunion surgery can be a crucial part of a senior's treatment plan, addressing the underlying cause of bunion pain and deformity which may impact balance and increase fall risk.
- Flatfoot Correction: As part of a comprehensive care plan, flatfoot correction can alleviate pain and discomfort associated with arthritis and other foot conditions.
- Foot and Ankle Fracture and Dislocation Treatment: Managing foot and ankle fractures and dislocations through appropriate treatment is essential for seniors to avoid falls and maintain independence.
- Foot and Ankle Surgery: Foot and ankle surgery helps repair damaged bones, tendons, or ligaments in the feet and ankles, improving mobility and reducing pain for seniors.
- Foot Surgery: Surgery can help seniors regain the ability to walk more easily and safely by correcting structural problems or removing damaged tissues in the foot.
- Fracture and-or Dislocation Treatment: Fracture and/or dislocation treatment helps repair broken bones and joints in the foot and ankle, restoring mobility and reducing pain for seniors.
- Fracture Care: With fracture care, seniors receive personalized treatment plans that consider their specific needs and medical history to achieve optimal healing and recovery.
- Hammer Toe Repair: This procedure addresses hammer toe deformities, enhancing mobility and preventing further complications like calluses or sores.
- Ingrown Toenail Surgery: Ingrown toenail surgery helps relieve persistent pain and discomfort caused by an ingrown toenail, improving your overall mobility and quality of life.
- Nail Avulsion and Excision: This procedure helps manage painful foot conditions like ingrown toenails, improving mobility and reducing the risk of falls in older adults.
Service availability can change. To understand which services are appropriate for your specific health needs, please schedule a consultation to develop a personalized care plan.
All medical services are provided in accordance with the standard scope of practice for Podiatry Services in Florida.
Dr. Susan Gallegos is dedicated to partnering with older adults and their families to achieve their unique health objectives. The following examples illustrate how compassionate care can make a tangible difference in a patient's life:
- With the support of a podiatrist, a senior was able to resume walking comfortably, enjoying leisurely strolls in the park with her grandchildren, a cherished activity.
- Mrs. Hernandez's painful, thickened toenails, a result of onychomycosis, finally responded to treatment. She was thrilled to be able to comfortably wear sandals again and walk her neighborhood without discomfort.
- With expert guidance from a podiatrist, a senior was able to resume their favorite hobby of gardening without the persistent pain from their bunion. Their newfound mobility and reduced discomfort allowed them to enjoy their home and yard with renewed confidence.
These scenarios are illustrative examples of positive health outcomes. Individual results vary and depend on many factors specific to each person. She will work with you to define and achieve your personal health goals.
- Primary Location:
Practice
3801 E Highway 98 Ste 100100, Port St. Joe, FL, 32456
Phone: (850) 229-5752
View on Map
- HCA Florida St. Lucie Hospital Port St. Lucie (Residency Hospital)
Here are answers to some common questions about Podiatric care with Dr. Susan Gallegos:
- What is a Podiatrist, and why is foot care so important for seniors?
- Dr. Gallegos is a podiatrist, a doctor specializing in foot, ankle, and lower leg care. Healthy feet are vital for seniors to maintain mobility, balance, and independence. Dr. Gallegos is an expert in managing age-related foot problems and preventing serious complications.
- I have diabetes. How often should I see a Podiatrist like Dr. Susan Gallegos?
- Regular foot exams are crucial for seniors with diabetes. Dr. Gallegos recommends a comprehensive foot exam at least annually to detect potential problems like neuropathy and poor circulation early. Early detection is essential to prevent serious complications like ulcers and amputations.
- Does Medicare cover podiatry visits?
- Medicare Part B often covers podiatric services for diagnosing and treating foot conditions like diabetic foot problems. However, routine care, such as simple nail trimming, may not be covered unless it's related to a broader medical issue. Please contact Dr. Gallegos' office for specific details regarding your situation.
- What is the best way to treat thick, yellow, or fungal toenails?
- Thick, yellow, or fungal toenails are a common condition in older adults, often related to underlying health factors. Dr. Gallegos can discuss treatment options, which may include topical or oral antifungal medications, or professional nail debridement to improve comfort and appearance. This is a treatable health issue, not just a cosmetic concern.
- My feet are numb and tingling. Is that serious?
- Numbness and tingling in your feet are important symptoms that should be evaluated by a doctor. This can be a sign of neuropathy, often related to diabetes or other nerve issues. A proper diagnosis is key to managing the condition and preventing complications.
- What can be done for painful bunions?
- Dr. Gallegos's approach to bunion pain is conservative first. We explore options like wider shoes, custom orthotics to alleviate pressure, and padding. Surgery is considered only if pain significantly affects daily life and these less invasive methods aren't sufficient.
- What is hammertoe, and does it require surgery?
- Hammertoe is a bending or contracture of the smaller toes. In the early stages, it can often be managed with roomier shoes and orthotics. Surgery is only considered when the toe becomes rigid and painful, making it difficult to wear shoes comfortably.
- What is involved in diabetic wound care?
- Dr. Gallegos's diabetic wound care service focuses on treating foot ulcers and preventing infection. The process involves cleaning the wound, removing dead tissue, applying specialized dressings, and developing strategies to reduce pressure on the affected area, all to promote healing.
9692 Pines Blvd
Pembroke Pines FL 33024
Phone: (954) 998-4466
Dr. Susan Gallegos, DPM is regulated by the Florida Statutes, Title XXXII, Chapter 458 (Medical Practice) in Florida and is licensed by The Florida Board of Medicine.
National Provider Identifier (NPI): 1992085641
Registration can typically be verified through The Florida Board of Medicine website or by direct inquiry.
The information on this profile, provided by infoaging.org, is for general informational purposes and to help you connect with healthcare partners for yourself or a loved one. It does not constitute direct medical advice from the physician named. Podiatry Services like Dr. Susan Gallegos are skilled in helping seniors and their families navigate their health journey. For urgent or life-threatening emergencies, please call 911 or visit the nearest emergency department. Always consult with a qualified medical professional for any health concerns or before making any decisions related to your care plan.