In this episode of InnoHEALTH Magazine’s podcast, we are honoured to share the remarkable journey of Dr. Sanjay Sharma, whose contributions to the field of podiatry are both inspiring and transformative. Dr. Sharma, who holds a master’s degree in surgery and a Ph.D. in podiatry from the University of Arizona, is a leading figure in the realm of foot care, particularly in the management of diabetic foot conditions.
As the Executive Director of Apta Healthcare and the founder of Yostra Labs, Dr. Sharma has played a pivotal role in advancing podiatric medicine. His innovative approach and dedication to improving patient outcomes have earned him the prestigious Technology Pioneer Award, underscoring his significant impact on healthcare innovation.
Understanding Podiatry
In the realm of healthcare, certain fields often go unnoticed despite their critical importance. One such domain is podiatric surgery, a specialized branch dedicated to the diagnosis and treatment of foot and ankle conditions. Within this field, innovation plays a pivotal role in transforming lives, particularly in addressing issues like diabetic foot complications, sports injuries, and degenerative conditions. Dr. Sanjay Sharma, a leading podiatric surgeon with a wealth of experience, sheds light on the journey of innovation in this crucial area of healthcare.
At the forefront of Dr. Sharma’s work lies the urgent need to tackle diabetic foot conditions, a pressing concern in countries like India where diabetes prevalence is high. With over two decades of experience, Dr. Sharma emphasizes the significance of early intervention in preventing diabetic foot ulcers and subsequent amputations. Every 20 seconds, a limb is amputated due to diabetes, a statistic that underscores the critical need for early intervention.
Innovative Diagnostic Devices
Dr. Sharma’s pioneering efforts include the development of innovative diagnostic devices like NeuroTouch, which enables early detection of diabetic peripheral neuropathy, a common precursor to foot ulcers. NeuroTouch, a multi-parameter diabetic peripheral neuropathy diagnostic device, helps in early diagnosis, potentially preventing foot ulcers and subsequent amputations.
Overcoming Challenges
The road to innovation is not without its challenges. Dr. Sharma recounts the initial resistance faced from healthcare professionals in adopting new technologies and practices. Overcoming skepticism and fostering awareness became paramount in driving acceptance and implementation of novel approaches to foot care. Through perseverance and education, Dr. Sharma and his team have succeeded in shifting paradigms, leading to greater recognition of the importance of foot health in overall well-being.
Therapeutic Interventions and Surgical Advancements
Beyond diagnostics, Dr. Sharma’s work extends to therapeutic interventions and surgical advancements. Collaborating with Yostra Labs, he has contributed to the development of dynamically self-offloading footwear, tailored to address the specific needs of patients with diabetic foot complications. Additionally, innovations like VELOX, a warm oxygen therapy device for chronic ulcers, offer promising avenues for enhancing wound healing and reducing the burden of non-healing wounds.
The Role of Regenerative Medicine
Regenerative medicine is another area where Dr. Sharma has made significant contributions. Using adipose tissue extracted from the patient, his team has developed methods to accelerate the healing of chronic ulcers, reducing healing times from 12-20 weeks to as little as 5 weeks.
Sports Medicine and Preventive Measures
In the realm of sports medicine, podiatric surgeons like Dr. Sharma play a crucial role in addressing foot and ankle injuries prevalent among athletes. From ankle sprains to plantar fasciitis, these professionals employ a range of techniques, including minimally invasive surgeries and regenerative medicine, to facilitate faster recovery and return to activity. Dr. Sharma underscores the significance of preventive measures in maintaining foot health. From appropriate footwear selection to biomechanical assessments, proactive strategies can mitigate the risk of common foot ailments and degenerative conditions like osteoarthritis. By emphasizing the importance of foot care in overall health, Dr. Sharma advocates for a holistic approach to wellness.
The Importance of Appropriate Footwear
Dr. Sharma emphasized the critical role of appropriate footwear in preventing foot problems. Incorrect footwear can lead to various issues, including pain in the heel, forefoot, and even impact the knees, spine, and posture. Just as individuals require customized glasses for specific vision problems, they also need personalized footwear solutions to address their unique foot conditions.
The journey of innovation in podiatric surgery represents a beacon of hope for millions affected by foot and ankle conditions worldwide. Through a combination of technological advancements, clinical expertise, and patient-centred care, pioneers like Dr. Sanjay Sharma are revolutionising the landscape of foot health. As awareness grows and barriers are overcome, the path to healing becomes clearer, offering promise for a future where foot ailments are not just treated but prevented altogether.
