With seven providers on staff, Foot & Ankle Surgical Associates (FASA) serves patients with below the knee conditions across six locations in the South Puget Sound region. From plantar fasciitis, to diabetic foot care, FASA works with patients to deliver both surgical and non-invasive care options. In May, FASA’s Tacoma Clinic, welcomed a new FASA provider, Dr. Thomas Burghardt who was previously based out of the Tumwater Clinic.
Serving patients in and around Pierce County for six years, FASA’s Tacoma location offers treatment and maintenance care for ailments that affect the foot and ankle. Common conditions treated at FASA’s Tacoma Clinic include bunions, peripheral artery disease and foot-related complications from diabetes.
Peripheral artery disease (PAD) is caused by narrowed and hardened arteries, which can reduce blood flow to the foot and ankle. People who smoke, are diabetic, have high blood pressure or high cholesterol may be at higher risk for PAD. At FASA, patients can be screened for PAD through a routine test, with multiple treatment options available depending on the severity of the condition.
When the big toe becomes misaligned and pushes against surrounding toes, a bony bump, also known as a bunion, can form. Forming at the base of the big toe, the toe’s misalignment can cause the big toe joint to expand and stick out. Arthritis, foot stress, shoes that are too small and inherited structural defects may contribute to the formation of a bunion. Depending on the bunion’s severity and the patient’s pain level, treatment options at FASA can range from custom orthotics to surgical intervention.
Patients with diabetes can visit FASA for an annual comprehensive diabetic foot examination. To help screen for diabetes-related foot complications, staff and providers at the FASA Tacoma Clinic can identify any concerns or risk factors and discuss daily maintenance practices, like nail care and self-examination, in addition to lifestyle changes to maintain a patient’s optimum health.
To help reduce pain and potential foot damage, patients with diabetes may also visit FASA to become fitted for custom orthotics. Custom orthotics are support devices that fit into a shoe and are individually molded to fit a patient’s particular foot shape. Orthotics can make daily walking, standing and running more comfortable and can also help absorb shock, support arches and protect the feet. Custom orthotics can also accompany diabetic footwear, designed to fit any orthotic inserts and reduce skin breakdown of diabetic feet.
As of the first week of May, Dr. Thomas Burghardt is now the sole provider at FASA’s Tacoma Clinic. Dr. Burghardt is succeeding previous FASA Tacoma provider, Dr. Kevin Lind, who is moving back home to Minnesota to be closer to family. A part of the FASA team since 2004, Dr. Burghardt originally operated out of the Tumwater and Centralia locations with Dr. Terrence Hess.
A board-certified physician and surgeon, Dr. Burghardt received a B.S. in Microbiology from the University of Washington before graduating from podiatric medical school in San Francisco. Dr. Burghardt went onto residency training at both the University of Southern California Medical Center and Whittier Medical Center. Specializing in foot and ankle reconstructive surgery and diabetic foot care, Dr. Burghardt is also active member of multiple professional organizations, including the Washington State Podiatric Medical Association.
As a Tacoma resident, Dr. Burghardt is most excited about a new start and the opportunity to help expand the Tacoma practice. In addition to an easier commute home, Dr. Burghardt is looking forward to meeting new patients, working with a new team of colleagues and serving the Tacoma area.
As Dr. Burghardt moves on to FASA’s Tacoma Clinic, Dr. Michael Lundborg will continue to serve patients at the Tumwater Clinic. A graduate of Temple University School of Podiatric Medicine, Dr. Lundborg has been a FASA provider since 2018. As a provider, Dr. Lundborg has treated patients with a range of ailments, including bunions, hammertoes and diabetic foot ulcers. Dr. Lundborg has a particular interest in reconstructive surgery, sports medicine and biomechanics.
Operating out of the Tumwater clinic, Dr. Lundborg is excited to help even more patients with foot and ankle conditions. As Dr. Burghardt moves on to a new clinic location, Dr. Lundborg will continue to serve current Tumwater patients, while accepting new appointments.
FASA is currently accepting new patients and are now able to schedule same day appointments. To learn more about FASA’s services, providers and clinic locations, visit the Foot & Ankle Surgical Associates website.
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