A podiatrist specializes in diagnosing, treating, and preventing conditions related to the feet, ankles, and lower extremities. Podiatrists are trained to address foot problems, including bunions, heel pain, ingrown toenails, and plantar fasciitis. They also treat more serious conditions such as fractures, infections, and deformities that affect mobility. Podiatrists play an important role in managing chronic diseases that impact foot health, such as diabetes, which can lead to complications like neuropathy and poor circulation. There are various types of podiatrists based on their areas of expertise. Some specialize in surgery, performing procedures to correct deformities or injuries, while others focus on sports medicine, pediatric care, or diabetic foot care. Regardless of their specialty, podiatrists are essential in maintaining foot health and ensuring proper mobility for people of all ages. If you have foot pain or developed a foot condition, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can accurately diagnose and treat various foot conditions.

If you are experiencing pain in the feet or ankles, don’t join the stubborn majority refusing treatment. Feel free to contact Brian Doerr, DPM from Florida. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

What Is a Podiatrist?

Someone would seek the care of a podiatrist if they have suffered a foot injury or have common foot ailments such as heal spurs, bunions, arch problems, deformities, ingrown toenails, corns, foot and ankle problems, etc.

Podiatric Treatment

A podiatrist will treat the problematic areas of the feet, ankle or lower leg by prescribing the following:

• Physical therapy
• Drugs
• Orthotic inserts or soles
• Surgery on lower extremity fractures

A common podiatric procedure a podiatrist will use is a scanner or force plate which will allow the podiatrist to know the designs of orthotics. Patients are then told to follow a series of tasks to complete the treatment. The computer will scan the foot a see which areas show weight distribution and pressure points. The podiatrist will read the analysis and then determine which treatment plans are available.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our office located in Fort Meyers, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Skateboarding places a significant amount of stress on the feet, which can lead to pain and discomfort. The most vulnerable areas include the heels, arches, and toes. The repetitive impact from jumping, landing, and pushing can cause bruising and strain, especially if the feet are not properly supported. The constant shifting of weight and pressure on different parts of the foot, combined with high-impact landings, can lead to stress fractures, sprains, or overuse injuries. When skateboarding, the feet move in various ways, including flexing, extending, and twisting, as skateboarders perform tricks and maneuvers. This dynamic movement puts pressure on the muscles, ligaments, and tendons in the feet, increasing the risk of injury. If you have sustained a foot injury while skateboarding, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can treat various foot conditions.

Ankle and foot injuries are common among athletes and in many sports. They can be caused by several problems and may be potentially serious. If you are feeling pain or think you were injured in a sporting event or when exercising, consult with Brian Doerr, DPM from Florida. Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

Common Injuries

The most common injuries that occur in sporting activities include:

• Achilles Tendonitis
• Achilles Tendon Rupture
• Ankle Sprains
• Broken Foot
• Plantar Fasciitis
• Stress Fractures
• Turf Toe

Symptoms

Symptoms vary depending upon the injury and in some cases, there may be no symptoms at all. However, in most cases, some form of symptom is experienced. Pain, aching, burning, bruising, tenderness, tightness or stiffness, sensation loss, difficulty moving, and swelling are the most common symptoms.

Treatment

Just as symptoms vary depending upon the injury, so do treatment options. A common treatment method is known as the RICE method. This method involves rest, applying ice, compression and elevating the afflicted foot or ankle. If the injury appears to be more serious, surgery might be required, such as arthroscopic or reconstructive surgery. Lastly, rehabilitation or therapy might be needed to gain full functionality in the afflicted area. Any discomfort experienced by an athlete must be evaluated by a licensed, reputable medical professional.  

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in Fort Meyers, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Sever's disease, a common heel condition in growing adolescents, is caused by repetitive stress on the growth plate at the back of the heel where the Achilles tendon attaches. This overuse injury often occurs during growth spurts and is particularly seen in young athletes engaged in activities like running and jumping. Symptoms of Sever's disease include heel pain that worsens with physical activity, tenderness when the heel is pressed, and occasional limping or discomfort while walking. Although the condition resolves over time, it can take several months to a year for symptoms to fully disappear. A podiatrist can evaluate your child’s foot structure, recommend custom orthotics to reduce strain, and provide strategies for managing pain and activity levels. This may include modifying footwear or recommending supportive heel cushions to relieve pressure on the growth plate. If your active child complains of heel pain, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for an exam and diagnosis.

Sever's disease often occurs in children and teens. If your child is experiencing foot or ankle pain, see Brian Doerr, DPM from Florida. Our doctor can treat your child’s foot and ankle needs.

Sever’s Disease

Sever’s disease is also known as calcaneal apophysitis, which is a medical condition that causes heel pain I none or both feet. The disease is known to affect children between the ages of 8 and 14.

Sever’s disease occurs when part of the child’s heel known as the growth plate (calcaneal epiphysis) is attached to the Achilles tendon. This area can suffer injury when the muscles and tendons of the growing foot do not keep pace with bone growth. Therefore, the constant pain which one experiences at the back of the heel will make the child unable to put any weight on the heel. The child is then forced to walk on their toes.

Symptoms

Acute pain – Pain associated with Sever’s disease is usually felt in the heel when the child engages in physical activity such as walking, jumping and or running.

Highly active – Children who are very active are among the most susceptible in experiencing Sever’s disease, because of the stress and tension placed on their feet.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in Fort Meyers, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle injuries.