Arthritis in the feet and ankles can make movement painful, stiff, and tiring. However, carefully chosen exercises can help joints move more freely and support the muscles around them. Gentle range-of-motion exercises are a useful starting point. While seated, a patient can slowly point the toes forward, pull them back, and move each ankle in circles. These movements should remain controlled and within a comfortable range. Sharp pain is a reason to stop and seek guidance from a podiatrist before continuing.

Stretching can reduce tightness around joints affected by arthritis. One option is to loop a towel around the ball of the foot while sitting with the knee straight. Gently pulling the towel toward the body stretches the calf and tissues beneath the foot. A wall stretch can also loosen the calf. Strengthening exercises help the feet and ankles handle demands. Seated toe spreads, towel scrunches, and standing heel raises are examples. A stable counter or chair can provide support during heel raises. Patients should begin with a manageable number of repetitions and increase gradually. Exercise should not leave the joint more painful or swollen afterward.

Balance training is valuable because arthritis can change the way a person stands and walks. Holding a counter while standing on one foot can improve control and ankle stability. Low-impact activities like swimming, cycling, and walking can support joint movement without heavy pounding. The right plan depends on the joints involved, the level of pain, and a patient's health. A podiatrist can examine foot position, check joint movement, and identify areas under excess pressure. Care includes guidance on safe exercises, supportive shoes, or custom orthotics to improve how weight moves across the feet. A podiatrist can also adjust the plan when swelling or stiffness makes an exercise difficult. If you have symptoms of arthritis in the feet or ankles, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for a diagnosis and an effective exercise routine.

Arthritis can be a difficult condition to live with. If you are seeking treatment, contact Brian Doerr, DPM from Florida. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Arthritic Foot Care  

Arthritis is a term that is commonly used to describe joint pain.  The condition itself can occur to anyone of any age, race, or gender, and there are over 100 types of it.  Nevertheless, arthritis is more commonly found in women compared to men, and it is also more prevalent in those who are overweight. The causes of arthritis vary depending on which type of arthritis you have. Osteoarthritis for example, is often caused by injury, while rheumatoid arthritis is caused by a misdirected immune system.

Symptoms

• Swelling
• Pain
• Stiffness
• Decreased Range of Motion

Arthritic symptoms range in severity, and they may come and go. Some symptoms stay the same for several years but could potentially get worse with time. Severe cases of arthritis can prevent its sufferers from performing daily activities and make walking difficult.

Risk Factors

• Occupation – Occupations requiring repetitive knee movements have been linked to osteoarthritis
• Obesity – Excess weight can contribute to osteoarthritis development
• Infection – Microbial agents can infect the joints and trigger arthritis
• Joint Injuries – Damage to joints may lead to osteoarthritis
• Age – Risk increases with age
• Gender –Most types are more common in women
• Genetics – Arthritis can be hereditary

If you suspect your arthritis is affecting your feet, it is crucial that you see a podiatrist immediately. Your doctor will be able to address your specific case and help you decide which treatment method is best for you.

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

Minimally invasive foot and ankle surgery uses small incisions and instruments to treat certain conditions while limiting disruption to nearby tissues. Depending on the procedure, this type of surgery may be considered for bunions, hammertoes, and other problems that do not improve with conservative care. Symptoms leading to surgery can include pain, swelling, or difficulty walking. The goal is to correct the problem while helping the foot or ankle heal.

There are several potential benefits to minimally invasive surgery. Smaller incisions may create smaller, more pleasing scars than traditional surgical approaches. Less disruption to surrounding tissue may support a faster recovery for some patients. Patients may also experience reduced post-operative pain and decreased post-operative joint stiffness. However, results vary based on the condition, procedure, and individual health. Not every foot or ankle problem can be treated with a minimally invasive approach.

Risk factors for complications include diabetes, smoking, and medical conditions that affect healing. A podiatrist will review your health history and examine the affected area before recommending surgery. Imaging tests may be used to understand bone alignment or joint changes. If surgery is appropriate, the podiatrist explains the procedure, expected recovery, and aftercare. Treatment may also include protective footwear, wound care, and follow-up visits.

After surgery, following your podiatrist's instructions is an important part of recovery. The foot may need protection while tissues heal, and activity may need to increase gradually. Follow-up appointments allow the podiatrist to check the incision, swelling, and progress. Keeping the surgical area clean and reporting unusual drainage, increasing redness, or worsening pain can help address concerns. If you have a foot or ankle condition that could benefit from minimally invasive surgery, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can determine if this type of foot surgery is right for you.

Foot surgery is sometimes necessary to treat a foot ailment. To learn more, contact Brian Doerr, DPM of Florida. Our doctor will assist you with all of your foot and ankle needs.

When Is Surgery Necessary?

Foot and ankle surgery is generally reserved for cases in which less invasive, conservative procedures have failed to alleviate the problem. Some of the cases in which surgery may be necessary include:

• Removing foot deformities like bunions and bone spurs
• Severe arthritis that has caused bone issues
• Cosmetic reconstruction

What Types of Surgery Are There?

The type of surgery you receive will depend on the nature of the problem you have. Some of the possible surgeries include:

• Bunionectomy for painful bunions
• Surgical fusion for realignment of bones
• Neuropathy decompression surgery to treat nerve damage

Benefits of Surgery

Although surgery is usually a last resort, it can provide more complete pain relief compared to non-surgical methods and may allow you to finally resume full activity.

Surgical techniques have also become increasingly sophisticated. Techniques like endoscopic surgery allow for smaller incisions and faster recovery times.

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.

An ingrown toenail occurs when the edge or corner of a toenail grows into the surrounding skin. The big toe is affected most often. This problem can cause tenderness, redness, and pain along the nail edge. Some people notice drainage or increased warmth when the area becomes infected. Ingrown toenails can make walking and wearing shoes uncomfortable. Getting care early may help prevent the problem from becoming more serious.

Several factors can contribute to an ingrown toenail. Cutting nails too short or rounding the corners can encourage the nail to grow into the skin. Wearing tight shoes can also place pressure on the nail. Structural conditions may increase the risk when the toe is curved, or the nail is unusually thick. Additionally, biomechanical problems can also change how pressure moves across the foot while walking. Repeated pressure from sports or activities may make symptoms worse.

Prevention starts with simple foot care. Trim toenails straight across and avoid cutting deeply into the corners. Choose shoes with enough room for your toes to move comfortably. Keep the feet clean and dry, especially after exercise. Check your toes regularly for redness, swelling, or tenderness. If an ingrown toenail keeps returning, a podiatrist can look for structural or biomechanical causes. Treatment may include gently lifting the nail, removing the affected nail edge, or using medication when infection is present.

A podiatrist will examine the nail and surrounding skin before recommending treatment. If infection or significant inflammation is present, appropriate care may be provided to control it. For recurring problems, the podiatrist may remove part of the nail and address the portion that repeatedly grows into the skin. Proper wound care and follow-up supports healing. If you have an ingrown toenail, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist for effective relief tips, which may include minor surgery. 

Ingrown toenails may initially present themselves as a minor discomfort, but they may progress into an infection in the skin without proper treatment. For more information about ingrown toenails, contact Brian Doerr, DPM of Florida. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Ingrown Toenails

Ingrown toenails are caused when the corner or side of a toenail grows into the soft flesh surrounding it. They often result in redness, swelling, pain, and in some cases, infection. This condition typically affects the big toe and may recur if it is not treated properly.

Causes

• Improper toenail trimming
• Genetics
• Improper shoe fitting
• Injury from pedicures or nail picking
• Abnormal gait
• Poor hygiene

You are more likely to develop an ingrown toenail if you are obese, have diabetes, arthritis, or have any fungal infection in your nails. Additionally, people who have foot or toe deformities are at a higher risk of developing an ingrown toenail.

Symptoms

Some symptoms of ingrown toenails are redness, swelling, and pain. In rare cases, there may be a yellowish drainage coming from the nail.

Treatment

Ignoring an ingrown toenail can have serious complications. Infections of the nail border can progress to a deeper soft-tissue infection, which can then turn into a bone infection. You should always speak with your podiatrist if you suspect you have an ingrown toenail, especially if you have diabetes or poor circulation.

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.

Foot pain from wearing sandals is common when footwear does not provide enough support for the arch or heel. Flat sandals can allow the foot to roll inward while walking. Thin soles may also increase pressure on the bottom of the foot. Symptoms can include aching or tenderness after walking. Risk factors include prolonged walking, existing foot problems, and suddenly switching from supportive shoes to sandals. People with poor arch support needs may notice discomfort quickly.

Wearing unsupportive sandals also can aggravate certain conditions. Plantar fasciitis is irritation involving the thick band of tissue along the bottom of the foot. It often causes heel pain after rest. Bunions are structural changes that cause the big toe to move toward the other toes. They may cause swelling and pressure near the big toe joint. Morton’s neuroma involves irritation around a nerve between the toes. It can cause burning pain beneath the forefoot. Seeing a podiatrist can help deal with any of these conditions.

A podiatrist begins by reviewing your symptoms, footwear habits and medical history. The foot is examined for tenderness, swelling, and pressure areas. Imaging may be recommended when structural problems need evaluation. Treatment depends on the diagnosis and may include wearing supportive footwear, custom orthotics, or medication, if appropriate. A podiatrist may also recommend stretching exercises, if suitable. Persistent bunions or nerve pain may require additional treatment if conservative care does not provide relief.

Choosing sandals with arch support, cushioning, and a secure fit can help reduce strain during walking and daily activities. Avoid unsupportive sandals for long periods of time when your feet already hurt. Gradually increase walking time and pay attention to changes in pain. Persistent symptoms should not be ignored because early care may prevent worsening. If foot pain caused by wearing sandals continues, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist for effective relief tips, and guidance on choosing more appropriate shoes.

Foot Pain

Foot pain can be extremely painful and debilitating. If you have a foot pain, consult with Brian Doerr, DPM from Florida. Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

Causes

Foot pain is a very broad condition that could be caused by one or more ailments. The most common include:

• Bunions
• Hammertoes
• Plantar Fasciitis
• Bone Spurs
• Corns
• Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome
• Ingrown Toenails
• Arthritis (such as Gout, Rheumatoid, and Osteoarthritis)
• Flat Feet
• Injury (from stress fractures, broken toe, foot, ankle, Achilles tendon ruptures, and sprains)
• And more

Diagnosis

To figure out the cause of foot pain, podiatrists utilize several different methods. This can range from simple visual inspections and sensation tests to X-rays and MRI scans. Prior medical history, family medical history, and any recent physical traumatic events will all be taken into consideration for a proper diagnosis.

Treatment

Treatment depends upon the cause of the foot pain. Whether it is resting, staying off the foot, or having surgery; podiatrists have a number of treatment options available for foot pain.

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.