Do you have a foot problem that causes pain or interferes with your ability to walk, stand or run? Your Fort Myers, FL, podiatrist, Dr. Brian Doerr, offers a variety of helpful treatments for foot and ankle conditions and injuries.

6 reasons to visit your podiatrist

Your podiatrist can help you:

• Find Out Why Your Feet or Ankles Hurt: Pain in your feet and ankles can be caused by many conditions, including bone spurs, plantar fasciitis, Achilles tendonitis, Morton's neuroma, bunions, peripheral neuropathy, stone bruises, fractures, and sprains. Treatment of foot and ankle pain varies depending on the diagnosis but may include splints, casts, boots, crutches, physical therapy, prescription shoe inserts, corticosteroid injections, or surgery if other treatments aren't helpful.
• Treat Your Ingrown Toenail: Once toenails pierce the skin at the side of your toe, it's not so easy to free them yourself. If you're dealing with ingrown toenail pain, or you notice signs of infection (redness, warmth, pus, or red streaks), a minor procedure performed at the podiatry office will release your trapped nail.
• Handle Age-Related Foot Problems: Do your feet hurt no matter which pair of shoes you wear? As you get older, the fat pads that cushion the bottom of your feet become thinner. At the same time, your arches may become flatter, which can lead to pain in your feet, legs, hips, and back. Orthotics, shoe inserts prescribed by your foot doctor cushion your foot and offer extra support for your arches.
• Reduce Your Risk of Chronic Pain: Like most things, foot and ankle conditions are much easier to treat when they first occur. If you don't receive prompt treatment for sprains, strains, and fractures, you may be more likely to develop painful arthritis or mobility issues. See your foot doctor if you have pain that's severe, worsens, doesn't begin to get better in a week or two, or interferes with your life.
• Prevent Serious Infections Related to Diabetes: Tiny cuts or burst blisters can result in infections that threaten your feet if you have diabetes. Fortunately, diabetic foot care offered by your foot doctor will help you protect your feet and your health.
• Take Care of Other Foot and Ankle Issues: Your foot doctor can also help you get rid of toenail fungus, find a solution to foot odor, treat your hammertoe, or get rid of warts on the bottom of your foot.

Could a visit to your podiatrist in Fort Myers, FL, help you get back on your feet? Call (239) 931-3668 to schedule an appointment with Dr. Doerr.