Items filtered by date: May 2025

A broken ankle can occur when one or more of the bones in the ankle joint, which include the tibia, fibula, or talus, cracks or breaks due to a fall, collision, or twisting injury. Symptoms of a broken ankle include sudden and intense pain, swelling, bruising, and difficulty in moving the ankle. In many cases, walking becomes impossible, although some people may still bear weight, despite a fracture. A loud snapping sound may be heard at the time of injury. In more severe cases, the ankle may appear misshapen or the broken bone may pierce the skin. A podiatrist can examine the ankle for signs of damage and order imaging tests, such as X-rays, to confirm a fracture. Treatment depends on the location and severity of the break and may involve immobilization with a cast or surgery to realign the bones. Early diagnosis and treatment are important to reduce long-term complications. If you believe you may have fractured an ankle bone, it is suggested that you make an emergency appointment with a podiatrist for an exam and appropriate treatment.

Broken ankles need immediate treatment. 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. 

Broken Ankles
A broken ankle is experienced when a person fractures their tibia or fibula in the lower leg and ankle area. Both of these bones are attached at the bottom of the leg and combine to form what we know to be our ankle.

When a physician is referring to a break of the ankle, he or she is usually referring to a break in the area where the tibia and fibula are joined to create our ankle joint. Ankles are more prone to fractures because the ankle is an area that suffers a lot of pressure and stress. There are some obvious signs when a person experiences a fractured ankle, and the following symptoms may be present.

Symptoms of a Fractured Ankle

• Excessive pain when the area is touched or when any pressure is placed on the ankle
•  Swelling around the area
•  Bruising of the area
• Area appears to be deformed

If you suspect an ankle fracture, it is recommended to seek treatment as soon as possible. The sooner you have your podiatrist diagnose the fracture, the quicker you’ll be on the way towards recovery.

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.

Sore feet can stem from many causes related to overuse, excessive pressure, or inflammation. Long hours of standing, especially without movement, can lead to poor circulation and fatigue in the feet. Wearing shoes that lack proper support or high heels may put extra strain on the heel bone, arch, or forefoot, leading to pain. Physical activity, such as running or walking long distances, may cause soreness in the feet due to stress on the muscles, tendons, and joints. Your foot’s structure also plays a role, as people with flat feet, bunions, or abnormal gait patterns may experience ongoing discomfort. Gout, an inflammatory condition, can lead to sharp foot pain, especially in the big toe. A podiatrist can identify the cause of your foot pain and provide appropriate treatment. If your feet are sore on a regular basis, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for an exam, diagnosis, and treatment.

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.

Flat feet occur when the arches of the feet are low or absent, causing the soles to make full contact with the ground while standing. Flat feet may be present from childhood or develop later from weakened tendons, ligament injuries, fractures, or arthritis. Some people with flat feet have no symptoms, but others experience aching in the arches, heels, ankles, or discomfort that extends to the knees and lower back. A podiatrist can diagnose flat feet by examining foot posture and gait, and may use imaging tests to evaluate the bones and soft tissues. When flat feet cause pain, medical treatment options include wearing custom orthotics or specially designed supportive footwear to reduce strain. In more severe cases, surgery may be recommended to strengthen or realign the affected structures in the feet. Early medical care can help manage symptoms and prevent further complications. If flat feet are disrupting your daily activities, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for appropriate treatment options.

Flatfoot is a condition many people suffer from. If you have flat feet, contact Brian Doerr, DPM from Florida. Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.

What Are Flat Feet?

Flatfoot is a condition in which the arch of the foot is depressed and the sole of the foot is almost completely in contact with the ground. About 20-30% of the population generally has flat feet because their arches never formed during growth.

Conditions & Problems:

Having flat feet makes it difficult to run or walk because of the stress placed on the ankles.

Alignment – The general alignment of your legs can be disrupted, because the ankles move inward which can cause major discomfort.

Knees – If you have complications with your knees, flat feet can be a contributor to arthritis in that area.  

Symptoms

• Pain around the heel or arch area
• Trouble standing on the tip toe
• Swelling around the inside of the ankle
• Flat look to one or both feet
• Having your shoes feel uneven when worn

Treatment

If you are experiencing pain and stress on the foot you may weaken the posterior tibial tendon, which runs around the inside of the ankle. 

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.

A bunion is a bony bump that forms at the base of the big toe as the top of the toe leans inward toward the others. This deformity develops over time due to pressure on the big toe joint, leading to changes in the bone structure. Common causes of bunions include wearing tight or narrow shoes, genetic predisposition, and conditions like arthritis that affect the joints. Risk factors include having a family history of bunions, flat feet, and occupations that involve long periods of standing or walking. Symptoms of a bunion often include swelling, redness, tenderness, and pain surrounding the big toe joint. Over time, the discomfort can worsen, making it difficult to wear shoes comfortably and affecting overall foot function. If you have a bunion, it is suggested that you are under the care of a podiatrist who can offer treatment options to manage this condition.

If you are suffering from bunions, contact Brian Doerr, DPM of Florida. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

What Is a Bunion?

A bunion is formed of swollen tissue or an enlargement of boney growth, usually located at the base joint of the toe that connects to the foot. The swelling occurs due to the bones in the big toe shifting inward, which impacts the other toes of the foot. This causes the area around the base of the big toe to become inflamed and painful.

Why Do Bunions Form?

Genetics – Susceptibility to bunions are often hereditary

Stress on the feet – Poorly fitted and uncomfortable footwear that places stress on feet, such as heels, can worsen existing bunions

How Are Bunions Diagnosed?

Doctors often perform two tests – blood tests and x-rays – when trying to diagnose bunions, especially in the early stages of development. Blood tests help determine if the foot pain is being caused by something else, such as arthritis, while x-rays provide a clear picture of your bone structure to your doctor.

How Are Bunions Treated?

• Refrain from wearing heels or similar shoes that cause discomfort
• Select wider shoes that can provide more comfort and reduce pain
• Anti-inflammatory and pain management drugs
• Orthotics or foot inserts
• Surgery

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.