Items filtered by date: October 2024

Plantar fasciitis surgery is considered for individuals who have not found relief from conservative treatments after an extended period. Two primary surgical options are open surgery and endoscopic surgery. Open surgery involves a larger incision to release the plantar fascia or remove inflamed tissue, while endoscopic surgery uses smaller incisions and a camera for a minimally invasive approach. Good candidates for surgery typically include those with persistent pain, significant functional limitations, and no improvement despite comprehensive non-surgical treatments. Recovery times can vary based on the type of surgery, as open surgery may require a longer recovery period of several weeks, while endoscopic surgery often allows for a quicker return to normal activities, typically within a few weeks. If you have plantar fasciitis and are considering surgery for relief, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can determine if this is the right decision 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 and ankle needs.

Itchy feet can be bothersome, but may also indicate an underlying issue that needs medical attention. The causes of itchy feet include fungal or bacterial infections, contact with allergens, or dry skin. In some cases, persistent itchiness can be linked to systemic conditions, like diabetes, thyroid problems, or kidney disease. If you experience itching along with other symptoms, like blisters, scaling, or redness, it may be time to seek professional help. A podiatrist can conduct a thorough exam to diagnose the root cause of the itchiness and develop a plan to bring relief and prevent complications. Quick action helps reduce the risk of further irritation or potential infections. It is suggested to avoid scratching, as it can worsen the symptoms and potentially lead to skin damage. If you have uncommonly itchy feet, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for an exam and treatment.

Everyday foot care is very important to prevent infection and other foot ailments. If you need your feet checked, contact Brian Doerr, DPM from Florida. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Everyday Foot Care

Often, people take care of their bodies, face and hair more so than they do for their feet. But the feet are a very important aspect of our bodies, and one that we should pay more attention to. Without our feet, we would not be able to perform most daily tasks.

It is best to check your feet regularly to make sure there are no new bruises or cuts that you may not have noticed before. For dry feet, moisturizer can easily be a remedy and can be applied as often as necessary to the affected areas. Wearing shoes that fit well can also help you maintain good foot health, as well as making it easier to walk and do daily activities without the stress or pain of ill-fitting shoes, high heels, or even flip flops. Wearing clean socks with closed shoes is important to ensure that sweat and bacteria do not accumulate within the shoe. Clean socks help to prevent Athlete’s foot, fungi problems, bad odors, and can absorb sweat.

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.

Heel spurs, known medically as calcaneal spurs, are bony protrusions that form on the heel bone, or calcaneus. There are two primary types, which are known as inferior calcaneal spurs, developing on the bottom of the heel, and posterior calcaneal spurs, located at the back of the heel. These spurs often arise from repetitive stress on the foot, commonly from activities that involve running or walking on hard surfaces. Over time, this stress can lead to inflammation of the surrounding tissues, particularly the plantar fascia, resulting in pain and discomfort. Symptoms of heel spurs typically include localized pain, especially during initial steps after resting, and tenderness when pressure is applied to the heel. If you have heel pain, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can accurately diagnose the cause and provide appropriate treatment.

Heel spurs can be incredibly painful and sometimes may make you unable to participate in physical activities. To get medical care for your heel spurs, contact Brian Doerr, DPM from Florida. Our doctor will do everything possible to treat your condition.

Heels Spurs

Heel spurs are formed by calcium deposits on the back of the foot where the heel is. This can also be caused by small fragments of bone breaking off one section of the foot, attaching onto the back of the foot. Heel spurs can also be bone growth on the back of the foot and may grow in the direction of the arch of the foot.

Older individuals usually suffer from heel spurs and pain sometimes intensifies with age. One of the main condition's spurs are related to is plantar fasciitis.

Pain

The pain associated with spurs is often because of weight placed on the feet. When someone is walking, their entire weight is concentrated on the feet. Bone spurs then have the tendency to affect other bones and tissues around the foot. As the pain continues, the feet will become tender and sensitive over time.

Treatments

There are many ways to treat heel spurs. If one is suffering from heel spurs in conjunction with pain, there are several methods for healing. Medication, surgery, and herbal care are some options.

If you have any questions feel free to contact our office located in Fort Meyers, FL . We offer the latest in diagnostic and treatment technology to meet your needs.

Flat feet, or pes planus, occur when a child’s feet lack a noticeable arch, causing the entire foot to touch the ground. While babies and toddlers naturally have flat feet, most develop arches as they grow. However, in some cases, the arch never forms. Signs of flat feet include feet with no visible arch and, in some cases, discomfort or pain in the feet, ankles, or knees. Flat feet can result from having tight Achilles tendons, muscle imbalances, or irregular bone formation. Additionally, certain genetic disorders, like Down syndrome or osteogenesis imperfecta, can contribute to flat feet. Sometimes, the condition runs in families. If you notice signs of flat feet in your child and they seem to be experiencing pain or discomfort, it is a good idea to seek advice from a podiatrist. They can offer guidance on managing the condition and help ensure your child’s feet stay healthy and pain-free.

The health of a child’s feet is vital to their overall well-being. If you have any questions regarding foot health, contact Brian Doerr, DPM of Florida. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Tips for Keeping Children's Feet Healthy

• Make sure their shoes fit properly
• Look for any signs of in-toeing or out-toeing
• Check to see if they have Clubfoot (condition that affects your child’s foot and ankle, twisting the heel and toes inward) which is one of the most common nonmajor birth defects.
• Lightly cover your baby’s feet (Tight covers may keep your baby from moving their feet freely, and could prevent normal development)
• Allow your toddler to go shoeless (Shoes can be restricting for a young child’s foot)
• Cut toenails straight across to avoid ingrown toenails
• Keep your child’s foot clean and dry
• Cover cuts and scrapes. Wash any scratches with soap and water and cover them with a bandage until they’ve healed.

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.

A bunion is a bony bump that forms at the base of the big toe, where it meets the long bone of the foot. Bunions develop when the big toe pushes towards the second toe, causing the joint at the base of the big toe to protrude. This misalignment is often made worse by wearing tight or ill-fitting shoes, particularly those with high heels or a narrow toe box. Symptoms of bunions include pain, swelling, and redness surrounding the affected joint, and difficulty finding comfortable footwear. Over time, the misalignment can worsen, making daily activities uncomfortable. Treatment for bunions focuses on alleviating pain and preventing further progression. A podiatrist can discuss options that may include wearing wider, more supportive shoes, using orthotic devices to correct foot alignment, and performing exercises to improve joint mobility. In persistent cases, surgery may be considered. If you have developed a bunion, it is suggested you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for a treatment plan.

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.