PLACE YOUR FEET IN GOOD HANDS

Foot and ankle specialists Ronald Derr, D.O. and Geoff Watson, M.D. of Bone and Joint Institute of Tennessee.

AT BONE AND JOINT INSTITUTE OF TENNESSEE

By Lyndsay Sullivan

From toddlers taking their first steps, students receiving their diplomas, brides descending the aisle, and all those moments in between — your feet quite literally carry you through life. While your feet might not be your top priority in your healthcare journey, it’s important to recognize and respond to ailments and injuries when they occur.

At Bone and Joint Institute of Tennessee, foot and ankle specialists Geoff Watson, M.D., and Ronald Derr, D.O., address common conditions known to cause pain, discomfort and even injury in your lowest extremities. When that pain begins disrupting everyday life, the team at Bone and Joint Institute is ready to help. TIPS FOR TENDER TOES Did you know ... physicians can treat those pesky (and sometimes painful) bumps on the top or side of your toe? Bunions are caused by the big toe migrating toward the smaller toes, creating a bump along the inside of the foot, while hammertoes are an elevated or raised knuckle on the top of your toes. Both bumps can cause pain, especially during winter when tighter shoes are more commonly worn.

“When your foot is in a confined space like a boot or a tight close-toed shoe, it can rub a bunion or hammertoe and cause discomfort,” said Dr. Watson. “It’s important to select a shoe with a wide toe box to give you plenty of space.”

While shoe selection is important, bunions and hammertoes can also be linked to genetics. In either instance, foot and ankle orthopaedic specialists are a great resource to help alleviate pain with multiple treatment options available.

OUR GOAL IS TO GET YOU BACK TO A QUALITY OF LIFE YOU’RE USED TO, AS QUICKLY AS WE CAN.

AIDING ACHING ARCHES

Plantar fasciitis is a painful condition caused by tissue inflammation in your heel. The condition can cause pain from your heel through your arches and a multitude of triggers—from traumatic injuries to a simple change in shoes—can cause a flare up.

“Selecting shoes with good arch support is important to keeping plantar fasciitis from creeping in,” said Dr. Watson. “In addition to good shoes, stretching exercises and applying pressure are the mainstays of treatment.”

To alleviate arch pain at home prior to seeing a specialist, Dr. Watson recommends rolling your foot across a frozen water bottle or a tennis ball and stretching your foot prior to falling asleep at night.

TREATING TRAUMATIC INJURY Sometimes, injuries can be inevitable. Especially during the winter months, indoor sports, cold muscles, slips and falls and extreme winter sports contribute to an increase in traumatic injuries of the feet and ankle. However, some injuries may be preventable with proper preparation.

“The benefit of colder weather is that it often forces people to wear protective shoes, adding a layer of support and protection for your feet and ankles,” said Dr. Derr. “Stretching your calf muscles also minimizes the stress on your feet and can help prevent injury.”

When injuries do strike, Bone and Joint Institute physicians have a wealth of treatment options ready to explore, from diagnostic imaging to splinting and casting to custom orthotics. If surgery is the best treatment option, rest assured your feet are in good hands. BONE AND JOINT INSTITUTE IS HERE TO HELP Pain in your feet and ankles should not affect your quality of life or prevent you from participating in activities you enjoy. If you are experiencing disruptive pain or irritation, it’s time to see a physician. The team at Bone and Joint Institute is prepared to guide patients in the right direction for appropriate treatment.

“Our goal is to get you back to a quality of life you’re used to, as quickly as we can,” said Dr. Derr. “Sometimes that’s through conservative treatment, and sometimes that’s through surgery. We approach every issue one step at a time, collecting information on what works and what doesn’t until we have you back on your feet pain-free.”

For more information on all foot and ankle services available at Bone and Joint Institute, visit boneandjointtn.org/ specialties/foot-and-ankle.