Foot and ankle pain may impact work, exercise and daily mobility. Dr. Peter Hollinger, podiatrist and foot & ankle surgeon, helps patients of all ages find relief and get back to doing what they enjoy. Here, he answers some common questions about foot and ankle health.
Q: What types of foot and ankle conditions do you treat most often?
A: Common conditions I treat include plantar fasciitis, bunions, hammertoes, arthritis, ankle injuries, tendon injuries, fractures, ingrown toenails, sports injuries, and diabetic foot problems. Patients often seek care when pain or deformity is affecting their ability to work, exercise, or complete daily tasks. My goal is to identify the root cause and develop a treatment plan so patients can recover quickly and safely.
Q: Many people assume foot pain is something they just have to live with. When should someone seek medical care?
A: Foot or ankle pain shouldn’t be ignored. Seek evaluation if pain persists for more than a few days, worsens with activity, causes limping, limits daily tasks, or is associated with swelling, redness, numbness, or injury. Early diagnosis ensures simpler and more effective treatment, and can prevent chronic issues.
Q: What are some of the most common causes of heel pain, and how are they treated?
A: Heel pain commonly stems from plantar fasciitis (arch tissue degeneration), achilles tendonitis, bone spurs, stress fractures, nerve irritation, or arthritis. Treatment depends on the diagnosis, usually focusing on functional improvement by way of stretching exercises, supportive footwear, custom orthotics, physical therapy, anti-inflammatories, activity modification, or injections. Surgery is reserved for heel spurs, tendon tears, or if pain does not improve after conservative care.
Q: Bunions are a common concern. How do you determine whether surgery is the right option?
A: Many people think that bunions are a cosmetic problem. However, bunions significantly alter foot function and can cause pain on the ball of the foot, nerve irritation, and arthritis. Bunion surgery is determined by symptoms, not appearance. If a bunion causes persistent pain, shoe difficulty, activity limits, or worsens despite conservative care, surgery may be needed. During an evaluation, I consider severity, X-ray findings, patient goals, and overall health. Non-surgical care includes shoe modifications, orthotics, anti-inflammatory medications, or padding.
Q: What should someone do after an ankle sprain; and when should they be concerned it may be something more serious?
A: Immediate ankle sprain care requires compression, ice, bracing, and rest. Most sprains improve with conservative treatment, but balance training is vital to prevent long lasting ankle instability. Ankle inversion injuries are not just a sprain. If there’s significant swelling, inability to bear weight, persistent instability, severe bruising, or unyielding pain, an evaluation is recommended. Sprains can mask fractures, tendon injuries, or ligament tears.
Q: How does diabetes impact foot health, and what preventive care do you recommend?
A: Diabetes can affect foot circulation and nerve function, increasing the risk of ulcers, infections, and delayed wound healing. Prevention is essential. Patients with diabetes should inspect their feet daily, wear proper shoes, avoid walking barefoot, control blood sugar, and schedule routine foot exams. Catching small problems early makes regular foot care a cornerstone of diabetes management.
Q: What advancements in foot and ankle surgery have improved outcomes for patients?
A: Key surgical advancements include minimally invasive procedures and techniques that provide predictable outcomes and lasting relief. Minimally invasive procedures allow for smaller incisions, less tissue disruption, and quicker recovery. Improved implants and surgical planning further improve results and lower recurrence rates of pain or deformity. These advancements help us achieve better results while focusing on patient comfort and a safe return to activity.
Q: Are there lifestyle changes or preventive steps people can take to keep their feet and ankles healthy?
A: Appropriate footwear, healthy weight, physical activity, stretching, and early pain management help prevent foot and ankle problems. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle with diet, exercise, blood sugar control for diabetics, and avoiding smoking are all important. Athletes should balance training strength and explosiveness with mobility training and proper recovery.
Q: What’s one piece of foot or ankle health advice you wish more people knew?
A: Foot health and overall health go hand in hand. Wearing proper foot gear, staying active, maintaining a healthy lifestyle, and seeking early evaluation are key to limiting foot problems.
From everyday pain to complex injuries, timely care makes a meaningful difference. Dr. Peter Hollinger provides comprehensive care focused on pain relief, improved function, and helping patients return to the activities that matter most. To learn more or schedule an appointment, visit https://www.hutchhealth.com or call 320-234-3290.
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