Deciding on ankle fusion surgery is a major step for people who live with severe ankle pain that affects daily activities. This procedure is usually considered when other forms of treatment no longer provide enough relief. Ankle fusion surgery joins two or more bones in the ankle so they heal into one solid structure. By preventing painful movement in the joint, the surgery can reduce discomfort and improve stability. People with advanced arthritis, serious ankle injuries, or long-term joint damage are often candidates for this procedure. A podiatrist can evaluate the condition of the ankle, review symptoms, and determine whether surgery is an appropriate option. Careful testing and imaging studies help identify the extent of joint damage and guide treatment decisions.

One of the main benefits of ankle fusion surgery is long-lasting pain relief. Many patients find it easier to stand, walk, and complete daily tasks after recovery. The procedure can also improve ankle stability and reduce the risk of the joint giving way. However, ankle fusion limits movement because the bones no longer bend at the fused area. Some people notice changes in the way they walk. Others place more stress on nearby joints. A podiatrist can explain how these changes might affect specific activities. Understanding both the advantages and possible drawbacks helps patients make informed decisions about surgery. 

The decision to undergo ankle fusion surgery depends on several factors. These include pain severity, joint damage, and personal activity goals. Age and overall health are also important considerations. A podiatrist will discuss expected results, recovery time, and potential risks before recommending surgery. The goal is to improve quality of life while reducing chronic pain. Every patient is different, so treatment plans should be based on individual needs and medical findings. If you have severe or chronic ankle pain, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist to find out if fusion surgery is right for you.

Ankle pain can have many different causes and the pain may potentially be serious. If you have ankle pain, consult with Julie Jurd-Sadler, DPM from Progressive Podiatry. Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

Ankle pain is any condition that causes pain in the ankle. Due to the fact that the ankle consists of tendons, muscles, bones, and ligaments, ankle pain can come from a number of different conditions.

Causes

The most common causes of ankle pain include:

• Types of arthritis (rheumatoid, osteoarthritis, and gout)
• Ankle sprains
• Broken ankles
• Achilles tendinitis
• Achilles tendon rupture
• Stress fractures
• Tarsal tunnel syndrome
• Plantar fasciitis

Symptoms

Symptoms of ankle injury vary based upon the condition. Pain may include general pain and discomfort, swelling, aching, redness, bruising, burning or stabbing sensations, and/or loss of sensation.

Diagnosis

Due to the wide variety of potential causes of ankle pain, podiatrists will utilize a number of different methods to properly diagnose ankle pain. This can include asking for personal and family medical histories and of any recent injuries. Further diagnosis may include sensation tests, a physical examination, and potentially x-rays or other imaging tests.

Treatment

Just as the range of causes varies widely, so do treatments. Some more common treatments are rest, ice packs, keeping pressure off the foot, orthotics and braces, medication for inflammation and pain, and surgery.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our offices located in Ijamsville and Mouth Airy, MD . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.

Athlete’s foot is a fungal infection that affects the skin on the feet, especially between the toes where moisture tends to build up. The condition develops when fungi grow in warm, damp environments. It can spread through contact with contaminated surfaces, socks, shoes, or shared areas like locker rooms and public showers. Common symptoms include itching, redness, and burning. Some people experience peeling skin, scaling, or an unpleasant odor. People who sweat heavily, wear tight or non-breathable footwear, and spend long periods in damp shoes may be at greater risk of developing athlete’s foot. A weakened immune system can also be a factor. Without proper treatment, the infection can spread to other areas of the foot or even to the toenails. A podiatrist can accurately diagnose athlete’s foot, recommend effective treatment options, and provide guidance on foot hygiene and footwear choices to help prevent future infections. If you have symptoms of athlete’s foot, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist.

Athlete’s foot is an inconvenient condition that can be easily reduced with the proper treatment. If you have any concerns about your feet and ankles, contact Julie Jurd-Sadler, DPM from Progressive Podiatry.  Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.

Athlete’s Foot: The Sole Story

Athlete's foot, also known as tinea pedis, can be an extremely contagious foot infection. It is commonly contracted in public changing areas and bathrooms, dormitory style living quarters, around locker rooms and public swimming pools, or anywhere your feet often come into contact with other people.

Solutions to Combat Athlete’s Foot

• Hydrate your feet by using lotion
• Exfoliate
• Buff off nails
• Use of anti-fungal products
• Examine your feet and visit your doctor if any suspicious blisters or cuts develop

Athlete’s foot can cause many irritating symptoms such as dry and flaking skin, itching, and redness. Some more severe symptoms can include bleeding and cracked skin, intense itching and burning, and even pain when walking. In the worst cases, Athlete’s foot can cause blistering as well. Speak to your podiatrist for a better understanding of the different causes of Athlete’s foot, as well as help in determining which treatment options are best for you.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our offices located in Ijamsville and Mouth Airy, MD . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Hammertoe is a toe deformity in which one of the smaller toes bends abnormally at the middle joint, often causing rubbing, pressure, and discomfort while walking. Treatment depends on how flexible or advanced the condition has become. Early care may include footwear changes with a wider toe area to reduce crowding and irritation. Padding or protective supports may help relieve pressure points and reduce friction. Custom orthotics can improve foot mechanics when abnormal pressure contributes to the problem. If corns or calluses develop, a podiatrist can safely manage those painful areas. When the toe becomes rigid or pain interferes with daily movement, procedural correction may be considered to improve alignment and comfort. A podiatrist can determine which approach best fits the severity of the condition. If you have toe pain, shoe irritation, or visible toe bending, it is strongly suggested that you visit a podiatrist for an evaluation for effective relief and management tips.

Hammertoes can be a painful condition to live with. For more information, contact Julie Jurd-Sadler, DPM of Progressive Podiatry. Our doctor will answer any of your foot- and ankle-related questions.

Hammertoe

Hammertoe is a foot deformity that occurs due to an imbalance in the muscles, tendons, or ligaments that normally hold the toe straight. It can be caused by the type of shoes you wear, your foot structure, trauma, and certain disease processes.

Symptoms

• Painful and/or difficult toe movement
• Swelling
• Joint stiffness
• Calluses/Corns
• Physical deformity

Risk Factors

• Age – The risk of hammertoe increases with age
• Sex – Women are more likely to have hammertoe compared to men
• Toe Length – You are more likely to develop hammertoe if your second toe is longer than your big toe
• Certain Diseases – Arthritis and diabetes may make you more likely to develop hammertoe

Treatment

If you have hammertoe, you should change into a more comfortable shoe that provides enough room for your toes. Exercises such as picking up marbles may strengthen and stretch your toe muscles. Nevertheless, it is important to seek assistance from a podiatrist in order to determine the severity of your hammertoe and see which treatment option will work best for you.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our offices located in Ijamsville and Mouth Airy, MD . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

An ingrown toenail occurs when the edge of a nail grows into the surrounding skin, causing irritation and pain. This condition often appears as redness, swelling, and tenderness along the nail border, and may lead to drainage or infection if untreated. Common causes include improper nail trimming, tight footwear, toe injuries, and natural nail shape. Risk factors include diabetes, poor circulation, excessive sweating, and repetitive pressure on the toes. A podiatrist can relieve discomfort by removing the ingrown portion safely, treating infection, and guiding proper nail growth. They may also address underlying nail deformities, provide guidance on footwear, and use specialized techniques to prevent recurrence while protecting surrounding tissue. If you have a painful ingrown toenail, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can offer effective treatment, which may include minor surgery.

Ingrown toenails may initially present themselves as a minor discomfort, but they may progress into an infection in the skin without proper treatment. For more information about ingrown toenails, contact Julie Jurd-Sadler, DPM of Progressive Podiatry. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Ingrown Toenails

Ingrown toenails are caused when the corner or side of a toenail grows into the soft flesh surrounding it. They often result in redness, swelling, pain, and in some cases, infection. This condition typically affects the big toe and may recur if it is not treated properly.

Causes

• Improper toenail trimming
• Genetics
• Improper shoe fitting
• Injury from pedicures or nail picking
• Abnormal gait
• Poor hygiene

You are more likely to develop an ingrown toenail if you are obese, have diabetes, arthritis, or have any fungal infection in your nails. Additionally, people who have foot or toe deformities are at a higher risk of developing an ingrown toenail.

Symptoms

Some symptoms of ingrown toenails are redness, swelling, and pain. In rare cases, there may be a yellowish drainage coming from the nail.

Treatment

Ignoring an ingrown toenail can have serious complications. Infections of the nail border can progress to a deeper soft-tissue infection, which can then turn into a bone infection. You should always speak with your podiatrist if you suspect you have an ingrown toenail, especially if you have diabetes or poor circulation.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our offices located in Ijamsville and Mouth Airy, MD . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Arthritis in the feet and ankles can develop when the joints become inflamed or the protective cartilage wears down, over time. This often leads to pain and stiffness with movement. It can affect one joint or several areas at once, including the toes, arch, heel, or ankle. Patients notice aching pain, swelling, tenderness, or reduced flexibility that may worsen after walking or standing for long periods of time. Some joints may appear enlarged or feel warm. In advanced cases, the shape of the foot can gradually change. Osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, and gout are among the most common forms of arthritis that affect the lower extremities. Previous injuries, aging, excess pressure on the joints, and autoimmune disease can all contribute to the condition. A podiatrist can examine the affected joints, evaluate foot mechanics, and recommend treatment to reduce pain and improve mobility. Care may include wearing supportive footwear, targeted exercises, medication, or other therapies designed to protect the joints. If you have foot or ankle pain caused by arthritis, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for effective relief and management tips.

Foot Pain

Foot pain can be extremely painful and debilitating. If you have a foot pain, consult with Julie Jurd-Sadler, DPM from Progressive Podiatry. 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 offices located in Ijamsville and Mouth Airy, MD . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.