Matthew DeWitt, DPM, is a board-certified foot and ankle surgeon, specializing in deformity correction, trauma, and wound care.
With more than 20 years of experience in podiatric medicine, Dr. DeWitt is committed to providing dedicated, patient-centered care to patients experiencing foot and ankle concerns.
Both DeWitt and trusted resources offer the following recommendations to guide your care.
When you experience issues with your foot, ankle, or both, it can be troubling, causing pain when standing or walking. You don’t have to face these issues alone. A podiatrist or foot and ankle surgeon sees patients experiencing foot and lower leg conditions, diagnosing and treating issues such as sprains and fractures, nail diseases, plantar fasciitis, diabetic neuropathy, and more.
Decatur County Memorial Hospital’s (DCMH) board-certified foot and ankle provider, Matthew DeWitt, DPM, is here to provide surgical and non-surgical care for your needs.
“Foot and ankle pain is one of the most common reasons people limit their activity, but it doesn’t have to be that way,” said Matthew DeWitt, DPM, board-certified foot and ankle provider at DCMH. “In many cases, early evaluation and treatment can relieve pain and help patients stay active.”
Common Foot Conditions
Common foot conditions include arthritis, bunions, fractures, flat feet or high arches, hammertoes, or plantar fasciitis. All of these conditions can cause trouble, making daily activities such as walking, standing, and exercising painful. Plantar fasciitis, in particular, is classified as a stabbing pain in the bottom of your foot near your heel.
Pain is typically at its peak in the first steps in the morning or after long periods of standing/sitting. The plantar fascia supports the arch of the foot as you walk. Over time, stress and tension can cause tears to this tissue. Both flat feet and high arches can cause wear on your joints and muscles, potentially causing pain.
Some foot conditions are visible, such as bunions or nail conditions. Bunions are small, bony growths that occur on the edge of your big toe, causing pain, swelling, discoloration, and difficulty wearing certain types of shoes.
If you are experiencing foot pain of any kind, ask your family medicine provider for a referral to the DCMH Foot and Ankle Clinic.
Common Ankle Conditions
Just like foot conditions, ankle disorders or injuries can be very painful and interfere with your daily life. Conditions such as ankle instability, fractures or sprains, nerve entrapment, and tendonitis are all common conditions that warrant a visit to the podiatrist/ foot and ankle doctor.
Ankle instability can leave you feeling uneasy with each step, feeling as though your ankle may “give out.” This could be attributed to arthritis, caused by several possible reasons, including previous ankle injuries or an inflammatory condition. It’s important to consult a podiatrist to determine the cause of the instability, ensuring proper care is not delayed.
Nerve entrapment causes the nerves in the lower legs, ankle, or feet to become constricted, causing numbness, weakness, or muscle loss.
Surgical Options
While many foot and ankle conditions can be managed through non-surgical options, if more modest recovery and pain management options are not helping, are unfeasible, or in more extreme cases, surgery can be used to treat a variety of conditions, including diabetic Charcot reconstruction, club foot treatment, total ankle replacement, or various trauma and wound care procedures. These procedures are done to help you recover mobility and return to daily activities.
Risk Factors for Foot & Ankle Pain
Foot and/or ankle pain can happen to anyone, regardless of age or activity levels. However, the Mayo Clinic identifies several risk factors for developing foot and ankle concerns, including standing for prolonged periods of time (e.g., working), age, injury, overuse, obesity, or wearing improper footwear.
Some pain cannot be avoided, but there are measures you can take to reduce your risk, including wearing shoes with good arch support and more room for the toes, maintaining a healthy weight, and always stretching before exercise.
Why You Shouldn’t Ignore Foot & Ankle Pain
You don’t have to deal with foot or ankle concerns; our team is here to help. Foot or ankle pain may seem isolated, particularly if you do not currently experience pain in other parts of the body; however, this pain can eventually lead to imbalance or poor posture, leading to pain and pressure in your knees, hips, and lower back.
“Our goal is to help patients understand what’s causing their pain and create a treatment plan that allows them to move comfortably again. Whether it’s a minor issue or something more complex, there are often effective options available,” said Dr. DeWitt.
If you have foot or ankle pain that lasts for longer than two weeks with no improvement, ask your family medicine provider for a referral.
How to Get a Referral
If you are experiencing foot or ankle pain, ask your DCMH Family Medicine provider for a referral to DCMH Foot and Ankle Clinic. In the event of pain and swelling following an injury, an open wound, signs of infection (change in skin color, warmth, tenderness), unable to bear any weight, or if you have diabetes and a wound is not healing, do not wait to seek immediate medical treatment.
When you receive a referral to DCMH Foot and Ankle Clinic, our team will work with you to create an individualized care plan to help you return to the activities you enjoy.
The information provided in this health insights article is intended for general informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Don’t disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this article.
Additional References:
- Foot and ankle surgery / podiatry. Decatur County Memorial Hospital. (2025, September 3). https://dcmh.net/health-services/clinical-services/foot-ankle-surgery/
- How your feet affect your whole body. Martin Foot and Ankle. (n.d.). https://www.martinfootandankle.com/blog/how-your-feet-affect-your-whole-body#:~:text=You%20can%20experience%20pain%20in,even%20problems%20with%20organ%20function.
- Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research. (2023, September 7). Plantar fasciitis. Mayo Clinic. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/plantar-fasciitis/symptoms-causes/syc-20354846
- Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research. (2025, February 21). Foot pain when to see a doctor. Mayo Clinic. https://www.mayoclinic.org/symptoms/foot-pain/basics/when-to-see-doctor/sym-20050792
- Nerve compression syndromes: Causes, treatment & prevention. Cleveland Clinic. (2025, December 3). https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/22137-nerve-compression-syndrome
- professional, C. C. medical. (2025, May 22). Foot pain: Common causes & treatments. Cleveland Clinic. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/symptoms/foot-pain
- Stephanie Kvas, D. P. M. (2023, May 16). How to determine foot arch type. Mayo Clinic Health System. https://www.mayoclinichealthsystem.org/hometown-health/speaking-of-health/how-to-determine-foot-arch-type
- Taylor Beahrs, M. D. (2022, December 27). Ankle instability causes and fixes. Mayo Clinic Health System. https://www.mayoclinichealthsystem.org/hometown-health/speaking-of-health/ankle-instability-causes-and-fixes