Foot and ankle pain can significantly impact your daily life, making even simple activities like walking or standing a challenge. At Benton Franklin Orthopedic Associates, Dr. Derrick McKay specializes in diagnosing and treating various foot and ankle conditions, ensuring you receive the best care possible.

Common Causes of Foot and Ankle Pain

Foot and ankle pain can arise from numerous conditions, including:

• Plantar Fasciitis: Inflammation of the tissue connecting your heel bone to your toes.
• Bunions: Painful bumps that form at the base of your big toe.
• Heel Pain: Often caused by conditions like Achilles tendonitis or heel spurs.
• Trauma: Injuries such as fractures, sprains, or dislocations.
• Arthritis: Joint inflammation that can affect the foot and ankle.
• Nerve Damage: Conditions like neuropathy can cause significant pain and discomfort.

Prevalence of Foot and Ankle Pain

Foot and ankle pain is incredibly common. In fact, 81% of Americans report experiencing foot pain at some point in their lives. This widespread issue can be attributed to various factors, including lifestyle changes, workplace conditions, and wearing ill-fitting footwear

The Role of Sports Medicine

Sports medicine is a specialized field focused on preventing, diagnosing, and treating sports-related injuries. It plays a crucial role in helping athletes and active individuals recover quickly and safely. Dr. McKay integrates sports medicine principles into his practice to provide comprehensive care for foot and ankle injuries.

Why Immediate Treatment is Essential

Prompt treatment for foot and ankle pain is vital for several reasons:

1. Preventing Further Damage: Early intervention can prevent minor issues from becoming severe problems.
2. Reducing Pain and Inflammation: Immediate care helps manage pain and reduce inflammation, improving your comfort and mobility.
3. Enhancing Recovery: Timely treatment can speed up the healing process, allowing you to return to your normal activities sooner.
4. Avoiding Complications: Untreated foot and ankle pain can lead to complications such as chronic pain or altered gait, which can affect other parts of your body.



Common Foot Injuries in Sports

Athletes are prone to various foot injuries, including:

• Plantar Fasciitis: Inflammation of the plantar fascia, causing heel pain and discomfort.
• Achilles Tendinitis: Overuse of the Achilles tendon, leading to pain and swelling.
• Stress Fractures: Tiny cracks in the bones of the foot, often caused by repetitive impact.
• Ankle Sprains: Stretching or tearing of the ligaments around the ankle.
• Metatarsalgia: Pain and inflammation in the ball of the foot.

Symptoms of Foot Injuries

Symptoms can vary depending on the type of injury but often include:

• Pain and Tenderness: Especially during or after physical activity.
• Swelling and Bruising: Around the affected area.
• Difficulty Walking: Pain may make it hard to walk or run.
• Stiffness and Limited Mobility: Reduced range of motion in the foot or ankle.

Meet Dr. Derrick McKay, DPM, FACFAS

Dr. McKay was introduced to foot and ankle surgery when he began college and was immediately fascinated by the complexities of the foot and ankle. He frequently hears patients say, “I don’t notice my feet until they start bothering me.” Foot and ankle pain can be very debilitating and interfere with daily activities. Dr. McKay enjoys helping people literally get back on their feet and resume their normal lives.

While living in Chicago and Boston during his medical training, Dr. McKay still considered the Columbia Basin to be home. As a Kennewick native, it was important to him to return to the Tri-Cities to begin his career and give back to the community that has already given him so much.

Dr. McKay is board certified in Foot & Ankle Surgery by the American Board of Foot and Ankle Surgery®. He is a fellow of the American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons. He attended podiatric school at Scholl College of Podiatric Medicine and Surgery and completed his residency at St. Elizabeth’s Medical Center in Brighton, MA. His special emphasis areas include foot and ankle surgery, trauma, sports medicine, and pediatric and adult deformity corrections.

In his free time, Dr. McKay enjoys reading, playing tennis, hiking and camping, and spending time with his wife and two children.

At Benton Franklin Orthopedic Associates, we are dedicated to providing exceptional foot and ankle care to help you live a pain-free and active life.

If you have any questions or would like to schedule a consultation with Dr. Derrick McKay, please don't hesitate to contact us at 509-585-3622.

Our team is here to support you every step of the way and ensure you receive the highest quality care. We look forward to helping you get back on your feet and resume your normal activities with confidence.