Foot & Ankle Health Month: Steps to Pain-Free Movement
Posted April 2, 2026
CROSBY, Minn. – April marks Foot & Ankle Health Awareness Month, and Cuyuna Regional Medical Center (CRMC) is inviting Minnesotans to focus on the foundation of their mobility: healthy feet and ankles. CRMC’s board-certified surgeons are emphasizing the importance of early attention to foot and ankle symptoms and encouraging the community to “take the right steps for healthier feet.”
Foot & Ankle Pain Is More Common Than You Think
Foot and ankle problems are widespread across Minnesota. According to the Minnesota Department of Health:
1 in 5 adults in Minnesota lives with arthritis
Up to 1.6 million adults may experience joint-related limitations
Many report difficulty with walking, balance, and daily movement
These conditions often lead individuals to seek orthopaedic evaluation, especially when symptoms interfere with everyday movement.
“Foot and ankle pain is a common but often overlooked challenge among older adults. As we age, years of wear and tear, changes in foot structure, and chronic conditions such as arthritis or diabetes can lead to discomfort, instability, and difficulty walking,” said board-certified foot and ankle surgeon Stephen C. Schmid, DPM, FACFAS. “Too often, this pain is dismissed as a regular part of aging, even though it can significantly affect balance, independence, and overall quality of life.”
CRMC’s orthopaedic team recommends seeking care if you experience:
Pain or swelling that doesn’t improve
Redness, warmth, or signs of infection
Numbness or tingling
Open sores or slow-healing wounds
Changes in foot shape
Ankle instability or frequent falls
Early treatment can prevent more serious complications and help you stay active longer.
Advanced Orthopaedic Care at CRMC
In addition to treating common conditions, the CRMC Foot and Ankle team welcomes second opinions and complex or revision cases. The team specializes in foot and ankle deformity correction and advanced surgical options, including ankle replacement. CRMC is a designated Center of Excellence for Foot and Ankle Care, the only program in the region with this accreditation, reflecting a commitment to advanced techniques, experienced specialists, and consistently high-quality outcomes for even the most complex cases.
“Your feet carry you through every part of your day—when they hurt, everything becomes more difficult,” said board-certified foot and ankle surgeon Kyle Moore, DPM, FACFAS. “Evaluating symptoms and treating conditions can make a meaningful difference in comfort, balance, mobility, and a person’s long-term quality of life.”
