That sharp pain with your first step is the classic sign of plantar fasciitis — inflammation of the band of tissue running along the bottom of your foot. It hurts most after rest because the tissue tightens overnight. At Prairie Foot & Ankle, we treat this with stretching programs, custom orthotics, injections, and in rare cases, minimally invasive surgery. Don't ignore it — early treatment prevents it from becoming chronic.

At minimum once a year, but if you have neuropathy, circulation problems, or a history of foot ulcers, every 1–3 months is recommended. Diabetes can reduce sensation in your feet, meaning wounds or infections can develop without pain. Dr. Blackburn provides diabetic risk assessments, diabetic shoe fittings (often covered by insurance), and full wound care — all in one office.

In most cases, no referral is needed. Prairie Foot & Ankle accepts Medicare, Medicaid, Blue Cross Blue Shield, United Healthcare, Aetna, Medica, CHI/Uninet, and workers' compensation, among others. If you're unsure about your coverage, call our office at (308) 646-0077 and we'll help you confirm before your visit. Spanish interpreters are available on request.

You can reach us anytime via our contact page or email. We aim to respond quickly—usually within one business day.

Our visit costs depend on the type of appointment, services performed, and your insurance coverage. We accept most major insurance plans including Medicare, Medicaid, Blue Cross Blue Shield, United Healthcare, Aetna, and Medica — which significantly reduces out-of-pocket costs for most patients. For services like diabetic shoes and nail care, many insurance plans provide full or partial coverage. We recommend calling our office at (308) 646-0077 before your visit so our team can verify your benefits and give you a clear picture of what to expect. We believe in transparent, honest communication about cost — no surprises.