Watertown resident Ann Endres was diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis just after her 18th birthday. Rheumatoid arthritis is an ongoing condition that causes pain, swelling and irritation, called inflammation, in the joints. Rheumatoid arthritis affects the lining of the joints and eats away at the bone under them. This causes a painful swelling that can cause joints to bend out of shape over time, called "deformity".
This is what has happened over the years to Ann. After over 40 years as a retail pharmacist – working on her feet – her toes were painfully folding under each other and her big toe was crossed over her smaller toes almost completely. This caused her to walk on the balls of her feet causing excruciating pain. Finding comfortable shoes was almost impossible. 
Ann has been a patient of Dr. Scott Torness, Podiatrist, at the Prairie Lakes Podiatry Clinic essentially since he started the practice. He was keeping an eye on her condition, knowing eventually surgery was going to be necessary. She would visit his office - nearly every other week – to help keep painful calluses under control.
Two years ago, Dr. Torness decided it was time for Ann’s procedure. Through extensive surgery, a metatarsal phalangeal joint fusion, he replaced the bones in her toes and screwed them into the larger bones in her foot to straighten it out. After six weeks off her feet and another few weeks in a boot, she saw immediate improvement. She could walk normally, could buy normal shoes, and – most importantly - could get back to the life she loves.
Now, Ann walks two miles each day and keeps herself fit & active. She’s enjoying life with her husband, participating in her favorite hobbies and supporting the SDSU Jackrabbits.
Scott Torness, PodiatristAnn would like everybody to understand what a valuable resource it is to have the Prairie Lakes Podiatry Clinic right here in Watertown. She shares, “There is no need for anybody to drive up to Fargo or down to Sioux Falls. We have great guys right here in the town. Dr. Torness changed my life!”
If you feel like the Prairie Lakes Podiatry Clinic can help you, call 605-886-8482 to schedule an appointment today.