Personalized treatment for pain relief, mobility, and lifelong foot & ankle health

Trusted Foot & Ankle Specialists in the Carolinas

Podiatry
Foot & Ankle of the Carolinas Doctors
Foot & Ankle of the Carolinas logo. Oval with a foot inside. Text below "A Division of USFAS."
Focused on Your Foot & Ankle Health

Expert Foot & Ankle Care in Matthews & Monroe

At InStride Foot & Ankle of the Carolinas, we’re dedicated to providing comprehensive care for patients of all ages. From everyday concerns to complex conditions, our board-certified podiatrists — Dr. Eric Ward and Dr. Blaise Woeste — combine advanced training, modern technology, and a personalized approach to help you achieve lasting foot and ankle health.

  • Comprehensive Services – From ankle sprains and bunions to diabetic foot ulcers and reconstructive surgery, we treat the full spectrum of foot and ankle conditions.
  • Personalized Treatment Plans – We believe communication and transparency are essential. Every care plan is customized to your condition, lifestyle, and goals.
  • Advanced Technology & Training – Our team stays at the forefront of podiatric medicine through ongoing education and the use of state-of-the-art diagnostic and treatment methods.
  • Patient Empowerment – We take time to explain all treatment options, including benefits and risks, so you can make informed decisions about your care.

Our mission is simple: to restore mobility, relieve pain, and help you live life without limitations. With welcoming offices in Matthews and Monroe, we’re here to keep you moving forward with confidence. We accept a wide range of insurance plans — while many are shown below, we also partner with numerous additional carriers. Please contact our office to confirm your coverage.

Aetna
Blue Cross Blue Shield
Bright Health
Medicare

Our Top Services

Hear from Our Patients

Real Stories of Healing and Recovery
Take the First Step Toward Relief

Connect with InStride Foot & Ankle of the Carolinas

Your path to healthier, pain-free feet starts here. Schedule an appointment with our Matthews or Monroe office to get expert care for any foot or ankle concern. Our experienced team of podiatrists is committed to providing personalized treatment, answering your questions, and guiding you toward lasting mobility and comfort. Reach out today and let InStride help you move forward with confidence.

August 22, 2025
As the school year kicks off, most parents are focused on school supplies, lunchboxes, and new routines—but one of the most important back-to-school essentials is often overlooked: a good pair of shoes. Children and teens spend hours on their feet every day—walking through school hallways, running during recess, or playing sports after school. The right footwear doesn’t just offer comfort; it plays a vital role in supporting growing feet, preventing injuries, and setting kids up for a healthy, confident school year. Growing feet are still developing, and wearing shoes that are too tight, worn out, or lacking proper support can lead to common problems like heel pain (including conditions like Sever’s disease), flat feet, ingrown toenails, and joint discomfort. That’s why podiatrists emphasize the importance of choosing footwear that offers a proper fit, arch support, shock absorption, and durability. When shopping for back-to-school shoes, look for pairs that leave about a thumb’s width of space at the toes, fit snugly at the heel, and provide good cushioning for impact. Breathable materials can help prevent excessive sweating, and durable construction ensures shoes can withstand the demands of daily wear. Our doctors recommend checking your child’s shoes every 4 to 6 months, as feet grow quickly and often outpace last season’s fit. To make shopping easier, our doctors have shared their top recommended brands based on both professional insight and personal experience: Ten Little shoes are great for toddlers and early elementary students, with a foot-shaped design that allows toes to move freely, a built-in sizing guide for at-home accuracy, and flexible soles that support healthy development. New Balance Kids offers wide-width options ideal for children with higher insteps or broader feet, plus supportive midsoles and durable construction to keep up with active kids. Hoka Kids provide lightweight cushioning, structural support, and fun designs—perfect for highly active older children. See Kai Run , Stride Rite , and Asics are also excellent options for younger children and teens, especially those involved in sports or on their feet for long hours. For added support, especially in athletic or high-activity settings, Brooks is another solid choice. If your child begins to complain of foot, heel, or ankle pain, starts walking differently, or if you notice red marks, blisters, or worn-out soles, it’s a good time to check their shoes—and consider a visit to a podiatrist. Early intervention can help prevent more serious conditions and ensure your child stays active and pain-free. This school year, help your child put their best foot forward—literally. Whether you're shopping for the perfect pair of supportive sneakers or looking for guidance on orthotics or foot pain, our team is here to help. Schedule an appointment today to make sure your child’s feet are healthy, supported, and ready for every step of the school year.
By VIV Builder August 13, 2025
Your feet are the foundation of your entire body — when they’re not properly supported, it can lead to pain not just in your feet, but in your ankles, knees, hips, and back, too. That’s where custom orthotics come in!
By VIV Builder July 17, 2025
Your feet are the foundation of your entire body — when they’re not properly supported, it can lead to pain not just in your feet, but in your ankles, knees, hips, and back, too. That’s where custom orthotics come in!  What Are Custom Orthotics? Custom orthotics are medical-grade shoe inserts that are specifically designed for your unique feet, gait, and needs. Unlike over-the-counter insoles, custom orthotics are crafted based on a detailed assessment by your podiatrist, ensuring the perfect fit and support for your lifestyle. Who Can Benefit from Custom Orthotics? Custom orthotics can help people with: ✅ Flat feet or high arches ✅ Plantar fasciitis or heel pain ✅ Bunions or hammertoes ✅ Arthritis ✅ Sports injuries ✅ Foot, ankle, knee, hip, or lower back pain caused by poor alignment How Do They Work? Custom orthotics work by redistributing pressure and correcting misalignments, which helps your feet function properly and comfortably. They can also help prevent future problems by providing the support you need with every step. Ready to Feel the Difference? If you’re experiencing foot or lower body pain, custom orthotics may be the solution you’ve been looking for. Schedule an appointment today and let our foot specialists help you step into lasting comfort and support!
Show More