Items filtered by date: September 2019

Have your child's feet been examined lately? Healthy feet are happy feet. If your child is complaining of foot pain, it may be a sign of underlying problems.

If you are experiencing pain in the calf and in the back of the heel, you may have what is known as an Achilles tendon injury. This type of injury can produce severe discomfort, and it may be difficult to walk. It is a common ailment among people who enjoy running, and may occur from a lack of stretching the muscles before running or jogging begins. Additionally, it may develop as a result of wearing shoes that do not fit correctly, or from an abrupt change in participating in sporting activities. The Achilles tendon connects the heel to the calf muscles, and if it should become inflamed, Achilles tendinopathy may occur. Some of the symptoms that are associated with this type of injury can include stiffness in the ankle and calf, and the first steps taken after arising in the morning may be uncomfortable. If you have any pain in the heel and the calf, it is strongly suggested that you speak to a podiatrist as quickly as possible who can properly diagnosis and treat an Achilles tendon injury.

Achilles tendon injuries need immediate attention to avoid future complications. If you have any concerns, contact Dr. Kevin Davis of Davis Foot & Ankle Centers. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

What Is the Achilles Tendon?

The Achilles tendon is a tendon that connects the lower leg muscles and calf to the heel of the foot. It is the strongest tendon in the human body and is essential for making movement possible. Because this tendon is such an integral part of the body, any injuries to it can create immense difficulties and should immediately be presented to a doctor.

What Are the Symptoms of an Achilles Tendon Injury?

There are various types of injuries that can affect the Achilles tendon. The two most common injuries are Achilles tendinitis and ruptures of the tendon.

Achilles Tendinitis Symptoms

• Inflammation
• Dull to severe pain
• Increased blood flow to the tendon
• Thickening of the tendon

Rupture Symptoms

• Extreme pain and swelling in the foot
• Total immobility

Treatment and Prevention

Achilles tendon injuries are diagnosed by a thorough physical evaluation, which can include an MRI. Treatment involves rest, physical therapy, and in some cases, surgery. However, various preventative measures can be taken to avoid these injuries, such as:

• Thorough stretching of the tendon before and after exercise
• Strengthening exercises like calf raises, squats, leg curls, leg extensions, leg raises, lunges, and leg presses

If you have any questions please feel free to contact one of our offices located in Springfield, and White House, TN, . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.

First baseman Ryan Zimmerman of the Washington Nationals has suffered a “brutal” season due to plantar fasciitis in his right foot. The condition made Zimmerman’s returns to the field slow. The nature of the athlete’s injury has also made it slow to heal; fully torn plantar fascia are faster to heal, but Zimmerman’s fascia was only partly torn. Before his return on September 1st, Zimmerman rehabilitated on the treadmill. Plantar fasciitis is a common sports injury that can be disruptive to everyday life. If you think you’ve sustained a plantar fasciitis injury, contact your podiatrist. 
 

Plantar fasciitis can be very painful and inconvenient. If you are experiencing heel pain or symptoms of plantar fasciitis, contact Dr. Kevin Davis  from Davis Foot & Ankle Centers. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

What Is Plantar Fasciitis?

Plantar fasciitis is the inflammation of the thick band of tissue that runs along the bottom of your foot, known as the plantar fascia, and causes mild to severe heel pain.

What Causes Plantar Fasciitis?

• Excessive running
• Non-supportive shoes
• Overpronation
• Repeated stretching and tearing of the plantar fascia

How Can It Be Treated?

• Conservative measures – anti-inflammatories, ice packs, stretching exercises, physical therapy, orthotic devices
• Shockwave therapy – sound waves are sent to the affected area to facilitate healing and are usually used for chronic cases of plantar fasciitis
• Surgery – usually only used as a last resort when all else fails. The plantar fascia can be surgically detached from the heel

While very treatable, plantar fasciitis is definitely not something that should be ignored. Especially in severe cases, speaking to your doctor right away is highly recommended to avoid complications and severe heel pain. Your podiatrist can work with you to provide the appropriate treatment options tailored to your condition.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact one of our offices located in Springfield, and White House, TN, . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Patients who are overweight may notice they frequently experience foot pain. This can be a result of the added weight the feet must endure on a daily basis. Additionally, there are uncomfortable foot conditions that may develop which can include plantar fasciitis, arthritis, and tendinitis. These can compromise the ability to complete daily activities. Obese patients may have flat feet, and this may produce considerable pain and discomfort. Other medical conditions that can develop from being overweight are gout, diabetes, and circulation ailments. If you have questions about how obesity can affect the feet, it is strongly advised that you seek the counsel of a podiatrist.

The more you weigh, the harder your feet must work to support your body. If you’re an obese individual and are concerned about your feet, contact Dr. Kevin Davis from Davis Foot & Ankle Centers. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Obesity and Your Feet

People who are overweight are putting more pressure on their ankles, knees, and hips as well as their feet. This unfortunately can lead to variety of different issues.

Problems & Complications Stemming from Obesity

• When the body is overweight, it tries to compensate by changing the way that it moves. An obese person may lean forward and put extra weight on the wrong part of the foot. This puts unnecessary stress on the feet.
• Obese people are also more likely to develop type II diabetes which is a condition that causes a lot of foot problems. People with diabetes often don’t feel the cuts and sores that they may have on their feet, which can lead to more complicated and severe issues.
• Plantar fasciitis is another foot condition that can be caused by obesity. Plantar fasciitis is an inflammation of the tissue along the bottom of the foot, which causes pain and stiffness while walking and climbing stairs.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact one of our offices located in Springfield, and White House, TN, . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

When your ankle rolls to one side after unexpectedly stepping off of a curb, the pain and discomfort that often accompanies this type of injury can be intense. Many patients have difficulty walking after incurring an ankle injury, and running activities are temporarily impossible to partake in. An ankle sprain typically consists of damaged ligaments that comes from being stretched too far. Common symptoms of an ankle injury often include swelling and throbbing on and around the affected area, severe pain and discomfort while attempting to move it, and it is often tender when touched. Moderate relief can be obtained while elevating the ankle. This may help in diminishing a portion of the swelling. After a proper diagnosis is performed, which typically consists of having an X-ray taken, the ankle will generally be wrapped in an elastic bandage that can provide adequate support. It is strongly advised that you seek the counsel of a podiatrist who can properly treat ankle injuries.

Ankle sprains are common but need immediate attention. If you need your feet checked, contact Dr. Kevin Davis from Davis Foot & Ankle Centers. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

How Does an Ankle Sprain Occur?

Ankle sprains take place when the ligaments in your ankle are torn or stretched beyond their limits. There are multiple ways that the ankle can become injured, including twisting or rolling over onto your ankle, putting undue stress on it, or causing trauma to the ankle itself.

What Are the Symptoms?

• Mild to moderate bruising
• Limited mobility
• Swelling
• Discoloration of the skin (depending on severity)

Preventing a Sprain

• Wearing appropriate shoes for the occasion
• Stretching before exercises and sports
• Knowing your limits

Treatment of a Sprain

Treatment of a sprain depends on the severity.  Many times, people are told to rest and remain off their feet completely, while others are given an air cast. If the sprain is very severe, surgery may be required.

If you have suffered an ankle sprain previously, you may want to consider additional support such as a brace and regular exercises to strengthen the ankle.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact one of our offices located in Springfield, and White House, TN, . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.