Items filtered by date: January 2024

Tarsal tunnel syndrome, abbreviated TTS, is a condition that often eludes immediate recognition, yet its impact on foot health can be significant. The tarsal tunnel, a narrow passage along the inner ankle, houses the posterior tibial nerve and various blood vessels. When this tunnel becomes compressed or irritated, it gives rise to tarsal tunnel syndrome. Diagnosing TTS involves keen attention to symptoms, which may include a burning or tingling sensation, numbness, or pain along the inner ankle and sole of the foot. As the condition progresses, individuals may experience weakness in the affected foot. Differentiating TTS from other foot issues requires a comprehensive examination, including a thorough medical history, physical assessment, and possibly imaging studies. If you have pain on the inside of your ankle, it is strongly suggested that you seek the advice of a podiatrist who can accurately diagnose and treat tarsal tunnel syndrome.

Tarsal tunnel syndrome can be very uncomfortable to live with. If you are experiencing tarsal tunnel syndrome, 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.

Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome

Tarsal tunnel syndrome, which can also be called tibial nerve dysfunction, is an uncommon condition of misfiring peripheral nerves in the foot. The tibial nerve is the peripheral nerve in the leg responsible for sensation and movement of the foot and calf muscles. In tarsal tunnel syndrome, the tibial nerve is damaged, causing problems with movement and feeling in the foot of the affected leg.

Common Cause of Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome

• Involves pressure or an injury, direct pressure on the tibial nerve for an extended period of time, sometimes caused by other body structures close by or near the knee.
• Diseases that damage nerves, including diabetes, may cause tarsal tunnel syndrome.
• At times, tarsal tunnel syndrome can appear without an obvious cause in some cases.

The Effects of Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome

• Different sensations, an afflicted person may experience pain, tingling, burning or other unusual sensations in the foot of the affected leg.
• The foot muscles, toes and ankle become weaker, and curling your toes or flexing your foot can become difficult.
• If condition worsens, infections and ulcers may develop on the foot that is experiencing the syndrome.

A physical exam of the leg can help identify the presence of tarsal tunnel syndrome. Medical tests, such as a nerve biopsy, are also used to diagnose the condition. Patients may receive physical therapy and prescriptive medication. In extreme cases, some may require surgery.

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

Children's feet undergo remarkable changes and development throughout their early years, playing a pivotal role in their overall well-being. During infancy, a child's feet have a soft and pliable structure, gradually forming the arches over time. It is essential to allow infants to kick and stretch their feet freely, aiding in natural muscle development. As children begin to walk, usually around their 12 to 18 months, selecting proper footwear becomes critical. Shoes should provide ample support without constricting movement. Flat feet are common in toddlers, but arch development generally progresses with age. Regular observation is vital to detect any irregularities or signs of discomfort. Children's feet grow rapidly, necessitating regular shoe size checks and replacements. Additionally, fostering good hygiene practices, such as keeping toenails properly trimmed and addressing any foot pain promptly, contributes to the overall health and well-being of children's feet. If you notice any foot problems in your child, it is suggested that you visit a podiatrist who can perform an exam and determine the cause.

The health of a child’s feet is vital to their overall well-being. If you have any questions regarding foot health, 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.

Tips for Keeping Children's Feet Healthy

• Make sure their shoes fit properly
• Look for any signs of in-toeing or out-toeing
• Check to see if they have Clubfoot (condition that affects your child’s foot and ankle, twisting the heel and toes inward) which is one of the most common nonmajor birth defects.
• Lightly cover your baby’s feet (Tight covers may keep your baby from moving their feet freely, and could prevent normal development)
• Allow your toddler to go shoeless (Shoes can be restricting for a young child’s foot)
• Cut toenails straight across to avoid ingrown toenails
• Keep your child’s foot clean and dry
• Cover cuts and scrapes. Wash any scratches with soap and water and cover them with a bandage until they’ve healed.

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

Pinky toe pain, though often perceived as a minor inconvenience, can stem from various factors, warranting attention to ensure optimal foot health. One prevalent cause is wearing ill-fitting footwear, particularly shoes that cramp the toes or have a narrow toe box. This type of shoe compresses the pinky toe, leading to discomfort and potential issues such as corns or calluses. Additionally, trauma or injury, such as stubbing the toe or dropping a heavy object on it, can induce pain and swelling in the pinky toe. Additionally, structural anomalies, like bunions or hammertoes, may contribute to misalignment, affecting the pinky toe's position and causing pain. Ingrown toenails, resulting from improper nail trimming or tight shoes, can also lead to discomfort and inflammation. Addressing pinky toe pain necessitates identifying the underlying cause, whether it be related to footwear, injury, or structural issues. If you have developed pain in your pinky toe, it is suggested that you visit a podiatrist who can determine what the cause is, and offer appropriate treatment options. 

Toe pain can disrupt your daily activities. 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 Causes Toe Pain?

Most severe toe pain is caused due to a sports injury, trauma from dropping something heavy on the toe, or bumping into something rigid. Other problems can develop over time for various reasons.

Toe pain can be caused by one or more ailments. The most common include:

• Trauma
• Sports injury
• Wearing shoes that are too tight
• Arthritis
• Gout
• Corns and calluses
• Hammertoe
• Bunions
• Blisters
• Ingrown toenails
• Sprains
• Fractures (broken bones)
• Dislocations

When to See a Podiatrist

• Severe pain
• Persistent pain that lasts more than a week
• Signs of infection
• Continued swelling
• Pain that prevents walking

Diagnosis

In many cases the cause of toe pain is obvious, but in others, a podiatrist may want to use more advanced methods to determine the problem. These can range from simple visual inspections and sensation tests to X-rays and MRI scans. Prior medical history, family medical history, and any recent physical traumatic events will all be taken into consideration for a proper diagnosis.

Treatment

Treatments for toe pain and injuries vary and may include shoe inserts, padding, taping, medicines, injections, and in some cases, surgery. If you believe that you have broken a toe, please see a podiatrist as soon as possible.

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

Foot injuries can make any sport challenging, even impossible. Pain in different parts of the foot is a common problem for skaters. It is important to identify the source of the pain, whether you skate for recreation or competitively. While rest and self-care can help, persistent symptoms should prompt a visit to a podiatrist. Make sure to bring your skates for evaluation, as poorly fitted boots can contribute to the problem. Boots that fit properly are essential for injury prevention and improved performance. Some common boot related problems can include wearing overly tight or large boots, excessive lacing over the instep, lace bite, blisters, and pressure-related issues. In addition to boot related problems, skaters can experience various foot injuries, such as malleolar bursitis, Achilles tendon issues, plantar fasciitis, and metatarsal stress fractures. Inline and roller skating activities involve quick turns, stops, and advanced maneuvers that put stress on the feet and ankles. If you participate in skating sports and have foot or ankle discomfort, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for a proper evaluation and treatment.

Ankle and foot injuries are common among athletes and in many sports. They can be caused by several problems and may be potentially serious. If you are feeling pain or think you were injured in a sporting event or when exercising, consult with Dr. Kevin Davis from Davis Foot & Ankle Centers. Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

Common Injuries

The most common injuries that occur in sporting activities include:

• Achilles Tendonitis
• Achilles Tendon Rupture
• Ankle Sprains
• Broken Foot
• Plantar Fasciitis
• Stress Fractures
• Turf Toe

Symptoms

Symptoms vary depending upon the injury and in some cases, there may be no symptoms at all. However, in most cases, some form of symptom is experienced. Pain, aching, burning, bruising, tenderness, tightness or stiffness, sensation loss, difficulty moving, and swelling are the most common symptoms.

Treatment

Just as symptoms vary depending upon the injury, so do treatment options. A common treatment method is known as the RICE method. This method involves rest, applying ice, compression and elevating the afflicted foot or ankle. If the injury appears to be more serious, surgery might be required, such as arthroscopic or reconstructive surgery. Lastly, rehabilitation or therapy might be needed to gain full functionality in the afflicted area. Any discomfort experienced by an athlete must be evaluated by a licensed, reputable medical professional.  

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

Sever's disease, a common but often misunderstood condition, is not truly a disease, but rather a growth-related heel pain that affects active children and adolescents. This condition, also known as calcaneal apophysitis, occurs when the growth plate at the back of the heel becomes inflamed due to repetitive stress and tension. Children between the ages of 8 and 15 are most susceptible to Sever's disease, as this is typically when their bones are rapidly growing. This growth spurt places extra stress on the heel's growth plate, especially in active children who participate in sports or activities that involve running and jumping. The hallmark symptom of Sever's disease is heel pain, often exacerbated by physical activity. This pain can be particularly bothersome during or after exercise. Understanding Sever's disease is essential for parents and young athletes, as it enables early recognition and appropriate management. If your active child has heel pain, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can effectively diagnose and treat Sever’s disease.

Sever's disease often occurs in children and teens. If your child is experiencing foot or ankle pain, see Dr. Kevin Davis from Davis Foot & Ankle Centers. Our doctor can treat your child’s foot and ankle needs.

Sever’s Disease

Sever’s disease is also known as calcaneal apophysitis, which is a medical condition that causes heel pain I none or both feet. The disease is known to affect children between the ages of 8 and 14.

Sever’s disease occurs when part of the child’s heel known as the growth plate (calcaneal epiphysis) is attached to the Achilles tendon. This area can suffer injury when the muscles and tendons of the growing foot do not keep pace with bone growth. Therefore, the constant pain which one experiences at the back of the heel will make the child unable to put any weight on the heel. The child is then forced to walk on their toes.

Symptoms

Acute pain – Pain associated with Sever’s disease is usually felt in the heel when the child engages in physical activity such as walking, jumping and or running.

Highly active – Children who are very active are among the most susceptible in experiencing Sever’s disease, because of the stress and tension placed on their feet.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in Springfield, TN . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle injuries.