Items filtered by date: June 2024

Patience and proper care are key to a full recovery from a broken foot. Healing times can vary depending on the location and severity of the break, as well as the patient's overall health and age. Typically, bones take several weeks to mend, with the initial phase focusing on immobilization to ensure proper alignment. During this time, it is important to avoid putting weight on the injured foot to prevent complications. As the weeks progress, gradual weight-bearing activities may be introduced, guided by a podiatrist. Throughout the healing process, specific stretches and other exercises can play an essential role in restoring strength and flexibility. A consistent and careful approach will support the natural healing process, leading to a stronger and healthier foot. If you have broken your foot, it is suggested that you promptly visit a podiatrist who can guide you toward the correct treatment, which may include a walking boot or a cast.

A broken foot requires immediate medical attention and treatment. 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.

Broken Foot Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment

A broken foot is caused by one of the bones in the foot typically breaking when bended, crushed, or stretched beyond its natural capabilities. Usually the location of the fracture indicates how the break occurred, whether it was through an object, fall, or any other type of injury. 

Common Symptoms of Broken Feet:

• Bruising
• Pain
• Redness
• Swelling
• Blue in color
• Numbness
• Cold
• Misshapen
• Cuts
• Deformities

Those that suspect they have a broken foot shoot seek urgent medical attention where a medical professional could diagnose the severity.

Treatment for broken bones varies depending on the cause, severity and location. Some will require the use of splints, casts or crutches while others could even involve surgery to repair the broken bones. Personal care includes the use of ice and keeping the foot stabilized and elevated.

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.

Wearing the right shoes while landscaping is essential for both safety and comfort. Proper footwear provides the necessary support and protection for your feet during strenuous outdoor activities. Landscaping often involves uneven terrain, sharp tools, and heavy lifting, making sturdy shoes with good traction vital to prevent slips and falls. Shoes with reinforced toes and durable materials protect against injuries from tools or debris. Additionally, supportive shoes help reduce fatigue and prevent foot and ankle strain, enabling you to work longer and more efficiently. Good arch support and cushioning also contribute to overall foot health, reducing the risk of chronic conditions like plantar fasciitis. Investing in high-quality, appropriate footwear ensures that you can tackle landscaping tasks safely and comfortably. If you have injured your foot from wearing the wrong shoes while landscaping, it is suggested that you speak to a podiatrist who can treat the condition and discuss what type of shoes are needed while landscaping.

While working on the feet, it is important to take the proper care of them. For more information about working on your feet, contact Dr. Kevin Davis from Davis Foot & Ankle Centers. Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.

Working on Your Feet

Standing on your feet for long periods of time can cause stress and pain in your feet. Your whole body may experience change in terms of posture, back pain, bunions, callouses and or plantar warts. There are ways to avoid these conditions with proper foot care, smart choices and correct posture.

Positive Changes

Negative heeled shoe – Choosing this shoe type places the heel slightly lower than the ball of the foot. These are great for overall foot health. Find shoes that fit you correctly.

Go barefoot – Our feet were not designed to be enclosed for all hours of the day. Try to periodically expose your feet to air.

Eliminate Pain

Foot Exercises – Performing simple exercises, incorporating yoga and doing stretches are beneficial. This will allow increased blood flow to the area and muscles of the foot.

Achilles tendon – Stretching the foot out flat on the floor will relax the calf muscles and tendon. These exercises can be performed almost anywhere. Make sure you add these exercises to your daily regimen. 

With a little bit of this information and knowing more about foot health, you will notice changes. Foot stretches and proper footwear will help with pain and prevent further issues.

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.

A bunion, medically termed hallux valgus, is a bony protrusion on the inner side of the foot, precisely at the base of the big toe. This condition arises from the misalignment of the bones in the forefoot, compelling the big toe to angle towards the lesser toes, consequently protruding the joint at its base. Bunions can cause significant discomfort and interfere with your daily activities. If you have exhausted nonsurgical options like padding or orthotic shoes, bunion surgery may be the next step to relieve your pain and improve mobility. During the procedure, a podiatrist may remove the bunion, realign bones, or release tight ligaments to straighten your big toe. Risks of bunion surgery include nerve damage, bone healing issues, or overcorrection. The recovery process often takes up to six months. Initially, you may need to keep your leg elevated to reduce swelling, and it can take weeks before you can comfortably wear regular shoes again. Among the long-term benefits of bunion surgery are improved comfort and mobility. If you are struggling with bunion pain, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist to discuss whether surgery is right for you. 

If you are suffering from bunions, 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 a Bunion?

A bunion is formed of swollen tissue or an enlargement of boney growth, usually located at the base joint of the toe that connects to the foot. The swelling occurs due to the bones in the big toe shifting inward, which impacts the other toes of the foot. This causes the area around the base of the big toe to become inflamed and painful.

Why Do Bunions Form?

Genetics – Susceptibility to bunions are often hereditary

Stress on the feet – Poorly fitted and uncomfortable footwear that places stress on feet, such as heels, can worsen existing bunions

How Are Bunions Diagnosed?

Doctors often perform two tests – blood tests and x-rays – when trying to diagnose bunions, especially in the early stages of development. Blood tests help determine if the foot pain is being caused by something else, such as arthritis, while x-rays provide a clear picture of your bone structure to your doctor.

How Are Bunions Treated?

• Refrain from wearing heels or similar shoes that cause discomfort
• Select wider shoes that can provide more comfort and reduce pain
• Anti-inflammatory and pain management drugs
• Orthotics or foot inserts
• 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 care needs.

A podiatrist, also known as a foot doctor, is a medical professional who specializes in diagnosing and treating conditions related to the feet, ankles, and lower extremities. Their primary focus is to ensure optimal foot health, addressing issues ranging from common ailments like bunions and ingrown toenails to complex conditions such as diabetic foot ulcers or sports injuries. In their workplace, podiatrists typically operate in clinics, hospitals, or private practices, equipped with diagnostic tools like X-rays and ultrasound machines. Podiatrists undergo extensive training, earning a Doctor of Podiatric Medicine, or DPM, degree from accredited podiatric medical schools. Some may further specialize in areas like sports medicine, wound care, or pediatric podiatry through postgraduate residencies or fellowships, honing their expertise to address specific patient needs effectively. If you are experiencing any type of foot condition, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can offer you effective treatment solutions, in addition to answering any questions you may have about this field of medicine. 

If you are experiencing pain in the feet or ankles, don’t join the stubborn majority refusing treatment. Feel free to 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 a Podiatrist?

Someone would seek the care of a podiatrist if they have suffered a foot injury or have common foot ailments such as heal spurs, bunions, arch problems, deformities, ingrown toenails, corns, foot and ankle problems, etc.

Podiatric Treatment

A podiatrist will treat the problematic areas of the feet, ankle or lower leg by prescribing the following:

• Physical therapy
• Drugs
• Orthotic inserts or soles
• Surgery on lower extremity fractures

A common podiatric procedure a podiatrist will use is a scanner or force plate which will allow the podiatrist to know the designs of orthotics. Patients are then told to follow a series of tasks to complete the treatment. The computer will scan the foot a see which areas show weight distribution and pressure points. The podiatrist will read the analysis and then determine which treatment plans are available.

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.