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Several Areas of the Foot Can Be Painful
There are several areas of the foot that can become painful. Some people experience toe pain, heel pain, or even toenail pain when specific shoes are worn, or activities are pursued. Plantar fasciitis is a common foot condition that can cause severe pain and discomfort, and treatment is suggested to begin at the first signs of pain. Heel pain is often associated with this condition, and may radiate to the Achilles tendon. Toe pain may be the result of the ailment known as gout, or it may develop from having a bunion. Additionally, corns can cause extreme pain, especially when one forms on the outside of the pinky toe. Pain in the toenails may be what is referred to as a subungual hematoma, and can happen from excessive rubbing of the toes against the shoe. Extensor tendonitis may be the cause for pain on top of the foot, which can be accompanied by swelling and difficulty in running. If you have pain in any area of your foot, it is strongly suggested that you seek the expert advice from a podiatrist who can determine why it is occurring, and treat it accordingly.
Foot Pain
Foot pain can be extremely painful and debilitating. If you have a foot pain, 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.
Causes
Foot pain is a very broad condition that could be caused by one or more ailments. The most common include:
- Bunions
- Hammertoes
- Plantar Fasciitis
- Bone Spurs
- Corns
- Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome
- Ingrown Toenails
- Arthritis (such as Gout, Rheumatoid, and Osteoarthritis)
- Flat Feet
- Injury (from stress fractures, broken toe, foot, ankle, Achilles tendon ruptures, and sprains)
- And more
Diagnosis
To figure out the cause of foot pain, podiatrists utilize several different methods. This 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
Treatment depends upon the cause of the foot pain. Whether it is resting, staying off the foot, or having surgery; podiatrists have a number of treatment options available for foot pain.
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.
Foot Shape and Ancestry?
Some people think that foot shape may help to determine ancestry, despite the fact, there is no concrete evidence to support this. The type of arch one has may contribute significantly to the entire shape of the foot and differs from person to person. Research has indicated the arch affects the movement of the foot, and overuse can happen when the arch is too high or low. Additionally, the arch is responsible for pronation and supination of the foot and is a normal part of walking. This is defined as pushing off while walking or running, and the feet will naturally roll outward to balance the weight of the body. An abnormal foot structure may lead to the development of specific foot conditions that can include bunions, plantar fasciitis, and ankle pain. If you have questions about your foot structure, or if you have any foot conditions, it is strongly advised that you confer with a podiatrist who can eagerly address any concerns you may have.
If you have any concerns 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.
Biomechanics in Podiatry
Podiatric biomechanics is a particular sector of specialty podiatry with licensed practitioners who are trained to diagnose and treat conditions affecting the foot, ankle and lower leg. Biomechanics deals with the forces that act against the body, causing an interference with the biological structures. It focuses on the movement of the ankle, the foot and the forces that interact with them.
A History of Biomechanics
- Biomechanics dates back to the BC era in Egypt where evidence of professional foot care has been recorded.
- In 1974, biomechanics gained a higher profile from the studies of Merton Root, who claimed that by changing or controlling the forces between the ankle and the foot, corrections or conditions could be implemented to gain strength and coordination in the area.
Modern technological improvements are based on past theories and therapeutic processes that provide a better understanding of podiatric concepts for biomechanics. Computers can provide accurate information about the forces and patterns of the feet and lower legs.
Understanding biomechanics of the feet can help improve and eliminate pain, stopping further stress to the foot.
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.
Gout Pain Can Be Managed
Gout is a painful, inflammatory form of arthritis. Those affected will typically feel an intense stiffness in the joints of their feet, particularly in the big toe. Schedule a visit to learn about how gout can be managed and treated.
Proper Form, Exercises, and Shoes May Help to Prevent Running Injuries
People who enjoy the sport of running are all too familiar with attempting to prevent running injuries. This may be accomplished by performing proper strength training exercises, in addition to wearing the right shoes and having proper form. Research has shown the number of running injuries that are encountered may be related to how many injuries have happened in the past, in addition to possibly having foot problems. Many people get hurt as a result of increasing speed and mileage too quickly, in addition to not warming up and cooling down properly. Performing strength training exercises for the feet and body may help considerably reduce the number of running injuries. If you are interested in learning more about how running injuries can affect the feet and how to prevent them, please consult with a podiatrist.
Exercising your feet regularly with the proper foot wear is a great way to prevent injuries. If you have any concerns about your feet, contact Dr. Kevin Davis of Davis Foot & Ankle Centers. Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.
How to Prevent Running Injuries
Many common running injuries are caused by overuse and overtraining. When the back of the kneecap starts wearing out and starts causing pain in your knee, this is commonly referred to as runner’s knee. Runner’s knee is a decrease in strength in your quadriceps and can occur if you’re not wearing properly fitted or supporting shoes. To prevent runner’s knee, focusing on hip strengthening is a good idea, as well as strengthening your quads to keep the kneecaps aligned.
What Are Some Causes of Running Injuries?
- One cause of a common running injury is called iliotibial band syndrome.
- Plantar fasciitis is also another common injury.
- Stress fractures can occur from overtraining, lack of calcium, or even your running style.
Best Ways to Prevent Running Injuries
- Wear footwear that fits properly and suits your running needs.
- Running shoes are the only protective gear that runners have to safeguard them from injury.
- Make a training schedule. Adding strengthening exercises as well as regular stretching can help keep you strong and limber and can lessen the possibility of injuries.
- Stretching keeps muscles limber; this will help you gain better flexibility.
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.
Reasons Why Bunions May Develop
People who have bunions may be embarrassed by their appearance. It is defined as a hard lump that forms on the side of the big toe, and may gradually increase in size. It can develop for reasons consisting of genetic factors, or from wearing shoes that do not have adequate room for the toes to move freely in. A severe bunion may cause the toes to shift toward each other, and it may cause difficulty in walking. There are some patients that have corns and calluses that develop on top of the bunion, and this can happen from friction as the toe touches the shoe. If daily activities are affected, surgery may need to be performed for permanent removal. A bunion may form from existing medical conditions, including arthritis, gout, and cerebral palsy. Many people notice their skin is red and swollen surrounding the bunion, and the big toe may be stiff. If you are aware of the beginning stages of a bunion, it is strongly urged that you consult with a podiatrist who can treat this type of foot condition.
If you are suffering from bunion pain, 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?
Bunions are painful bony bumps that usually develop on the inside of the foot at the joint of the big toe. As the deformity increases over time, it may become painful to walk and wear shoes. Women are more likely to exacerbate existing bunions since they often wear tight, narrow shoes that shift their toes together. Bunion pain can be relieved by wearing wider shoes with enough room for the toes.
Causes
- Genetics – some people inherit feet that are more prone to bunion development
- Inflammatory Conditions - rheumatoid arthritis and polio may cause bunion development
Symptoms
- Redness and inflammation
- Pain and tenderness
- Callus or corns on the bump
- Restricted motion in the big toe
In order to diagnose your bunion, your podiatrist may ask about your medical history, symptoms, and general health. Your doctor might also order an x-ray to take a closer look at your feet. Nonsurgical treatment options include orthotics, padding, icing, changes in footwear, and medication. If nonsurgical treatments don’t alleviate your bunion pain, surgery may be necessary.
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.
Why Ankle Pain Occurs
Having ankle pain is a good indicator that an injury has happened to the ankle bone or the surrounding joints. The ankle is in the perfect position where the foot bones and leg connect. There are three joints in the ankle, and each has a function. These functions include providing stability to hold the body’s weight, moving the body forward while walking or running, and providing shock absorption for daily movements. Common symptoms that can accompany ankle pain is the inability to walk, swelling, and the ankle can have a throbbing or tingling sensation. The pain from an Achilles tendon injury may travel to the ankle and can make it difficult to complete daily activities. Additional reasons why ankle pain occurs include having arthritis, bursitis, edema, or an ankle fracture. Many times, there is a distinctive reason why ankle pain exists, so it is strongly suggested that a podiatrist be consulted who can perform a proper diagnosis and treat your ankle pain.
Ankle pain can have many different causes and the pain may potentially be serious. If you have ankle pain, 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.
Ankle pain is any condition that causes pain in the ankle. Due to the fact that the ankle consists of tendons, muscles, bones, and ligaments, ankle pain can come from a number of different conditions.
Causes
The most common causes of ankle pain include:
- Types of arthritis (rheumatoid, osteoarthritis, and gout)
- Ankle sprains
- Broken ankles
- Achilles tendinitis
- Achilles tendon rupture
- Stress fractures
- Tarsal tunnel syndrome
- Plantar fasciitis
Symptoms
Symptoms of ankle injury vary based upon the condition. Pain may include general pain and discomfort, swelling, aching, redness, bruising, burning or stabbing sensations, and/or loss of sensation.
Diagnosis
Due to the wide variety of potential causes of ankle pain, podiatrists will utilize a number of different methods to properly diagnose ankle pain. This can include asking for personal and family medical histories and of any recent injuries. Further diagnosis may include sensation tests, a physical examination, and potentially x-rays or other imaging tests.
Treatment
Just as the range of causes varies widely, so do treatments. Some more common treatments are rest, ice packs, keeping pressure off the foot, orthotics and braces, medication for inflammation and pain, and 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.
What Is Morton’s Neuroma?
Morton’s neuroma is a nerve condition that causes severe pain in the ball of the foot. It usually involves damage to the nerves that run between the third and fourth toes. Some link the feeling to that of having a small pebble in their shoe. The tissue around the nerve becomes thickened which can cause burning pain in the ball of the foot that radiates to the toes. Morton’s neuroma may also cause numbness and tingling. Many believe that wearing high-heeled shoes is a factor in the development of Morton’s neuroma. Some relief may be found by switching to footwear with a lower heel and a wider toe box. Other treatment options include rest, pain medication, orthotics, and injections. In severe cases, surgery may be necessary. If the pain in the ball of the foot persists or gets worse, it is wise to visit a podiatrist for an exam as well as more advanced treatment options.
Morton’s neuroma is a very uncomfortable condition to live with. If you think you have Morton’s neuroma, contact Dr. Kevin Davis of Davis Foot & Ankle Centers. Our doctor will attend to all of your foot care needs and answer any of your related questions.
Morton’s Neuroma
Morton's neuroma is a painful foot condition that commonly affects the areas between the second and third or third and fourth toe, although other areas of the foot are also susceptible. Morton’s neuroma is caused by an inflamed nerve in the foot that is being squeezed and aggravated by surrounding bones.
What Increases the Chances of Having Morton’s Neuroma?
- Ill-fitting high heels or shoes that add pressure to the toe or foot
- Jogging, running or any sport that involves constant impact to the foot
- Flat feet, bunions, and any other foot deformities
Morton’s neuroma is a very treatable condition. Orthotics and shoe inserts can often be used to alleviate the pain on the forefront of the feet. In more severe cases, corticosteroids can also be prescribed. In order to figure out the best treatment for your neuroma, it’s recommended to seek the care of a podiatrist who can diagnose your condition and provide different treatment options.
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.
Are Bunions Affecting Your Everyday Life?
Have you noticed a bony protrusion on the side of your big toe? If so, you may have developed the foot condition known as a bunion. Don't let bunions interfere with your daily activities.
Who Is Prone to Cuboid Syndrome?
Cuboid syndrome is a foot condition that can occur when the cuboid bone moves out of alignment. This can happen as a result of an acute injury or can gradually become misplaced as the aging process occurs. It can be more common among athletes and dancers than in the rest of the population and is generally triggered by physical activity. Pain and discomfort with cuboid syndrome are felt on the outside of the foot and the pain may be relieved when the weight is taken off the foot. Additional symptoms of this condition can include a limited range of motion in the foot and ankle and there may be bruising and swelling on the sole of the foot. People who have an abnormal foot structure like flat feet may be prone to developing cuboid syndrome. Additionally, patients who are obese, people who run on uneven surfaces, and wearing shoes that do not fit correctly may be possible causes of cuboid syndrome. Mild relief can come frequently resting the foot, and temporarily stopping the activity that may have caused this condition. This is a foot condition that is treated by a podiatrist, and it is suggested that you contact one for permanent treatment options if you are afflicted with cuboid syndrome.
Cuboid syndrome, also known as cuboid subluxation, occurs when the joints and ligaments near the cuboid bone in the foot become torn. If you have cuboid syndrome, 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.
Cuboid syndrome is a common cause of lateral foot pain, which is pain on the outside of the foot. The condition may happen suddenly due to an ankle sprain, or it may develop slowly overtime from repetitive tension through the bone and surrounding structures.
Causes
The most common causes of cuboid syndrome include:
- Injury – The most common cause of this ailment is an ankle sprain.
- Repetitive Strain – Tension placed through the peroneus longus muscle from repetitive activities such as jumping and running may cause excessive traction on the bone causing it to sublux.
- Altered Foot Biomechanics – Most people suffering from cuboid subluxation have flat feet.
Symptoms
A common symptom of cuboid syndrome is pain along the outside of the foot which can be felt in the ankle and toes. This pain may create walking difficulties and may cause those with the condition to walk with a limp.
Diagnosis
Diagnosis of cuboid syndrome is often difficult, and it is often misdiagnosed. X-rays, MRIs and CT scans often fail to properly show the cuboid subluxation. Although there isn’t a specific test used to diagnose cuboid syndrome, your podiatrist will usually check if pain is felt while pressing firmly on the cuboid bone of your foot.
Treatment
Just as the range of causes varies widely, so do treatments. Some more common treatments are ice therapy, rest, exercise, taping, and orthotics.
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.
Children's Feet are Different Than Adult's Feet
There are 26 bones in each foot, and they are designed in a complex way to support the body, absorb shock while walking and running, and conform to specific surfaces. When babies are born, their feet are mostly cartilage, which will harden into bones at approximately 13 years of age. The bones will develop gradually, and it is beneficial for them to wear shoes that fit properly when walking begins. Research has indicated the feet grow the fastest in the first three years, and may grow up to nine sizes during that time. Greater activity levels in children produce more stress in the feet than adults, and it is suggested that shoes which have extra cushioning be worn during the early years. Children’s shoes may show wear and tear faster than adult’s shoes, and this may be the result of excess sweating that occurs during physical activities. There are many choices to consider when purchasing children’s shoes, and it is advised that you speak with a podiatrist who can help you to make the right decision for your children’s feet.
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.
