Being obese, or having a BMI (Body Mass Index) of 30 or higher, can cause serious, negative effects throughout your body, including your feet, which absorb the force of your body weight. People with a higher BMI put an increased amount of foot pressure under the heel and metatarsal heads (balls of the foot) which is where you push off to walk or run. Obesity can also change the structure of your feet, causing them to widen, putting excess strain on your ankles, and overburdening your arches. Common foot problems that cause pain and discomfort in obese individuals include plantar fasciitis, bunions, and hammertoe. Trying to reduce your body mass is a good step towards improving your overall health. Contacting a podiatrist is another good step to take to treat any pain or discomfort you may be experiencing in your feet or ankles.

Obesity has become very problematic at this point in time and can have extremely negative effects on the feet. If you’re an obese individual and are concerned about your feet, contact one of our podiatrists from Nashville Family Foot Care. Our practitioners can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Obesity and Your Feet

Since your feet are what support your entire weight when standing, any additional weight can result in pain and swelling. Being overweight is one of the main contributors to foot complications.

Problems & Complications

Extra Weight – Even putting on just a few extra pounds could create serious complications for your feet. As your weight increases, your balance and body will shift, creating new stresses on your feet. This uneven weight distribution can cause pain, even while doing the simplest tasks, such as walking.

Diabetes – People who are overweight are at serious risk of developing type-2 diabetes, which has a drastic impact on the health of your feet. As you get older, your diabetes might worsen, which could lead to loss of feeling in your feet, sores, and bruises. You could also become more prone to various infections.

Plantar fasciitis – Pressure and stress that is placed on muscles, joints, and tendons can trigger plantar fasciitis, which is an inflammation of tissue that forms along the bottom of the foot. 

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

Tarsal tunnel syndrome is caused by compression of the posterior tibial nerve as it passes through a narrow space along the inside of the ankle. This pressure can develop from flat feet, swelling after injury, or conditions like arthritis or diabetes. Risk factors include poor foot structure, repetitive stress, and inflammation in the area. Symptoms include tingling, burning, numbness, or shooting pain that can extend into the foot and toes. Discomfort may worsen with activity or prolonged standing. A podiatrist can evaluate the condition, identify underlying causes, and recommend treatment options. Included are supportive footwear, prescribed orthotics, or certain medication. If you have pain in this part of your foot, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can diagnose and treat the problem.

Tarsal tunnel syndrome can be very uncomfortable to live with. If you are experiencing tarsal tunnel syndrome, contact one of our podiatrists of Nashville Family Foot Care. Our practitioners 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 contact our office located in Nashville, TN . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

A fracture of the fifth metatarsal is a break in the long bone on the outer side of the foot. This injury is common in athletes and dancers because of repeated stress, quick direction changes, and high impact activity. It may appear as pain along the outer foot, swelling, bruising, and difficulty walking or placing weight on the foot. Some fractures happen suddenly from a twist or fall, while others develop gradually from overuse. Because this area has a limited blood supply, proper evaluation is important for healing. A podiatrist can identify the type of fracture with imaging and determine the best course of treatment. Care may include immobilization or surgical support to ensure proper alignment and recovery. If you have a foot fracture, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can offer the treatment that is best for you.

A broken foot requires immediate medical attention and treatment. If you need your feet checked, contact one of our podiatrists from Nashville Family Foot Care. Our practitioners 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 Nashville, TN . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

A bunion is a bony bump that forms at the base of the big toe where the joint begins to shift out of place. This change occurs as the top of the toe lean toward the others. This process creates a visible prominence that can become painful. Bunions often develop slowly and may start with mild swelling and redness before leading to stiffness and discomfort with walking. Common causes include inherited foot structure, wearing tight or narrow shoes, and past foot injuries that affect joint alignment. Risk factors include flat feet, arthritis, and long periods of standing. A podiatrist can evaluate the severity, reduce inflammation, and provide treatment that improves alignment and relieves pressure. In some cases, advanced care may be recommended to correct the deformity. If you have a bunion that has become painful, it is suggested that you schedule a visit with a podiatrist for effective relief and management solutions.

If you are suffering from bunion pain, contact one of our podiatrists of Nashville Family Foot Care. Our practitioners 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 Nashville, TN . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.