Items filtered by date: May 2023

Regardless of the type of exercise you choose to do, there is often specific footwear designed to achieve the best results for that activity. The right shoes can help with proper form and preventing foot pain during exercise. Consider that if you feel pain during or after your workouts, you may be wearing the wrong shoes for the activity. Additionally, your shoes could be worn out, or the shoes may not be the right ones for your foot type. A gait analysis involves watching how you walk without shoes to understand how your feet bear weight as you walk. This is often a starting point to recommending a shoe type for your individual gait pattern. Shoes can differ by pronation type, arch support, and other foot mechanic specifics. If you experience foot pain during your workouts, it is suggested that you visit a podiatrist for an examination, a gait analysis, and a discussion about the best shoes for you.

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

There is no mistaking the discomfort that can happen from enduring an Achilles tendon injury. It is often a sudden, sharp pain that occurs when this tendon becomes torn. It can happen to runners who increase speed and mileage too quickly, often without properly warming up. The Achilles tendon is located in the lower portion of the calf and connects the heel to the calf muscles. This type of injury may also happen while running on hard or uneven surfaces, or if the foot suddenly turns out. In addition to the intense pain this injury can cause, the affected foot may feel stiff in the morning, and is often painful when touched. Treatment often begins by stopping the activity that caused the injury, and a brace or cast may need to temporarily be worn that can provide stability as it heals. If you have had an Achilles tendon injury, it is strongly suggested that you consult with a podiatrist who can guide you toward treatment options that are correct for you.

Achilles tendon injuries need immediate attention to avoid future complications. If you have any concerns, 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 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 our office located in Nashville, TN . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.

If one feels pain in the ball of the foot, it might be from a Morton’s neuroma. This minor, but uncomfortable, condition causes swelling along a nerve in the foot. Why this happens is unclear, but once the swelling occurs, it can pressure surrounding bones and ligaments and cause inflammation and pain. One might feel a burning or numbness from the ball of the foot to the toes, and it can feel as if there is a lump underfoot. A Morton’s neuroma often develops between one foot’s third and fourth toes. It is more common in women, perhaps from wearing high heels or narrow-toed shoes, which can shift bones out of alignment and increase the risk of this affliction. Those who carry extra weight are also more apt to have this condition. If you have pain in the ball of your foot, it is suggested that you visit a podiatrist for a proper diagnosis and treatment.

Morton’s neuroma is a very uncomfortable condition to live with. If you think you have Morton’s neuroma, contact one of our podiatrists of Nashville Family Foot Care. Our practitioners 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 Nashville, TN . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

A number of exercises are known to reduce the discomfort of arthritis in the big toe by increasing both ranges of motion and strength. Toe exercises can also help to reduce stiffness. Experts suggest taking it slowly at first, and increasing the number, intensity, and length of exercise periods as the range of motion also increases. It is suggested to do motion exercises for two sets of 10 repetitions. Stretching exercises should be held for 20 to 30 seconds and performed four to five times weekly. Strength exercises call for eight to 10 repetitions, up to five times a week. For older adults, repetitions can increase to 15 with reduced resistance. Toe curls and big toe extensions are common stretching exercises. Towel curls, toe splay, and marble pickup are for strengthening. Resisted toe flexion is helpful for increasing mobility. For directions on how to best use these and other toe exercises, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist.

Toe pain can disrupt your daily activities. If you have any concerns, 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 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 Nashville, TN . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.

Children are born with 22 bones in their feet. By the time they are five years of age, that number increases to 26 bones. It is critical to care for children’s growing feet as they are vulnerable to injury, particularly as they are made of soft, flexible cartilage that will eventually turn to bone. Taking care of children’s feet will help prevent problems as they age. It is beneficial to ensure socks, shoes, and onesies allow the toes room to move and straighten out. It is helpful to check their feet regularly for any potential problems, in addition to cutting the toenails straight across. Encouraging the baby to spend time each day barefoot so they can properly exercise their feet will help them when walking begins. Soft shoes should only be put on a baby’s feet when they can walk. However, the longer a toddler walks without shoes, the faster the feet will develop naturally. It is important to check the size of all foot coverings frequently as children’s feet grow fast. If you would like more information about how to care for your child’s feet, it is suggested that you seek the counsel of a podiatrist who is an expert in this area.

Making sure that your children maintain good foot health is very important as they grow. If you have any questions, 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.

Keeping Children's Feet Healthy

Having healthy feet during childhood can help prevent medical problems later in life, namely in the back and legs. As children grow, their feet require different types of care. Here are some things to consider...

Although babies do not walk yet, it is still very important to take care of their feet.

Avoid putting tight shoes or socks on his or her feet.

Allow the baby to stretch and kick his or her feet to feel comfortable.

As a toddler, kids are now on the move and begin to develop differently. At this age, toddlers are getting a feel for walking, so don’t be alarmed if your toddler is unsteady or ‘walks funny’. 

As your child gets older, it is important to teach them how to take care of their feet.

Show them proper hygiene to prevent infections such as fungus.

Be watchful for any pain or injury.

Have all injuries checked by a doctor as soon as possible.

Comfortable, protective shoes should always be worn, especially at play.

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 and ankle needs.