Items filtered by date: February 2024

Hallux valgus, commonly known as a bunion, is a medical condition that affects the joint at the base of the big toe. This condition occurs when the big toe deviates towards the smaller toes, causing a bony protrusion on the side of the foot. Bunions can result from various factors such as genetics, improper footwear, and structural foot abnormalities. Symptoms of hallux valgus include pain, swelling, and redness around the big toe joint, often aggravated by wearing tight or ill-fitting shoes. As the bunion progresses, it may lead to difficulty in finding comfortable footwear, corns or calluses, and restricted joint movement. While conservative measures like wearing proper footwear and orthotic inserts may provide relief, severe cases may require surgical intervention to correct the deformity and alleviate symptoms. Understanding hallux valgus and its symptoms is critical for early intervention and effective management, promoting foot health and overall well-being. If you have developed a bunion, it is strongly suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can offer you effective relief methods.

If you are suffering from bunion pain, contact one of our podiatrists of Advanced Foot & Ankle Care Centers. Our doctors 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 offices located in Nashville, Smyrna, Spring Hill, Columbia, Dickson, Fairview, Hohenwald, TN and the Middle Tennessee community . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Selecting proper footwear is essential for managing arthritis-related foot pain and maintaining mobility. Shoes should support individual foot types and joint conditions to prevent discomfort and enhance movement. Features such as stabilizing cushioning, roomy toe boxes, and rocker bottoms may help to alleviate pressure on the forefoot. Casual shoes and athletic sneakers with supportive cushioning are recommended, while dress shoes should prioritize function over style, favoring a wide-toe box and sturdy heels. Sandals with adjustable straps provide customized fit and support, while flip-flops may increase instability. Ultimately, choosing appropriate footwear can significantly improve comfort and mobility for individuals with arthritis. If you suffer from arthritis and it causes foot discomfort, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist to discuss specific shoe recommendations that may improve your comfort and quality of life.

Arthritis can be a difficult condition to live with. If you are seeking treatment, contact one of our podiatrists from Advanced Foot & Ankle Care Centers. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Arthritic Foot Care  

Arthritis is a joint disorder that involves the inflammation of different joints in your body, such as those in your feet. Arthritis is often caused by a degenerative joint disease and causes mild to severe pain in all affected areas. In addition to this, swelling and stiffness in the affected joints can also be a common symptom of arthritis.

In many cases, wearing ill-fitting shoes can worsen the effects and pain of arthritis. Wearing shoes that have a lower heel and extra room can help your feet feel more comfortable. In cases of rheumatoid arthritis, the arch in your foot may become problematic. Buying shoes with proper arch support that contour to your feet can help immensely.

Alleviating Arthritic Pain

• Exercises that stretch the foot can prevent further pain and injury and increase mobility
• Most of the pain can be alleviated with anti-inflammatory drugs, heat, and topical medications
• Massages can help temporarily alleviate pain.

It is best to see your doctor for the treatment that is right for your needs and symptoms. Conditions vary, and a podiatrist can help you determine the right method of care for your feet.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our offices located in Nashville, Smyrna, Spring Hill, Columbia, Dickson, Fairview, Hohenwald, TN and the Middle Tennessee community . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.

A broken foot, also known as a foot fracture, is a common injury that can occur due to various causes and manifests with distinct symptoms. Trauma from accidents, falls, or sports injuries is a primary culprit behind foot fractures, leading to cracks or breaks in the bones. Symptoms of a broken foot include pain, swelling, and bruising around the affected area, making weight-bearing difficult or impossible. Patients may also experience tenderness to touch, deformity, or an audible snap or pop at the time of injury. In severe cases, the broken bone may protrude through the skin, causing an open fracture. Recognizing these symptoms is vital for a prompt diagnosis and treatment, which may involve immobilization, pain management, and in some cases, surgical intervention to ensure proper healing and restoration of foot function. If you suspect you have broken your foot, it is suggested that you visit a podiatrist as quickly as possible who can confirm the diagnosis, and offer treatment that is best suited for you.

A broken foot requires immediate medical attention and treatment. If you need your feet checked, contact one of our podiatrists from Advanced Foot & Ankle Care Centers. Our doctors 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 offices located in Nashville, Smyrna, Spring Hill, Columbia, Dickson, Fairview, Hohenwald, TN and the Middle Tennessee community . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Morton's neuroma is a painful condition that affects the nerves in the ball of the foot, often causing discomfort and a sensation of a lump between the toes. To diagnose and effectively treat Morton's neuroma, podiatrists often employ various imaging tests. Ultrasound is a commonly used imaging technique to visualize Morton's neuroma. It provides real time images and allows for dynamic assessment, which can help in confirming the diagnosis. Ultrasound can also guide injections for therapeutic purposes. Magnetic resonance imaging, or MRI, is another valuable tool for evaluating Morton's neuroma. It offers detailed images of the foot's soft tissues, providing insight into the size and location of the neuroma. This can assist in treatment planning and determining the severity of the condition. X-rays, although less effective in directly visualizing neuromas, are sometimes used to rule out other foot conditions like bone abnormalities or arthritis. These imaging tests play a vital role in diagnosing Morton's neuroma and determining the most appropriate treatment approach, which may include conservative measures, injections, or surgical intervention. If you have pain in the ball of your foot, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist, as early intervention can lead to more effective management of this painful foot condition.

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 Advanced Foot & Ankle Care Centers. Our doctors 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 offices located in Nashville, Smyrna, Spring Hill, Columbia, Dickson, Fairview, Hohenwald, TN and the Middle Tennessee community . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.