Plantar fasciitis involves inflammation of the thick band of tissue that supports the arch of the foot. It often develops when improper footwear fails to provide adequate support or cushioning, placing excessive strain on the heel and arch. Symptoms include sharp heel pain, stiffness, and discomfort that is often worse in the morning or after periods of rest. Risk factors include prolonged standing, high-impact activities, flat feet, high arches, and wearing unsupportive shoes. A podiatrist can diagnose the condition, recommend proper footwear, prescribe custom orthotics, and develop a treatment plan to reduce pain and improve function. Plantar fasciitis can be painful, and may cause difficulty in completing daily activities. If you have consistent heel pain, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can accurately diagnose the problem.

Plantar fasciitis is a common foot condition that is often caused by a strain injury. If you are experiencing heel pain or symptoms of plantar fasciitis, contact one of our providers from Advanced Foot & Ankle Care Centers. Our providers can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

What Is Plantar Fasciitis?

Plantar fasciitis is one of the most common causes of heel pain. The plantar fascia is a ligament that connects your heel to the front of your foot. When this ligament becomes inflamed, plantar fasciitis is the result. If you have plantar fasciitis you will have a stabbing pain that usually occurs with your first steps in the morning. As the day progresses and you walk around more, this pain will start to disappear, but it will return after long periods of standing or sitting.

What Causes Plantar Fasciitis?

• Excessive running
• Having high arches in your feet
• Other foot issues such as flat feet
• Pregnancy (due to the sudden weight gain)
• Being on your feet very often

There are some risk factors that may make you more likely to develop plantar fasciitis compared to others. The condition most commonly affects adults between the ages of 40 and 60. It also tends to affect people who are obese because the extra pounds result in extra stress being placed on the plantar fascia.

Prevention

• Take good care of your feet – Wear shoes that have good arch support and heel cushioning.
• Maintain a healthy weight
• If you are a runner, alternate running with other sports that won’t cause heel pain

There are a variety of treatment options available for plantar fasciitis along with the pain that accompanies it. Additionally, physical therapy is a very important component in the treatment process. It is important that you meet with your podiatrist to determine which treatment option is best for you.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our offices located in Nashville, Smyrna, Spring Hill, Columbia, Dickson, Fairview, Hohenwald, TN and Midtown, TN . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Ingrown toenails are often described as a simple trimming problem, but the real causes are usually more complex. Nail shape, toe structure, and pressure patterns all influence how a nail grows. Shoes that crowd the toes, repetitive stress from walking or sports, and even subtle changes in gait can push the nail edge into surrounding skin. Over time, the body reacts with swelling, redness, and pain that may worsen without clear infection. Home remedies sometimes mask symptoms while the nail continues to grow incorrectly beneath the surface. Chronic ingrown toenails can also alter how you walk, leading to discomfort elsewhere in the foot. Treatment focuses on correcting the nail growth pattern and relieving pressure, not just reducing pain. If toe pain, swelling, or recurring nail issues persist, it is suggested that you see a podiatrist for a diagnosis and appropriate treatment.

Ingrown toenails can become painful if they are not treated properly. For more information about ingrown toenails, contact one of our providers of Advanced Foot & Ankle Care Centers. Our providers can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Ingrown Toenails

Ingrown toenails occur when a toenail grows sideways into the bed of the nail, causing pain, swelling, and possibly infection.

Causes

• Bacterial infections
• Improper nail cutting such as cutting it too short or not straight across
• Trauma to the toe, such as stubbing, which causes the nail to grow back irregularly
• Ill-fitting shoes that bunch the toes too close together
• Genetic predisposition

Prevention

Wearing proper fitting shoes and using proper cutting techniques will also help decrease your risk of developing ingrown toenails.

Treatment

Ingrown toenails are a very treatable foot condition. In minor cases, soaking the affected area in salt or antibacterial soaps will not only help with the ingrown nail itself, but also help prevent any infections from occurring. In more severe cases, surgery is an option. In either case, speaking to your podiatrist about this condition will help you get a better understanding of specific treatment options that are right for you.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our offices located in Nashville, Smyrna, Spring Hill, Columbia, Dickson, Fairview, Hohenwald, TN and Midtown, TN . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Tendonitis of the ankle and foot is a musculoskeletal condition defined as inflammation of the tendons that connect muscles to bones and support movement. This irritation often develops from injury or repetitive overuse that places strain on the tendons. Several types may occur in different areas of the foot and ankle. Posterior tendonitis affects tendons along the back portion of the ankle, while medial tendonitis involves the inner side of the foot. Lateral tendonitis affects the outer side, and dorsal tendonitis occurs along the top of the foot. Symptoms include pain, swelling, tenderness, and reduced movement during activity. Risk factors include overtraining, improper footwear, and sudden changes in activity. A podiatrist can diagnose the condition and guide treatment. If you have any of the above symptoms, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can accurately diagnose and treat what may be going on.

Foot Pain

Foot pain can be extremely painful and debilitating. If you have a foot pain, consult with one of our providers from Advanced Foot & Ankle Care Centers. Our providers 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 offices located in Nashville, Smyrna, Spring Hill, Columbia, Dickson, Fairview, Hohenwald, TN and Midtown, TN . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

The foot and ankle form a busy, flexible system that supports you with every step. The ankle acts like a hinge, allowing the foot to move up and down so walking feels smooth and natural. Beneath it, the foot is built from many small bones that fit together like a puzzle, creating strength while still allowing movement. The arch helps absorb shock each time your heel hits the ground, and the toes help push the body forward during the next step. Ligaments hold the bones in place, muscles guide movement, and tendons act like strong cables that lift and lower the foot. When everything works in harmony, the foot and ankle provide balance, stability, and protection during daily activities. If you notice pain, stiffness, or changes in how your foot or ankle moves, it is suggested that you see a podiatrist for a proper evaluation and guidance.

If you have any concerns about your feet, contact one of our providers from Advanced Foot & Ankle Care Centers. Our providers 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 offices located in Nashville, Smyrna, Spring Hill, Columbia, Dickson, Fairview, Hohenwald, TN and Midtown, TN . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.