Healthy feet support comfort, mobility, and an active lifestyle. Simple daily habits can go a long way in protecting them. Washing the feet each day and drying carefully between the toes helps prevent skin infections. Moisturizing the tops and bottoms of the feet keeps skin from becoming dry and cracked, although lotion should not be placed between the toes. Toenails should be trimmed straight across to help prevent painful ingrown nails. Wearing well-fitted shoes with good support can reduce pressure and protect the feet from injury. It is also helpful to change socks regularly and choose breathable materials that keep feet dry. Regular movement and gentle stretching can keep muscles and joints working properly. Paying attention to any new pain, swelling, or changes in the skin or nails is important. If you notice persistent foot discomfort or unusual changes, it is suggested that you see a podiatrist for a proper diagnosis and appropriate treatment.

Everyday foot care is very important to prevent infection and other foot ailments. If you need your feet checked, 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.

Everyday Foot Care

Often, people take care of their bodies, face and hair more so than they do for their feet. But the feet are a very important aspect of our bodies, and one that we should pay more attention to. Without our feet, we would not be able to perform most daily tasks.

It is best to check your feet regularly to make sure there are no new bruises or cuts that you may not have noticed before. For dry feet, moisturizer can easily be a remedy and can be applied as often as necessary to the affected areas. Wearing shoes that fit well can also help you maintain good foot health, as well as making it easier to walk and do daily activities without the stress or pain of ill-fitting shoes, high heels, or even flip flops. Wearing clean socks with closed shoes is important to ensure that sweat and bacteria do not accumulate within the shoe. Clean socks help to prevent Athlete’s foot, fungi problems, bad odors, and can absorb sweat.

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.

Cuboid syndrome affects a small bone on the outer side of the foot, called the cuboid. This bone helps the foot move and stay stable when walking. In cuboid syndrome, the bone shifts slightly out of its normal position. This can cause pain along the outside of the foot and make it hard to stand or walk comfortably. The problem often happens after an ankle sprain or from repeated stress from running or jumping. Cuboid syndrome can also be linked to having flat feet or tight muscles in the lower leg. A podiatrist can examine the foot, check how it moves, and use imaging to confirm the cause of the pain. Treatment plans include gently guiding the bone back into place and using supportive devices. This includes items like braces, shoe inserts, or padding that help hold the foot in a stable position and reduce strain. If you have symptoms of cuboid syndrome, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist for help.

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.

Stress fractures are small cracks in bone that develop when repeated force exceeds the bone’s ability to repair itself. In the foot, certain bones are more commonly affected because they bear body weight with every step. The second and third metatarsals, which are the long bones that connect the toes to the midfoot, are frequent sites of stress fractures. The heel bone can also develop stress fractures due to constant impact from walking and playing sports. Another high-risk area is the navicular bone near the top of the midfoot, which plays a key role in maintaining the arch. Symptoms of stress fractures include pinpoint tenderness, deep aching pain, swelling, and discomfort that worsens with activity. A podiatrist can evaluate gait mechanics and use advanced imaging to confirm the diagnosis. If you have symptoms of stress fractures in the feet, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist for an exam, diagnosis, and treatment.

Stress fractures occur when there is a tiny crack within a bone. To learn more, 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.

How Are They Caused?

Stress fractures are the result of repetitive force being placed on the bone. Since the lower leg and feet often carry most of the body’s weight, stress fractures are likely to occur in these areas. If you rush into a new exercise, you are more likely to develop a stress fracture since you are starting too much, too soon.  Pain resulting from stress fractures may go unnoticed at first, however it may start to worsen over time.

Risk Factors

• Gender – They are more commonly found in women compared to men.
• Foot Problems – People with unusual arches in their feet are more likely to develop stress fractures.
• Certain Sports – Dancers, gymnasts, tennis players, runners, and basketball players are more likely to develop stress fractures.
• Lack of Nutrients – A lack of vitamin D and calcium may weaken the bones and make you more prone to stress fractures
• Weak Bones – Osteoporosis can weaken the bones therefore resulting in stress fractures

Stress fractures do not always heal properly, so it is important that you seek help from a podiatrist if you suspect you may have one. Ignoring your stress fracture may cause it to worsen, and you may develop chronic pain as well as additional fractures.

If you have any questions please 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.

Gout and pseudogout are forms of inflammatory arthritis caused by crystal buildup in the joints, leading to pain and swelling. Gout develops from uric acid crystals, often affecting the big toe and causing sudden, intense pain, redness, and warmth. Pseudogout is caused by calcium pyrophosphate crystals and more commonly affects larger joints, such as the ankle or knee, with symptoms that include stiffness, swelling, and discomfort. While both conditions share similar signs, they differ in the type of crystals and underlying causes. Risk factors include aging, joint damage, dehydration, and certain medical conditions. A podiatrist can help by identifying the condition, managing symptoms, and recommending treatment. If you have pain or swelling in your big toe joint or surrounding areas, it is suggested that you seek podiatric care to find relief and prevent future flare-ups.

Gout is a foot condition that requires certain treatment and care. If you are seeking treatment, contact one of our providers from Advanced Foot & Ankle Care Centers. Our providers will treat your foot and ankle needs.

What Is Gout?

Gout is a type of arthritis caused by a buildup of uric acid in the bloodstream. It often develops in the foot, especially the big toe area, although it can manifest in other parts of the body as well. Gout can make walking and standing very painful and is especially common in diabetics and the obese.

People typically get gout because of a poor diet. Genetic predisposition is also a factor. The children of parents who have had gout frequently have a chance of developing it themselves.

Gout can easily be identified by redness and inflammation of the big toe and the surrounding areas of the foot. Other symptoms include extreme fatigue, joint pain, and running high fevers. Sometimes corticosteroid drugs can be prescribed to treat gout, but the best way to combat this disease is to get more exercise and eat a better diet.

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.