Tingling in the feet can feel like pins and needles, buzzing, or mild electric shocks. It can affect one foot or both feet. Tingling that continues or returns can signal a problem. Nerve pressure, poor blood flow, and diabetes are possible causes. An injury to the foot, ankle, or lower back can also irritate a nerve. In some patients, vitamin shortages or other health conditions affect nerve function.

Other symptoms can help a podiatrist understand what is happening. Tingling can occur with numbness, burning pain, or unusual sensitivity. Some patients also notice weakness or trouble with balance. A compressed nerve near the ankle can send tingling into the heel or sole. Nerve damage related to diabetes can begin in the toes and spread through the feet. Reduced blood flow can make the feet feel cold or change their color. Tingling that starts suddenly with severe weakness requires prompt medical attention. A foot wound, swelling, or redness also deserves timely care, especially for a patient with diabetes.

A podiatrist can review when the tingling began and what affects it. The examination includes checking skin condition, blood flow, and muscle strength. The podiatrist can test feelings in different parts of the feet and look for nerve pressure. Imaging, blood tests, or nerve tests can help identify the cause. Treatment depends on the findings. A podiatrist can protect areas with reduced feeling and address pressure caused by foot structure. The doctor can recommend properly fitted shoes or custom orthotics. Regular foot checks can help detect injuries that a patient may not feel. Early evaluation can reduce the risk of complications and help preserve safe movement. If you have tingling in the feet that does not go away, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for a diagnosis and appropriate treatment.

Neuropathy

Neuropathy can be a potentially serious condition, especially if it is left undiagnosed. If you have any concerns that you may be experiencing nerve loss in your feet, 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 for neuropathy.

What Is Neuropathy?

Neuropathy is a condition that leads to damage to the nerves in the body. Peripheral neuropathy, or neuropathy that affects your peripheral nervous system, usually occurs in the feet. Neuropathy can be triggered by a number of different causes. Such causes include diabetes, infections, cancers, disorders, and toxic substances.

Symptoms of Neuropathy Include:

• Numbness
• Sensation loss
• Prickling and tingling sensations
• Throbbing, freezing, burning pains
• Muscle weakness

Those with diabetes are at serious risk due to being unable to feel an ulcer on their feet. Diabetics usually also suffer from poor blood circulation. This can lead to the wound not healing, infections occurring, and the limb may have to be amputated.

Treatment

To treat neuropathy in the foot, podiatrists will first diagnose the cause of the neuropathy. Figuring out the underlying cause of the neuropathy will allow the podiatrist to prescribe the best treatment, whether it be caused by diabetes, toxic substance exposure, infection, etc. If the nerve has not died, then it’s possible that sensation may be able to return to the foot.

Pain medication may be issued for pain. Electrical nerve stimulation can be used to stimulate nerves. If the neuropathy is caused from pressure on the nerves, then 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 Midtown, TN . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

A walking abnormality means a person does not walk with their usual pattern. This pattern is called gait. Changes in gait can develop slowly after an injury or health problem develops. Symptoms include limping, uneven steps, or dragging a foot. Foot pain can also alter walking. Arthritis may cause stiffness and discomfort that changes how pressure moves through the feet and ankles. Foot deformities, including bunions, hammertoes, and flat feet, can affect normal gait.

There are several types of gait abnormalities, and each can look different. A spastic gait may involve stiff leg movements and limited flexibility. A scissoring gait causes the legs to cross toward the middle while walking. A propulsive gait often includes a forward-leaning posture with short steps. Limping may also occur. Risk factors include arthritis, nerve problems, and poor footwear. Age-related changes may also affect balance.

A podiatrist can assess an abnormal gait by reviewing symptoms, examining the feet and ankles, and watching how a person walks. The evaluation may include checking joint movement, muscle strength, foot structure, and tenderness. X-rays or other imaging tests may be recommended when arthritis, an injury, or a deformity needs evaluation. Treatment depends on the underlying cause. A podiatrist may recommend wearing supportive footwear or activity changes. Care may also focus on reducing pain and improving foot alignment.

Addressing a gait abnormality can help protect the feet from added stress. Early care from a podiatrist reduces the chance of developing pain in the ankles, knees, or lower back. Because an unusual walking pattern can have several causes, identifying the source is an important first step. A podiatrist can create a treatment plan based on your needs. If you have a gait abnormality and walking becomes painful, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist for relief and management solutions.

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.

A medial ankle injury affects the inner side of the ankle, where bones, tendons, and supporting tissues work together to provide stability. These injuries can develop from sudden trauma, repeated stress, or an awkward landing. Common symptoms include inner ankle pain, swelling, and difficulty bearing weight. Pain may increase when walking, running, or pushing off the foot. Early evaluation can help prevent a manageable injury from becoming more limiting.

One cause is an ankle twist that forces the foot outward or places excessive stress on the structures along the inside of the joint. Direct impacts, sports-related movements, and overuse can also contribute. Risk factors include previous ankle injuries, sudden increases in physical activity, and footwear that provides inadequate support. People participating in running, court sports, or activities requiring quick direction changes may experience greater stress on the medial ankle.

A podiatrist begins treatment by reviewing how the injury occurred and examining swelling, range of motion, and ankle stability. Imaging, including X-rays or other studies, may be recommended when a fracture or significant tissue injury is suspected. Treatment depends on the diagnosis and may include activity modification, supportive footwear, or bracing, 

Healing should progress gradually rather than through continued activity that increases pain. A podiatrist may recommend exercises that improve strength, flexibility, and ankle control as recovery advances. Follow-up visits allow the provider to monitor progress and adjust treatment when needed. Returning to sports too quickly can increase reinjury risk, so activity should increase according to professional guidance and milestones. Ankle injuries can cause difficulty in completing daily tasks. If you have injured your ankle, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist for an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment.

Ankle pain can be caused by a number of problems and may be potentially serious. If you have ankle 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.

Ankle pain is any condition that causes pain in the ankle. Due to the fact that the ankle consists of tendons, muscles, bones, and ligaments, ankle pain can come from a number of different conditions.

Causes

The most common causes of ankle pain include:

• Types of arthritis (rheumatoid, osteoarthritis, and gout)
• Ankle sprains
• Broken ankles
• Achilles tendonitis
• Achilles tendon rupture
• Stress fractures
• Bursitis
• Tarsal tunnel syndrome
• Plantar fasciitis

Symptoms

Symptoms of ankle injury vary based upon the condition. Pain may include general pain and discomfort, swelling, aching, redness, bruising, burning or stabbing sensations, and/or loss of sensation.

Diagnosis

Due to the wide variety of potential causes of ankle pain, podiatrists will utilize a number of different methods to properly diagnose ankle pain. This can include asking for personal and family medical histories and of any recent injuries. Further diagnosis may include sensation tests, a physical examination, and potentially x-rays or other imaging tests.

Treatment

Just as the range of causes varies widely, so do treatments. Some more common treatments are rest, ice packs, keeping pressure off the foot, orthotics and braces, medication for inflammation and pain, and surgery.

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 tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.

Overpronation happens when the foot rolls inward too much while walking or running. A small amount of inward movement is normal because it helps absorb impact. With overpronation, the arch may flatten excessively and the ankle can move inward. Symptoms include arch discomfort, heel pain, and aching ankles. Some people may also notice knee or lower-leg discomfort. Risk factors include flat feet, certain foot structures, and activities that place repeated stress on the feet.

Several factors can contribute to overpronation. Genetics can influence arch height and foot alignment. Weakness or instability in the foot may also affect movement. Extra body weight can increase pressure while walking. Long periods of standing or repetitive running may make symptoms more noticeable. One challenge with overpronation is that altered foot mechanics can place stress on nearby joints. Poorly supportive shoes may increase discomfort, especially during exercise or long periods on your feet.

A podiatrist can evaluate overpronation by examining your feet while you stand and walk. The evaluation may include checking the arches, ankle position, and walking pattern. Your shoes may also be reviewed for uneven wear. Treatment depends on the cause and severity of the symptoms. A podiatrist may recommend supportive footwear, custom orthotics, or cushioning. They may also suggest reducing activities that increase pain while your feet heal. Addressing the underlying mechanics can help improve comfort and function.

Understanding overpronation can help you recognize problems before they interfere with daily activities. Supportive footwear and proper foot care may reduce unnecessary stress. However, ongoing pain should not be ignored. A podiatrist can determine whether overpronation is contributing to your symptoms and recommend appropriate care. If you have symptoms associated with overpronation, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist for an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment.

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.