Items filtered by date: May 2022

An ankle fracture in children involves at least one bone break in your child’s ankle. Common symptoms of an ankle fracture include pain, tenderness, swelling, bruising, and trouble moving or putting weight on the ankle or foot. This type of injury is diagnosed with an X-ray, ultrasound, CT, or MRI. A podiatrist will usually treat a child’s ankle break with a supportive device, such as a cast or brace, and crutches are often provided to help keep weight off the affected ankle. If the fracture is severe, surgery may be needed. Resting the ankle, applying ice, compressing, and elevating the ankle should all help in healing. If you think your child has a broken ankle, it is suggested you visit a podiatrist for proper diagnosis and a treatment plan that best suits your child’s injury.

Broken ankles need immediate treatment. If you are seeking treatment, contact Dr. Kevin Davis from Davis Foot & Ankle Centers. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet. 

Broken Ankles
A broken ankle is experienced when a person fractures their tibia or fibula in the lower leg and ankle area. Both of these bones are attached at the bottom of the leg and combine to form what we know to be our ankle.

When a physician is referring to a break of the ankle, he or she is usually referring to a break in the area where the tibia and fibula are joined to create our ankle joint. Ankles are more prone to fractures because the ankle is an area that suffers a lot of pressure and stress. There are some obvious signs when a person experiences a fractured ankle, and the following symptoms may be present.

Symptoms of a Fractured Ankle

• Excessive pain when the area is touched or when any pressure is placed on the ankle
•  Swelling around the area
•  Bruising of the area
• Area appears to be deformed

If you suspect an ankle fracture, it is recommended to seek treatment as soon as possible. The sooner you have your podiatrist diagnose the fracture, the quicker you’ll be on the way towards recovery.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in Springfield, TN . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Experts have found that people with osteoarthritis, which affects three or four joints, are 75 percent more likely to fall. It is thought that lack of mobility, as the result of pain, causes muscles to weaken, affects the gait, and throws off your balance. Also, certain medications may affect your stability. Ways to help prevent falls at home include removing loose wires, small rugs, and other clutter from floors and walkways. Place non-skid mats and grab bars in showers and tubs. Improve lighting in hallways, and install handrails on staircases inside and out. Taking vitamin D may help to increase muscle strength and reduce fall risks if you are deficient. Finally, wear shoes that fit properly and have non-skid soles. Avoid high heels, slippers, and leather-soled shoes that can be slippery or affect your balance. For further guidance, please consult a podiatrist about specific measures that can be taken to keep you on your feet safely.

Preventing falls among the elderly is very important. If you are older and have fallen or fear that you are prone to falling, consult with Dr. Kevin Davis from Davis Foot & Ankle Centers. Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality advice and care.

Every 11 seconds, an elderly American is being treated in an emergency room for a fall related injury. Falls are the leading cause of head and hip injuries for those 65 and older. Due to decreases in strength, balance, senses, and lack of awareness, elderly persons are very susceptible to falling. Thankfully, there are a number of things older persons can do to prevent falls.

How to Prevent Falls

Some effective methods that older persons can do to prevent falls include:

• Enrolling in strength and balance exercise program to increase balance and strength
• Periodically having your sight and hearing checked
• Discuss any medications you have with a doctor to see if it increases the risk of falling
• Clearing the house of falling hazards and installing devices like grab bars and railings
• Utilizing a walker or cane
• Wearing shoes that provide good support and cushioning
• Talking to family members about falling and increasing awareness

Falling can be a traumatic and embarrassing experience for elderly persons; this can make them less willing to leave the house, and less willing to talk to someone about their fears of falling. Doing such things, however, will increase the likelihood of tripping or losing one’s balance. Knowing the causes of falling and how to prevent them is the best way to mitigate the risk of serious injury.  

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in Springfield, TN . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Everyone can stumble but older people have a higher propensity to falling. In fact, one in four seniors fall each year and the chances of falling double after falling once. Falls can be serious and cause broken bones or a head injury. They can greatly interfere with one’s ability to function and do so independently. Even if a fall is avoided, an older person can become fearful of falls and limit their participation in daily activities. This can further lead to weakness and increased chances of falling. Physical conditions that can make one more prone to falling include lower body weakness, vitamin D deficiency, difficulty with walking or balance, use of certain medications, vision problems, and foot pain. Other issues that lead to a greater risk of falls are poorly fitting footwear or home hazards, such as broken or uneven steps or throw rugs that can be tripped over. Tending to physical and other conditions, getting regular strength and balance exercise, and seeing a podiatrist for evaluation of risk for falling can help as well. As one ages, regular visits to a podiatrist are encouraged as a preventative health measure.

Preventing falls among the elderly is very important. If you are older and have fallen or fear that you are prone to falling, consult with Dr. Kevin Davis from Davis Foot & Ankle Centers. Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality advice and care.

Every 11 seconds, an elderly American is being treated in an emergency room for a fall related injury. Falls are the leading cause of head and hip injuries for those 65 and older. Due to decreases in strength, balance, senses, and lack of awareness, elderly persons are very susceptible to falling. Thankfully, there are a number of things older persons can do to prevent falls.

How to Prevent Falls

Some effective methods that older persons can do to prevent falls include:

• Enrolling in strength and balance exercise program to increase balance and strength
• Periodically having your sight and hearing checked
• Discuss any medications you have with a doctor to see if it increases the risk of falling
• Clearing the house of falling hazards and installing devices like grab bars and railings
• Utilizing a walker or cane
• Wearing shoes that provide good support and cushioning
• Talking to family members about falling and increasing awareness

Falling can be a traumatic and embarrassing experience for elderly persons; this can make them less willing to leave the house, and less willing to talk to someone about their fears of falling. Doing such things, however, will increase the likelihood of tripping or losing one’s balance. Knowing the causes of falling and how to prevent them is the best way to mitigate the risk of serious injury.  

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in Springfield, TN . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Many people worldwide tend to neglect their feet. There are simple practices for everyday foot care that can provide comfort, softer skin, and a general feeling of wellbeing. These can include moisturizing frequently, wearing shoes that fit correctly, and trimming the toenails properly. There are specific foot conditions that may be prevented when the feet are properly taken care of. Athlete’s foot can possibly be avoided when appropriate shoes are worn in public areas. Bunions are less likely to develop when shoes that fit correctly are worn. A blister can cause discomfort, and generally forms as a result of excess friction that can come from shoes and socks that are too tight. Some people find it relaxing and soothing to pamper their feet in warm water, followed by having a foot massage. If you would like additional information about effective foot care techniques, please consult with a podiatrist.

Everyday foot care is very important to prevent infection and other foot ailments. If you need your feet checked, contact Dr. Kevin Davis from Davis Foot & Ankle Centers. Our doctor 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 office located in Springfield, TN . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Runners can sometimes experience pain in their ankles after running which may be caused by any number of things including overuse. Taking a day off between long runs and increasing mileage by only 10% weekly can give your ankles time to rest and adapt. Ankle instability can also be caused by overpronating, which is when the ankle rolls inward too severely. This stride abnormality often occurs in people with flat feet. You can often compensate for this condition with custom orthotics and special shoes that correct overpronation and give the arch extra support. Another possible cause for painful ankles after a run is your stride. Additionally, excessively long strides can force a runner’s ankles to over-flex repeatedly and weaken the ankle muscles. Strengthening exercises and yoga may help increase mobility in the ankle and build up muscle strength. Contact a podiatrist today if you are experiencing any ankle pain after running. They can examine, diagnose, and treat your painful condition to keep you performing at your best while helping to avoid other injuries from occurring. 

Ankle pain can be caused by a number of problems and may be potentially serious. If you have ankle pain, consult with Dr. Kevin Davis from Davis Foot & Ankle Centers. Our doctor 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 tendinitis
• 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 office located in Springfield, TN . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.