Items filtered by date: August 2022

The accessory navicular is an extra bone or piece of cartilage on the inner side of the foot, just above the arch. This is congenital, or present at birth. Most people do not have this as it is not part of the normal bone structure. People who have this condition are often unaware that they have it, especially if it does not cause problems. However, some people with this extra bone develop accessory navicular syndrome, which is painful. The pain comes from aggravation to the bone or posterior tibial tendon that can come from trauma (like a foot or ankle sprain), chronic irritation (from friction from shoes rubbing against the extra bone), or prolonged activity or overuse. Many of those with this affliction also have flat feet or fallen arches. Having flat feet puts more strain on the posterior tibial tendon, and this can cause inflammation or irritation of the accessory navicular. Symptoms of this syndrome usually appear in adolescence when the bones are mature and cartilage develops into bone. Signs and symptoms of this condition include a visible bony prominence with redness or swelling on the inside of the foot, just above the arch, and a vague pain or throbbing in the midfoot and arch areas, usually after periods of activity. If you or your child have pain in this area of the foot, please see a podiatrist for proper diagnosis and appropriate treatment.

Congenital foot problems require immediate attention to avoid future complications. If you have any concerns, contact Dr. Kevin Davis of Davis Foot & Ankle Centers. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Congenital foot problems are deformities affecting the feet, toes, and/or ankles that children are born with. Some of these conditions have a genetic cause while others just happen. Some specific foot ailments that children may be born with include clubfeet, polydactyly/macrodactyly, and cleft foot. There are several other foot anomalies that can occur congenitally. What all of these conditions have in common is that a child may experience difficulty walking or performing everyday activities, as well as trouble finding footwear that fits their foot deformity. Some of these conditions are more serious than others. Consulting with a podiatrist as early as possible will help in properly diagnosing a child’s foot condition while getting the necessary treatment underway.

What are Causes of Congenital Foot Problem?

A congenital foot problem is one that happens to a child at birth. These conditions can be caused by a genetic predisposition, developmental or positional abnormalities during gestation, or with no known cause.

What are Symptoms of Congenital Foot Problems?

Symptoms vary by the congenital condition. Symptoms may consist of the following:

• Clubfoot, where tendons are shortened, bones are shaped differently, and the Achilles tendon is tight, causing the foot to point in and down. It is also possible for the soles of the feet to face each other.
• Polydactyly, which usually consists of a nubbin or small lump of tissue without a bone, a toe that is partially formed but has no joints, or an extra toe.
• Vertical talus, where the talus bone forms in the wrong position causing other bones in the foot to line up improperly, the front of the foot to point up, and the bottom of the foot to stiffen, with no arch, and to curve out.
• Tarsal coalition, when there is an abnormal connection of two or more bones in the foot leading to severe, rigid flatfoot.
• Cleft foot, where there are missing toes, a V-shaped cleft, and other anatomical differences.
• Macrodactyly, when the toes are abnormally large due to overgrowth of the underlying bone or soft tissue.

Treatment and Prevention

While there is nothing one can do to prevent congenital foot problems, raising awareness and receiving neonatal screenings are important. Early detection by taking your child to a podiatrist leads to the best outcome possible.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our office located in Springfield, TN . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.

Corns can cause severe pain and discomfort. They are defined as small patches of hardened skin that develop as a result of excess friction typically from wearing shoes and socks that are too tight. There are certain medical conditions that may lead to corns. Patients who have hammertoe and bunions may find that corns develop on top of the extended joints. There are three categories of corns consisting of hard, soft, and seed corns. If you notice a corn on the bottom of your foot, it most likely is a seed corn. The medical term for this type of corn is heloma milliare and they develop due to dry skin. Other characteristics of a seed corn can include multiple corns in one area, and they may appear circular and smaller than other types of corns. Soft corns are found between the toes and remain moist from the sweat that is found there. A hard corn can develop on the side of the pinky toe or on top of the other toes from excess friction. If you have corns on your feet, please seek the expert advice of a podiatrist who can offer you the correct treatment options.

If you have any concerns regarding your feet and ankles, contact Dr. Kevin Davis of Davis Foot & Ankle Centers. Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.

Corns: What Are They? and How Do You Get Rid of Them?
Corns can be described as areas of the skin that have thickened to the point of becoming painful or irritating. They are often layers and layers of the skin that have become dry and rough, and are normally smaller than calluses.

Ways to Prevent Corns
There are many ways to get rid of painful corns such as wearing:

• Well-fitting socks
• Comfortable shoes that are not tight around your foot
• Shoes that offer support

Treating Corns
Treatment of corns involves removing the dead skin that has built up in the specific area of the foot. Consult with Our doctor to determine the best treatment option for your case of corns.

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.

A stress fracture is considered to be a hairline fracture. It can happen in the foot, and is often the result of participating in running and jumping activities. It occurs when the bones become fatigued, and cannot support the shock that comes from activity. It generally develops gradually, and many people tend to ignore the pain and discomfort that often accompanies this type of injury. Common symptoms that many patients notice include swelling at the end of the day, and it is difficult to walk as the fracture gets worse. Relief may be found when a boot is worn, and this may provide adequate support as the healing process occurs. This typically takes approximately six weeks, and is further evaluated to see if additional treatment is needed. Mild stretches may accelerate the healing process, which may be beneficial in strengthening the overall foot. If you have foot pain and feel it may be a stress fracture, please confer with a podiatrist as quickly as possible who can diagnose and treat this condition.

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

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

Most people experience sweaty feet from time to time, but excessive sweat under the feet can be a sign of plantar hyperhidrosis. Sweating is a part of our body’s way of cooling itself off and managing body temperature. Our feet have more sweat organs per inch than any other place in the body, and they can produce as much as half a quart of sweat per day. When it comes to controlling clammy feet, there are some things you can do for yourself and some things that might need medical attention. Cleanliness, shoes, socks, diet, and anxiety can influence how much your feet sweat. Hyperhidrosis is more common in men than women and in youth than grown-ups. If one has over the top sweating on their feet, it is likely that this happens to their palms as well. Feet that sweat too much may slip around inside of shoes. The feet might also have a whitish, wet appearance, and they may smell. These conditions are conducive to foot diseases, like a fungus. Adolescents are particularly sensitive about this ailment and the related foot odor at their age. To prevent sweaty feet, one should wash their feet regularly, dry them well, apply a moisturizer, and consider using antifungal powder or antiperspirant. Shoes should be rotated between use so that any moisture can dry out. Wearing shoes that are made of breathable material and fit well are imperative. Socks that wick moisture (cotton in warmer months and fleece or wool in cooler months) from the foot should be worn as well. Keep well hydrated. If regular foot care does not control your clammy feet, consult with a podiatrist who can provide additional suggestions for how to prevent and treat this annoying condition.

If you are suffering from hyperhidrosis contact Dr. Kevin Davis of Davis Foot & Ankle Centers. Our doctor can provide the care you need to attend to all of your foot and ankle needs.

Hyperhidrosis of the Feet

Hyperhidrosis is a rare disorder that can cause people to have excessive sweating of their feet. This can usually occur all on its own without rigorous activity involved. People who suffer from hyperhidrosis may also experience sweaty palms.

Although it is said that sweating is a healthy process meant to cool down the body temperature and to maintain a proper internal temperature, hyperhidrosis may prove to be a huge hindrance on a person’s everyday life.

Plantar hyperhidrosis is considered to be the main form of hyperhidrosis. Secondary hyperhidrosis can refer to sweating that occurs in areas other than the feet or hands and armpits. Often this may be a sign of it being related to another medical condition such as menopause, hyperthyroidism and even Parkinson’s disease.

In order to alleviate this condition, it is important to see your doctor so that they may prescribe the necessary medications so that you can begin to live a normal life again. If this is left untreated, it is said that it will persist throughout an individual’s life.

A last resort approach would be surgery, but it is best to speak with your doctor to find out what may be the best treatment for you.

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.

Heel pain is experienced by many people. The foot condition known as plantar fasciitis is a leading cause of heel pain and it can be uncomfortable. The plantar fascia is a band of tissue that is located on the bottom of the foot and connects the heel to the toes. If this becomes inflamed for any reason, it could result in plantar fasciitis. Plantar fasciitis can happen from standing on hard surfaces for long periods throughout the day, or from wearing shoes that do not fit correctly. Additionally, it may occur in people who frequently participate in running and jumping activities, as this may put excess stress on the heel of the foot. The symptoms that are often associated with plantar fasciitis can include heel pain that is worse upon arising in the morning and often feels like a stabbing or shooting pain. This condition may be more prevalent among people who are over 50 years old, overweight, or who have high arches or tight calf muscles. Treatment methods may include wearing orthotics, performing specific types of stretches, or in severe cases, surgery may be necessary. If you have heel pain, please consult with a podiatrist who can effectively diagnose and treat plantar fasciitis.

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 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.

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 office located in Springfield, TN . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.