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Common Foot and Ankle Injuries in Pickleball Among Seniors

Pickleball has grown in popularity among seniors, but quick stops, pivots, and lateral movements place significant stress on the feet and ankles. Recent studies estimate 19,000 pickleball injuries in adults over 50 in a single year. One of the most common injuries is an ankle sprain, which happens when the foot rolls during sudden direction changes. Players also develop Achilles tendon inflammation from repeated push-off movements, along with heel and arch pain caused by strain to the plantar fascia. The court surface increases impact forces, leading to stress fractures in the metatarsal bones. A podiatrist can use diagnostic imaging to identify bone injuries. Treatment may include bracing, immobilization, anti-inflammatory care, or custom orthotic devices to improve foot alignment. This helps to reduce stress during activity and prevent recurring injuries. If you experience foot or ankle pain after playing pickleball, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist for an exam, diagnosis, and treatment.
Sports related foot and ankle injuries require proper treatment before players can go back to their regular routines. For more information, 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.
Sports Related Foot and Ankle Injuries
Foot and ankle injuries are a common occurrence when it comes to athletes of any sport. While many athletes dismiss the initial aches and pains, the truth is that ignoring potential foot and ankle injuries can lead to serious problems. As athletes continue to place pressure and strain the area further, a mild injury can turn into something as serious as a rupture and may lead to a permanent disability. There are many factors that contribute to sports related foot and ankle injuries, which include failure to warm up properly, not providing support or wearing bad footwear. Common injuries and conditions athletes face, including:
- Plantar Fasciitis
- Achilles Tendinitis
- Achilles Tendon Rupture
- Ankle Sprains
Sports related injuries are commonly treated using the RICE method. This includes rest, applying ice to the injured area, compression and elevating the ankle. More serious sprains and injuries may require surgery, which could include arthroscopic and reconstructive surgery. Rehabilitation and therapy may also be required in order to get any recovering athlete to become fully functional again. Any unusual aches and pains an athlete sustains must be evaluated by a licensed, reputable medical professional.
If you have any questions please contact our office located in Springfield, TN . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.
Preventing Foot Blisters While Hiking

Blisters are small pockets of fluid that form on the skin due to friction, pressure, or moisture, commonly occurring while hiking. They often develop when shoes rub against the foot, especially during long treks or with new or poorly fitting footwear. Preventing blisters begins with choosing the right socks made of moisture-wicking materials, breaking in new shoes gradually, and keeping feet dry throughout the hike. Proper foot care and attention to hotspots can significantly reduce the risk of painful blisters. A podiatrist can evaluate foot structure, recommend suitable hiking footwear, provide protective padding, and offer guidance on prevention strategies tailored to your feet. If you have developed painful blisters on your feet from hiking, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can treat them, and guide you on effective blister prevention tips.
Blisters are prone to making everyday activities extremely uncomfortable. If your feet are hurting, 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.
Foot Blisters
Foot blisters develop as a result of constantly wearing tight or ill-fitting footwear. This happens due to the constant rubbing from the shoe, which can often lead to pain.
What Are Foot Blisters?
A foot blister is a small fluid-filled pocket that forms on the upper-most layer of the skin. Blisters are filled with clear fluid and can lead to blood drainage or pus if the area becomes infected.
How Do Blisters Form?
Blisters on the feet are often the result of constant friction of skin and material, usually by shoe rubbing. Walking in sandals, boots, or shoes that don’t fit properly for long periods of time can result in a blister. Having consistent foot moisture and humidity can easily lead to blister formation.
Prevention & Treatment
It is important to properly care for the affected area in order to prevent infection and ease the pain. Do not lance the blister and use a Band-Aid to provide pain relief. Also, be sure to keep your feet dry and wear proper fitting shoes. If you see blood or pus in a blister, seek assistance from a podiatrist.
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.
Causes of Ball of the Foot Pain

Persistent pain in the ball of the foot, termed metatarsalgia, can affect walking, standing, and other daily activities. One major cause of metatarsalgia is increased pressure on the forefoot, often linked to high-impact activities, prolonged standing, or footwear without proper cushioning. Structural issues such as high arches, flat feet, bunions, or hammertoes can also shift weight forward and strain the metatarsal bones. Inflammation of surrounding soft tissues, nerve irritation like Morton’s neuroma, and stress fractures may also contribute to discomfort in this area. A podiatrist can evaluate foot structure, gait, and activity level to identify the underlying cause of pain. Treatment includes footwear guidance, custom orthotics, padding, activity modification, and other medical interventions based on the diagnosis. If you are experiencing pain in the ball of the foot, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist for an exam, diagnosis, and treatment.
Foot Pain
Foot pain can be extremely painful and debilitating. If you have a foot 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.
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 office located in Springfield, TN . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.
Types and Symptoms of Athlete’s Foot

Athlete’s foot infections affect the skin on the feet and often start between the toes or on the soles. Interdigital infections involve red, flaky patches in the spaces between the toes, where the skin can split or soften when damp. A moccasin infection affects the bottom, sides and heels of the foot and causes thick, dry and scaly skin that can look like stubborn dryness. Both types of athlete’s foot infections cause itching, burning, peeling and a strong odor. The fungus that causes the infection spreads easily on warm, damp surfaces, including locker rooms, pool decks and shower floors, especially while barefoot. Wearing tight shoes and sweaty socks give the fungus the heat and moisture it needs to thrive. A podiatrist can examine damaged areas and recommend a treatment to clear the infection. If you have symptoms of an athlete's foot infection, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for a diagnosis and appropriate treatment.
Athlete’s foot is an inconvenient condition that can be easily reduced with the proper treatment. If you have any concerns about your feet and ankles, contact Dr. Kevin Davis from Davis Foot & Ankle Centers. Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.
Athlete’s Foot: The Sole Story
Athlete's foot, also known as tinea pedis, can be an extremely contagious foot infection. It is commonly contracted in public changing areas and bathrooms, dormitory style living quarters, around locker rooms and public swimming pools, or anywhere your feet often come into contact with other people.
Solutions to Combat Athlete’s Foot
- Hydrate your feet by using lotion
- Exfoliate
- Buff off nails
- Use of anti-fungal products
- Examine your feet and visit your doctor if any suspicious blisters or cuts develop
Athlete’s foot can cause many irritating symptoms such as dry and flaking skin, itching, and redness. Some more severe symptoms can include bleeding and cracked skin, intense itching and burning, and even pain when walking. In the worst cases, Athlete’s foot can cause blistering as well. Speak to your podiatrist for a better understanding of the different causes of Athlete’s foot, as well as help in determining which treatment options are 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 and ankle needs.
