Items filtered by date: May 2025

Pain in the ball of the foot, known medically as metatarsalgia, can make standing, walking, or even wearing shoes uncomfortable. This area takes on a lot of pressure during everyday movement, especially in activities that involve running or jumping. Common causes include wearing poorly fitting shoes, high heels, overuse, foot shape, or conditions like bunions or hammertoes. The pain may feel sharp, burning, or like you are stepping on a small pebble. Resting, using cushioned insoles, and wearing supportive shoes can help ease discomfort. If left unaddressed, this pain may worsen and affect how you move. In some cases, custom orthotics or changes in activity may be recommended to relieve pressure. If you are feeling ongoing pain in the ball of your foot that is not improving with home care, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist for a full evaluation and appropriate 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.

Read more about Foot Pain
Tuesday, 20 May 2025 00:00

What Is a High Ankle Sprain?

A high ankle sprain occurs when the ligaments above the ankle that connect the two bones in your lower leg, the tibia and fibula, are stretched or torn. This type of sprain is less common but often more severe than an ankle sprain that affects the ligaments surrounding the ankle joint. High ankle sprains are usually caused by a twisting injury or direct impact, often seen in sports like football, basketball, or skiing. Symptoms include pain above the ankle, swelling, bruising, and difficulty walking or bearing weight on the affected foot. The pain is often sharp and may worsen with activity or when the foot is rotated. A podiatrist can evaluate the severity of the sprain through a physical exam and imaging, offering treatments such as rest, elevation, immobilization, and, in some cases, targeted exercises. In more severe cases, surgery may be required. If you have a painful ankle sprain, it is suggested that you promptly schedule an appointment with a podiatrist.

Ankle sprains are common but need immediate attention. 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.

How Does an Ankle Sprain Occur?

Ankle sprains take place when the ligaments in your ankle are torn or stretched beyond their limits. There are multiple ways that the ankle can become injured, including twisting or rolling over onto your ankle, putting undue stress on it, or causing trauma to the ankle itself.

What Are the Symptoms?

  • Mild to moderate bruising
  • Limited mobility
  • Swelling
  • Discoloration of the skin (depending on severity)

Preventing a Sprain

  • Wearing appropriate shoes for the occasion
  • Stretching before exercises and sports
  • Knowing your limits

Treatment of a Sprain

Treatment of a sprain depends on the severity.  Many times, people are told to rest and remain off their feet completely, while others are given an air cast. If the sprain is very severe, surgery may be required.

If you have suffered an ankle sprain previously, you may want to consider additional support such as a brace and regular exercises to strengthen the ankle.

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.

Read more about Three Grades of Ankle Sprains
Tuesday, 13 May 2025 00:00

How to Treat an Ingrown Toenail

Ingrown toenails happen when the edge of the nail grows into the surrounding skin. This can cause pain, redness, swelling and sometimes infection. Soaking the foot in warm water can help soften the area and reduce discomfort. Gently lifting the nail with a small piece of cotton or dental floss may guide it to grow above the skin. Wearing open-toed or roomy shoes can also ease pressure on the toe. However, trying to cut the nail yourself can make things worse. If home care does not help or the area becomes infected, a podiatrist can safely remove part of the nail. In some cases, a small procedure is done to keep the nail from growing back into the skin. If you have a painful toenail that does not improve, it is suggested you see a podiatrist for diagnosis and appropriate treatment.

Ingrown toenails may initially present themselves as a minor discomfort, but they may progress into an infection in the skin without proper treatment. For more information about ingrown toenails, 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.

Ingrown Toenails

Ingrown toenails are caused when the corner or side of a toenail grows into the soft flesh surrounding it. They often result in redness, swelling, pain, and in some cases, infection. This condition typically affects the big toe and may recur if it is not treated properly.

Causes

  • Improper toenail trimming
  • Genetics
  • Improper shoe fitting
  • Injury from pedicures or nail picking
  • Abnormal gait
  • Poor hygiene

You are more likely to develop an ingrown toenail if you are obese, have diabetes, arthritis, or have any fungal infection in your nails. Additionally, people who have foot or toe deformities are at a higher risk of developing an ingrown toenail.

Symptoms

Some symptoms of ingrown toenails are redness, swelling, and pain. In rare cases, there may be a yellowish drainage coming from the nail.

Treatment

Ignoring an ingrown toenail can have serious complications. Infections of the nail border can progress to a deeper soft-tissue infection, which can then turn into a bone infection. You should always speak with your podiatrist if you suspect you have an ingrown toenail, especially if you have diabetes or poor circulation.

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.

Read more about Ingrown Toenails
Thursday, 08 May 2025 00:00

Are You Suffering From Ingrown Toenails?

If left untreated, an ingrown toenail can lead to more serious concerns, such as an infection. Knowing proper nail care can help in the prevention of an ingrown toenail. Give us a call, and get treated!

Tuesday, 06 May 2025 00:00

Causes and Types of Plantar Warts

Plantar warts are non-cancerous growths that develop on the soles of the feet, caused by a viral infection from the human papillomavirus, or HPV. The virus enters the skin through small cuts or abrasions and results in the formation of hard, rough patches. There are two main types of plantar warts, solitary and mosaic. Solitary warts appear as single, raised lesions that can cause pain when walking or standing, while mosaic warts are clusters of smaller warts grouped together. Symptoms include pain, discomfort, and the appearance of a thickened, calloused area on the skin. The warts may also have tiny black dots, which are small blood vessels that have clotted. Plantar warts are contagious and can be spread through direct contact or shared surfaces, such as public pool areas. They can be painful and it may be difficult to complete daily activities. If you have developed this foot condition, it is suggested that you promptly contact a podiatrist who can offer effective treatment options.

Plantar warts can be very uncomfortable. If you need your feet checked, contact Dr. Kevin Davis from Davis Foot & Ankle Centers. Our doctor will assist you with all of your foot and ankle needs.

About Plantar Warts

Plantar warts are the result of HPV, or human papillomavirus, getting into open wounds on the feet. They are mostly found on the heels or balls of the feet.

While plantar warts are generally harmless, those experiencing excessive pain or those suffering from diabetes or a compromised immune system require immediate medical care. Plantar warts are easily diagnosed, usually through scraping off a bit of rough skin or by getting a biopsy.

Symptoms

  • Lesions on the bottom of your feet, usually rough and grainy
  • Hard or thick callused spots
  • Wart seeds, which are small clotted blood vessels that look like little black spots
  • Pain, discomfort, or tenderness of your feet when walking or standing

Treatment

  • Freezing
  • Electric tool removal
  • Laser Treatment
  • Topical Creams (prescription only)
  • Over-the-counter medications

To help prevent developing plantar warts, avoid walking barefoot over abrasive surfaces that can cause cuts or wounds for HPV to get into. Avoiding direct contact with other warts, as well as not picking or rubbing existing warts, can help prevent the further spread of plantar warts. However, if you think you have developed plantar warts, speak to your podiatrist. He or she can diagnose the warts on your feet and recommend the appropriate treatment options.

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.

Read more about What Are Plantar Warts?

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