A neuroma is a condition where the tissue that surrounds a nerve becomes thickened and inflamed. A neuroma can materialize around any nerve of the body, but when it occurs between the 3rd and 4th toes (or less commonly the 2nd and 3rd toes), it is known as Morton’s Neuroma. This benign growth of nerve cells can cause tingling, pain, and numbness in the ball of the foot—often making it feel as if there is a pebble stuck in your shoe. It is suggested that you see a podiatrist if you suspect you have Mortaon’s neuroma, as the condition may worsen and possibly lead to permanent nerve damage.

Morton’s neuroma is a very uncomfortable condition to live with. If you think you have Morton’s neuroma, contact Dr. Kevin Davis of Davis Foot & Ankle Centers. Our doctor will attend to all of your foot care needs and answer any of your related questions.  

Morton’s Neuroma

Morton's neuroma is a painful foot condition that commonly affects the areas between the second and third or third and fourth toe, although other areas of the foot are also susceptible. Morton’s neuroma is caused by an inflamed nerve in the foot that is being squeezed and aggravated by surrounding bones.

What Increases the Chances of Having Morton’s Neuroma?

• Ill-fitting high heels or shoes that add pressure to the toe or foot
• Jogging, running or any sport that involves constant impact to the foot
• Flat feet, bunions, and any other foot deformities

Morton’s neuroma is a very treatable condition. Orthotics and shoe inserts can often be used to alleviate the pain on the forefront of the feet. In more severe cases, corticosteroids can also be prescribed. In order to figure out the best treatment for your neuroma, it’s recommended to seek the care of a podiatrist who can diagnose your condition and provide different 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 care needs.

Falls are a leading cause of injury for not just older adults, but also for children. In fact, falls are the leading cause of injury in children from birth to about 19 years of age. Falls can result in a variety of foot and ankle injuries, from sprains to fractures and beyond. Fortunately, there are steps you can take to prevent your child from falling and incurring a serious injury. If your child plays on a playground, check the surface under the playground to ensure that it is soft and safe, as well as supervise your child while they play. Make your home safer by using stair gates and guard rails to prevent your child from falling down the stairs. If your child participates in sports, make sure that they wear helmets, padding, or any other safety gear that the sport requires. If your child falls and injures their feet or ankles, take them to see a podiatrist who can diagnose and treat their condition.

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.

Athlete’s foot is a fungal infection of the skin on the feet. It can cause symptoms such as skin redness, scaling, peeling, or flaking, as well as itching, stinging, and burning on the feet. Athlete’s foot can affect any part of the foot, but is usually found on the soles of the feet, in between the toes, or on the toenails. Mild athlete’s foot can be treated through over-the-counter topical creams, sprays, or powders. More severe infections may require prescription topical or oral medications. Athlete’s foot is considered to be highly contagious and can spread from person to person or it can even spread from your feet to other parts of your body. If you have athlete’s foot it is suggested that you see a podiatrist for proper 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.

When the second toe bends up at the middle joint, it may be indicative of a condition that is known as hammertoe. This is considered to be a deformity, and can cause difficulty in walking. In severe cases, these deformed toes can resemble hammers, and may require surgery to permanently straighten the toes. Hammertoe can occur from genetic factors, or from wearing high heels, or tight shoes. Many times, these types of shoes do not provide adequate room for the toes to move freely in. Some patients find mild relief when specific toe stretches are performed, and custom made insoles are worn. If surgery is performed, it can take several weeks for a full recovery, and a special shoe may need to be worn. If you suffer from hammertoe, please speak with a podiatrist when the first symptoms appear, so a proper diagnosis can be made and treatment can be started.

Hammertoes can be a painful condition to live with. For more information, contact Dr. Kevin Davis of Davis Foot & Ankle Centers. Our doctor will answer any of your foot- and ankle-related questions.

Hammertoe

Hammertoe is a foot deformity that occurs due to an imbalance in the muscles, tendons, or ligaments that normally hold the toe straight. It can be caused by the type of shoes you wear, your foot structure, trauma, and certain disease processes.

Symptoms

• Painful and/or difficult toe movement
• Swelling
• Joint stiffness
• Calluses/Corns
• Physical deformity

Risk Factors

• Age – The risk of hammertoe increases with age
• Sex – Women are more likely to have hammertoe compared to men
• Toe Length – You are more likely to develop hammertoe if your second toe is longer than your big toe
• Certain Diseases – Arthritis and diabetes may make you more likely to develop hammertoe

Treatment

If you have hammertoe, you should change into a more comfortable shoe that provides enough room for your toes. Exercises such as picking up marbles may strengthen and stretch your toe muscles. Nevertheless, it is important to seek assistance from a podiatrist in order to determine the severity of your hammertoe and see which treatment option will work 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.