Custom-made foot and ankle orthotics play a vital role in diabetic foot care by addressing the unique challenges posed by this condition. Diabetes can lead to peripheral neuropathy and impaired circulation, leaving the feet vulnerable to injuries and ulcers. Left untreated, these complications can escalate, potentially resulting in severe infections, tissue damage, and possibly amputation. Orthotics designed specifically for diabetic patients offer several benefits. They help redistribute pressure away from areas prone to ulceration, thereby reducing the risk of wounds. Additionally, orthotics can improve stability and alignment, which is helpful for preventing falls and injuries. By providing cushioning and support, they also alleviate discomfort and pain associated with diabetic neuropathy. If you have diabetic foot issues, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist to discuss whether orthotics can help you.

If you are having discomfort in your feet and would like to try orthotics, contact Brian D. Jackson, DPM from Neuhaus Foot and Ankle. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

What Are Orthotics?

Orthotics are inserts you can place into your shoes to help with a variety of foot problems such as flat feet or foot pain. Orthotics provide relief and comfort for minor foot and heel pain but can’t correct serious biomechanical problems in your feet.

Over-the-Counter Inserts

Orthotics come in a wide variety of over-the-counter inserts that are used to treat foot pain, heel pain, and minor problems. For example, arch supports can be inserted into your shoes to help correct overarched or flat feet, while gel insoles are often used because they provide comfort and relief from foot and heel pain by alleviating pressure.

Prescription Orthotics

If over-the-counter inserts don’t work for you or if you have a more severe foot concern, it is possible to have your podiatrist prescribe custom orthotics. These high-quality inserts are designed to treat problems such as abnormal motion, plantar fasciitis, and severe forms of heel pain. They can even be used to help patients suffering from diabetes by treating foot ulcers and painful calluses and are usually molded to your feet individually, which allows them to provide full support and comfort.

If you are experiencing minor to severe foot or heel pain, it’s recommended to speak with your podiatrist about the possibilities of using orthotics. A podiatrist can determine which type of orthotic is right for you and allow you to take the first steps towards being pain-free.

If you have any questions please contact one of our offices located in Columbia and Pulaski, TN . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Diabetic foot ulcers pose a significant challenge in managing diabetes, often leading to severe complications if left untreated. Among the array of treatment options, surgical offloading procedures stand as a critical intervention. These procedures involve relieving pressure from the affected area, allowing the ulcer to heal effectively. Surgeons may opt for techniques, such as tendon lengthening and bone resection. By redistributing weight-bearing forces, these surgeries alleviate stress on the ulcer, promoting tissue repair and reducing the risk of infection. While surgical intervention may seem daunting, it offers a vital opportunity for individuals with diabetic foot ulcers to regain mobility and prevent further deterioration. Additionally, when coupled with comprehensive diabetic foot care, including proper wound management and glycemic control, these procedures enhance the prospects of successful ulcer healing and minimize the likelihood of recurrence. If you have diabetes and have developed a foot wound, it is strongly suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can help you determine if this type of foot surgery is right for you.

Foot surgery is sometimes necessary to treat a foot ailment. To learn more, contact Brian D. Jackson, DPM of Neuhaus Foot and Ankle. Our doctor will assist you with all of your foot and ankle needs.

When Is Surgery Necessary?

Foot and ankle surgery is generally reserved for cases in which less invasive, conservative procedures have failed to alleviate the problem. Some of the cases in which surgery may be necessary include:

• Removing foot deformities like bunions and bone spurs
• Severe arthritis that has caused bone issues
• Cosmetic reconstruction

What Types of Surgery Are There?

The type of surgery you receive will depend on the nature of the problem you have. Some of the possible surgeries include:

• Bunionectomy for painful bunions
• Surgical fusion for realignment of bones
• Neuropathy decompression surgery to treat nerve damage

Benefits of Surgery

Although surgery is usually a last resort, it can provide more complete pain relief compared to non-surgical methods and may allow you to finally resume full activity.

Surgical techniques have also become increasingly sophisticated. Techniques like endoscopic surgery allow for smaller incisions and faster recovery times.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact one of our offices located in Columbia and Pulaski, TN . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Athlete's foot is a fungal infection that thrives in moist, warm environments. This makes it common for people who wear tight, sweaty shoes for extended periods or use communal showers and locker rooms. The fungus infects the skin in the toes and causes itching, burning, and peeling. A podiatrist, or foot doctor, may suggest antifungal medications to apply topically, usually for a couple of weeks until the infection clears up. For more severe cases, oral antifungal medications may be prescribed. Preventative measures include keeping the feet clean and dry, changing socks regularly, and wearing well-ventilated shoes. Antifungal powders for shoes and socks may also be suggested as prevention. In addition, avoiding barefoot walking in public areas and using separate towels for your feet can help prevent the spread and recurrence of athlete's foot. If you suspect an athlete’s foot, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist for relief. 

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 Brian D. Jackson, DPM from Neuhaus Foot and Ankle.  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 one of our offices located in Columbia and Pulaski, TN . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Hammertoe is a prevalent foot deformity characterized by an abnormal bending of one or more toes, typically the second, third, or fourth toe. This condition develops when the muscles and ligaments surrounding the toe joint become imbalanced, causing the affected toe to bend downward at the middle joint, resembling a hammer. Hammertoe can result from various factors, including genetics, wearing ill-fitting shoes that force the toes into unnatural positions, or foot trauma. Over time, the bent toe may become rigid and inflexible, leading to discomfort, pain, and difficulty while walking or wearing shoes. In some cases, corns or calluses may develop on the tops or tips of the affected toes due to friction and pressure against footwear. While hammertoe can be bothersome, early intervention with proper footwear, toe exercises, splinting, or orthotic devices can help alleviate symptoms and prevent the condition from worsening. Seeking prompt treatment from a podiatrist can ensure effective management of hammertoe and improve foot function and comfort. If you are afflicted with hammertoe, it is suggested that you confer with this type of doctor who can offer you relief and treatment remedies that are right for you.

Hammertoes can be a painful condition to live with. For more information, contact Brian D. Jackson, DPM of Neuhaus Foot and Ankle. 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 one of our offices located in Columbia and Pulaski, TN . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Foot pain at night can disrupt your sleep and affect your overall quality of life, leaving you restless and uncomfortable. Understanding the underlying causes is crucial for finding relief and improving your well-being. One common culprit is plantar fasciitis, characterized by inflammation of the tissue connecting the heel to the toes. This condition often leads to sharp, stabbing pain in the heel or arch, particularly when getting out of bed in the morning or after long periods of rest. Another potential cause is neuropathy, a nerve disorder that can result from conditions like diabetes or vitamin deficiencies. Neuropathic pain may present as burning, tingling, or shooting sensations in the feet, worsening at night when lying down. Additionally, arthritis, stress fractures, and overuse injuries can contribute to nocturnal foot pain. Identifying the specific cause through proper diagnosis by a healthcare professional is essential for implementing targeted treatment strategies and finding relief from nighttime foot discomfort. If you have foot pain at night, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist for care.

Foot Pain

Foot pain can be extremely painful and debilitating. If you have a foot pain, consult with Brian D. Jackson, DPM from Neuhaus Foot and Ankle. 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 one of our offices located in Columbia and Pulaski, TN . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.