May 2024

Heel pain is a frequent issue for tennis players. The sport involves intense footwork, with quick lateral movements and repetitive impact. Plantar fasciitis and heel spurs are two of the most common conditions for heel pain in tennis players. Plantar fasciitis occurs when the plantar fascia, a thick band of tissue running along the bottom of the foot, becomes strained and irritated from continuous activity. Heel spurs are bony growths on the heel bone and often develop in response to the chronic strain, pulling, and inflammation of the plantar fascia. Symptoms typically include a sharp, stabbing pain in the bottom of the foot near the heel, especially noticeable during the first steps after waking up or after long periods of rest. To manage and treat these conditions, tennis players may be advised to wear shoes with adequate cushioning and support, engage in proper warm-up and stretching exercises before playing, and incorporate rest days into their training schedules. It is important to get appropriate treatment for these conditions to prevent them from worsening. Podiatrists, or foot doctors, can suggest specialized treatments such as custom orthotics, targeted stretching, or even corticosteroid injections to alleviate pain and prevent further injury. If you are a tennis player with heel pain, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist for treatment. 

Many people suffer from bouts of heel pain. For more information, contact Brian D. Jackson, DPM of Neuhaus Foot and Ankle. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Causes of Heel Pain

Heel pain is often associated with plantar fasciitis. The plantar fascia is a band of tissues that extends along the bottom of the foot. A rip or tear in this ligament can cause inflammation of the tissue.

Achilles tendonitis is another cause of heel pain. Inflammation of the Achilles tendon will cause pain from fractures and muscle tearing. Lack of flexibility is also another symptom.

Heel spurs are another cause of pain. When the tissues of the plantar fascia undergo a great deal of stress, it can lead to ligament separation from the heel bone, causing heel spurs.

Why Might Heel Pain Occur?

• Wearing ill-fitting shoes                  
• Wearing non-supportive shoes
• Weight change           
• Excessive running

Treatments

Heel pain should be treated as soon as possible for immediate results. Keeping your feet in a stress-free environment will help. If you suffer from Achilles tendonitis or plantar fasciitis, applying ice will reduce the swelling. Stretching before an exercise like running will help the muscles. Using all these tips will help make heel pain a condition of the past.

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.

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.