Plantar fasciitis is one of the most common causes of heel discomfort, often producing sharp pain with the first steps in the morning or after long periods of rest. The condition develops when the plantar fascia, which is the strong band of tissue along the bottom of the foot, becomes irritated or inflamed. Contributing factors include flat feet, high arches, unsupportive shoes, excess weight, or repetitive strain from running and standing. Over time, the tissue tightens and microtears may form, leading to ongoing soreness. Stretching the calves and plantar fascia and using supportive footwear can ease symptoms. Night splints and orthotic inserts may also provide relief. While many cases improve with conservative care, untreated plantar fasciitis can become chronic and interfere with daily activity. If heel pain persists, it is suggested that you visit a podiatrist for an accurate diagnosis and a tailored treatment plan.

Plantar fasciitis can be very painful and inconvenient. If you are experiencing heel pain or symptoms of plantar fasciitis, contact Patricia A. Kirk, DPM  from Kirk Podiatry. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

What Is Plantar Fasciitis?

Plantar fasciitis is the inflammation of the thick band of tissue that runs along the bottom of your foot, known as the plantar fascia, and causes mild to severe heel pain.

What Causes Plantar Fasciitis?

• Excessive running
• Non-supportive shoes
• Overpronation
• Repeated stretching and tearing of the plantar fascia

How Can It Be Treated?

• Conservative measures – anti-inflammatories, ice packs, stretching exercises, physical therapy, orthotic devices
• Shockwave therapy – sound waves are sent to the affected area to facilitate healing and are usually used for chronic cases of plantar fasciitis
• Surgery – usually only used as a last resort when all else fails. The plantar fascia can be surgically detached from the heel

While very treatable, plantar fasciitis is definitely not something that should be ignored. Especially in severe cases, speaking to your doctor right away is highly recommended to avoid complications and severe heel pain. Your podiatrist can work with you to provide the appropriate treatment options tailored to your condition.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in Lexington, TN . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Toenail fungus, also known as onychomycosis, is a common condition that causes thickened, discolored, and brittle nails. It often begins as a white or yellow spot under the tip of the toenail and gradually spreads deeper, leading to nail distortion, crumbling edges, and possible separation from the nail bed. The infected nail may feel rough, emit a foul odor, and cause discomfort or pain when wearing shoes. Causes include exposure to warm, moist environments such as public showers, locker rooms, and around swimming pools, as well as wearing tight shoes or having a history of athlete's foot. A podiatrist can diagnose toenail fungus through a physical exam and by analyzing nail clippings. Treatment options include topical or oral antifungal medications, or in severe cases, removal of the affected nail. Early treatment increases success rates and prevents further spread. It is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist to properly identify and treat toenail fungus.

If left untreated, toenail fungus may spread to other toenails, skin, or even fingernails. If you suspect you have toenail fungus it is important to seek treatment right away. For more information about treatment, contact Patricia A. Kirk, DPM of Kirk Podiatry. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Symptoms

• Warped or oddly shaped nails
• Yellowish nails
• Loose/separated nail
• Buildup of bits and pieces of nail fragments under the nail
• Brittle, broken, thickened nail

Treatment

If self-care strategies and over-the-counter medications does not help your fungus, your podiatrist may give you a prescription drug instead. Even if you find relief from your toenail fungus symptoms, you may experience a repeat infection in the future.

Prevention

In order to prevent getting toenail fungus in the future, you should always make sure to wash your feet with soap and water. After washing, it is important to dry your feet thoroughly especially in between the toes. When trimming your toenails, be sure to trim straight across instead of in a rounded shape. It is crucial not to cover up discolored nails with nail polish because that will prevent your nail from being able to “breathe”.

In some cases, surgical procedure may be needed to remove the toenail fungus. Consult with your podiatrist about the best treatment options for your case of toenail fungus.  

If you have any questions please contact our office located in Lexington, TN . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Hammertoes are considered to be a foot deformity, commonly affecting the second, third or fourth toes. This condition can cause the toe to bend downward, resembling a hammer. Hammertoes can be brought on by a muscle imbalance in the feet, wearing tightly fitted shoes, and nerve damage, which is often linked to complications with diabetes. Hereditary reasons pertaining to the overall structure of the legs and feet can also play a role in the development of a hammertoe. To help treat this condition, custom orthotics are often prescribed to improve the structure and function of the affected toe. For a proper diagnosis and advised treatment plan, please consult with a podiatrist.

Hammertoes can be a painful condition to live with. For more information, contact Patricia A. Kirk, DPM of Kirk Podiatry. 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 Lexington, TN . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

An ingrown toenail is a condition in which the sides or corners of a toenail dig into the surrounding skin. Ingrown toenails are classified into three stages based on their severity. In stage 1, the end of the toe becomes reddened and mildly swollen. The affected toe can feel warm and painful to the touch, but has no pus or drainage. In stage 2, the toe becomes increasingly red, swollen, and painful, with yellow or white pus draining from the area. An infection may develop. In stage 3, the redness and swelling increase even more, and a mass of new tissue can grow around the nail, adding even more swelling and more pus.  At this stage, infections may be more severe and can be accompanied by a fever. If you have a painful or infected ingrown toenail, it is strongly recommended that you visit a podiatrist for treatment.

Ingrown toenails can become painful if they are not treated properly. For more information about ingrown toenails, contact Patricia A. Kirk, DPM of Kirk Podiatry. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Ingrown Toenails

Ingrown toenails occur when a toenail grows sideways into the bed of the nail, causing pain, swelling, and possibly infection.

Causes

• Bacterial infections
• Improper nail cutting such as cutting it too short or not straight across
• Trauma to the toe, such as stubbing, which causes the nail to grow back irregularly
• Ill-fitting shoes that bunch the toes too close together
• Genetic predisposition

Prevention

Because ingrown toenails are not something found outside of shoe-wearing cultures, going barefoot as often as possible will decrease the likeliness of developing ingrown toenails. Wearing proper fitting shoes and using proper cutting techniques will also help decrease your risk of developing ingrown toenails.

Treatment

Ingrown toenails are a very treatable foot condition. In minor cases, soaking the affected area in salt or antibacterial soaps will not only help with the ingrown nail itself, but also help prevent any infections from occurring. In more severe cases, surgery is an option. In either case, speaking to your podiatrist about this condition will help you get a better understanding of specific treatment options that are right for you.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in Lexington, TN . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.