Shoes play an important role in foot health because they influence alignment, pressure, and stability. Footwear that fits well and supports the arch helps reduce stress on the heel and forefoot, especially while standing or walking on hard surfaces. A Brannock device is effective in determining what the right shoe is, enabling correct choices to be made for the desired shoe style. Lace-up styles can help the ankle stay aligned, although boots that rise too high can limit ankle movement, so they should fit comfortably around the front of the ankle. High heels force the toes forward and increase pressure under the ball of the foot, which can lead to bunions, claw toes, corns, and thickened nails. Sports shoes need cushioning for shock absorption and a firm back section to cradle the heel. Alternating shoes allows materials to recover and may extend their life. A podiatrist can assess your foot posture, prescribe custom insoles, and recommend shoes that support foot health. If you regularly experience foot pain, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for a diagnosis and appropriate treatment.

It is important to find shoes that fit you properly in order to avoid a variety of different foot problems. For more information about treatment, contact Patricia A. Kirk, DPM from Kirk Podiatry. Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.

Proper Shoe Fitting

Shoes have many different functions. They cushion our body weight, protect our feet, and allow us to safely play sports. You should always make sure that the shoes you wear fit you properly in order to avoid injuries and deformities such as: bunions, corns, calluses, hammertoes, plantar fasciitis, stress fractures, and more. It is important to note that although a certain pair of shoes might be a great fit for someone else, that doesn’t mean they will be a great fit for you. This is why you should always try on shoes before buying them to make sure they are worth the investment. Typically, shoes need to be replaced ever six months to one year of regular use.

Tips for Proper Shoe Fitting

• Select a shoe that is shaped like your foot
• Don’t buy shoes that fit too tight, expecting them to stretch to fit
• Make sure there is enough space (3/8” to ½”) for your longest toe at the end of each shoe when you are standing up
• Walk in the shoes to make sure they fit and feel right
• Don’t select shoes by the size marked inside the shoe, but by how the shoe fits your foot

The shoes you buy should always feel as good as they look. Shoes that fit properly will last longer, feel better, and improve your way of life each day.

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.

An Achilles tendon rupture is a serious injury involving a partial or complete tear of the tendon that connects the calf muscles to the heel bone. It is commonly caused by sudden increases in activity, forceful push off movements, trauma, or weakened tendons from overuse. Symptoms often include sudden pain in the back of the ankle, swelling, difficulty walking, and the sensation of hearing or feeling a pop at the time of injury. Loss of strength and limited ankle motion may follow. A podiatrist can help by performing a thorough evaluation, confirming the diagnosis, and developing a personalized treatment plan that may include immobilization, or surgical care, when needed. Early treatment is essential for optimal healing. If you experience sudden ankle pain or hear a popping sound, it is suggested that you promptly contact a podiatrist for a personalized treatment plan. 

Achilles tendon injuries need immediate attention to avoid future complications. If you have any concerns, 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.

What Is the Achilles Tendon?

The Achilles tendon is a tendon that connects the lower leg muscles and calf to the heel of the foot. It is the strongest tendon in the human body and is essential for making movement possible. Because this tendon is such an integral part of the body, any injuries to it can create immense difficulties and should immediately be presented to a doctor.

What Are the Symptoms of an Achilles Tendon Injury?

There are various types of injuries that can affect the Achilles tendon. The two most common injuries are Achilles tendinitis and ruptures of the tendon.

Achilles Tendinitis Symptoms

• Inflammation
• Dull to severe pain
• Increased blood flow to the tendon
• Thickening of the tendon

Rupture Symptoms

• Extreme pain and swelling in the foot
• Total immobility

Treatment and Prevention

Achilles tendon injuries are diagnosed by a thorough physical evaluation, which can include an MRI. Treatment involves rest, physical therapy, and in some cases, surgery. However, various preventative measures can be taken to avoid these injuries, such as:

• Thorough stretching of the tendon before and after exercise
• Strengthening exercises like calf raises, squats, leg curls, leg extensions, leg raises, lunges, and leg presses

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our office located in Lexington, TN . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.

A hairline fracture is a very small break in a bone that can cause significant discomfort, even though it may not be obvious at first. Many people notice a gradual increase in pain during walking or standing, especially after repetitive activity. Swelling, tenderness, and mild bruising may appear, and the discomfort often improves with rest but quickly returns with movement. These tiny cracks commonly develop from overuse, wearing improper footwear, or sudden increases in activity levels. Without early attention, the injury can worsen and interfere with mobility. Recognizing the signs promptly helps protect long-term foot health and supports a smoother recovery. If you notice persistent soreness, swelling, or pain that intensifies with activity, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for a proper diagnosis and appropriate treatment.

Activities where too much pressure is put on the feet can cause stress fractures. To learn more, contact Patricia A. Kirk, DPM from Kirk Podiatry. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep your pain free and on your feet.

Dealing with Stress Fractures of the Foot and Ankle

Stress fractures occur in the foot and ankle when muscles in these areas weaken from too much or too little use.  The feet and ankles then lose support when walking or running from the impact of the ground. Since there is no protection, the bones receive the full impact of each step. Stress on the feet can cause cracks to form in the bones, thus creating stress fractures.

What Are Stress Fractures?

Stress fractures occur frequently in individuals whose daily activities cause great impact on the feet and ankles. Stress factors are most common among:

• Runners                                
• People affected with Osteoporosis
• Tennis or basketball players
• Gymnasts
• High impact workouts

Symptoms

Pain from the fractures occur in the area of the fractures and can be constant or intermittent. It will often cause sharp or dull pain with swelling and tenderness. Engaging in any kind of activity which involves high impact will aggravate pain.

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.

Athlete’s foot is a fungal infection that affects the skin of the feet, especially between the toes and along the soles. It is caused by fungi that thrive in warm, moist environments, including locker rooms, sweaty shoes, and public shower areas. The skin may look red, scaly, or cracked, and in some cases may appear white and soggy between the toes. It often feels itchy, with discomfort that can worsen after activity. Some people also experience dryness or painful fissures. A podiatrist can help from the start by accurately diagnosing the condition and confirming that symptoms are not related to other skin disorders. Treatment may begin with prescriptions or medical grade antifungal therapies, skin care guidance, and hygiene education. Care can then move into preventive strategies, footwear recommendations, and ongoing management to reduce recurrence and protect skin health. If you are dealing with persistent athlete’s foot, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist.

Athlete’s Foot

Athlete’s foot is often an uncomfortable condition to experience. Thankfully, podiatrists specialize in treating athlete’s foot and offer the best treatment options. If you have any questions about athlete’s foot, consult with Patricia A. Kirk, DPM from Kirk Podiatry. Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality treatment.

What Is Athlete’s Foot?

Tinea pedis, more commonly known as athlete’s foot, is a non-serious and common fungal infection of the foot. Athlete’s foot is contagious and can be contracted by touching someone who has it or infected surfaces. The most common places contaminated by it are public showers, locker rooms, and swimming pools. Once contracted, it grows on feet that are left inside moist, dark, and warm shoes and socks.

Prevention

The most effective ways to prevent athlete’s foot include:

• Thoroughly washing and drying feet
• Avoid going barefoot in locker rooms and public showers
• Using shower shoes in public showers
• Wearing socks that allow the feet to breathe
• Changing socks and shoes frequently if you sweat a lot

Symptoms

Athlete’s foot initially occurs as a rash between the toes. However, if left undiagnosed, it can spread to the sides and bottom of the feet, toenails, and if touched by hand, the hands themselves. Symptoms include:

• Redness
• Burning
• Itching
• Scaly and peeling skin

Diagnosis and Treatment

Diagnosis is quick and easy. Skin samples will be taken and either viewed under a microscope or sent to a lab for testing. Sometimes, a podiatrist can diagnose it based on simply looking at it. Once confirmed, treatment options include oral and topical antifungal medications.

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.