Constant care and regular evaluation are important for a foot or ankle fracture. If left untreated, foot or ankle fractures can worsen over time and create more serious problems.
Don't wait to be examined if you believe you've experienced a foot or ankle fracture.
A toenail that loosens or falls off often signals damage beneath its surface. The nail normally rests against the nail bed, which is the skin directly underneath it. When that attachment breaks down, part of the nail lifts away. The separated area sometimes looks white or yellow because air and debris collect beneath it. Other changes include thickening, cracking, or an uneven shape. Some patients feel tenderness while walking, while others notice little discomfort. Even a painless change needs attention because nail problems sometimes reflect an infection or another health condition. A podiatrist evaluates these changes and identifies what is affecting the nail.
Injuries frequently cause toenail separation. A dropped object or a stubbed toe damages the nail and surrounding tissue. Repeated pressure from wearing tight shoes also injures toenails, especially in runners. Blood trapped beneath an injured nail sometimes creates a dark patch and throbbing pain. Fungal infections are another cause, making nails thick, discolored, or crumbly before they loosen. Psoriasis, a condition linked to the immune system, sometimes affects nail growth and attachment. Eczema, which causes irritated skin, also affects the surrounding tissue. These problems require different treatment approaches, so a change in appearance alone does not establish the cause.
A podiatrist’s assessment includes examining the nail, checking the surrounding skin, and reviewing recent injuries. Questions about medical conditions and current treatments help reveal other possible causes. When fungus is suspected, the podiatrist collects a nail clipping or debris for laboratory testing. This helps distinguish an infection from conditions that look similar. After a significant injury, an X-ray helps identify a possible broken toe. Treatment is designed to address the underlying problem while protecting exposed tissue. A podiatrist carefully trims unstable nail sections or removes a severely damaged nail when appropriate. Professional wound care supports healing when the skin beneath the nail is injured.
A detached nail does not reattach to the nail bed. Recovery depends on new nail growth, which in some cases takes longer than a year. Damage to the tissue that produces the nail sometimes changes the shape of the new nail. Follow-up visits allow a podiatrist to assess healing and monitor regrowth. Increasing redness, drainage, or worsening pain warrants prompt evaluation. Fever or rapidly spreading redness requires urgent medical attention. Patients with diabetes or poor circulation need timely assessment because wounds carry greater risks. If your toenail has fallen off, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for a diagnosis and appropriate treatment.
Toe pain can disrupt your daily activities. 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 Causes Toe Pain?
Most severe toe pain is caused due to a sports injury, trauma from dropping something heavy on the toe, or bumping into something rigid. Other problems can develop over time for various reasons.
Toe pain can be caused by one or more ailments. The most common include:
When to See a Podiatrist
Diagnosis
In many cases the cause of toe pain is obvious, but in others, a podiatrist may want to use more advanced methods to determine the problem. These 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
Treatments for toe pain and injuries vary and may include shoe inserts, padding, taping, medicines, injections, and in some cases, surgery. If you believe that you have broken a toe, please see a podiatrist as soon as possible.
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.
Foot pain from wearing the wrong shoes make everyday activities uncomfortable and leave your feet aching long after you get home. Wearing poorly fitting shoes places excess pressure on the toes, arches, and heels, contributing to blisters, bunions, and plantar fasciitis. Symptoms may include soreness while walking, burning sensations, or pain that worsens after standing for long periods. People who work on their feet, exercise regularly, or wear restrictive footwear for fashion may face greater risks. Choosing shoes that match your foot shape and daily activities help reduce strain and protect your long-term foot health.
The surfaces you walk on also influence foot comfort. Spending hours on hard floors can increase pressure on the heels and forefoot, especially when shoes lack adequate cushioning. Supportive lace-up boots may ease sore feet by securing the ankle and helping stabilize the foot, provided they fit correctly. High heels shift body weight forward, placing extra stress on the toes and ball of the foot. Wearing them frequently contributes to discomfort and structural problems. Alternating between different comfortable shoes can also vary pressure points and give footwear time to air out between uses.
Choosing the right shoes for sports is equally important because each activity places different demands on your feet. Running shoes should provide appropriate cushioning and fit, while court sports may require better side-to-side stability. Hiking footwear should offer traction and support suited to the terrain. Always check that your toes have enough room and your heel feels secure without slipping. Replace worn-out shoes when cushioning or tread deteriorates, since damaged footwear may increase discomfort and affect stability.
A podiatrist examines your feet, assesses your walking pattern, and identifies conditions that contribute to pain. Treatment may include footwear recommendations, custom orthotics, or care for existing injuries. If you have foot pain from wearing the wrong shoes, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist for an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment.
Foot Pain
Foot pain can be extremely painful and debilitating. If you have a foot pain, consult with Patricia A. Kirk, DPM from Kirk Podiatry. 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:
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 our office located in Lexington, TN . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.
Ankle bursitis is inflammation of a small, fluid-filled sac called a bursa. Bursae cushion areas where tissues move against each other. When a bursa around the ankle becomes irritated, swelling and pain can develop. Ankle bursitis may affect the front, back, or sides of the ankle. Symptoms often include tenderness, swelling, and discomfort with walking or ankle movement. Stiffness may also occur, especially after periods of rest or inactivity.
Several factors can contribute to ankle bursitis. Repetitive activities that stress the ankle can irritate a bursa. Running, jumping, and prolonged standing can increase irritation. Wearing tight footwear can create pressure and rubbing around the ankle. An injury, such as a direct blow or repeated minor trauma, can trigger inflammation. Arthritis and other joint problems may increase irritation around the bursa. Risk factors include high-impact activity, wearing poorly-fitting shoes, previous ankle injuries, and jobs requiring prolonged standing.
A podiatrist can evaluate ankle pain and determine whether bursitis is causing the symptoms. The examination may include checking swelling, tenderness, and walking mechanics. Imaging tests may be recommended when an injury or another condition needs to be ruled out. Treatment depends on the cause and severity. A podiatrist may recommend activity changes, wearing supportive footwear, or medication to control inflammation and ankle discomfort. If needed, drainage of excess fluid or an injection may be considered. Treating an underlying problem can support healing.
Recognizing ankle bursitis early can make it easier to manage discomfort and protect movement. Resting the irritated area and avoiding activities that worsen symptoms may help reduce stress during healing. However, persistent swelling or pain should not be ignored, especially when it affects walking. An evaluation can identify the source and guide care. If you have ankle pain, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can accurately diagnose and treat ankle bursitis.
Ankle pain can have many different causes and the pain may potentially be serious. If you have ankle pain, consult with Patricia A. Kirk, DPM from Kirk Podiatry. Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.
Ankle pain is any condition that causes pain in the ankle. Due to the fact that the ankle consists of tendons, muscles, bones, and ligaments, ankle pain can come from a number of different conditions.
Causes
The most common causes of ankle pain include:
Symptoms
Symptoms of ankle injury vary based upon the condition. Pain may include general pain and discomfort, swelling, aching, redness, bruising, burning or stabbing sensations, and/or loss of sensation.
Diagnosis
Due to the wide variety of potential causes of ankle pain, podiatrists will utilize a number of different methods to properly diagnose ankle pain. This can include asking for personal and family medical histories and of any recent injuries. Further diagnosis may include sensation tests, a physical examination, and potentially x-rays or other imaging tests.
Treatment
Just as the range of causes varies widely, so do treatments. Some more common treatments are rest, ice packs, keeping pressure off the foot, orthotics and braces, medication for inflammation and pain, and surgery.
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.
Pickleball places unique demands on the lower extremities because players frequently move forward, backward, and from side to side. Quick reactions and repeated court movements can contribute to foot and ankle injuries. A sports-related injury may affect a tendon, ligament, or bone. Symptoms include localized pain, swelling, or bruising. Tenderness, or difficulty placing weight on the affected foot are also common. Some problems develop immediately, while others appear gradually after repeated play.
Risk factors include increasing playing time too quickly, skipping warm-ups, and using footwear that does not provide enough stability. Players returning after a long break may also experience problems when their bodies have not adjusted to repeated court activity. Previous injuries can increase susceptibility, particularly when strength, flexibility, or balance has not fully returned. Poor movement patterns and repeated high-impact activity may place additional strain on the feet and ankles during games.
Common pickleball injuries include ankle sprains, Achilles tendon problems, and plantar fasciitis. An ankle sprain can happen when the foot rolls during a sudden change in direction. Achilles tendon irritation may cause pain near the back of the heel and ankle, especially during pushing off. Plantar fasciitis typically causes discomfort beneath the heel and may become noticeable after activity or during the first steps after rest. Additionally, stress fractures can also occur from repetitive loading.
A podiatrist begins care by examining the injured area and evaluating movement, strength, and stability. X-rays or other imaging may be recommended when a bone injury is suspected. Treatment may involve temporary activity changes, and wearing supportive footwear. Follow-up appointments allow the podiatrist to monitor progress and determine when returning to pickleball is appropriate. If pickleball has left you with ongoing foot or ankle pain, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist for an effective relief, treatment and guidance on when to return to this popular sport.
Ankle and foot injuries are common among athletes and in many sports. They can be caused by several problems and may be potentially serious. If you are feeling pain or think you were injured in a sporting event or when exercising, consult with Patricia A. Kirk, DPM from Kirk Podiatry. Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.
Common Injuries
The most common injuries that occur in sporting activities include:
Symptoms
Symptoms vary depending upon the injury and in some cases, there may be no symptoms at all. However, in most cases, some form of symptom is experienced. Pain, aching, burning, bruising, tenderness, tightness or stiffness, sensation loss, difficulty moving, and swelling are the most common symptoms.
Treatment
Just as symptoms vary depending upon the injury, so do treatment options. A common treatment method is known as the RICE method. This method involves rest, applying ice, compression and elevating the afflicted foot or ankle. If the injury appears to be more serious, surgery might be required, such as arthroscopic or reconstructive surgery. Lastly, rehabilitation or therapy might be needed to gain full functionality in the afflicted area. Any discomfort experienced by an athlete must be evaluated by a licensed, reputable medical professional.
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.
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