Proper shoe fit plays a vital role in maintaining overall foot health and preventing avoidable injuries. Many adults unknowingly wear shoes that are too large, which can lead to blisters, instability, and an increased risk of trips and falls. Shoes that are too small can be equally harmful, contributing to painful conditions such as bunions and hammertoes. Wearing the right shoes for specific activities is essential for support, comfort, and injury prevention. A podiatrist can evaluate foot structure, recommend appropriate footwear, and address existing concerns before they worsen. Taking the time to choose correctly fitted shoes can improve mobility, reduce pain, and support long-term wellness. If you have foot pain from possibly wearing the wrong size shoes, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can treat various foot conditions and guide you on the appropriate shoe size to wear.

Getting the right shoe size is an important part of proper foot health. Seek the assistance of Patricia A. Kirk, DPM from Kirk Podiatry. Our doctor will provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Getting the Right Shoe Size

There are many people who wear shoes that are the incorrect size, negatively affecting their feet and posture. Selecting the right shoes is not a difficult process, so long as you keep several things in mind when it comes to choosing the right pair.

• When visiting the shoe store, use the tools available to measure your foot.
• Be sure there is ‘wiggle room’. There should be about an inch between your toes and the tip of your shoes.
• Do not always assume you are the same size, as manufacturers run differently.
• Purchase shoes later in the day, as your feet swell as the day progresses.
• If a shoe is not comfortable, it is not suitable. Most shoes can’t be ‘broken in’, and comfort should be the ultimate goal when it comes to choosing the right pair of shoes

As our feet hold our body weight and keep us moving, it is important to treat them right. Picking the right pair of shoes can provide your feet comfort and mobility without 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.

Minimally invasive surgery for the foot and ankle is a technique that uses small incisions and specialized instruments to treat a variety of conditions with less disruption to surrounding tissue. It is commonly used for problems such as bunions, hammertoes, tendon injuries, and joint issues that cause pain and limit mobility. Risk factors that may lead to these conditions include improper footwear, repetitive stress, injury, and structural foot abnormalities. This surgical approach often results in reduced pain, faster recovery, and minimal scarring compared to traditional surgery. A podiatrist can evaluate your condition, determine if you are a candidate, and guide you through treatment and recovery. If you are experiencing persistent foot or ankle pain, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist to discuss effective treatment solutions, which may include surgery.

Foot surgery is sometimes necessary to treat a foot ailment. To learn more, contact Patricia A. Kirk, DPM of Kirk Podiatry. 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 our office located in Lexington, TN . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Plantar fasciitis, one of the most common causes of heel pain, often develops gradually. It occurs when the plantar fascia, a thick band of tissue along the bottom of the foot, becomes irritated or strained. Many people notice sharp pain near the heel, especially with the first steps in the morning or after sitting. The foot may look normal or slightly swollen, but it can feel tight after long periods of standing. Causes include overuse, unsupportive footwear, sudden increases in activity, or foot structure issues, such as high arches. A podiatrist can begin with a detailed exam and imaging to confirm the diagnosis. Treatment includes custom orthotics, shoe guidance, anti-inflammatory care, and targeted exercises to improve strength and flexibility. Early care can reduce chronic pain, restore mobility, and help prevent long-term foot problems. If you have plantar fasciitis, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist.

Plantar fasciitis is a common foot condition that is often caused by a strain injury. 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 one of the most common causes of heel pain. The plantar fascia is a ligament that connects your heel to the front of your foot. When this ligament becomes inflamed, plantar fasciitis is the result. If you have plantar fasciitis you will have a stabbing pain that usually occurs with your first steps in the morning. As the day progresses and you walk around more, this pain will start to disappear, but it will return after long periods of standing or sitting.

What Causes Plantar Fasciitis?

• Excessive running
• Having high arches in your feet
• Other foot issues such as flat feet
• Pregnancy (due to the sudden weight gain)
• Being on your feet very often

There are some risk factors that may make you more likely to develop plantar fasciitis compared to others. The condition most commonly affects adults between the ages of 40 and 60. It also tends to affect people who are obese because the extra pounds result in extra stress being placed on the plantar fascia.

Prevention

• Take good care of your feet – Wear shoes that have good arch support and heel cushioning.
• Maintain a healthy weight
• If you are a runner, alternate running with other sports that won’t cause heel pain

There are a variety of treatment options available for plantar fasciitis along with the pain that accompanies it. Additionally, physical therapy is a very important component in the treatment process. It is important that you meet with your podiatrist to determine which treatment option is 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.

Arch pain is a common foot-related condition defined as discomfort or inflammation along the curved middle portion of the foot that supports body weight and movement. This area contains important muscles, ligaments, and connective tissues that maintain balance and stability while walking. Causes of arch pain include plantar fasciitis, stress fractures within the foot bones, or ligament-related strains that develop from repetitive pressure. Symptoms often involve aching discomfort, tenderness, swelling, and increased pain during walking or standing. Risk factors include prolonged standing, high impact activity, poor footwear support, or abnormal foot mechanics. A podiatrist can evaluate foot structure, identify the underlying cause, and recommend supportive treatment. If arch discomfort interferes with daily movement, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can offer effective relief and treatment solutions.

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:

• 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 our office located in Lexington, TN . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.