Basketball is fast-paced and demanding, making the feet and ankles especially vulnerable to injury. The constant running, jumping, and quick direction changes place significant stress on these areas, often leading to sprains, fractures, or tendon injuries. Ankle sprains are particularly common when a player lands awkwardly after a jump or rolls the foot on another player’s shoe. Stress fractures in the foot bones may also develop from repetitive impact on hard courts. Overuse injuries, such as Achilles tendonitis or plantar fasciitis, are frequent in athletes who train heavily without adequate rest. Even minor issues like blisters or bruised toenails can sideline a player, if not properly managed. Early evaluation and treatment are key to preventing long-term complications. Wearing protective footwear, strength training, and proper warm-ups can reduce the risk. If a basketball injury is causing pain in your feet or ankles or limiting performance, it is suggested that you see a podiatrist for diagnosis and appropriate treatment.

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:

• Achilles Tendonitis
• Achilles Tendon Rupture
• Ankle Sprains
• Broken Foot
• Plantar Fasciitis
• Stress Fractures
• Turf Toe

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.

Hammertoe and mallet toe are deformities that affect the joints of the toes, causing them to bend abnormally. Hammertoe involves a bend in the middle joint, while mallet toe affects the joint closest to the tip. These conditions are often caused by muscle imbalance, arthritis, trauma, or wearing tight or ill-fitting shoes. Symptoms include pain, stiffness, corns or calluses, and difficulty in moving the toe. The affected toe may appear bent downward and feel sore when walking or wearing shoes. A podiatrist can diagnose hammertoe or mallet toe through a physical examination and imaging tests, such as X-rays. Treatment options vary based on severity, and may include custom orthotics, shoe modifications, or splinting. In more advanced cases, surgical correction may be necessary to realign the joint. Early intervention can prevent the condition from worsening. If you notice changes in the shape or flexibility of your toes, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist who can accurately diagnose and treat hammertoe.

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.

Toenail fungus, also known as onychomycosis, can appear in several forms, each requiring careful treatment. The most common is distal subungual onychomycosis, which starts at the tip of the nail and spreads underneath, often treated with oral antifungal medications. White superficial onychomycosis affects the top layer of the nail, creating chalky white spots that can sometimes be managed with topical antifungal creams. Proximal subungual onychomycosis begins at the base of the nail and moves outward, and is more common in people with a weakened immune system. Treatment usually includes prescription antifungal therapy. Candida onychomycosis is caused by yeast rather than dermatophytes and can make nails thick, discolored, and painful, often requiring both oral and topical antifungals. Since toenail fungus can worsen if untreated, it is suggested that you visit a podiatrist to ensure an accurate diagnosis and obtain the most effective treatment for restoring healthy nails.

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.

Toenail Fungus Treatment

Toenail fungus is a condition that affects many people and can be especially hard to get rid of. Fortunately, there are several methods to go about treating and avoiding it.

Antifungals & Deterrence

Oral antifungal medicine has been shown to be effective in many cases. It is important to consult with a podiatrist to determine the proper regiment for you, or potentially explore other options.

Applying foot powder on the feet and shoes helps keep the feet free of moisture and sweat.

Sandals or open toed shoes – Wearing these will allow air movement and help keep feet dry. They also expose your feet to light, which fungus cannot tolerate. Socks with moisture wicking material also help as well.

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.