Podiatry is the medical practice dealing with conditions of ankles and the feet. As a result, a podiatrist in Tennessee is prepared to deal with several medical conditions and provide treatments for them. But when should you see a podiatrist? After all, foot pain may be something as simple as being on your feet for too long. In this article, we will cover some of the most common foot problems that our Tennessee podiatrists deal with, their symptoms and how you can manage them.
Plantar Fasciitis
One of the most common podiatry problems is heel pain caused by plantar fasciitis. Plantar fasciitis occurs when the thick band of tissue that connects the heel to the toes, also known as the plantar fascia, becomes inflamed.
Does plantar fasciitis feel really painful and sore?
The landmark traits of this condition are a stabbing pain in the heel that’s tender to the touch. The pain is also worse in the mornings when a patient first puts weight on the affected foot. After the first occurrence of pain during the day, the pain should improve as you walk around. However, the extended periods of time on your feet can cause the pain to worsen again.
How painful is plantar fasciitis?
The level of pain caused by this condition varies on a case-to-case basis. Thankfully most instances of this condition can be treated with proper care, rest and stretching.
If the pain becomes severe enough, you may be recommended to a specialist for cortisone shots to reduce the pain and swelling around the triggered nerve.
How long does it take to get rid of plantar fasciitis?
This condition is one that develops step by step, and therefore must be cured in a step-by-step process. Most cases of plantar fasciitis take a few months to fully heal. However, certain physical therapy providers can help you identify the most effective exercises for relieving pain.
How to cure plantar fasciitis?
The first step to curing this condition is to try holistic and non-invasive therapies. The first step is to visit your doctor, as they should be able to give you recommendations for stretches that might help your pain.
Additionally, you can take ibuprofen to relieve symptoms.
Physical therapy, icing the area, rest, and supportive shoes or inserts can also help reduce your symptoms.
Beyond physical therapies, corticosteroid injections (cortisone shots) can be administered to promote healing and reduce swelling.
Podiatric Surgery in Nashville, TN
In rare cases, your podiatrist may recommend detaching your plantar fascia from your heel through surgery in order to relieve your symptoms. However, it is rare that cases of plantar fasciitis progress to the severity that requires surgery to treat. In the case that you need surgery, please consult with your foot and ankle surgeon to learn more about the exact details of the procedure.
Can plantar fasciitis come back after surgery?
Occasionally, symptoms of this foot problem can develop again after surgery. If you have concerns about this side effect, consult with your doctor to learn how they will reduce the risk of this and other side effects during your surgery.
Who is the best doctor for plantar fasciitis?
A board-certified podiatrist in Nashville, TN, has the specialized training to identify the particular issues and conditions that occur in the feet and ankles. Therefore, and especially if your symptoms are not presenting as strongly as symptoms of other foot issues.
If you’re looking for a board-certified podiatrist in Nashville, TN, contact Dr. Timothy Bush or Dr. Tod Bushman. Dr. Bush practices at our Foot & Ankle Specialists clinic off of Harding Rd, and Dr. Bushman practices at our Hermitage and Mt. Juliet clinic locations.
Ingrown Toenails
Most often, ingrown toenails develop on the big toe. However, ingrown toenails may develop on any toe. Signs of an ingrown toenail are inflammation around the toenail, as well as pain and even pus. If not treated, ingrown nails can lead to serious infections.
Is there Non-Surgical Treatment for Ingrown Toenails?
At-home care is the best solution for treating ingrown toenails in the early stages. First, you should soak the affected area about 3-4 times per day and wear footwear that allows adequate space for the toes. Open-toed shoes or sandals may be particularly helpful until the condition improves.
What is the best solution to soak an ingrown toenail in?
The best solution to soak your toe in is a warm water bath mixed with Epsom salt. You should repeat this up to four times a day for a few days until the symptoms improve.
Additionally, you should try lifting the nail if there is no pus around the nail. Use either sterile cotton or waxed dental floss to lift the nail from the skin underneath. Make sure you change these dressings every day. Combining lifting and soaking should reduce the swelling and help the nail begin growing properly.
What is it like to have ingrown toenail surgery?
There are a few surgical procedures to deal with an ingrown toenail. The first step is to remove the part of the nail piercing the corner of the toe. Because the nail beds are highly sensitive areas, your doctor or surgeon will numb your toe with a local anesthetic.
If the nail continues to become ingrown, your doctor may recommend removing more of the nail and the underlying tissue. With this procedure, your doctor will kill off that section of the nail to prevent it from growing back and causing more problems.
How painful is ingrown toenail surgery?
Because the toes have many nerve endings, without anesthesia, toenail removal would be quite painful. However, all ingrown toenail removal surgeries use local anesthetics for the comfort of the patient. You will feel no pain during the procedure and only experience slight pain as the anesthetics wear off.
Additional Podiatry Conditions
Athlete’s Foot
Usually, athlete’s foot can be identified and taken care of without the help of a podiatrist. Practicing self-care and using antifungal ointment usually resolve most cases. However, if symptoms present for longer than two weeks, you should visit a podiatrist.
Heel Pain
If you’re experiencing any kind of persistent heel pain, you should visit a podiatrist. Most instances of sore feet and heel pain resolve within a few days and can be managed with ibuprofen. If your symptoms do not improve on their own, then don’t hesitate to consult an expert podiatrist in Nashville, TN.
Bunions
Like heel pain, if bunions are causing ongoing or chronic pain, you should visit a podiatrist near you.
Corns and Calluses
If you experience pain from a corn or callus, it’s time to get it checked by a podiatrist near you.
How Diabetes Affects the Feet
Patients who are at risk of or who are diagnosed with diabetes are at a higher risk level for foot problems. As diabetes progresses, it causes the decay of the nerve endings in the feet. As a result, it can be harder for patients to detect injuries on their feet. If you have diabetes, you should get your feet checked regularly to prevent serious issues, such as infections on your feet.
Schedule a Consultation with Board-Certified Nashville Podiatrists Near You
Are you experiencing mysterious foot pain? Do you have ingrown toenails that won’t go away? Have your arches fallen? Do you need advice for how to take care of your feet? Make an appointment with a board certified podiatrist at The Surgical Clinic in Middle Tennessee (Nashville, Hermitage, Mt. Juliet and Lebanon, TN).