Bunions are bony protrusions that form at the base of the big toe, often causing discomfort or pain. There are various types of bunions, each varying in severity. The mild form typically causes slight swelling and can often be managed with proper footwear or orthotics. In moderate cases, the deformity becomes more noticeable, leading to increased discomfort and difficulty with movement. Severe bunions can cause significant pain, misalignment of the toes, and even difficulty walking, requiring more intensive treatments or surgery. The main causes of bunions include genetic factors, abnormal foot mechanics, and wearing ill-fitting shoes. Conditions like arthritis can also contribute to their development. A bunionette is a smaller, similar deformity that forms on the outside of the foot, near the little toe. While bunions can be painful, early intervention and proper care from a podiatrist can prevent further complications and help manage symptoms effectively. If you notice the beginning signs of a bunion, it is suggested that you consult this type of doctor who can offer effective prevention and relief tips.

If you are suffering from bunion pain, contact one of our podiatrists of Nashville Family Foot Care. Our practitioners can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

What Is a Bunion?

Bunions are painful bony bumps that usually develop on the inside of the foot at the joint of the big toe. As the deformity increases over time, it may become painful to walk and wear shoes. Women are more likely to exacerbate existing bunions since they often wear tight, narrow shoes that shift their toes together. Bunion pain can be relieved by wearing wider shoes with enough room for the toes.

Causes

• Genetics – some people inherit feet that are more prone to bunion development
• Inflammatory Conditions - rheumatoid arthritis and polio may cause bunion development

Symptoms

• Redness and inflammation
• Pain and tenderness
• Callus or corns on the bump
• Restricted motion in the big toe

In order to diagnose your bunion, your podiatrist may ask about your medical history, symptoms, and general health. Your doctor might also order an x-ray to take a closer look at your feet. Nonsurgical treatment options include orthotics, padding, icing, changes in footwear, and medication. If nonsurgical treatments don’t alleviate your bunion pain, surgery may be necessary.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in Nashville, TN . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Diabetic neuropathy is caused by long-term high blood sugar levels that damage the peripheral nerves, particularly in the feet, toes, and ankles. Diabetic neuropathy progresses through three stages. Early stages often involve mild tingling, numbness, or a burning sensation in the feet. In the moderate stage, these symptoms become more frequent and painful, with possible muscle weakness or loss of coordination. Severe neuropathy leads to a loss of sensation, making it difficult to notice wounds and injuries and increasing the risk of infections and serious complications. Common symptoms of peripheral diabetic neuropathy include sharp pain, cramping, swelling, frequent infections, and a loss of muscle tone. Left untreated, these symptoms can lead to ulcers, deformities, or even limb loss. A podiatrist can assess nerve function, monitor symptoms, and recommend treatment to manage pain, prevent complications, and slow progression. If you have symptoms of diabetic neuropathy, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for advice and guidance in managing this condition.

Neuropathy

Neuropathy can be a potentially serious condition, especially if it is left undiagnosed. If you have any concerns that you may be experiencing nerve loss in your feet, consult with one of our podiatrists from Nashville Family Foot Care. Our practitioners will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment for neuropathy.

What Is Neuropathy?

Neuropathy is a condition that leads to damage to the nerves in the body. Peripheral neuropathy, or neuropathy that affects your peripheral nervous system, usually occurs in the feet. Neuropathy can be triggered by a number of different causes. Such causes include diabetes, infections, cancers, disorders, and toxic substances.

Symptoms of Neuropathy Include:

• Numbness
• Sensation loss
• Prickling and tingling sensations
• Throbbing, freezing, burning pains
• Muscle weakness

Those with diabetes are at serious risk due to being unable to feel an ulcer on their feet. Diabetics usually also suffer from poor blood circulation. This can lead to the wound not healing, infections occurring, and the limb may have to be amputated.

Treatment

To treat neuropathy in the foot, podiatrists will first diagnose the cause of the neuropathy. Figuring out the underlying cause of the neuropathy will allow the podiatrist to prescribe the best treatment, whether it be caused by diabetes, toxic substance exposure, infection, etc. If the nerve has not died, then it’s possible that sensation may be able to return to the foot.

Pain medication may be issued for pain. Electrical nerve stimulation can be used to stimulate nerves. If the neuropathy is caused from pressure on the nerves, then surgery may be necessary.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in Nashville, TN . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Experiencing ankle pain without swelling can be frustrating and may occur for several reasons. One common cause is overuse or repetitive strain, especially from activities such as running, walking, or sports. This type of pain may affect the tendons or ligaments in the ankle, leading to discomfort without visible swelling. Another possibility is a mild sprain or strain where the tissues are stretched or torn, but the inflammation does not result in noticeable swelling. Additionally, issues like tendinitis or bursitis can cause pain in the ankle without swelling. These conditions involve inflammation of the tendons or bursa, but may not always produce the swelling typically seen with injuries. Stress fractures, which are small cracks in the bone, can also cause pain without swelling. Symptoms of this type of pain may include tenderness, discomfort during movement, and occasional stiffness. If the ankle pain persists, it is suggested  to seek medical attention from a podiatrist for a proper diagnosis and treatment.

Ankle pain can have many different causes and the pain may potentially be serious. If you have ankle pain, consult with one of our podiatrists from Nashville Family Foot Care. Our practitioners 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:

• Types of arthritis (rheumatoid, osteoarthritis, and gout)
• Ankle sprains
• Broken ankles
• Achilles tendinitis
• Achilles tendon rupture
• Stress fractures
• Tarsal tunnel syndrome
• Plantar fasciitis

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 Nashville, TN . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.