A dancer’s ankle and foot are marvels of flexibility and strength, designed to support high-impact movements and intricate footwork. Structurally, the foot comprises 26 bones, 33 joints, and numerous muscles and tendons that work in harmony to enable precise and graceful dance movements. However, this demanding use can lead to common problems like sprains, tendonitis, and stress fractures. One frequent issue is Achilles tendonitis, which arises from overuse or improper technique, causing pain and inflammation in the back of the heel. Another is plantar fasciitis, marked by sharp heel pain from inflammation of the tissue connecting the heel to the toes. Additionally, dancers are prone to metatarsal stress fractures due to repetitive stress on the foot bones. If you experience these issues with your feet or ankles, it is suggested you make an appointment with a podiatrist.

Sports related foot and ankle injuries require proper treatment before players can go back to their regular routines. For more information, contact Paul Hutchison, DPM of Hutchison Foot Clinic. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Sports Related Foot and Ankle Injuries

Foot and ankle injuries are a common occurrence when it comes to athletes of any sport. While many athletes dismiss the initial aches and pains, the truth is that ignoring potential foot and ankle injuries can lead to serious problems. As athletes continue to place pressure and strain the area further, a mild injury can turn into something as serious as a rupture and may lead to a permanent disability. There are many factors that contribute to sports related foot and ankle injuries, which include failure to warm up properly, not providing support or wearing bad footwear. Common injuries and conditions athletes face, including:

• Plantar Fasciitis
• Plantar Fasciosis
• Achilles Tendinitis
• Achilles Tendon Rupture
• Ankle Sprains

Sports related injuries are commonly treated using the RICE method. This includes rest, applying ice to the injured area, compression and elevating the ankle. More serious sprains and injuries may require surgery, which could include arthroscopic and reconstructive surgery. Rehabilitation and therapy may also be required in order to get any recovering athlete to become fully functional again. Any unusual aches and pains an athlete sustains must be evaluated by a licensed, reputable medical professional.

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

Poor circulation, or peripheral arterial disease, occurs when blood flow to the extremities, particularly the feet, is reduced due to narrowed or blocked arteries. This condition often results from atherosclerosis, where fatty deposits build up on artery walls, or from other factors like diabetes, smoking, or high blood pressure. When circulation is compromised, the feet may not receive enough oxygen and nutrients. Common signs include cold feet, numbness or tingling. Cramping, discoloration, slow-healing sores, and in severe cases, tissue damage or infections are other signs. These symptoms can affect mobility and increase the risk of serious complications, such as ulcers or gangrene. If you suspect poor circulation, it is strongly suggested that you visit a podiatrist who can assess your condition, recommend treatments like compression therapy, lifestyle changes, or medication, and help prevent further complications.

Poor circulation is a serious condition and needs immediate medical attention. If you have any concerns with poor circulation in your feet contact Paul Hutchison, DPM of Hutchison Foot Clinic. Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.

Poor Circulation in the Feet

Poor blood circulation in the feet and legs is can be caused by peripheral artery disease (PAD), which is the result of a buildup of plaque in the arteries.

Plaque buildup or atherosclerosis results from excess calcium and cholesterol in the bloodstream. This can restrict the amount of blood which can flow through the arteries. Poor blood circulation in the feet and legs are sometimes caused by inflammation in the blood vessels, known as vasculitis.

Causes

Lack of oxygen and oxygen from poor blood circulation restricts muscle growth and development. It can also cause:

• Muscle pain, stiffness, or weakness   
• Numbness or cramping in the legs 
• Skin discoloration
• Slower nail & hair growth
• Erectile dysfunction

Those who have diabetes or smoke are at greatest risk for poor circulation, as are those who are over 50. If you have poor circulation in the feet and legs it may be caused by PAD and is important to make changes to your lifestyle in order to reduce risk of getting a heart attack or stroke. Exercise and maintaining a healthy lifestyle will dramatically improve conditions.

As always, see a podiatrist as he or she will assist in finding a regimen that suits you. A podiatrist can also prescribe you any needed medication. 

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

Ingrown toenails occur when the edges of the toenail grow into the surrounding skin, causing pain and discomfort. This condition typically affects the big toe but can occur on any toe. Symptoms of ingrown toenails include redness, swelling, and tenderness around the affected area, with the potential for infection if left untreated. The primary causes include improper nail trimming, where nails are cut too short or rounded, wearing tight or ill-fitting shoes that press on the toes, and having naturally curved toenails. Other contributing factors can include trauma to the toe or genetic predisposition. To prevent ingrown toenails, it is important to trim nails straight across and wear well-fitting shoes that provide ample space for the toes. If you have symptoms of an ingrown toenail, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can offer you the treatment that is best for you, which may include minor surgery for removal.

Ingrown toenails can become painful if they are not treated properly. For more information about ingrown toenails, contact Paul Hutchison, DPM of Hutchison Foot Clinic. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Ingrown Toenails

Ingrown toenails occur when a toenail grows sideways into the bed of the nail, causing pain, swelling, and possibly infection.

Causes

• Bacterial infections
• Improper nail cutting such as cutting it too short or not straight across
• Trauma to the toe, such as stubbing, which causes the nail to grow back irregularly
• Ill-fitting shoes that bunch the toes too close together
• Genetic predisposition

Prevention

Because ingrown toenails are not something found outside of shoe-wearing cultures, going barefoot as often as possible will decrease the likeliness of developing ingrown toenails. Wearing proper fitting shoes and using proper cutting techniques will also help decrease your risk of developing ingrown toenails.

Treatment

Ingrown toenails are a very treatable foot condition. In minor cases, soaking the affected area in salt or antibacterial soaps will not only help with the ingrown nail itself, but also help prevent any infections from occurring. In more severe cases, surgery is an option. In either case, speaking to your podiatrist about this condition will help you get a better understanding of specific treatment options that are right for you.

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