Stress fractures are small cracks in a bone that develop from repeated stress rather than a single injury. They are common in the feet because the foot bones absorb pressure with every step. Running, jumping, and other high-impact activities can place repeated force on the same area of bone. When the bone breaks down faster than the body can repair it, a stress fracture can occur. People who suddenly increase exercise levels are at greater risk. Wearing shoes that lack adequate support can also contribute to these injuries. Common symptoms include pain, swelling, and tenderness that become worse with activity and improve with rest.

A podiatrist will examine the foot and ask about recent activities and symptoms. X-rays are often used first, although small stress fractures are not always visible. More detailed imaging, such as an MRI, can help identify tiny cracks in the bone. Once a stress fracture is confirmed, treatment focuses on protecting the injured area while the bone heals. This usually means limiting activities that place pressure on the foot. A walking boot, brace, or crutches can help reduce stress on the injured bone.

Healing a stress fracture requires patience because bone repair takes several weeks. Returning to sports or exercise too soon can delay healing and increase the risk of another fracture. A podiatrist can monitor recovery and determine when it is safe to resume normal activities. Treatment also includes identifying the cause of the injury. This can involve evaluating footwear, activity levels, and foot structure. Addressing these factors helps reduce the chance of future stress fractures. If you believe you have a sustained foot stress fracture, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist for an exam and diagnosis.

Stress fractures occur when there is a tiny crack within a bone. To learn more, contact Christian Smith, DPM from UTOEpia Foot and Ankle Specialist. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain free and on your feet.

How Are They Caused?

Stress fractures are the result of repetitive force being placed on the bone. Since the lower leg and feet often carry most of the body’s weight, stress fractures are likely to occur in these areas. If you rush into a new exercise, you are more likely to develop a stress fracture since you are starting too much, too soon.  Pain resulting from stress fractures may go unnoticed at first, however it may start to worsen over time.

Risk Factors

• Gender – They are more commonly found in women compared to men.
• Foot Problems – People with unusual arches in their feet are more likely to develop stress fractures.
• Certain Sports – Dancers, gymnasts, tennis players, runners, and basketball players are more likely to develop stress fractures.
• Lack of Nutrients – A lack of vitamin D and calcium may weaken the bones and make you more prone to stress fractures
• Weak Bones – Osteoporosis can weaken the bones therefore resulting in stress fractures

Stress fractures do not always heal properly, so it is important that you seek help from a podiatrist if you suspect you may have one. Ignoring your stress fracture may cause it to worsen, and you may develop chronic pain as well as additional fractures.

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

Peripheral arterial disease (PAD) is a serious disease that causes plaque to build up in the arteries and restricts blood circulation. PAD can affect the whole body, including the feet and legs—which is especially troublesome for people with diabetes or cardiovascular disease. Early diagnosis and treatment is necessary to help manage wounds, avoid infection and tissue death, and reduce the risk of amputation. A podiatrist may perform vascular testing to detect poor blood circulation. Vascular testing is safe, painless, and non-invasive. In Doppler Ultrasound and Color Doppler tests, the podiatrist will hold a transducer against the skin which sends sound waves to the blood vessels and relays visual representations back to a computer screen. These tests show how freely, and in which direction, blood is flowing through veins and arteries, and can detect possible blockages and abnormalities. These vascular tests and more will help your podiatrist properly diagnose your condition and devise a plan to help manage and treat any foot or ankle complications caused by circulation problems.

Vascular testing plays an important part in diagnosing disease like peripheral artery disease. If you have symptoms of peripheral artery disease, or diabetes, consult with Christian Smith, DPM from UTOEpia Foot and Ankle Specialist. Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

What Is Vascular Testing?

Vascular testing checks for how well blood circulation is in the veins and arteries. This is most often done to determine and treat a patient for peripheral artery disease (PAD), stroke, and aneurysms. Podiatrists utilize vascular testing when a patient has symptoms of PAD or if they believe they might. If a patient has diabetes, a podiatrist may determine a vascular test to be prudent to check for poor blood circulation.

How Is it Conducted?

Most forms of vascular testing are non-invasive. Podiatrists will first conduct a visual inspection for any wounds, discoloration, and any abnormal signs prior to a vascular test.

 The most common tests include:

• Ankle-Brachial Index (ABI) examination
• Doppler examination
• Pedal pulses

These tests are safe, painless, and easy to do. Once finished, the podiatrist can then provide a diagnosis and the best course for treatment.

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

Gout is a type of inflammatory arthritis caused by a buildup of uric acid in the body, which forms crystals in the joints. Diet plays a role, as foods such as red meat, sugary drinks, and alcohol can increase uric acid levels. Risk factors include genetics, being overweight, and certain medications. Symptoms include sudden intense pain, swelling, redness, and tenderness. The big toe is commonly affected because it experiences pressure and tends to be cooler, allowing crystals to form more easily. Flare-ups can limit movement and disrupt daily life. A podiatrist can help manage symptoms, provide treatment, and offer guidance on prevention. If you have symptoms of gout, it is suggested that you are under the care of a podiatrist who can help you to manage this painful condition. 

Gout is a painful condition that can be treated. If you are seeking treatment, contact Christian Smith, DPM from UTOEpia Foot and Ankle Specialist. Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.

What Is Gout?

Gout is a form of arthritis that is characterized by sudden, severe attacks of pain, redness, and tenderness in the joints. The condition usually affects the joint at the base of the big toe. A gout attack can occur at any random time, such as the middle of the night while you are asleep.

Symptoms

• Intense Joint Pain - Usually around the large joint of your big toe, and it most severe within the first four to twelve hours
• Lingering Discomfort - Joint discomfort may last from a few days to a few weeks
• Inflammation and Redness -Affected joints may become swollen, tender, warm and red
• Limited Range of Motion - May experience a decrease in joint mobility

Risk Factors

• Genetics - If family members have gout, you’re more likely to have it
• Medications - Diuretic medications can raise uric acid levels
• Gender/Age - Gout is more common in men until the age of 60. It is believed that estrogen protects women until that point
• Diet - Eating red meat and shellfish increases your risk
• Alcohol - Having more than two alcoholic drinks per day increases your risk
• Obesity - Obese people are at a higher risk for gout

Prior to visiting your podiatrist to receive treatment for gout, there are a few things you should do beforehand. If you have gout you should write down your symptoms--including when they started and how often you experience them, important medical information you may have, and any questions you may have. Writing down these three things will help your podiatrist in assessing your specific situation so that he or she may provide the best route of treatment 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 care needs.

Non-diabetic foot problems are common and can affect comfort and daily activity. Foot odor is caused by bacteria breaking down sweat. Toe jam, or gunk, can build up between the toes and may lead to irritation or infection. Cracked heels develop when the skin becomes dry and splits, sometimes causing pain with walking. Additionally, friction blisters form when shoes rub against the skin, creating fluid-filled areas that can break open. These issues may seem minor, but they can worsen if ignored. A podiatrist can evaluate the skin, nails, and foot structure to find the cause of foot pain and provide proper treatment. Care may include debridement, topical therapy, or footwear guidance. If you have any type of foot pain, 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 Christian Smith, DPM from UTOEpia Foot and Ankle Specialist. 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 Memphis, TN . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.