There are typically no physical signs of Morton's neuroma, such as a lump or a knot. Instead, symptoms may include:

• A sharp, achy or burning pain in the ball of your foot
• Numbness, tingling, or cramping in the toes or forefoot
• Feeling as if you're standing on a pebble in your shoe

While the exact cause of Morton's neuroma is unknown, the growth of the neuroma seems to occur in response to injury, pressure or irritation to one of the nerves that lead to the toes. People with certain foot deformities - bunions, hammertoes and flatfeet- are at higher risk for developing a neuroma. Women are also more likely to develop this condition as wearing high-heels or narrow-toed shoes can increase pressure on the toes. Other potential causes are activities that involve repetitive irritation to the ball of the foot, such as running.

Morton's neuroma can make walking and performing normal activities difficult and painful. Treatment options vary with the severity of each neuroma, and identifying the neuroma in its earliest stage of development is important to avoid more invasive treatments or surgical correction. Left untreated, neuromas tend to worsen, so it's always best to visit our Memphis office at the first sign of pain.

Early treatments aim to relieve or reduce pressure on the area around the affected toes. Depending on the severity of your neuroma, a podiatrist may recommend:

• Modifications to footwear. Wide-toed shoes relieve pressure on the neuroma.
• Shoe inserts or padding to provide support for the arch of the foot, which removes pressure from the nerve.
• Anti-inflammatory medications can help ease any pain and inflammation. Ask your doctor first.
• Icing to reduce inflammation.
• Rest to lessen repetitive pressure on the neuroma.

In the most severe cases, surgery may be recommended for patients who do not respond to conservative treatments. Advanced Foot and Ankle Care of Memphis LLC can help you determine the best approach for your specific condition.

• Sharp, aching or burning pain in the ball of your foot -- the part of the sole just behind the toes
• Pain that intensifies when you stand, walk or run
• Pain that radiates from the balls of the feet into the toes
• Numbness or tingling in the toes
• A feeling in your feet as if you are walking with a pebble in your shoe
• Pain that increases when walking barefoot

Sometimes a single factor can trigger metatarsalgia. More often, multiple factors contribute to the pain, including:

• Over-training or Over-activity. Extensive training and high-impact sports, especially running, places an abnormal amount of stress on the balls of the feet, causing irritation, inflammation and pain.
• Other foot disorders. High arches, hammertoes, bunions, stress fractures and Morton's neuroma can all trigger metatarsalgia symptoms.
• Poor-fitting footwear. High heels, narrow-toed shoes and shoes without adequate padding can all contribute to metatarsal problems.
• Excess weight. Extra weight places excess pressure on your metatarsals.
• Aging. The fat pads on the metatarsals thin out as a person ages, diminishing the ability of the metatarsal bones to protect themselves.

Although generally not serious, metatarsalgia can disrupt your day to day activities, and when left untreated can lead to additional pain in your unaffected foot, back or hips. Treatment to eliminate metatarsalgia symptoms can be as simple as resting, icing the affected area and wearing proper-fitting shoes to significantly reduce swelling and ease pain.

When conservative treatments aren't affective and pain persists, visit Advanced Foot and Ankle Care of Memphis LLC for a full exam and a proper diagnosis. In most cases, metatarsalgia can be treated non-surgically. An experienced podiatrist at our Memphis office may prescribe specially-designed orthotics or shock-absorbing insoles and arch supports to prevent and minimize future problems with metatarsalgia.

People develop ingrown toenails for various reasons. Poor nail-trimming is the most common cause, as this encourages the skin to fold over the nail. Other causes include trauma, such as stubbing a toe, or skin conditions, such as fungal infections or nails that are simply too large. In some cases, the condition may even be inherited. Poor-fitting shoes generally aggravate the condition, making it worse.

Many cases of ingrown toenails may be prevented by:

• Wearing well-fitted shoes and socks
• Protecting feet from trauma when possible
• Trimming toenails straight across and avoiding repeated trimming of the nail borders
• Keeping feet clean and dry to prevent infection

If an infection is not suspected of your ingrown, it can usually be safely treated from home by soaking your foot in warm water. Avoid "bathroom surgery" and repeated cutting of the nail as this will only make the condition worse.

When attempts to reduce your symptoms from home fail, or when pain, inflammation, swelling or discharge accompany your ingrown, the toenail is most likely infected and should be treated by a podiatrist at our Memphis office. People with diabetes, nerve damage or poor circulation should always seek care immediately if an ingrown nail is detected, regardless of the severity.

A podiatrist can examine the affected toe and determine the best treatment for your condition. For an infection, an antibiotic may be prescribed. Other treatments may involve trimming or removing the infected nail with a minor in-office surgical procedure.

Ingrown toenails may be annoying, but rest assured that they can easily be prevented and treated with the help of your podiatrist. If you think you have an ingrown toenail, visit Advanced Foot and Ankle Care of Memphis LLC for quick and easy treatment.

The most common cause of hammertoe is a muscle imbalance. Tight-fitting and high-heeled shoes often aggravate the condition, crowding your toes forward. A hammertoe can also be the result of injury in which you break or jam the toe, or from conditions like arthritis or stroke that affect nerves and muscles. In some cases, hammertoes may even be inherited.

Because of their clenched, claw-like appearance, hammertoes will generally be visibly present. Other signs and symptoms include:

• Difficult or painful motion of a toe joint
• Redness or swelling at a toe joint
• Development of calluses and corns
• Open sores in severe cases

The foot and ankle professionals at our Memphis office recommend the following for preventing and reducing the symptoms associated with hammertoe:

• Wear comfortable, proper-fitting shoes that provide support and allow enough room for your toes
• Avoid high-heeled or narrow-toed shoes
• Stretch your toe muscles to relieve pressure and pain
• Apply splints, cushions or pads to relieve pressure
• Moisturize with cream to keep the skin soft

Generally, a modification of footwear will reduce the symptoms associated with hammertoe. Other non-surgical treatment includes padding to shield corns and calluses and orthotic devices that are placed in the shoe to help control muscle imbalance. Advanced Foot and Ankle Care of Memphis LLC can help you determine the best treatment for your symptoms. Severe cases that don't respond to conservative measures may require surgery to restore your toe's flexibility and eliminate the pressure.

Hammertoes are progressive - they don't go away by themselves and the condition usually gets worse over time. Once a podiatrist at Advanced Foot and Ankle Care of Memphis LLC has evaluated your hammertoe, a treatment plan can be developed that is suited to your needs.

Growing pains are often characterized by a sharp, throbbing pain in the leg muscles, usually occurring during the night and sometimes late afternoon without an apparent cause. The nighttime pain can be so intense that it is enough to wake the child from sleep. While there is no evidence that a child's growth is painful, these pains often occur during an active day of running, jumping or swimming.

Whenever a child is afflicted by episodes of recurrent leg pain, it is always best to have them evaluated by Advanced Foot and Ankle Care of Memphis LLC. Other foot and leg conditions should be ruled out before a diagnosis of growing pains is made. If the examination is normal, with no redness, tenderness, swelling, or limitation of movement, then it is generally safe to say the child is suffering from growing pains.

Consult with a physician or a podiatrist at Advanced Foot and Ankle Care of Memphis LLC if aching legs are a chronic complaint or if the pain is so severe it interferes with the child's daily activities. Persistent pain and other unusual symptoms may indicate a more serious problem. The following symptoms are not due to growing pains and should be evaluated by a doctor:

• Persistent pain
• Swelling or redness in one specific area or joint
• Limping
• Fever
• Loss of Appetite
• Weakness
• Fatigue
• Abnormal behavior

There are no treatments or medications available for growing pains, but parents can help ease the pain with simple home remedies.

• Massage and rub the child's ache until the pain passes
• Stretch your child's legs throughout the day and before bed
• Heating pads or warm baths can help soothe sore muscles
• Over-the-counter pain relievers (always consult with physician first)

While growing pains are commonly seen in young children during the growth and development years, lower extremity pain can also be caused by mechanical misalignments and structural imperfections. A thorough evaluation is crucial in order to determine the exact cause of your child's leg pain. If growing pains are the cause of your child's discomfort, rest assured that the pain is only temporary and will pass with time.

Foot odor is a common problem, especially among those who perspire excessively, but it can be both embarrassing and physically uncomfortable. If you suffer from foot odor, rest assured that simple lifestyle changes and improved personal hygiene can help reduce and eliminate the smell.

Easy Ways to Eliminate Foot Odor

Since most foot odor is caused from excess sweat and the growth of odor-causing bacteria, it's relatively easy to control and reduce foot odor on your own. Start by taking the following preventative steps:

• Keep your feet clean by washing them with an antibacterial soap on a regular basis to minimize bacteria.
• Keep feet dry as moisture enables the growth of bacteria.
• Alternate shoes and avoid wearing the same pair for multiple days in a row.
• Choose open shoes such as sandals when possible, allowing air onto the feet which evaporates sweat and slows the growth of bacteria.
• Wear cotton socks which whisk away moisture and absorb perspiration.
• Apply foot sprays and powders to the feet. Ask Advanced Foot and Ankle Care of Memphis LLC for recommended products.
• Disinfect, wash and discard foul smelling shoes as necessary.

The causes of foot odor are typically not harmful to your health, but do create an environment for the growth of fungus and bacteria. It's not unusual for infections such as toenail fungus and athlete's foot to develop as a result.

When improving your foot hygiene doesn't help reduce the smell, you may need to visit Advanced Foot and Ankle Care of Memphis LLC, as persistent foot odor can indicate an infection or a severe case of hereditary sweating. In these cases, a prescription ointment may be required to treat the problem. Visit our Memphis office and we'll work with you to determine the cause and most effective treatment for your condition.

A Runner's Road Block

While many running-related foot injures can result from a fall or twisted ankle, most running injuries are caused by overuse, meaning the majority of runners experience foot and ankle pain because they do too much for too long. Runners should be aware of the signs of foot problems that can slow them down if not treated promptly. Common foot and ankle injuries experienced by runners include:

Achilles Tendonitis: Achilles tendonitis and other calf-related injuries are prevalent in runners. Poor training, overuse and improper footwear are the three most common reasons for this condition. A sudden increase in distance or pace can strain the muscles and tendons in the foot and ankle, causing small tears within these structures that result in pain and inflammation. Appropriate shoes and training are the most important steps to preventing Achilles tendonitis. Conservative treatment includes, rest, ice, stretching, and sometimes orthotics or physical therapy.

Heel Pain: Runners develop heel pain more than any other foot-related injury. Plantar fasciitis is the most common cause of heel pain, which is the result of excess stress placed on a ligament in the bottom of the foot. Rest, stretching and support are the best ways to ease the pain and inflammation. Reduce your mileage and avoid hill and speed workouts. Stretch before and after you run, and ice your heel after each workout. Special splints and shoe inserts from Advanced Foot and Ankle Care of Memphis LLC may also provide support and relief for your heel pain.

Stress Fractures: Stress fractures are small cracks in the surface of a bone. Runners generally notice gradual muscle soreness, stiffness, and pain on the affected bone, most often in the lower leg or the foot. Early diagnosis is critical as the small fracture can spread and eventually become a complete fracture of the bone. Stress fractures are typically caused by an increase in training that occurs more quickly than the body's ability to build up and strengthen the bone. If you have symptoms of a stress fracture, you should stop running immediately and see a podiatrist at Advanced Foot and Ankle Care of Memphis LLC. This injury can keep a runner off the roads for several weeks and is not an injury that you can run through. Depending on the severity of the stress fracture, a cast may be necessary.

If you experience chronic foot pain from running, make an appointment with a podiatrist at our Memphis office. Leaving foot injuries untreated could result in more serious conditions, ultimately keeping you from your best performance. Keep in mind that these are not the only foot ailments caused by running, and when at-home foot care isn't effective, you'll need to be evaluated by a podiatrist. As in most cases, prevention is your best treatment. Good footwear, proper training and recognizing a problem before it becomes serious are your keys to staying on the road and avoiding foot injuries.

One common type of flatfoot is adult-acquired flatfoot. It is caused by overstretching the tendon that supports the arch. Flexible flatfoot is also common and occurs when the foot is flat when standing, but returns to a normal arch in non-weight-bearing positions.

Factors than increase your risk of flat feet include:

• Excess weight
• Age
• Injury to your foot or ankle
• Rheumatoid Arthritis
• Pregnancy

When to See Your Memphis Podiatrist

Most adults with a fallen arch experience little to no pain. For these patients, treatment is rarely necessary. A painful flatfoot, however, may be the sign of a congenital abnormality or an injury to the muscles and tendons of the foot. Pain can be severe, making it difficult to walk, wear shoes and perform simple every day tasks. More than achy feet, flatfoot can also lead to other, more serious problems and pain for your ankles, knees, back and hips.

Common symptoms associated with flat feet include:

• Swelling along the inside of the ankle
• Feet that tire easily or ache after standing for an extended period of time
• A lack of mobility in your foot and difficulty standing on your toes
• Sore, swollen feet; especially in the heel or arch of your foot

Steps Away from Flatfoot Pain Relief

If you are experiencing pain caused by flatfoot, visit Advanced Foot and Ankle Care of Memphis LLC for an evaluation. We can identify the cause of your pain and recommend the best treatments for your type of arch.

Talk with your podiatrist about the following treatment options:

• Shoe inserts/ Orthotics
• Shoe modifications
• Rest and ice
• Stretching exercises
• Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications
• Surgery

Whether you were born with flat feet or you acquired fallen arches over time, if your flat feet are causing you pain or interfering with your day to day activities, visit Advanced Foot and Ankle Care of Memphis LLC. We can work with you to determine the best treatment options to eliminate the pain, improve your mobility and get you back to the activities you love.

Foot Care for Diabetics

Simple daily foot care can help prevent serious health problems associated with diabetes.

At Advanced Foot and Ankle Care of Memphis LLC, we recommend the following tips for keeping your feet healthy and preventing foot complications:

• Wash feet daily. Keep feet clean with mild soap and lukewarm water, and dry thoroughly.
• Moisturize. Moisturize daily to keep dry skin from cracking, and avoid putting lotion between your toes as this may cause infection.
• Trim your toenails carefully. Cut straight across, avoiding the corners; visit our office for assistance
• Never treat corns or calluses on your own. Visit your podiatrist for treatment.
• Protect your feet from hot and cold.
• Keep the blood flowing in your feet and legs. Elevate your feet when sitting; don't sit cross-legged; and stay active.
• Inspect your feet every day. Check your feet for cuts, redness, swelling and nail problems. Contact Advanced Foot and Ankle Care of Memphis LLC if you notice anything unusual- even the slightest change.
• Avoid Smoking. Smoking restricts blood flow in the feet
• Wear comfortable, supportive shoes and never walk barefoot
• Visit Advanced Foot and Ankle Care of Memphis LLC for regular exams. Seeing a podiatrist at our Memphis office regularly can help prevent diabetic foot problems.

At Advanced Foot and Ankle Care of Memphis LLC, we understand that living with diabetes can be challenging. Let's discuss simple ways you can reduce your risk of foot injuries. We'll work with you to create a treatment plan that fits your lifestyle and gets you back on your feet so you can enjoy the things you love. Remember to inspect your feet every day. If you detect an injury- no matter how small- come in for an exam right away.
 

Identifying a Corn or Callus

Corns and calluses are similar in nature, but differ in size and location. Corns are smaller than calluses and usually have a hard, thickened center surrounded by red, inflamed skin. They typically develop on the tops and sides of your toes and can be painful when touched. Calluses generally develop on your heels and balls of your feet. They vary in size and shape, although almost always larger than corns.

For most people who develop calluses or corns, eliminating the source of pressure is usually enough to make the thickened skin disappear. Advanced Foot and Ankle Care of Memphis LLC recommends the following for treating corns and calluses:

• Wear comfortable shoes and socks. When footwear fits properly, there is less opportunity for friction and rubbing to occur.
• Soak your feet in warm, soapy water to help remove corns and calluses. Rub the thickened skin with a pumice stone to remove toughened layers more easily.
• Keeping your feet moisturized with foot cream or lotion will help improve the quality of your skin and rid your feet from calluses or corns.

When to Seek Care from Advanced Foot and Ankle Care of Memphis LLC

When corns and calluses don't respond to conservative care, contact our Memphis office for a careful evaluation. We can investigate the possible causes of your corn or callus, safely remove the thick, hardened area of skin, and recommend appropriate footwear and treatment, including padding and inserts. Never attempt to cut away a corn or callus on your own, especially if you have diabetes or poor circulation. Instead, seek advice from Advanced Foot and Ankle Care of Memphis LLC for careful removal and proper care.

Bunions develop due to prolonged abnormal pressure or motion on your big toe joint, most often caused by inherited structural defects, poor-fitting shoes, foot injuries, or congenital deformities. Women are generally more prone to bunions because of the shoe types typically worn, such as high-heels and narrow-toed shoes.

Bunion pain can range from mild to severe, often making it difficult to wear shoes and perform normal activities. You should contact our Memphis office if you notice the following symptoms:

• An enlarged, visible bulge on your big toe joint
• Restricted movement of your big toe or foot that prevents you from performing normal activities
• Irritation, corns or calluses caused by the overlap of the first and second toes
• Frequent pain, swelling or redness around your big toe joint

Treatment for a bunion will vary depending on its severity. Identifying the condition in its early stages is important to avoid surgery, with the main objective of early treatment being to relieve pressure and stop the progression of the deformity. Many times conservative treatments, such as padding, modified footwear or orthotic devices can be highly effective for preventing further growth and reducing the pressure and pain.

Advanced Foot and Ankle Care of Memphis LLC recommends the following for reducing pressure and pain caused by bunions:

• Wear comfortable shoes that don't cramp or irritate your toes and avoid high-heeled shoes
• Apply ice to reduce inflammation and pain
• Our podiatrists can show you how to apply padding to your foot to place it in its normal position and reduce stress on the bunion

When early treatments fail or the persistent pain associated with your bunion is interfering with your daily activities, a surgical procedure may be recommended as a last resort to realign the toe joint and alleviate the pressure. Advanced Foot and Ankle Care of Memphis LLC can advise you on the best treatment options available to relieve pressure on the bunion and slow the progression of the joint deformity.

Causes of Bone Spurs in the Feet

When your feet are repeatedly exposed to excessive pressure and stress, a bone spur can form as a result of the body's normal response to repair itself. The following activities and conditions are also common causes of bone spurs in the feet:

• High-impact activities, such as running
• Excessive weight
• Poor-fitting footwear
• Tightening of the plantar fasciitis due to excessive stress
• Aging

Because there are no obvious symptoms associated with bone spurs in the feet, diagnosing the disorder can be difficult. Some people experience unbearable pain in particular areas of their foot when exposed to pressure, which prompts them to seek medical care. Other people can go long periods of time without realizing they even have a bone spur. An x-ray can identify a bone spur in your foot, but if it isn't causing you pain, damaging other tissues or restricting your movement, treatment probably won't be necessary.

Identifying the cause of your bone spur, such as poor-fitting shoes or weight gain, is often times enough to reduce the pressure that is causing the pain.

Conservative treatments for bone spurs include:

• Change in footwear
• Weight loss
• Padding or insoles
• Deep tissue massage and stretching

If you're experiencing chronic foot pain, schedule an appointment at our Memphis office. At Advanced Foot and Ankle Care of Memphis LLC, we'll carefully examine your feet and evaluate your symptoms to better understand your condition. If you've developed a bone spur, we can work with you to create a treatment plan that best fits your needs and puts an end to your frustrating foot pain.

Since corns are often symptoms of underlying problems such as faulty bone structures or abnormal gait, self-treatment should only involve footwear modification. Never attempt to cut or scrape away a corn on your own as this can lead to infection. It’s best to consult Advanced Foot and Ankle Care of Memphis LLC first as many times over-the-counter treatments fail to effectively treat the underlying foot disorder and can damage the healthy surrounding skin if used incorrectly.

A podiatrist will assess your corn, determine the cause, and help you determine a treatment plan to manage the pain and eliminate pressure that is causing the corn. These conservative treatments may include padding to prevent pressure, footwear modifications and orthotics to relive stress under the foot.  When pain is persistent or conservative treatment isn’t effective, minimally-invasive surgical correction may be recommended to remove the corn or repair the bone structure beneath the corn.  

The surgery can often be performed in the doctor's office, the recovery time is brief, and many patients obtain relief within days. Corns always require consultation with an experienced podiatrist at our Memphis office.  When treated early, most corns can be resolved with non-surgical treatments.

Because there are many potential causes of heel pain, such as a stress fracture, tendonitis, nerve damage or arthritis, it’s important to have your foot examined by an expert podiatrist with expert training in heel pain. Advanced Foot and Ankle Care of Memphis LLC will examine your foot, determine the underlying source of your heel pain, assess your symptoms, make a proper diagnosis and recommend a treatment plan based on your individual case. Early diagnosis and treatment can help prevent more serious problems.

Plantar fasciitis is the most common cause of heel pain, occurring when the thick band of tissue (plantar fascia) that connects the heel to the toes becomes irritated and inflamed. When the plantar fascia is strained over time beyond its normal extension, tissues of the fascia may tear or stretch, which leads to pain.

Faulty foot structures, such as flat feet or high arches are common causes of plantar fasciitis. Non-supportive shoes and increased weight or strain may aggravate the condition as well.

Common symptoms of plantar fasciitis include:

• Bottom of the heel pain
• Pain that intensifies after sitting for extended periods of time and subsides after a few minutes of walking
• Pain that worsens over a period of months

Most types of heel pain, once properly diagnosed, can be successfully treated with conservative measures, such as use of anti-inflammatory medications and ice, rest, stretching exercises, orthotic devices, footwear modifications, and physical therapy. The longer heel pain is allowed to progress, the longer treatment can take. When plantar fasciitis doesn’t respond to conservative care, your expert podiatrist may recommend surgery as a last resort.  Always seek care from our Memphis office for heel pain in its earliest stages for proper treatment.

Podiatric surgery is performed by board certified foot surgeons who specialize in surgery of the feet and ankles. An expert foot surgeon can diagnose the cause of your foot pain and determine whether surgical intervention may be helpful for you based on factors such as type of procedure being performed, your age and medical history.

Advanced Foot and Ankle Care of Memphis LLC offers a variety of surgical procedures aimed to solve your lower extremity pains and deformities. Foot surgery is performed to treat many foot problems including:

• Bunions
• Hammertoes
• Fractures
• Heel pain
• Neuromas
• Flatfoot
• Warts
• Nail problems

Surgical treatment for foot and ankle problems can help you return to your active lifestyle while relieving pain and discomfort.  Benefits of surgery include:

• Resolution of painful, chronic foot problems
• Increased mobility and ability to perform and participate in everyday activities
• Improved foot appearance
• Ability to wear a broader range of footwear and walk more comfortably

Following surgery, your podiatrist will provide you with detailed instructions on caring for your foot/feet during recovery.  Your podiatrist will work with you to ensure the foot heals normally and without complications for the best possible outcome.

When your feet hurt, your entire body hurts. At Advanced Foot and Ankle Care of Memphis LLC, we do everything possible to get you back on your feet with the latest conservative treatments to resolve your problem without surgical intervention. And when conservative methods aren’t responsive, we can provide the highest quality of expert care for all foot and ankle conditions using the most current surgical techniques for shorter recovery times and an enhanced outcome.

Treatment options vary with the severity of each bunion. Identifying the deformity early in its development is important in avoiding surgery. Common conservative treatments include rest, ice, padding, orthotics and footwear modifications.  Many times a combination of these simple lifestyle changes and non-surgical approaches are enough to relieve the pain and stop the progression of the bunion, although these treatments won’t reverse the actual deformity.

When non-surgical treatments fail to relieve your pain or your bunion is interfering with normal, daily activities, Advanced Foot and Ankle Care of Memphis LLC may recommend a bunionectomy, which involves the surgical removal of a bunion to reduce pressure and repair the joint. There are a variety of surgical procedures available to treat bunions. The goal of surgery is to correct the deformity by realigning the toe by removing the bony bump and restoring normal, pain-free function.  

When you should consider expert bunion surgeon Dr. Lucas:

• Nonsurgical, conservative treatment has failed to relieve your bunion pain
• Walking or performing normal, everyday tasks is difficult and painful
• The simple act of wearing shoes causes pain
• Your big toe joint is constantly swollen

Your age and health may also determine your candidacy for bunion surgery. Your podiatrist will work with you to determine the best treatment for your individual needs. The podiatric professionals at Advanced Foot and Ankle Care of Memphis LLC have received advanced training in the surgical removal of bunions, relieving the pain and helping patients return to the activities they enjoy.

Tips from Advanced Foot and Ankle Care of Memphis LLC for avoiding Athlete's Foot:

• Keep your feet dry, allowing them to air out as much as possible
• Wear socks that draw moisture away from your feet and change them frequently if you perspire heavily
• Wear light, well-ventilated shoes
• Alternate pairs of shoes, allowing time for your shoes to dry each day
• Always wear waterproof shoes in public areas, such as pools, locker rooms, or communal showers
• Never borrow shoes due to the risk of spreading a fungal infection

Treatment

A mild case of athlete's foot will generally clear up on its own with over-the-counter antifungal creams and sprays. But since re-infection is common due to its contagious nature, many people require prescribed anti-fungal medication to effectively treat the infection. Generally, it's always best to consult with Advanced Foot and Ankle Care of Memphis LLC before choosing a treatment.

Mild cases of athlete's foot can turn severe and even cause a serious bacterial infection. If you notice your rash has become increasingly red, swollen and painful or you develop blisters and sores, call our Memphis office right away. Athlete's foot left untreated could eventually spread to other body parts and infect other people around you.

With the right treatment, you'll be cured of your athlete's foot in no time, which means the sooner you can enjoy the activities you love without pain and irritation!

• Night cramps
• A sore that won't heal
• Changes in skin color
• Hair loss on the legs and feet
• Numbness and tingling in the legs and feet

Save a Foot and schedule a loved one for their Comprehensive Diabetic Foot Exam

There are a variety of treatments for toenail fungus. Most have a questionable success rate.

For example, creams and gels are about 8% effective.

Common oral prescription medication is about 50% effective, but regular blood tests are required to make sure liver damage doesn't occur.

But now there is a new treatment -- an alternative to lengthy attempts to cure this difficult condition. Laser treatment for toenail fungus only requires one trip to the specialist for treatment. It's a simple 30-minute procedure that is painless, has no side affects, and is now available. It's success rate is up to 88%!

How It Works

The laser penetrates to the level where the fungus lives and kills it instantly.

Of course, the process will still take many months since new nail growth is a slow process. For those desiring an immediate cosmetic result, a nail resin can be applied over the diseased nail after the laser treatment giving the nail a natural appearance while the healthy nail grows.

The benefit health wise is you're not permeating your body with powerful drugs over a 3-month period. Drugs that could cause permanent liver damage.

The cost for the laser treatment can range anywhere between $400-800.

Athletes and parents should monitor seemingly 'normal' foot and ankle pain

Many adult, adolescent and child athletes are playing with seemingly normal but persistent foot pain that could be a sign of a more serious injury, according to Dr. Nathan Lucas, a member of the American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons (ACFAS).

"Playing with pain often is viewed as a badge of honor among athletes, but they must be aware that the persistent pain they dismiss as normal exercise-related stress could be something far more serious," said Dr. Lucas who is in private practice in Memphis, TN.

Athletes visit of all ages visit my office with foot pain due to overuse injuries from repetitive loading of the foot and ankle during running and aerobics. "When athletes overdo their workouts, it may be normal to experience some temporary discomfort," said Dr. Lucas. "But if pain continues longer than a few days with continued redness, warmth or swelling, the athlete should see a podiatric foot and ankle surgeon for proper diagnosis and advice on treatment options."

Athletes who ignore persistent foot pain and inflammation and continue to train risk potential complications that could sideline them for months. Among possible injuries associated with persistent foot and ankle pain are stress fractures, muscle strains, tendonitis and subtle fractures after inversion ankle sprains.

"Stress fractures sometimes aren't debilitating and some athletes might continue their normal training despite the injury," said Dr. Lucas. "But continual rigorous activity can worsen the problem. An examination and diagnosis by a foot specialist can determine whether the pain is from overuse or subtle trauma, requiring only a few days of rest, or something that may require surgical intervention."

Heel pain in children often is caused by injuries to the growth plate and secondary growth centers in which tendons pull at the top and bottom of the growth plate of the heel. Boys and girls ages 8 to 14 are susceptible to this problem, and its major symptom is pain on either side of the heel.

"Growth-plate trauma is common in soccer and other sports that involve a lot of running," said Dr. Lucas. "Parents should make sure that their children stretch before playing and apply ice to the back of the heel after the game or practice. In some cases, anti-inflammatory drugs and shoe inserts or lifts are recommended, but the potential for recurrent injury exists until the growth plate closes," he explained.

Foot and ankle surgeons provide many forms of treatment to keep children pain free and participating in sports activities. When treating athletes of any age, they will evaluate several factors that could be the underlying cause of foot pain. They include:

Running or playing surfaces: Athletes who train on asphalt or cement are more prone to stress injuries than those who run on cushioned tracks or natural grass fields.

Shoes: Footwear should be appropriate for the sport and match the biomechanics of the individual's foot. For example, those who engage in one sport more than three times a week should wear athletic shoes designed for the sport, and shoe technology has advanced to allow for variances in foot characteristics that require stability cushioning.

Training: Injuries often result when athletes fail to build up to a desired training goal. Accordingly, a runner shouldn't set a goal of 20 miles a week without gradually progressing to that goal.

Behavioral factors: In children, overuse injuries sometimes occur from excessive parental pressure to achieve in sports.

Nutrition: Stress fractures can occur in athletes with poor nutritional habits.

Over-training: Sleeping problems and resultant irritability and fatigue are common among some athletes who exercise aggressively.

Physical characteristics: Variations in bone structure and muscle development are evidenced in individuals who are bowlegged or have malalignment problems.

Vist our website at www.drnathanlucas.com for more information on foot and ankle health or email at nlucas@drnathanlucas.com

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As millions of avid golfers get ready for another season of pars and bogeys, they should be aware of potentially serious foot problems that can result from years of playing the game.

Although golf is not considered a rigorous sport, the physical act of repeatedly swinging a golf club in practice and on the links can lead to a condition known as hallux limitus, a jamming and deterioration of the big toe joint.

According to Dr. Nathan Lucas, the movement and weight transfer that occur during the swing's follow through can cause this problem and other chronic foot ailments. When golfers follow through on their swing, they can overextend the big toe joint on the back foot, says Dr. Lucas. Those who have played the game avidly for several years eventually can wear out the cartilage or jam the big toe joint. The likely outcome, if left untreated, is painful arthritis in the big toe, which would make it very difficult to continue playing golf.

Golfers who have pain and swelling around the big toe joint or have less mobility in this area than other parts of the foot should visit a foot and ankle surgeon for an examination and appropriate treatment. A history of trauma to the big toe area and bone structure also can precipitate the condition. Individuals with a long first metatarsal bone (big toe), for example, are more susceptible to joint compression and hallux limitus.

If golfers experience pain in the big toe area when playing, they should consider it a warning sign that intervention is necessary before the joint becomes arthritic, says Dr. Lucas. In most situations, orthotics can be prescribed to provide relief, but others with advanced cases may require surgery.

Another foot problem that is common in golfers is a neuroma or pinched nerve at the bottom of the foot. The weight transfer to the front foot that occurs in the follow through applies pressure that, over time, can cause a pinched nerve.

Dr. Lucas also advises golfers not to wear shoes that have a spike located directly beneath the ball of the foot.

The pressure from that single spike, magnified by the several thousand steps taken during an average round, can cause intense pain and swelling in the ball of the foot, he says.

Dr. Lucas says any pair of golf shoes can be made more foot friendly without sacrificing traction by removing the poorly located spikes.

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Both long-distance runners and casual joggers can improve their performance by keeping their feet in top condition and taking steps to control foot problems common in runners, according to Dr. Nathan Lucas, a board certified foot and ankle surgeon in Memphis, TN.

"The human foot is a biological masterpiece that amazingly endures the stresses of daily activity," says Dr. Lucas. "For runners, the feet are more vulnerable to injury than any other part of the body, and these athletes should be on the alert for signs of foot problems that can slow them down if not treated promptly."

Dr. Lucas says the most common complaint from runners is heel pain. This condition, also called plantar fasciitis, is frequently caused by inflammation of the ligament that holds up the arch.

"In athletes, heel pain can result from faulty mechanics and overpronation in which pressure is unequally applied to the inside of the foot. It also can be caused by wearing running shoes that are worn out or too soft," he explains.

At the first sign of heel pain, Dr. Lucas recommends runners do stretching exercises, wear sturdier shoes and use arch supports. In some cases, icing and anti-inflammatory drugs, such as ibuprofen, are helpful. Should heel pain continue, custom orthotics, injections and physical therapy might be required. Surgery normally isn't considered unless heel pain persists for more than six months and conservative treatment has failed to bring relief.

Neuromas and tendonitis are other common foot problems that affect runners. A neuroma is a pinched nerve between the toes that can cause pain, numbness and a burning sensation in the ball of the foot. Overly flexible shoes often are the cause and padding, orthotics or injections usually are effective. Sometimes surgery is the answer if pain between the toes continues for more than six months.

Serious runners can be sidelined with tendonitis if they ignore the warning signs of this overuse-related condition.

"There are several forms of tendonitis that affect the Achilles and other areas, and all are treated with rest, icing, stretching and anti-inflammatory medications, and sometimes with orthotics and physical therapy." Dr. Lucas says. "Over-zealous training usually causes tendonitis, especially among beginners who try to do too much too soon."

A common myth among athletes, according to Dr. Lucas, is that it's not possible to walk or run if a bone in the foot is fractured.

"I often hear surprised patients say 'It can't be broken, I can walk on it,'" he says. "That's dead wrong, especially with stress fractures when pain and swelling might not occur for a few days."

If a fracture or sprain is suspected, Dr. Lucas advises runners to remember the word RICE as an abbreviation for Rest-Ice-Compression-Elevation.

"If pain and swelling continues after following the RICE procedure for three or four days, you should see a foot and ankle surgeon for an x-ray and proper diagnosis."

Other common foot ailments runners should watch for are:

Athlete's Foot: This fungal skin disorder causes dry, cracking skin between the toes, itching, inflammation and blisters. It can be prevented and controlled by washing the feet regularly and carefully drying between the toes; switching running shoes every other day to allow them to dry; wearing socks made with synthetic material instead of cotton; and applying over-the-counter ointments.

Toenail Problems: Ingrown nails can cause inflammation and possible infection and usually are treated by cutting the corner of the nail with sterile clippers. Black toenails happen when a blood blister forms under the nail from trauma, and it's best to let the nail fall off by itself. Fungal toenails are yellow, brown or black and sometimes are irregularly shaped and thick. They are best treated with oral anti-fungal medications or laser treatment.

Foot Odor: There are more than 250,000 sweat glands in the foot and daily hygene plus regular changing of shoes and socks are best for controlling sweat and odor. Runners should avoid wearing cotton socks and running without socks. Foot powders, aerosols antiperspirants and vinegar soaks also are helpful.

Blisters, corns and calluses: Never pop blisters unless they are larger than a quarter or are painful or swollen. Use a sterile instrument to lance the corner, leave the top as a biological dressing, wash, apply antibiotic ointment, and cover with a Band-aid. Corns and calluses are caused by repeated friction, and should be treated by aseptically trimming the dead skin and eliminating the underlying cause.

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Are fallen arches a real foot problem, or just a label for chronically sore feet?

Memphis, TN foot and ankle surgeon Dr. Nathan Lucas a board certified foot surgeon, says fallen arches --or flat feet-- are a legitimate medical condition affecting five percent of Americans.

"Flat feet can be present at birth, or develop over decades of walking, running and overall time spent on the feet, especially on hard surfaces in the workplace," says Dr. Lucas.

There are several types of flatfoot conditions that occur in adults. The most common type is adult-acquired flatfoot. It is caused by overstretching a tendon that supports the arch. Another common type is flexible flatfoot, in which the foot is flat when standing, but returns to a normal arch in non-weight-bearing positions.

"Flat feet can be very painful and make people avoid walking, running and exercise," says Dr. Lucas. "But if you seek medical attention early, a foot and ankle surgeon may be able to prevent it from becoming a more serious foot problem."

Dr. Lucas says treatments may include modifying of limiting activities, stretching exercises, custom shoe inserts and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications. If those techniques don't work, he says a variety of surgical procedures may be considered to relieve pain and improve foot function.

Visite us at www.drnathanlucas.com for reliable information on fallen arches and other foot and ankle conditions.

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Do you ever feel burning, tingling or numbness in your feet and toes? A Memphis, Tennessee foot and ankle surgeon warns against ignoring those symptoms. They could be a warning sign of diabetes.

Dr. Lucas says those symptoms may be caused by a condition called diabetic peripheral neuropathy, or nerve damage. Neuropathy in the feet can lead to permanent numbness, deformities such as bunions and hammertoes, and dry skin that cracks open and won't heal.

"Diabetic peripheral neuropathy is not only painful but dangerous," says Dr. Lucas, a Fellow of the American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons. "It's a leading contributor to foot ulcers in people with diabetes."

Burning, tingling and numbness in toes can also be symptoms of thyroid problems, nutritional deficiencies, back problems and pinched nerves in the ankles. In the United States, diabetes is the leading cause of peripheral neuropathy and can lead to further foot complications.

Out of the 23 million Americans with diabetes, one in four has not been diagnosed. Some people learn they have diabetes only after seeing a doctor for burning, tingling and numbness in their toes and feet. Many people already diagnosed with diabetes are not familiar with neuropathy's symptoms. According to FootHealthFacts.org, even diabetic patients who have excellent blood sugar control can develop diabetic neuropathy.

Medications can treat pain caused by neuropathy. However, nerve damage cannot be reversed.

"When you have diabetes, especially diabetic neuropathy, a minor cut on your foot can turn into a catastrophe," says Dr. Lucas. "The statistics on diabetic ulcers are sobering."

Twenty percent of diabetes patients who develop ulcers will require an amputation. Patients who are black, Hispanic and Native American are twice as likely as whites to need a diabetes-related amputation. Half of all people with diabetes who have a toe or foot amputation die within three years. The annual cost for diabetic ulcer care in the U.S. is estimated at $5 billion.

For more information on foot problems such as diabetic peripheral neuropathy, and any other foot and ankle problem visit our website at www.drnathanlucas.com or twitter us at www.twitter.com/drnathanlucas

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Routine self-examinations of the feet are an important way to find skin cancer early. The earlier it is discovered, the easier it is to cure. Fifty percent of the people who learn they have melanoma of the foot die within five years because the cancer had already spread throughout their body by the time it was diagnosed.

Nearly 60,000 people will learn they have melanoma this year. It's not known how many of those cases will involve the foot, but more than 8,100 melanoma patients will die... nearly one death every hour. If melanoma is detected in its earliest stages, 92 percent of patients surpass the five-year milestone.

Unlike many other types of cancer, melanoma strikes people of all age groups. Caucasians are 10 times more likely to develop melanoma than other races. But studies suggest more than half of melanoma cases in African Americans involve the foot, where late diagnosis leads to a higher death rate. Routine self-exams of the foot increase the likelihood of noticing suspicious moles, freckles or other spots.

Foot and ankle surgeons recommend focusing on the three most common areas for foot melanoma: the soles, between the toes, and around or under the toenails. Melanoma can develop anywhere on the body including areas that receive little sun exposure, such as the feet and ankles. If a mole, freckle or spot starts to change over the course of a month and becomes asymmetrical or changes its border, color, diameter or elevation, see a doctor immediately. Those are the most common signs of melanoma.
Visit us at www.drnathanlucas.com for more foot and ankle health information or email nlucas@drnathanlucas.com with any foot and ankle health related question. You can also find us on twitter at www.twitter.com/dranthanlucas or myspace at www.myspace.com/drnathanlucas

"Oh my aching feet" is a phrase you hear often from pregnant women. But, are sore feet a symptom they just must deal with during pregnancy? According to Memphis, Tennessee foot and ankle surgeon Dr. Nathan Lucas the answer is "no." There are many remedies available to help alleviate foot pain.

Dr. Lucas states women often experience foot pain during pregnancy because of increased weight, foot instability and swelling. "In the last five years, I've seen an increase in pregnant women with foot pain because more women than ever before are active, even running marathons, during their pregnancies," Dr. Lucas says. He recommends the following guidelines to help reduce foot pain during pregnancy.

Painful, Swollen Feet -- Pregnant women often experience throbbing, swollen feet due to excess fluid build up (edema) in the feet from the weight and position of the baby. To reduce swelling, put feet up whenever possible, stretch legs frequently, wear wide comfortable shoes and don't cross legs when sitting.

Arch Pain -- Pain in the arch can be due to both arch fatigue or over pronation (or the flattening of the arch). Over pronation causes extreme stress to the ligament (the plantar fascia) that holds up the arch of the foot. The best way to prevent arch pain is to stretch daily in the morning and before and after any exercise, don't go barefoot and wear supportive low-heeled shoes.

Ingrown Toenails -- Excessive stress from tightly-fitting shoes causes painful ingrown toenails. Give your feet a break: wear wider shoes during the last trimester of pregnancy to avoid ingrown toenails. If you do experience an ingrown toenail, avoid attempting "bathroom surgery." Repeated cutting of the nail can cause the condition to worsen over time. It is best to seek treatment with a foot and ankle surgeon.

It is also not uncommon for women to experience a change in their foot size during pregnancy. "A permanent growth in a women's foot, up to half a size, can occur from the release of the same hormone, relaxin, that allows the pelvis to open to deliver the baby. It makes the ligaments in your feet more flexible, causing feet to spread wider and longer," Dr. Lucas adds.

Pregnancy and pending motherhood should be a joy. If foot pain persists, see your podiatrist. He/she can provide relief with conservative treatments such as physical therapy, foot orthotics, supportive shoes and minor toenail procedures.

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From bunions to broken toes, local foot and ankle surgeon has heard it all

"Don't cross your eyes, they'll stay that way!"

Old wives' tales and myths like that example are fun to laugh at. We believed them as children. "Step on a crack and you'll break your mother's back." But there are other myths that are no laughing matter, especially when they involve your health.

From bunions to broken toes, foot and ankle surgeon Dr. Nathan Lucas, a board certified foot surgeon has heard it all. He shares five myths about foot care and the realities behind them.

Myth: Cutting a notch (a "V") in a toenail will relieve the pain of ingrown toenails.
Reality: When a toenail is ingrown, the nail curves downward and grows into the skin. Cutting a "V" in the toenail does not affect its growth. New nail growth will continue to curve downward. Cutting a "V" may actually cause more problems and is painful in many cases.

Myth: My foot or ankle can't be broken if I can walk on it.
Reality: It's entirely possible to walk on a foot or ankle with a broken bone. "It depends on your threshold for pain, as well as the severity of the injury," says Dr. Lucas. But it's not a smart idea. Walking with a broken bone can cause further damage.

It is crucial to stay off an injured foot until diagnosis by a foot and ankle surgeon. Until then, apply ice and elevate the foot to reduce pain.

Myth: Shoes cause bunions.
Reality: Bunions are most often caused by an inherited faulty mechanical structure of the foot. It is not the bunion itself that is inherited, but certain foot types make a person prone to developing a bunion. While wearing shoes that crowd the toes together can, over time, make bunions more painful, shoes themselves do not cause bunions.

Although some treatments can ease the pain of bunions, only surgery can correct the deformity.

Myth: A doctor can't fix a broken toe.
Reality: Nineteen of the 26 bones in the foot are toe bones.

"What I tell patients is, there are things we can do to make a broken toe heal better and prevent problems later on, like arthritis or toe deformities," says

Dr. Lucas. Broken toes that aren't treated correctly can also make walking and wearing shoes difficult. A foot and ankle surgeon will x-ray the toe to learn more about the fracture. If the broken toe is out of alignment, the surgeon may have to insert a pin, screw or plate to reposition the bone.

Myth: Corns have roots.
Reality: A corn is a small build-up of skin caused by friction. Dr. Lucas says many corns result from a hammertoe deformity, where the toe knuckle rubs against the shoe. The only way to eliminate these corns is to surgically correct the hammertoe condition.

Unlike a callus, a corn has a central core of hard material. But corns do not have roots. Attempting to cut off a corn or applying medicated corn pads can lead to serious infection or even amputation. A foot and ankle surgeon can safely evaluate and treat corns and the conditions contributing to them.

For more information regarding foot and ankle health log on to www.drnathanlucas.com. You can also tweet us at www.twitter.com/drnathanlucas or myspace www.myspace.com/drnathanlucas

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Women are more vulnerable to certain foot problems than men, mainly from years of walking in narrow-fitting shoes that squeeze the toes and from high-heels that cramp the forefoot and pose risks for arch and ankle problems.

Foot and ankle problems commonly experienced by women:

Morton's Neuroma - a thickening of nerve tissue in the ball of the foot resulting from compression and irritation of the nerve, such as from wearing shoes that have a tapered toe box, or high-heeled shoes that cause the toes to be forced into the toe box.

Bunions - begin with a leaning of the big toe, gradually changing the angle of the bones over the years and slowly producing the characteristic bump. They are most often caused by an inherited faulty mechanical structure of the foot. Although both men and women can get bunions, the shoes worn by women sometimes make the deformity get progressively worse.

Heel Pain and Plantar Fasciitis - is most often caused by plantar fasciitis, although it may also be due to other causes. Although faulty foot structure is the most common cause of plantar fasciitis, in women it may result from wearing non-supportive shoes such as flip-flops and ballet flats.

Ankle Sprain - While anyone can sprain an ankle, women are especially vulnerable to this injury when wearing high-heeled shoes (especially on slippery surfaces), platform-soled shoes, or other improper footwear.

PrettyToes® Fade-n-Cover is simply makeup for the toes developed by a Board Certified Podiatrist and a Licensed Aesthetician. They saw the need for a product that would help women rid themselves of the embarrassment as well as the social and psychological stigma they felt when having to expose their toes. PrettyToes Fade-n-Cover gives women the confidence to expose their toes so that they can wear open toe shoes and sandals without feeling selfconscious about the appearance of their toes. PrettyToes Fade-n-Cover is a cover product created specifically for your toes that not only covers, but fades unsightly corns, scars and discolorations. It is water resistant and with continual use fades minor imperfections on your toes. The benefit: PrettyToes Fade-n-Cover contains FDA approved lightening agents that have been shown to contain fade/lighting properties.

This unique product is formulated for the foot and ankle and is not recommended for use on the face. Some customers have found an added benefit and use PrettyToes Fade-n-Cover on the ankle, legs, and knees to cover minor discolorations.

Log on to www.iwantprettytoes.com for information about PrettyToes® Fade-n-Cover and ordering.

-- Dr. Nathan Lucas

Fast, Effective and Pain Free Nail Fungus Treatment from Advanced Foot and Ankle Care of Memphis LLC

A new breakthrough in technology is making it possible to get rid of your nail fungus fast- a new procedure known as PinPointe FootLaser. The new, patented laser technology treats nail fungus safely and quickly with no drugs, no anesthesia and no pain. It's specially designed to penetrate your toenail, vaporizing the fungus embedded deep in your nail bed. Better yet, the powerful laser beam targets the infection only and has no effect on surrounding healthy tissue. In just one appointment at our Memphis office we can treat your nail fungus, and within months following the treatment, the toenail will replace itself with a healthy, clear, fungus free nail.

Avoiding Irritating Toenail Fungus

Prevention is key to avoiding a fungal infection. The following tips can help you avoid toenail fungus.

• Practice good hygiene and inspect feet and toes regularly
• Try not to injure your nail by cutting it too short, as trauma to the nail may lead to infection
• Wear moisture wicking socks
• Wear dry, proper-fitting shoes that allow air to circulate around your feet
• Wear shower sandals when you are at a public pool or shower

Left untreated, a fungal infection can spread to other toenails, the skin on the feet and even the fingernails. Severe cases can impair one's ability to walk or lead to painful ingrown toenails. It's important to seek care when you notice signs of infection.

If you're ready to eliminate your toenail fungus, contact our Memphis office and learn more about the new PinPointe FootLaser. We can evaluate your fungal infection and make recommendations for best treating and eradicating your toenail fungus once and for all.

Repeated strain on the plantar fascia can cause tiny tears in the ligament. As tension and tearing increases, so does inflammation and irritation of the affected area. Risk factors of plantar fasciitis include foot arch problems (flat foot and high arches); excess weight; running; and a tight Achilles tendon.
The most common complaint of plantar fasciitis is pain in the bottom of the heel that develops gradually. The pain is usually worse in the morning and after sitting or standing for a long period of time. For some, the pain subsides after walking or stretching.
To reduce pain associated with plantar fasciitis:

• Rest. Limit and/or avoid activities that make your heel hurt.
• Ice. Reduce pain and swelling by icing the affected area each day.
• Stretch. Stretch your heel throughout the day, especially when you first wake up in the morning.
• Footwear modifications. Wear shoes that provide good arch support and a cushioned sole. Ask your podiatrist about pads and shoe inserts to relieve your heel pain.

When conservative treatments aren't effective or your pain persists for more than a few weeks, schedule an appointment with Advanced Foot and Ankle Care of Memphis LLC to discuss your symptoms and treatment options. A podiatrist can recommend an appropriate treatment plan for your individual needs. This may include, stretching exercises, shoe padding, orthotic devices, night splints or therapy. Most patients respond to non-surgical treatments, but for pain that won't go away, surgery may be considered.

With proper rest and treatment, recovering from plantar fasciitis can take just a few months. Visit us at Advanced Foot and Ankle Care of Memphis LLC when you first experience pain for a proper diagnosis and an appropriate treatment plan for your individual needs.

A common problem for women who wear high heels daily or more than two times a week is thinning of the fat pad at the ball of the foot. The abnormal postioning of the foot in high heel shoes creates pressure on the ball of the foot. This causes thinning of the natural protective fat pad layer over time leading to a condition called metatarsalgia. Dr. Nathan Lucas uses a treatement - an injection of the filler Sculptra - to replace the fat pad and plump the area. The treatment lasts approximately 12- 14 months depending on the length of time spent wearing high heels.