Pain along the arch of the foot can turn an ordinary walk into an uncomfortable task. The arch helps support body weight and absorb shock with each step. When the tissues supporting it become strained or injured, pain develops between the heel and the ball of the foot. Some patients describe a dull ache, while others notice sharp pain or burning. Discomfort might appear with the first steps after rest or worsen after prolonged standing. Although arch pain sometimes seems minor at first, recurring symptoms require podiatric attention. A podiatrist identifies the source and recommends treatment that addresses the underlying problem.

Several conditions cause arch pain, and foot shape sometimes contributes. Flat feet place extra strain on supporting tissues, while high arches concentrate pressure in smaller areas. Plantar fasciitis develops when the thick band of tissue along the sole becomes irritated. It frequently causes heel pain that extends into the arch. Another possible cause involves damage to the tendon that supports the inner arch, sometimes allowing the foot to flatten. Stress fractures, which are small cracks in a bone, also cause pain with activity. Sudden increases in exercise or wearing shoes that lack proper support add stress to the feet.

An evaluation starts with questions about when the pain began and what makes it worse. A podiatrist reviews previous injuries and examines the painful area for tenderness or swelling. Observing the patient stand and walk reveals how the arch responds to body weight. The examination also checks joint movement and muscle strength. X-rays help identify fractures or changes in bone alignment. An ultrasound or MRI scan provides more detail about damaged soft tissues when the examination suggests a tendon injury. Because several problems produce similar symptoms, an accurate diagnosis guides treatment rather than relying on the location of pain alone.

Podiatric treatment focuses on reducing strain and supporting the affected structures. Custom orthotics, which are prescription shoe inserts, redistribute pressure and improve support beneath the arch. A podiatrist might apply supportive taping or prescribe a brace to stabilize the foot. A walking boot protects certain injuries while damaged tissue heals. Follow-up visits allow the podiatrist to assess healing and adjust treatment. Surgery addresses selected structural problems or injuries when other treatments fail. Sudden severe pain or an inability to bear weight warrants prompt medical evaluation. If you are experiencing arch pain, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for a diagnosis and appropriate treatment.

Foot Pain

Foot pain can be extremely painful and debilitating. If you have a foot pain, consult with Daniel Mendoza, DPM from Nashville Podiatry. 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 Hendersonville, TN . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

A heel bone fracture occurs when the calcaneus, the large bone forming the heel, breaks. This injury can make standing and walking extremely difficult because the heel absorbs much of the force placed on the foot during movement. Fractures may range from small cracks to severe breaks involving the surrounding joints. Symptoms often include sharp heel pain that worsens when bearing weight. The heel may also become swollen, bruised, or tender to the touch. 

A heel bone fracture often results from a powerful impact that overwhelms the bone. Falling from a ladder, roof, or staircase creates enough force to damage the heel when someone lands on their feet. Motor vehicle accidents and other high-impact injuries are additional causes. Sports-related injuries may occur during activities involving hard landings or collisions, particularly when substantial force travels through the heel. People participating in high-impact sports or working at heights may face greater risks, especially when safety precautions are overlooked.

Recognizing a heel fracture early is important because untreated injuries lead to lasting pain and difficulty walking. Along with swelling and bruising, symptoms include stiffness, difficulty moving the foot, and pain when pressure is applied to the heel. If you suspect a heel fracture, avoid putting weight on the injured foot and seek prompt medical attention. A podiatrist will examine the foot and may order X-rays or a CT scan to determine the fracture location and severity.

Treatment depends on the type of fracture and whether the bone has shifted out of position. Stable fractures may heal with immobilization in a cast or boot, elevation, and strict limits on weight-bearing. More serious fractures may require surgery to restore bone alignment and stabilize the heel with plates or screws. Recovery may take several months, depending on injury severity. If you have fractured your heel bone, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist for an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment.

A broken foot requires immediate medical attention and treatment. If you need your feet checked, contact Daniel Mendoza, DPM from Nashville Podiatry. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Broken Foot Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment

A broken foot is caused by one of the bones in the foot typically breaking when bended, crushed, or stretched beyond its natural capabilities. Usually the location of the fracture indicates how the break occurred, whether it was through an object, fall, or any other type of injury. 

Common Symptoms of Broken Feet:

• Bruising
• Pain
• Redness
• Swelling
• Blue in color
• Numbness
• Cold
• Misshapen
• Cuts
• Deformities

Those that suspect they have a broken foot shoot seek urgent medical attention where a medical professional could diagnose the severity.

Treatment for broken bones varies depending on the cause, severity and location. Some will require the use of splints, casts or crutches while others could even involve surgery to repair the broken bones. Personal care includes the use of ice and keeping the foot stabilized and elevated.

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

Foot surgery may be recommended when pain, injury, or a structural problem makes everyday movement difficult. Surgery is usually considered after other treatments have not provided enough relief, or when a condition needs correction to protect long-term foot function. Common reasons include severe arthritis, fractures, and chronic wounds. Symptoms that may point toward surgery include ongoing pain, swelling, or stiffness. Trouble walking may also develop. Risk factors can include repeated stress, previous injury, or arthritis. Diabetes and structural problems may also increase risk.

The type of foot surgery depends on the condition and the goal of treatment. Fusion, also called arthrodesis, joins two bones at a joint so they heal as one stable bone. It may be used for painful arthritis or severe joint damage. Debridement removes damaged, infected, or unhealthy tissue from a wound or affected area. This can help clear infection and support healthy tissue growth. An osteotomy involves carefully cutting and repositioning a bone to improve alignment.

Before surgery, a podiatrist evaluates your symptoms, medical history, and imaging results. The podiatrist may recommend X-rays or other imaging tests to understand the problem clearly. Your podiatrist may also discuss activity goals, footwear needs, and realistic expectations before recommending the appropriate procedure. During treatment, the surgical approach is planned around the affected bone, joint, or soft tissue. After surgery, healing may involve protecting the foot, managing swelling, and following weight-bearing instructions. Follow-up visits allow the podiatrist to check healing and address concerns early.

Foot surgery can sound intimidating, but understanding the reason for surgery and the treatment plan can make the process easier. If you have a foot condition that may require surgery,  it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can determine if this is the correct choice for you.

Foot surgery is sometimes necessary to treat a foot ailment. To learn more, contact Daniel Mendoza, DPM of Nashville Podiatry. Our doctor will assist you with all of your foot and ankle needs.

When Is Surgery Necessary?

Foot and ankle surgery is generally reserved for cases in which less invasive, conservative procedures have failed to alleviate the problem. Some of the cases in which surgery may be necessary include:

• Removing foot deformities like bunions and bone spurs
• Severe arthritis that has caused bone issues
• Cosmetic reconstruction

What Types of Surgery Are There?

The type of surgery you receive will depend on the nature of the problem you have. Some of the possible surgeries include:

• Bunionectomy for painful bunions
• Surgical fusion for realignment of bones
• Neuropathy decompression surgery to treat nerve damage

Benefits of Surgery

Although surgery is usually a last resort, it can provide more complete pain relief compared to non-surgical methods and may allow you to finally resume full activity.

Surgical techniques have also become increasingly sophisticated. Techniques like endoscopic surgery allow for smaller incisions and faster recovery times.

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

A broken toe, also called a toe fracture, occurs when one of the bones in a toe develops a crack or complete break. Fractures can happen from sudden force or repeated stress. A broken toe may cause pain, swelling, or bruising. Tenderness, or difficulty walking, can also occur. Some fractures are obvious, while smaller cracks may be mistaken for a sprain. Prompt evaluation can help determine the injury and guide appropriate treatment, especially when pain continues or the toe looks abnormal.

One common cause is a crushing injury, such as dropping a heavy object on the foot or having the toe caught under something. Another frequent cause is stubbing the toe forcefully against furniture, a doorway, or another hard surface. Sports injuries, falls, and accidental impacts can also fracture toe bones. Risk may increase with activities involving repeated foot stress or conditions that weaken bone strength.

Any toe can break, although the big toe and smaller toes can be injured in different ways. A big toe fracture may affect balance and walking because the toe carries important weight during movement. Smaller toe fractures often cause localized pain, swelling, bruising, and tenderness. A podiatrist evaluates the toe, checks circulation and sensation, and may order X-rays to determine the fracture location and severity.

Treatment depends on the type and position of the fracture. A podiatrist may protect the toe with taping, supportive footwear, or another appropriate method. The foot doctor may also recommend activity changes and follow-up visits to monitor healing. More serious fractures may require additional treatment to restore alignment. Following instructions can reduce complications and support recovery. Early podiatric care can help prevent unnecessary pain and delayed healing. If you have a broken toe or persistent foot pain after an injury, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist for an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment.

A broken toe can be very painful and lead to complications if not properly fixed. If you have any concerns about your feet, contact Daniel Mendoza, DPM from Nashville Podiatry. Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.

What to Know About a Broken Toe

Although most people try to avoid foot trauma such as banging, stubbing, or dropping heavy objects on their feet, the unfortunate fact is that it is a common occurrence. Given the fact that toes are positioned in front of the feet, they typically sustain the brunt of such trauma. When trauma occurs to a toe, the result can be a painful break (fracture).

Symptoms of a Broken Toe

• Throbbing pain
• Swelling
• Bruising on the skin and toenail
• The inability to move the toe
• Toe appears crooked or disfigured
• Tingling or numbness in the toe

Generally, it is best to stay off of the injured toe with the affected foot elevated.

Severe toe fractures may be treated with a splint, cast, and in some cases, minor surgery. Due to its position and the pressure it endures with daily activity, future complications can occur if the big toe is not properly treated.

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