A bruised heel bone can occur suddenly due to a fall, jumping, or stepping on a sharp object. This type of injury also can develop gradually from repeated impact on hard surfaces or stiff shoes. Risk factors for a bruised heel include advancing age, obesity, and endurance running. A history of cortisone shots, conditions like diabetes or rheumatoid arthritis, and previous heel injuries or surgery are other possibilities. Healing time for a bruised heel bone depends on the severity of the injury and level of activity. If the injury is sudden and severe or if pain persists, it is important to consult a podiatrist, as they may recommend imaging to rule out fractures or soft tissue damage. This type of doctor can prescribe custom orthotics or, in some cases, surgery. If you have symptoms of a bruised heel bone, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for appropriate treatment options.

Many people suffer from bouts of heel pain. For more information, contact Daniel Mendoza, DPM of Nashville Podiatry. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Causes of Heel Pain

Heel pain is often associated with plantar fasciitis. The plantar fascia is a band of tissues that extends along the bottom of the foot. A rip or tear in this ligament can cause inflammation of the tissue.

Achilles tendonitis is another cause of heel pain. Inflammation of the Achilles tendon will cause pain from fractures and muscle tearing. Lack of flexibility is also another symptom.

Heel spurs are another cause of pain. When the tissues of the plantar fascia undergo a great deal of stress, it can lead to ligament separation from the heel bone, causing heel spurs.

Why Might Heel Pain Occur?

• Wearing ill-fitting shoes                
• Wearing non-supportive shoes
• Weight change           
• Excessive running

Treatments

Heel pain should be treated as soon as possible for immediate results. Keeping your feet in a stress-free environment will help. If you suffer from Achilles tendonitis or plantar fasciitis, applying ice will reduce the swelling. Stretching before an exercise like running will help the muscles. Using all these tips will help make heel pain a condition of the past.

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 may seem minor, but without proper care, it can lead to lasting pain or deformity. Most broken toes result from stubbing the toe or dropping something heavy on it. Symptoms often include swelling, bruising, and difficulty walking. Some people hear a pop at the time of injury. Not all breaks cause the toe to look crooked, so it is important not to ignore the pain. Rest, elevation, and gentle compression can help in the first hours after injury. Wearing stiff-soled shoes can protect the toe during healing. In some cases, buddy taping to a neighboring toe is recommended. More serious fractures may need splinting or surgery. If your toe remains swollen, painful, or difficult to move after an injury, it is suggested that you see a podiatrist to confirm the diagnosis and receive the right treatment.

Broken toes may cause a lot of pain and should be treated as soon as possible. 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 Is a Broken Toe?

A broken toe occurs when one or more of the toe bones of the foot are broken after an injury. Injuries such as stubbing your toe or dropping a heavy object on it may cause a toe fracture.

Symptoms of a Broken Toe

• Swelling
• Pain (with/without wearing shoes)
• Stiffness
• Nail Injury

Although the injured toe should be monitored daily, it is especially important to have a podiatrist look at your toe if you have severe symptoms. Some of these symptoms include worsening or new pain that is not relieved with medication, sores, redness, or open wounds near the toe.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our office located in Hendersonville, TN . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.

Lateral foot pain refers to discomfort along the outer edge of the foot and may result from overuse, injury, poor foot mechanics, or conditions such as cuboid syndrome. This condition occurs when the cuboid bone is partially dislocated or misaligned, leading to sharp pain, weakness, or instability, especially during weight-bearing activities. Risk factors include ankle sprains, improper footwear, and repetitive stress. A podiatrist can diagnose the exact cause of lateral foot pain, perform necessary adjustments, provide custom orthotics, and recommend stretching and strengthening exercises. If you have persistent outer foot pain, do not ignore the symptoms. It is suggested that you promptly consult a podiatrist who can accurately diagnose and treat cuboid syndrome. 

Cuboid syndrome, also known as cuboid subluxation, occurs when the joints and ligaments near the cuboid bone in the foot become torn. If you have cuboid syndrome, consult with Daniel Mendoza, DPM from Nashville Podiatry. Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

Cuboid syndrome is a common cause of lateral foot pain, which is pain on the outside of the foot. The condition may happen suddenly due to an ankle sprain, or it may develop slowly overtime from repetitive tension through the bone and surrounding structures.

Causes

The most common causes of cuboid syndrome include:

• Injury – The most common cause of this ailment is an ankle sprain.
• Repetitive Strain – Tension placed through the peroneus longus muscle from repetitive activities such as jumping and running may cause excessive traction on the bone causing it to sublux.
• Altered Foot Biomechanics – Most people suffering from cuboid subluxation have flat feet.

Symptoms

A common symptom of cuboid syndrome is pain along the outside of the foot which can be felt in the ankle and toes. This pain may create walking difficulties and may cause those with the condition to walk with a limp.

Diagnosis

Diagnosis of cuboid syndrome is often difficult, and it is often misdiagnosed. X-rays, MRIs and CT scans often fail to properly show the cuboid subluxation. Although there isn’t a specific test used to diagnose cuboid syndrome, your podiatrist will usually check if pain is felt while pressing firmly on the cuboid bone of your foot.

Treatment

Just as the range of causes varies widely, so do treatments. Some more common treatments are ice therapy, rest, exercise, taping, and orthotics.

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 pain is far more common than most people realize. About 81 percent of American adults report experiencing it at some point, and nearly half describe it as debilitating. Foot pain not only limits physical health but also reduces how easily people move through their day and enjoy normal routines. Countless individuals cut back on walking, exercising, or even simple household chores because of persistent discomfort. There has been a growing focus on foot health trends aimed at combating these challenges. Run clubs are surging in popularity, encouraging community activity but also increasing risks of overuse injuries like plantar fasciitis. At the same time, custom orthotics and wearable tech designed with embedded sensors are making strides in monitoring gait, pressure, and early warning signs, especially valuable for athletes and those managing chronic conditions. If your feet are holding you back on a regular basis, it is suggested you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist to find personalized solutions.

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.