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A broken ankle occurs when one or more of the bones that form the ankle joint fracture. This injury can result from a fall, sports-related accident, twisting injury, or motor vehicle collision. The severity of a broken ankle can vary, ranging from a small crack in the bone to multiple fractures that affect the stability of the joint. Symptoms include severe ankle pain, swelling, bruising, and difficulty putting weight on the affected foot. In some cases, the ankle may appear misshapen or unstable. Because many ankle injuries share similar symptoms, a professional evaluation is necessary to determine whether a fracture is present.

A broken ankle can significantly affect mobility and daily activities. Walking, climbing stairs, and standing for extended periods may become difficult or impossible. If the fracture is not properly diagnosed and treated, it can lead to long-term complications, such as chronic ankle pain, joint instability, or post-traumatic arthritis. Imaging studies, such as X-rays, are often needed to identify the location and severity of the fracture. Prompt diagnosis is important because treatment plans vary depending on the type of fracture and whether the bones remain in proper alignment.

A podiatrist is a foot and ankle specialist who can diagnose and manage broken ankles and other ankle injuries. During an evaluation, a podiatrist will assess symptoms, examine the ankle joint, and review imaging results to determine the most appropriate course of treatment. Depending on the severity of the fracture, treatment may involve immobilization, bracing, fracture management, or surgical care. Ongoing monitoring is often important to ensure proper healing and restore ankle function. Early podiatric care can help reduce the risk of complications and support a safe return to normal activities. If you have severe ankle pain, swelling, bruising, difficulty walking, or other symptoms that may indicate a broken ankle, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist for an evaluation and appropriate treatment options.

Broken ankles need immediate treatment. If you are seeking treatment, contact Brian D. Jackson, DPM from Neuhaus Foot and Ankle. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet. 

Broken Ankles
A broken ankle is experienced when a person fractures their tibia or fibula in the lower leg and ankle area. Both of these bones are attached at the bottom of the leg and combine to form what we know to be our ankle.

When a physician is referring to a break of the ankle, he or she is usually referring to a break in the area where the tibia and fibula are joined to create our ankle joint. Ankles are more prone to fractures because the ankle is an area that suffers a lot of pressure and stress. There are some obvious signs when a person experiences a fractured ankle, and the following symptoms may be present.

Symptoms of a Fractured Ankle

• Excessive pain when the area is touched or when any pressure is placed on the ankle
• Swelling around the area
• Bruising of the area
• Area appears to be deformed

If you suspect an ankle fracture, it is recommended to seek treatment as soon as possible. The sooner you have your podiatrist diagnose the fracture, the quicker you’ll be on the way towards recovery.

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

The fungus that causes athlete’s foot thrives in damp, dark, and warm places. That’s why you can contract athlete’s foot in locker rooms, changing areas in public pools, and other wet places where a lot of people walk or stand. Unsanitary practices in professional nail salons can also expose you to athlete’s foot. Mild cases typically present as fissures or patches between the toes, followed by itchy and red skin if the infection gets worse. You may experience blisters that can swell up between the toes or even on the bottoms of the feet and toenails. In the worst cases of athlete’s foot, you may develop a rash on the soles of the feet and there may be pus and an unpleasant order. To avoid athlete’s foot, you should always keep your feet clean and dry, change your socks daily, avoid sharing personal nail tools, and wear sandals in any wet, communal public place. If antifungal creams and powders do not get rid of the infection after two weeks, or your skin is peeling, itchy and covered in blisters, it is suggested that you seek the care of a podiatrist who can devise a successful treatment plan for you.

Athlete’s foot is an inconvenient condition that can be easily reduced with the proper treatment. If you have any concerns about your feet and ankles, contact Brian D. Jackson, DPM from Neuhaus Foot and Ankle.  Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.

Athlete’s Foot: The Sole Story

Athlete's foot, also known as tinea pedis, can be an extremely contagious foot infection. It is commonly contracted in public changing areas and bathrooms, dormitory style living quarters, around locker rooms and public swimming pools, or anywhere your feet often come into contact with other people.

Solutions to Combat Athlete’s Foot

• Hydrate your feet by using lotion
• Exfoliate
• Buff off nails
• Use of anti-fungal products
• Examine your feet and visit your doctor if any suspicious blisters or cuts develop

Athlete’s foot can cause many irritating symptoms such as dry and flaking skin, itching, and redness. Some more severe symptoms can include bleeding and cracked skin, intense itching and burning, and even pain when walking. In the worst cases, Athlete’s foot can cause blistering as well. Speak to your podiatrist for a better understanding of the different causes of Athlete’s foot, as well as help in determining which treatment options are best for you.

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

A plantar wart is a growth that appears on the bottom of the foot. It is caused by a virus that enters through small breaks in the skin. A plantar wart often looks round and may feel firm or rough to the touch. Unlike many raised warts, plantar warts are usually flat because body weight pushes them inward. One key sign is the presence of tiny black dots, which are small blood vessels within the wart. Warts commonly develop on weight-bearing areas like the heel or ball of the foot and can become painful when walking. They may also form in clusters, which can increase discomfort. A podiatrist can examine the area and confirm the diagnosis. Treatment measures to reduce pain and remove the wart safely include freezing or burning off the growth as well as prescribing certain medications. If you have symptoms of a plantar wart, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist for a diagnosis and treatment.

Plantar warts can be very uncomfortable. If you need your feet checked, contact Brian D. Jackson, DPM from Neuhaus Foot and Ankle. Our doctor will assist you with all of your foot and ankle needs.

About Plantar Warts

Plantar warts are the result of HPV, or human papillomavirus, getting into open wounds on the feet. They are mostly found on the heels or balls of the feet.

While plantar warts are generally harmless, those experiencing excessive pain or those suffering from diabetes or a compromised immune system require immediate medical care. Plantar warts are easily diagnosed, usually through scraping off a bit of rough skin or by getting a biopsy.

Symptoms

• Lesions on the bottom of your feet, usually rough and grainy
• Hard or thick callused spots
• Wart seeds, which are small clotted blood vessels that look like little black spots
• Pain, discomfort, or tenderness of your feet when walking or standing

Treatment

• Freezing
• Electric tool removal
• Laser Treatment
• Topical Creams (prescription only)
• Over-the-counter medications

To help prevent developing plantar warts, avoid walking barefoot over abrasive surfaces that can cause cuts or wounds for HPV to get into. Avoiding direct contact with other warts, as well as not picking or rubbing existing warts, can help prevent the further spread of plantar warts. However, if you think you have developed plantar warts, speak to your podiatrist. He or she can diagnose the warts on your feet and recommend the appropriate treatment options.

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

A calcaneal stress fracture is a small crack in the heel bone that develops over time from repeated impact. It often appears as deep heel pain that worsens with activity and improves with rest, though it can become constant if ignored. Swelling and tenderness in the back or bottom of the heel may also be present. This condition is common in runners, athletes, and individuals who suddenly increase activity levels. It happens when the bone is unable to keep up with repeated stress and begins to weaken. A podiatrist can evaluate the heel through examination and imaging to confirm the diagnosis. Treatment focuses on protecting the bone, reducing strain, and guiding a safe return to activity. If you have heel pain, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can diagnose and treat the problem. 

Activities where too much pressure is put on the feet can cause stress fractures. To learn more, contact Brian D. Jackson, DPM from Neuhaus Foot and Ankle. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep your pain free and on your feet.

Dealing with Stress Fractures of the Foot and Ankle

Stress fractures occur in the foot and ankle when muscles in these areas weaken from too much or too little use.  The feet and ankles then lose support when walking or running from the impact of the ground. Since there is no protection, the bones receive the full impact of each step. Stress on the feet can cause cracks to form in the bones, thus creating stress fractures.

What Are Stress Fractures?

Stress fractures occur frequently in individuals whose daily activities cause great impact on the feet and ankles. Stress factors are most common among:

• Runners                                
• People affected with Osteoporosis
• Tennis or basketball players
• Gymnasts
• High impact workouts

Symptoms

Pain from the fractures occur in the area of the fractures and can be constant or intermittent. It will often cause sharp or dull pain with swelling and tenderness. Engaging in any kind of activity which involves high impact will aggravate pain.

If you have any questions please contact one of our offices located in Columbia and Pulaski, TN . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.