Foot and ankle anatomy plays a vital role in movement, balance, and daily comfort. The structure includes joints, tarsal bones, metatarsals, and phalanges that work together to support body weight and allow smooth motion. Ligaments connect these bones and help create stability by guiding proper alignment during walking and standing. When an imbalance occurs, stress may be placed on certain joints or tissues, leading to foot pain, inflammation, or difficulty with mobility. Problems such as heel pain, arch strain, and joint discomfort can develop over time. If you have foot pain, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can assess foot structure, identify imbalance, and provide treatment options such as custom orthotics, supportive care, or other targeted treatments. 

If you have any concerns about your feet, contact Bryan Sullivan, DPM from Mississippi Foot Center . Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Biomechanics in Podiatry

Podiatric biomechanics is a particular sector of specialty podiatry with licensed practitioners who are trained to diagnose and treat conditions affecting the foot, ankle and lower leg. Biomechanics deals with the forces that act against the body, causing an interference with the biological structures. It focuses on the movement of the ankle, the foot and the forces that interact with them.

A History of Biomechanics

• Biomechanics dates back to the BC era in Egypt where evidence of professional foot care has been recorded.
• In 1974, biomechanics gained a higher profile from the studies of Merton Root, who claimed that by changing or controlling the forces between the ankle and the foot, corrections or conditions could be implemented to gain strength and coordination in the area.

Modern technological improvements are based on past theories and therapeutic processes that provide a better understanding of podiatric concepts for biomechanics. Computers can provide accurate information about the forces and patterns of the feet and lower legs.

Understanding biomechanics of the feet can help improve and eliminate pain, stopping further stress to the foot.

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

Hammertoe correction can be performed using either smaller incision techniques or a more traditional open approach. Minimally invasive procedures use very small openings and specialized instruments to realign the toe. This approach often results in less disruption to surrounding tissue, smaller scars, and a potentially faster return to regular footwear. Swelling and postoperative discomfort may also be reduced for some patients. Open hammertoe correction involves a larger incision that allows direct visualization of bones, tendons, and joints. This method may be preferred for severe deformities or complex cases where greater correction is needed. Both techniques aim to straighten the toe, reduce pressure, and improve comfort. The choice depends on toe stiffness, overall foot structure, health status, and activity level. Recovery plans differ based on the method used. If hammertoe pain or deformity interferes with your daily life, it is suggested that you see a podiatrist to discuss appropriate treatment options.

Hammertoe

Hammertoes can be a painful condition to live with. For more information, contact Bryan Sullivan, DPM from Mississippi Foot Center . Our doctor will answer any of your foot- and ankle-related questions.

Hammertoe is a foot deformity that affects the joints of the second, third, fourth, or fifth toes of your feet. It is a painful foot condition in which these toes curl and arch up, which can often lead to pain when wearing footwear.

Symptoms

• Pain in the affected toes
• Development of corns or calluses due to friction
• Inflammation
• Redness
• Contracture of the toes

Causes

Genetics – People who are genetically predisposed to hammertoe are often more susceptible

Arthritis – Because arthritis affects the joints in your toes, further deformities stemming from arthritis can occur

Trauma – Direct trauma to the toes could potentially lead to hammertoe

Ill-fitting shoes – Undue pressure on the front of the toes from ill-fitting shoes can potentially lead to the development of hammertoe

Treatment

Orthotics – Custom made inserts can be used to help relieve pressure placed on the toes and therefore relieve some of the pain associated with it

Medications – Oral medications such as anti-inflammatories or NSAIDs could be used to treat the pain and inflammation hammertoes causes. Injections of corticosteroids are also sometimes used

Surgery – In more severe cases where the hammertoes have become more rigid, foot surgery is a potential option

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

Athlete's foot is a common fungal infection that affects the skin on the feet, often developing between the toes. Symptoms can include itchy, white patches, and the feet may be red and sore, which can make walking and wearing shoes uncomfortable. The condition is caused by fungi that thrive in warm, moist environments, such as sweaty socks, shoes, locker rooms, and public showers. Risk factors include wearing tight or non-breathable footwear, having a weakened immune system, excessive sweating, and sharing personal items with others. A podiatrist can diagnose athlete's foot, recommend effective antifungal treatments, provide guidance on proper foot hygiene, and suggest preventive measures to reduce recurrence. If you have any of the above symptoms, it is suggested that you schedule a visit with a podiatrist to treat the infection, which may include prescribed medication.

Athlete’s Foot

Athlete’s foot is often an uncomfortable condition to experience. Thankfully, podiatrists specialize in treating athlete’s foot and offer the best treatment options. If you have any questions about athlete’s foot, consult with Bryan Sullivan, DPM from Mississippi Foot Center . Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality treatment.

What Is Athlete’s Foot?

Tinea pedis, more commonly known as athlete’s foot, is a non-serious and common fungal infection of the foot. Athlete’s foot is contagious and can be contracted by touching someone who has it or infected surfaces. The most common places contaminated by it are public showers, locker rooms, and swimming pools. Once contracted, it grows on feet that are left inside moist, dark, and warm shoes and socks.

Prevention

The most effective ways to prevent athlete’s foot include:

• Thoroughly washing and drying feet
• Avoid going barefoot in locker rooms and public showers
• Using shower shoes in public showers
• Wearing socks that allow the feet to breathe
• Changing socks and shoes frequently if you sweat a lot

Symptoms

Athlete’s foot initially occurs as a rash between the toes. However, if left undiagnosed, it can spread to the sides and bottom of the feet, toenails, and if touched by hand, the hands themselves. Symptoms include:

• Redness
• Burning
• Itching
• Scaly and peeling skin

Diagnosis and Treatment

Diagnosis is quick and easy. Skin samples will be taken and either viewed under a microscope or sent to a lab for testing. Sometimes, a podiatrist can diagnose it based on simply looking at it. Once confirmed, treatment options include oral and topical antifungal medications.

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

Cuboid syndrome is a condition that occurs when the cuboid bone in the mid-foot becomes partially displaced or moves improperly, leading to pain and instability along the outer side of the foot. The cuboid bone plays a vital role in foot structure by supporting the arch and assisting with proper weight distribution during walking and standing. When this bone is not functioning correctly, symptoms may include lateral foot pain, tenderness, swelling, weakness and difficulty bearing weight. Pain often worsens with activity and may feel similar to an ankle sprain. A podiatrist can accurately diagnose cuboid syndrome through a thorough examination and targeted imaging, when needed. Treatment may include manual realignment, supportive taping, custom orthotics and rehabilitation exercises to restore long-term stability. If you have pain in this part of your foot, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can accurately diagnose and treat what may be going on. 

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 Bryan Sullivan, DPM from Mississippi Foot Center . 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 Jackson, MS . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.