Ankle pain is common among runners because each step places force on the ankle joint. Over time, this pressure can lead to injury. One likely cause is an ankle sprain, which occurs when ligaments, the bands that connect bones, stretch or tear after a twist. Another is an ankle strain, resulting from tearing or overstretching the muscles or tendons attached to the bones. Inflammation of a tendon may develop from overuse or changes in training distance, while stress fractures are hairline cracks in a bone caused by repeated impact. Runners may notice swelling, tenderness, weakness, or pain that worsens during activity. A podiatrist can evaluate foot structure and joint stability to find the source of discomfort. Treatment may include bracing and orthotics to improve proper alignment and reduce strain. If you are experiencing ankle pain from running, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist for an exam, diagnosis, and treatment.

Exercising your feet regularly with the proper foot wear is a great way to prevent injuries. If you have any concerns about your feet, contact Bryan Sullivan, DPM of Mississippi Foot Center . Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.

How to Prevent Running Injuries

Many common running injuries are caused by overuse and overtraining. When the back of the kneecap starts wearing out and starts causing pain in your knee, this is commonly referred to as runner’s knee. Runner’s knee is a decrease in strength in your quadriceps and can occur if you’re not wearing properly fitted or supporting shoes. To prevent runner’s knee, focusing on hip strengthening is a good idea, as well as strengthening your quads to keep the kneecaps aligned.

What Are Some Causes of Running Injuries? 
- One cause of a common running injury is called iliotibial band syndrome.
- Plantar fasciitis is also another common injury.
- Stress fractures can occur from overtraining, lack of calcium, or even your running style.

Best Ways to Prevent Running Injuries
- Wear footwear that fits properly and suits your running needs.
- Running shoes are the only protective gear that runners have to safeguard them from injury.
- Make a training schedule. Adding strengthening exercises as well as regular stretching can help keep you strong and limber and can lessen the possibility of injuries.
- Stretching keeps muscles limber; this will help you gain better flexibility.

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.

As people grow older, the feet naturally undergo changes that may increase the risk of discomfort and foot-related conditions. The supportive tissues of the feet may gradually lose elasticity and cushioning, which can lead to increased pressure on joints and bones. These changes may make older people more susceptible to foot pain and mobility concerns. Common foot problems associated with aging include arthritis, bunions, plantar fasciitis, and hammertoes. Symptoms may involve stiffness, swelling, reduced flexibility, and discomfort while walking or standing. A podiatrist can evaluate foot structure, diagnose underlying conditions, and recommend personalized treatment, such as supportive footwear guidance, custom orthotic devices, and targeted care. If you are elderly and have developed foot pain, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can offer effective relief and prevention tips.

If you need your feet checked, contact Bryan Sullivan, DPM of Mississippi Foot Center . Our doctor will attend to all of your foot and ankle needs and provide you with quality treatment.

Geriatrics and Podiatry
When people age, some common issues that may occur are bone density loss, dry skin, poor circulation, and rough brittle nails. These issues may also affect your foot health if the necessary steps are not taken to alleviate the problems.

It is important to take care of your feet because feet that are injured or diseased can affect your overall health. Having painful feet hinders your ability to do daily activities or may decrease your willingness to do the things that you need to do.

Visiting Your Geriatrician
As we age, health problems become more likely, so it is essential to visit your doctor for check-ups to ensure that you are doing the best you can to take care of your health. It is recommended to check your feet frequently for any possible cuts, bruises, swelling, corns or any other irregularities. 

Taking Care of Elderly Feet
Cracked or dry feet can be treated by applying moisturizer often. It is also important not to wear old socks because the older the sock is, the higher the possibility there will be that there is bacteria there. Wear fresh socks and make sure they fit properly.

Proper foot health means that you can have a more active lifestyle and you will not be bogged down by pain. Foot health also leads to good circulation, which is paramount for overall health.

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.

Foot deformities occur when the bones, joints, muscles, and ligaments that support the foot move out of their normal position. The foot is built to be strong and flexible so it can support body weight and allow smooth walking. When its structure changes, the shape of the foot and the way a person walks may also change. Several types of foot deformities can develop. A splayfoot occurs when the bones in the front of the foot spread apart, making the forefoot wider. Flat feet develop when the arch, the curved area under the foot that helps absorb shock, becomes lowered. High-arched feet have an arch that is higher than normal and place more pressure on the heel and ball of the foot. Some deformities, such as clubfoot, are present at birth. Others develop over time due to injury, arthritis, tight shoes, or repeated strain on the feet. A podiatrist can evaluate foot structure and recommend treatment to improve comfort and walking ability. If you have a foot deformity, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist for an exam, diagnosis, and treatment.

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.

Ehlers-Danlos syndrome is a group of inherited connective tissue disorders that affect collagen, a protein that provides strength and flexibility to joints, skin, and supportive tissues. In the feet, this condition can lead to joint instability, flat feet, frequent sprains, and chronic pain due to increased ligament laxity. The condition is caused by genetic changes that alter normal collagen formation. Symptoms include hypermobile joints, soft or stretchy skin, fatigue, and repeated joint injuries. Risk factors are primarily related to family history, since the disorder is inherited. Diagnosis is based on medical history, physical examination, and sometimes genetic testing. A podiatrist can help manage symptoms through custom orthotics, supportive footwear guidance, and stability-focused care. If your child has symptoms of this condition, it is suggested that you include a podiatrist on your healthcare team for effective treatment and management solutions.

Congenital foot problems require immediate attention to avoid future complications. If you have any concerns, contact Bryan Sullivan, DPM of Mississippi Foot Center . Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Congenital foot problems are deformities affecting the feet, toes, and/or ankles that children are born with. Some of these conditions have a genetic cause while others just happen. Some specific foot ailments that children may be born with include clubfeet, polydactyly/macrodactyly, and cleft foot. There are several other foot anomalies that can occur congenitally. What all of these conditions have in common is that a child may experience difficulty walking or performing everyday activities, as well as trouble finding footwear that fits their foot deformity. Some of these conditions are more serious than others. Consulting with a podiatrist as early as possible will help in properly diagnosing a child’s foot condition while getting the necessary treatment underway.

What are Causes of Congenital Foot Problem?

A congenital foot problem is one that happens to a child at birth. These conditions can be caused by a genetic predisposition, developmental or positional abnormalities during gestation, or with no known cause.

What are Symptoms of Congenital Foot Problems?

Symptoms vary by the congenital condition. Symptoms may consist of the following:

• Clubfoot, where tendons are shortened, bones are shaped differently, and the Achilles tendon is tight, causing the foot to point in and down. It is also possible for the soles of the feet to face each other.
• Polydactyly, which usually consists of a nubbin or small lump of tissue without a bone, a toe that is partially formed but has no joints, or an extra toe.
• Vertical talus, where the talus bone forms in the wrong position causing other bones in the foot to line up improperly, the front of the foot to point up, and the bottom of the foot to stiffen, with no arch, and to curve out.
• Tarsal coalition, when there is an abnormal connection of two or more bones in the foot leading to severe, rigid flatfoot.
• Cleft foot, where there are missing toes, a V-shaped cleft, and other anatomical differences.
• Macrodactyly, when the toes are abnormally large due to overgrowth of the underlying bone or soft tissue.

Treatment and Prevention

While there is nothing one can do to prevent congenital foot problems, raising awareness and receiving neonatal screenings are important. Early detection by taking your child to a podiatrist leads to the best outcome possible.

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.