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When a Small Foot Bone Causes a Big Disruption

Tuesday, 03 March 2026

A metatarsal fracture is a break in one of the long bones in the front of the foot. This injury is commonly caused by direct injury, overuse, sudden increases in activity, or repetitive stress from walking or running. Symptoms include swelling, bruising, and difficulty bearing weight. The foot may look swollen or discolored, and it may feel painful with movement. In some cases, the pain increases during activity and improves with rest. A podiatrist can help by starting with a careful physical examination and imaging, such as X-rays, to confirm the diagnosis and determine severity. Treatment may include immobilization, protective footwear, pain management, and targeted exercises as healing progresses. In more severe cases, advanced support or surgical planning may be needed. Early diagnosis is important to prevent improper healing and long-term foot problems. If you think you may have a metatarsal fracture, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist for evaluation and treatment.

A broken foot requires immediate medical attention and treatment. If you need your feet checked, contact Brian Shwer, DPM from Southaven Foot Clinic. 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 Southaven, MS . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Heel Pain Can Be Treated!

Sunday, 01 March 2026

Do you suffer from heel pain when you get up in the morning? If so, you should seek professional help and have a proper diagnosis performed. Heel pain can be caused by several different foot-related conditions.

How Being Overweight Can Affect the Feet

Tuesday, 24 February 2026

Carrying extra body weight puts added strain on the feet every day. With each step, the heels and arches absorb more pressure than they are designed to handle. This can lead to heel pain, flattening of the arch, and aching in the ball of the foot. The joints may become stiff, tendons may feel sore, and the risk of arthritis increases over time. Some people also notice burning, swelling, or tired feet after standing or walking for short periods. Body fat can also affect how tissues function, which may increase discomfort beyond simple pressure alone. A podiatrist can examine how you stand and walk, check foot alignment, and measure areas of high pressure. Treatment includes custom orthotics, supportive bracing, and guidance to reduce stress on the feet and prevent further damage. If you have foot pain that may be related to excess weight, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist for an exam, diagnosis, and treatment.

The more you weigh, the harder your feet must work to support your body. If you’re an obese individual and are concerned about your feet, contact Brian Shwer, DPM from Southaven Foot Clinic. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Obesity and Your Feet

People who are overweight are putting more pressure on their ankles, knees, and hips as well as their feet. This unfortunately can lead to variety of different issues.

Problems & Complications Stemming from Obesity

When the body is overweight, it tries to compensate by changing the way that it moves. An obese person may lean forward and put extra weight on the wrong part of the foot. This puts unnecessary stress on the feet.
Obese people are also more likely to develop type II diabetes which is a condition that causes a lot of foot problems. People with diabetes often don’t feel the cuts and sores that they may have on their feet, which can lead to more complicated and severe issues.
Plantar fasciitis is another foot condition that can be caused by obesity. Plantar fasciitis is an inflammation of the tissue along the bottom of the foot, which causes pain and stiffness while walking and climbing stairs.

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

How Children Learn to Walk With Confidence

Tuesday, 17 February 2026

Children do not move like small adults. Early walking patterns evolve as bones lengthen, muscles strengthen, and coordination improves. During growth spurts, legs may seem awkward, feet may turn in or out, and balance may temporarily change. These shifts are usually part of healthy growth, but some patterns persist longer than expected. Frequent tripping, uneven shoe wear, toe walking, or complaints or signaling of leg fatigue can show that movement mechanics need attention. Sports, footwear choices, and surface demands also influence how forces travel through the feet and ankles. Addressing concerns early can support comfort, confidence, and efficient movement as children mature. Early guidance helps prevent strain and injury. If a child shows ongoing walking difficulties, pain, or unusual shoe wear patterns, it is suggested that you see a podiatrist for a proper diagnosis and appropriate treatment.

The health of a child’s feet is vital to their overall well-being. If you have any questions regarding foot health, contact Brian Shwer, DPM of Southaven Foot Clinic. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Tips for Keeping Children's Feet Healthy

Make sure their shoes fit properly
Look for any signs of in-toeing or out-toeing
Check to see if they have Clubfoot (condition that affects your child’s foot and ankle, twisting the heel and toes inward) which is one of the most common nonmajor birth defects.
Lightly cover your baby’s feet (Tight covers may keep your baby from moving their feet freely, and could prevent normal development)
Allow your toddler to go shoeless (Shoes can be restricting for a young child’s foot)
Cut toenails straight across to avoid ingrown toenails
Keep your child’s foot clean and dry
Cover cuts and scrapes. Wash any scratches with soap and water and cover them with a bandage until they’ve healed.

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

Symptoms and Causes of Fungal Toenails

Tuesday, 10 February 2026

Fungal toenails develop gradually and affect the appearance and health of nails. Symptoms include thickened nails, discoloration ranging from yellow to brown, brittle edges, and changes in nail shape. Some people notice lifting of the nail from the nail bed, surface debris, or an unpleasant odor. Discomfort can occur when pressure is applied. Causes are linked to fungal organisms that thrive in warm, moist environments and enter through small breaks in the nail or surrounding skin. Risk factors include nail trauma, reduced circulation, and advancing age. Certain medical conditions and prolonged exposure to damp footwear or communal surfaces are other factors. A podiatrist can confirm the diagnosis through examination and testing and rule out other nail disorders. Medical treatment is aimed at clearing infection and protecting nail growth. If you have symptoms of toenail fungus, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist for an exam, diagnosis, and treatment.

If left untreated, toenail fungus may spread to other toenails, skin, or even fingernails. If you suspect you have toenail fungus it is important to seek treatment right away. For more information about treatment, contact Brian Shwer, DPM of Southaven Foot Clinic. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Symptoms

Warped or oddly shaped nails
Yellowish nails
Loose/separated nail
Buildup of bits and pieces of nail fragments under the nail
Brittle, broken, thickened nail

Treatment

If self-care strategies and over-the-counter medications does not help your fungus, your podiatrist may give you a prescription drug instead. Even if you find relief from your toenail fungus symptoms, you may experience a repeat infection in the future.

Prevention

In order to prevent getting toenail fungus in the future, you should always make sure to wash your feet with soap and water. After washing, it is important to dry your feet thoroughly especially in between the toes. When trimming your toenails, be sure to trim straight across instead of in a rounded shape. It is crucial not to cover up discolored nails with nail polish because that will prevent your nail from being able to “breathe”.

In some cases, surgical procedure may be needed to remove the toenail fungus. Consult with your podiatrist about the best treatment options for your case of toenail fungus.

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

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