Peripheral neuropathy affects the nerves that carry messages between the feet and the brain. When these nerves are not working properly, people may experience numbness, tingling, burning, or a pins and needles feeling in the feet or toes. In some cases, sensation becomes reduced, making it harder to feel pain, heat, or pressure. This can increase the risk of unnoticed injuries, skin breakdown, or balance issues. Although causes can vary, peripheral neuropathy is often linked to diabetes, circulation problems, certain medications, or nerve compression. Symptoms may develop gradually and worsen over time, if not addressed. Daily foot checks and wearing supportive footwear are important parts of care. Early evaluation helps reduce complications and protect long-term foot health. If changes in sensation, balance, or foot comfort are noticed, it is suggested that a podiatrist provide guidance on evaluation and treatment options.

Neuropathy

Neuropathy can be a potentially serious condition, especially if it is left undiagnosed. If you have any concerns that you may be experiencing nerve loss in your feet, consult with Mack Jay Groves IV, DPM from Practice. Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment for neuropathy.

What Is Neuropathy?

Neuropathy is a condition that leads to damage to the nerves in the body. Peripheral neuropathy, or neuropathy that affects your peripheral nervous system, usually occurs in the feet. Neuropathy can be triggered by a number of different causes. Such causes include diabetes, infections, cancers, disorders, and toxic substances.

Symptoms of Neuropathy Include:

• Numbness
• Sensation loss
• Prickling and tingling sensations
• Throbbing, freezing, burning pains
• Muscle weakness

Those with diabetes are at serious risk due to being unable to feel an ulcer on their feet. Diabetics usually also suffer from poor blood circulation. This can lead to the wound not healing, infections occurring, and the limb may have to be amputated.

Treatment

To treat neuropathy in the foot, podiatrists will first diagnose the cause of the neuropathy. Figuring out the underlying cause of the neuropathy will allow the podiatrist to prescribe the best treatment, whether it be caused by diabetes, toxic substance exposure, infection, etc. If the nerve has not died, then it’s possible that sensation may be able to return to the foot.

Pain medication may be issued for pain. Electrical nerve stimulation can be used to stimulate nerves. If the neuropathy is caused from pressure on the nerves, then surgery may be necessary.

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

Psoriatic arthritis is an inflammatory condition linked to psoriasis, which can affect the feet in multiple ways because both joints and soft tissues become involved. Many people notice stiffness in the toes or mid-foot, along with swelling that makes shoes feel tighter than usual. The condition can also inflame the tendons, especially around the heel or along the top of the foot, creating soreness during walking or climbing stairs. Some individuals develop dactylitis, where an entire toe becomes swollen and tender, giving it a sausage-like appearance. Skin plaques related to psoriasis may also appear on the feet and add to irritation. Because symptoms can fluctuate and progress over time, early evaluation helps determine which areas need the most support. A podiatrist can assess joint alignment, recommend footwear, provide inserts, and offer treatments that reduce inflammation. If foot symptoms from psoriatic arthritis are affecting daily activities, it is suggested that you see a podiatrist for effective relief tips.

When dealing with systemic disease of the feet, it is extremely important to check the affected areas routinely so that any additional problems are caught quickly.  If you have any concerns about your feet and ankles contact Mack Jay Groves IV, DPM from Practice. Our doctor will assist you with all of your podiatric needs.

Systemic Diseases of the Feet

Systemic diseases affect the whole body, and symptoms usually are displayed in the feet. This condition can make a patient’s ability to walk unbearable.  Systemic diseases include gout, diabetes mellitus, neurological disorders, and arthritis.

Gout – is caused by an excess of uric acid in the body. Common symptoms include pain, inflammation, and redness at the metatarsal/phalangeal joint of the base big toe. Gout can be treated by NSAIDs to relieve pain and inflammation, and other drugs that lower the acid levels in the body.

Diabetes mellitus – is an increase in the level of blood sugar that the body cannot counteract with its own insulin. Failure to produce enough insulin is a factor in Diabetes.

Diabetes of the Feet

Diabetic Neuropathy – may lead to damaged nerves and affect the feet through numbness and loss of sensation.

Peripheral Vascular Disease – can restrict the blood flow to the feet, and often times lead to amputation of the feet. 

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

Padel is a fast-growing racquet sport that blends elements of tennis and squash, played on a smaller enclosed court with quick directional changes and constant lateral movement. Because the game relies on rapid pivots, sudden stops, and explosive pushes off the foot, it places notable stress on the lower extremities. Many players develop issues such as ankle sprains from twisting on the enclosed court surface, peroneal tendon irritation from repeated side-to-side motions, or plantar fasciitis caused by continuous impact during rallies. Stress to the forefoot can also lead to metatarsalgia or aggravate bunions and hammertoes, especially in players wearing tight or unsupportive shoes. Early recognition of soreness, swelling, or instability is key, since untreated injuries can worsen quickly in such a dynamic sport. It is suggested that you see a podiatrist if ankle or foot pain persists, as prompt care helps maintain comfort, performance, and long-term foot health.

Ankle and foot injuries are common among athletes and in many sports. They can be caused by several problems and may be potentially serious. If you are feeling pain or think you were injured in a sporting event or when exercising, consult with Mack Jay Groves IV, DPM from Practice. Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

Common Injuries

The most common injuries that occur in sporting activities include:

• Achilles Tendonitis
• Achilles Tendon Rupture
• Ankle Sprains
• Broken Foot
• Plantar Fasciitis
• Stress Fractures
• Turf Toe

Symptoms

Symptoms vary depending upon the injury and in some cases, there may be no symptoms at all. However, in most cases, some form of symptom is experienced. Pain, aching, burning, bruising, tenderness, tightness or stiffness, sensation loss, difficulty moving, and swelling are the most common symptoms.

Treatment

Just as symptoms vary depending upon the injury, so do treatment options. A common treatment method is known as the RICE method. This method involves rest, applying ice, compression and elevating the afflicted foot or ankle. If the injury appears to be more serious, surgery might be required, such as arthroscopic or reconstructive surgery. Lastly, rehabilitation or therapy might be needed to gain full functionality in the afflicted area. Any discomfort experienced by an athlete must be evaluated by a licensed, reputable medical professional.  

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

An ingrown toenail is a condition where the edge of a toenail grows into the surrounding skin, causing irritation and pain. While mild cases may seem to improve temporarily, ingrown toenails rarely heal on their own and often worsen without proper care. Common causes include improper nail trimming, tight footwear, toe injuries, and inherited nail shape. Symptoms may include redness, swelling, tenderness, drainage, and signs of infection around the nail border. Walking or wearing shoes can become uncomfortable as the condition progresses. A podiatrist can help by safely removing the ingrown portion of the nail, treating infection, and preventing recurrence through corrective procedures and education. If you have ongoing toe pain, swelling, or signs of infection, it is strongly suggested that you promptly consult a podiatrist who can offer effective treatment solutions, which may include minor surgery for nail removal.  

Ingrown toenails may initially present themselves as a minor discomfort, but they may progress into an infection in the skin without proper treatment. For more information about ingrown toenails, contact Mack Jay Groves IV, DPM of Practice. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Ingrown Toenails

Ingrown toenails are caused when the corner or side of a toenail grows into the soft flesh surrounding it. They often result in redness, swelling, pain, and in some cases, infection. This condition typically affects the big toe and may recur if it is not treated properly.

Causes

• Improper toenail trimming
• Genetics
• Improper shoe fitting
• Injury from pedicures or nail picking
• Abnormal gait
• Poor hygiene

You are more likely to develop an ingrown toenail if you are obese, have diabetes, arthritis, or have any fungal infection in your nails. Additionally, people who have foot or toe deformities are at a higher risk of developing an ingrown toenail.

Symptoms

Some symptoms of ingrown toenails are redness, swelling, and pain. In rare cases, there may be a yellowish drainage coming from the nail.

Treatment

Ignoring an ingrown toenail can have serious complications. Infections of the nail border can progress to a deeper soft-tissue infection, which can then turn into a bone infection. You should always speak with your podiatrist if you suspect you have an ingrown toenail, especially if you have diabetes or poor circulation.

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