A podiatrist is a medical specialist who focuses on diagnosing and treating conditions of the foot and ankle. They care for issues such as heel pain, bunions, ingrown nails, sprains, fractures, and diabetic foot problems. Preparing for your first visit helps ensure a smooth experience. Bring a list of symptoms, a list of medications, any recent lab results, and check with your insurance company to confirm coverage. A podiatrist will examine your feet, discuss your concerns, and create a treatment plan that supports comfort, mobility, and long-term wellness. If you have ongoing foot pain, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist who can offer effective relief and treatment solutions for various foot and ankle conditions.

If you are experiencing pain in the feet or ankles, don’t join the stubborn majority refusing treatment. Feel free to contact Mack Jay Groves IV, DPM from Practice. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

What Is a Podiatrist?

Someone would seek the care of a podiatrist if they have suffered a foot injury or have common foot ailments such as heal spurs, bunions, arch problems, deformities, ingrown toenails, corns, foot and ankle problems, etc.

Podiatric Treatment

A podiatrist will treat the problematic areas of the feet, ankle or lower leg by prescribing the following:

• Physical therapy
• Drugs
• Orthotic inserts or soles
• Surgery on lower extremity fractures

A common podiatric procedure a podiatrist will use is a scanner or force plate which will allow the podiatrist to know the designs of orthotics. Patients are then told to follow a series of tasks to complete the treatment. The computer will scan the foot a see which areas show weight distribution and pressure points. The podiatrist will read the analysis and then determine which treatment plans are available.

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.

Foot pain is discomfort or soreness that can result from damage to the bones, joints, ligaments, muscles, or tendons in the feet. It may develop from injury, overuse, or underlying medical conditions and can make walking or standing difficult. Persistent foot pain can affect mood, reduce quality of life, and limit the ability to perform daily self-care activities. A podiatrist can identify the source of pain through an examination and imaging, then provide treatment such as custom orthotics or medical management to restore comfort and function. If foot pain is interfering with your daily life, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist for an expert diagnosis and personalized care to help you move comfortably and regain your quality of life.

Foot Pain

Foot pain can be extremely painful and debilitating. If you have a foot pain, consult with Mack Jay Groves IV, DPM from Practice. Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

Causes

Foot pain is a very broad condition that could be caused by one or more ailments. The most common include:

• Bunions
• Hammertoes
• Plantar Fasciitis
• Bone Spurs
• Corns
• Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome
• Ingrown Toenails
• Arthritis (such as Gout, Rheumatoid, and Osteoarthritis)
• Flat Feet
• Injury (from stress fractures, broken toe, foot, ankle, Achilles tendon ruptures, and sprains)
• And more

Diagnosis

To figure out the cause of foot pain, podiatrists utilize several different methods. This can range from simple visual inspections and sensation tests to X-rays and MRI scans. Prior medical history, family medical history, and any recent physical traumatic events will all be taken into consideration for a proper diagnosis.

Treatment

Treatment depends upon the cause of the foot pain. Whether it is resting, staying off the foot, or having surgery; podiatrists have a number of treatment options available for foot pain.

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.

Chronic plantar fasciitis occurs when the thick band of tissue on the bottom of the foot, known as the plantar fascia, remains inflamed and painful over an extended period of time. An endoscopic plantar fasciotomy is a minimally invasive surgical procedure used to treat chronic plantar fasciitis that has not improved with conservative care. During the procedure, a small camera and specialized instruments are inserted through tiny incisions to release part of the fascia, reducing tension and inflammation. This method allows for less tissue disruption and faster healing. Recovery usually takes a few weeks, with gradual return to normal activities. If you have chronic plantar fasciitis, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can explore effective relief options for ongoing heel pain.

Foot surgery is sometimes necessary to treat a foot ailment. To learn more, contact Mack Jay Groves IV, DPM of Practice. Our doctor will assist you with all of your foot and ankle needs.

When Is Surgery Necessary?

Foot and ankle surgery is generally reserved for cases in which less invasive, conservative procedures have failed to alleviate the problem. Some of the cases in which surgery may be necessary include:

• Removing foot deformities like bunions and bone spurs
• Severe arthritis that has caused bone issues
• Cosmetic reconstruction

What Types of Surgery Are There?

The type of surgery you receive will depend on the nature of the problem you have. Some of the possible surgeries include:

• Bunionectomy for painful bunions
• Surgical fusion for realignment of bones
• Neuropathy decompression surgery to treat nerve damage

Benefits of Surgery

Although surgery is usually a last resort, it can provide more complete pain relief compared to non-surgical methods and may allow you to finally resume full activity.

Surgical techniques have also become increasingly sophisticated. Techniques like endoscopic surgery allow for smaller incisions and faster recovery times.

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.

School age athletes are no strangers to ankle injuries, and research shows that these are among the most common problems young players face on the court and field. Sports that involve quick pivots, frequent jumping, and constant direction changes, like basketball and football, tend to put the most strain on the ankles. Girls’ and boys’ basketball, in particular, see high rates of sprains, as do football programs where contact and sudden stops are routine. The study also found that competition brings a higher chance of ankle injury compared to practice, since games often involve faster play, more aggressive movements, and greater pressure to perform. These patterns highlight how vulnerable the ankle joint can be in growing athletes, especially when the ligaments are repeatedly stressed. A podiatrist can evaluate ankle injuries, provide treatment to promote healing, and recommend ways to help protect young athletes from future sprains or instability. If your child athlete  sustains an ankle injury, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for expert advice and appropriate treatment.

Sports related foot and ankle injuries require proper treatment before players can go back to their regular routines. For more information, 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.

Sports Related Foot and Ankle Injuries

Foot and ankle injuries are a common occurrence when it comes to athletes of any sport. While many athletes dismiss the initial aches and pains, the truth is that ignoring potential foot and ankle injuries can lead to serious problems. As athletes continue to place pressure and strain the area further, a mild injury can turn into something as serious as a rupture and may lead to a permanent disability. There are many factors that contribute to sports related foot and ankle injuries, which include failure to warm up properly, not providing support or wearing bad footwear. Common injuries and conditions athletes face, including:

• Plantar Fasciitis
• Achilles Tendinitis
• Achilles Tendon Rupture
• Ankle Sprains

Sports related injuries are commonly treated using the RICE method. This includes rest, applying ice to the injured area, compression and elevating the ankle. More serious sprains and injuries may require surgery, which could include arthroscopic and reconstructive surgery. Rehabilitation and therapy may also be required in order to get any recovering athlete to become fully functional again. Any unusual aches and pains an athlete sustains 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.