Tucson Foot & Ankle Institute

05/05/2025

Heel fractures typically occur from traumatic events like falling from a height, or being in an automobile accident where the heel is crushed against the floorboard. Fractures produce different signs and symptoms, depending on whether they are traumatic or stress fractures.
The symptoms of traumatic fractures include sudden pain, swelling and bruising, while stress fractures produce generalized pain in the heel that usually develops over several days to weeks.
If you're struggling with heel pain, please give our office a call and we can help you determine the problem.

05/01/2025

Peripheral neuropathy is a progressive condition that slowly damages the peripheral nerves, most frequently in the feet and legs.
Because peripheral nerves are responsible for performing various functions, the symptoms of peripheral neuropathy can manifest in several different ways:
Sensory issues. The lines of communication between the senses and the brain are disrupted. Sometimes this means unexplained pain (burning, jabbing, throbbing, prickling, etc.). In more advanced cases, instead of pain there may be complete numbness.
Motor issues. When motor nerves are damaged, muscle control may be limited—the brain can’t properly issue its commands. This may lead to muscle weakness, lack of coordination, or even paralysis.
Systemic issues. Nerves are also responsible for regulating autonomic processes like digestion, blood pressure, and body temperature. Damages to these nerves can produce unwanted problems and changes on a system-wide level.
If you've been struggling with any of these symptoms please give our office a call (520) 545-0202

04/29/2025

Drop foot is the inability to lift the front part of the foot off the ground when walking, resulting in dragging the toes or lifting the thigh (known as “steppage” gait). It’s typically caused by nerve or muscle damage or by a central nervous system disorder.
Treatment may include braces, physical therapy and electrical nerve stimulation, but in some cases surgery may be needed.
If you're experiencing drop foot or other foot and ankle problems please give our office a call.

04/24/2025

Sports seasons are in full swing for the fall and for young athletes this comes with an increase in foot and ankle injuries. Football, soccer, field hockey, and cheerleading are sports most likely to lead to sprains, broken bones, and other issues. Here are six tips to keep your child in the game this fall:
1. Always treat foot and ankle injuries immediately. What seems
like a sprain isn’t always a sprain. Aside from ligament injuries, your athlete might have injured bones or cartilage without knowing it. Make an appointment with our office for proper treatment if you think your child has a foot or ankle injury. Failure to treat injuries properly and promptly can lead to long-term instability or arthritis later in life.
2. Have old sprains checked before the season starts. Our doctor can tell whether a previous injury might be vulnerable to sprains and when an old injury may benefit from wearing a brace or other support during the season.
3. Each sport requires a different sport-specific type of shoe.
Football and baseball cleats are not interchangeable, so be sure you’re getting the right shoes for your child’s chosen sport.
4. Start each sports season with new, properly fitted shoes. Old
shoes wear down over time and become uneven on the bottom, especially for athletes during a busy season. When a shoe cannot lie flat, the ankle will tilt, increasing the risk of sprains and strains.
5. Walk the field before any practices or games. Check for dips, divots or holes as most sports-related ankle sprains are caused by running and jumping on uneven surfaces.
6. Always encourage athletes to stretch and warm up before
practice or games. Calf stretches and light jogging help warm up ligaments, muscles, tendons and blood vessels reducing the risk for foot and ankle injuries.

04/22/2025

Hello, fellow ankle pain warriors! I’m here to share my own intimate experience with ankle pain – a journey filled with agony, learning, and ultimately, relief. In this article, you’ll discover the different causes and symptoms of ankle pain, as well as tried-and-true treatment options.

Hello, fellow ankle pain warriors! I'm here to share my own intimate experience with ankle pain – a journey filled with agony, learning, and ultimately, relief.

04/10/2025

Toenail fungus can be a stubborn and persistent condition.
While treatments such as antifungal medications and laser therapy can be effective, it's also important to maintain good hygiene practices to prevent the spread of the fungus and promote healthy nail growth.
This germ can be passed to others in your home.
Everyone in the home who has this condition should be treated otherwise re-infection is a reality.
Here are some tips for maintaining good hygiene with toenail fungus:
👉 Keep your feet clean and dry - wash your feet regularly with soap and water, and dry them thoroughly with a clean towel, especially between your toes.
👉 Wear breathable shoes - choose shoes made of breathable materials such as leather or canvas, and avoid tight-fitting shoes or socks that trap moisture.
👉 Use antifungal products - consider using antifungal powders or sprays on your feet and inside your shoes to help prevent the spread of the fungus. (If you have gotten a product from us, use it as directed.)
👉 Trim your nails regularly - use clean, sanitized nail clippers to trim your nails straight across, and avoid cutting them too short or rounding the edges.
👉 Avoid sharing personal items - don't share towels, socks, shoes, or other personal items with others to avoid spreading the fungus.
👉 Treat other affected areas - if you have athlete's foot or other fungal infections on your skin, be sure to treat them promptly to prevent them from spreading to your nails.
These are just a few tips for maintaining good hygiene with toenail fungus.
Please, please, please, don’t buy into the myriad of home remedies found on Google or Amazon.
If you have any questions or concerns, please don't hesitate to contact us.

04/07/2025

How can something so small hurt so much…
A “soft corn” is the buildup of skin between the toes.
It’s interesting how it got its name because often this type of skin is hard. In any case, it can be quite painful.
The most common place for a soft corn is the inside of the little toe.
Not only is it the most common, it’s also the most painful.
Oftentimes, a patient will complain of severe pain in their little toe and not know why.
One would not necessarily know to look between the toes.
Even if you could, the soft corn could be so small you wouldn’t expect it to cause such severe pain.
Soft corns can also happen between other toes.
The simple reason as to why these occur in the first place is excessive friction.
Two toes have to be rubbing together for a soft corn to develop.
Sometimes the reason is obvious as in toe deformities such as when the toes are curled. Even straight toes can develop soft corns.
When a patient presents with pain in the toes we always take x-rays.
We’re looking for bone spurs, arthritis, bone tumors, fractures and bone infections.
Knowing the cause of the problem allows us to determine a long-term solution rather than just treating the symptoms.
Diabetics Beware…
A soft corn on the toe of someone with diabetes can lead to a very serious problem.
Attempting to self-treat this kind of condition can lead to unfortunate consequences.
The worst thing for anyone to do who feels or sees something between the toes is treat it with an over-the-counter medicated product.
Not only is it a waste of money, it isn’t effective. Worse yet, we’ve seen these products make the situation worse.
If you are experiencing pain in your toes and don’t know why or you know a soft corn is present we recommend a professional evaluation.
You don’t have to let a simple condition lead to a major problem.

04/03/2025

Ankle arthritis is a condition where the ankle joint becomes inflamed and painful due to damage to the joint's cartilage. This cartilage is responsible for cushioning the bones and allowing smooth movement. When it is damaged, the bones rub against each other, causing pain, stiffness, and difficulty in movement. This condition can affect people of all ages but is more common in older adults./

Ankle arthritis is a condition where the ankle joint becomes inflamed and painful due to damage to the joint's cartilage.

03/31/2025

Adult-acquired flatfoot (AAFD) is a common condition that affects the feet, causing them to lose their natural arches and become flat. This condition can lead to foot pain, discomfort, and difficulty walking. While the condition can develop in anyone, it is more commonly seen in older adults, overweight individuals, and those who have suffered from injuries to the feet or ankles. In this article, we will discuss the diagnosis and treatment options for adult-acquired flatfoot....

Adult-acquired flatfoot (AAFD) is a common condition that affects the feet, causing them to lose their natural arches and become flat.

03/27/2025

Achilles tendon disorders are a common condition that can cause discomfort and pain in the back of the leg. Perplexity is an important factor when discussing the complexity of this condition. The Achilles tendon is the largest tendon in the body, connecting the calf muscles to the heel bone. It is responsible for the ability to walk, run, and jump. The disorder can cause severe pain and make it difficult to walk or engage in physical activities....

Achilles tendon disorders are a common condition that can cause discomfort and pain in the back of the leg.

03/24/2025

Dr. Shih has been featured on Yahoo Finance for his expertise in neuropathy.