Nashville Office Address: 311 White Bridge Road, Nashville, TN 37209 
Dickson Office Address: 108 Hwy 70 East Dickson, TN 37055 
CALL US: (615) 356-3249

PODIATRIC SERVICES

Dr. Somers Offers a Full Range of Podiatric Services

Bunions

A bunion is an enlarged bone on the side of the big toe. Depending on the severity of the bunion, the big toe may be angled mildly or sharply toward the other toes. Bunions often develop along with other foot problems, especially hammertoes.

Causes of bunions include heredity, foot injury, or congenital deformity. Bunions may also develop along with inflammatory joint disease such as arthritis. Maybe you have heard that wearing narrow-toed or high-heeled shoes causes bunions. Not always. Even in areas of the world where shoes are never worn, people get bunions.

In many cases, Dr. Somers uses laser-assisted surgery in the correction of bunions. Depending on the severity of the bunion deformity, the procedure may involve removing bone from the side of the big toe or making a cut (an osteotomy) in the bone to properly align the great toe. The use of the laser seals vessels, creating a bloodless field and reducing post-operative pain and swelling.

Hammertoes

Often a foot with a bunion will also have a hammertoe. Over time, the bunion slants the big toe toward and then under the second toe (the most often "hammered" toe), raising the second toe to a claw-like position. Hammertoe can also occur when a bunion is not present. Once the hammertoe has occurred it begins to rub against shoes and causes painful corns and calluses.
Hammertoe correction typically involves removing a portion of bone from the toe and straightening it to lie in its proper position. The CO2 laser is utilized to create a bloodless field that reduces post-operative swelling and pain.

Heel Spurs

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A heel spur is a bony growth on the underside of the heel bone. Some heel spurs are painless while others cause chronic pain. A heel spur often accompanies inflammation of the plantar fascia - the band of connective tissue that runs from the heel to the ball of the foot.


70-80% of patients with heel pain acquire some degree of relief from stretching exercises, cortisone injections, orthotics and modifications in weight-bearing activities. Approximately 20% of chronic heel pain patients require surgical intervention.


The surgical procedure for heel pain sometimes involves removal of the bony spur, but relief is often obtained through surgical release to the fascia.


Endoscopic plantar fasciotomies and the use of lasers have greatly reduced post-operative swelling and the time away from work.


Warts

Warts are skin growths resulting from an infection by a virus. They can appear anywhere on your feet but most commonly grow on the soles (plantar warts). Like all viruses, they are contagious and can easily spread from one person to another. But apparently some people are immune and will never develop warts.

The laser has proven to be extremely effective in destroying wart growths. The CO2 laser seals blood vessels, is extremely precise, and causes very little trauma to the surrounding tissue. As a result, pain is minimized and recovery time is reduced.

Ingrown Toenails

A nail is ingrown when it curves down at the sides and grows into the skin. It hurts and can also cut into the skin inviting infection.

There is a simple solution to this very painful and debilitating problem. The ingrowing portion of the nail is removed with a laser which will prevent the nail from growing back in this area and becoming ingrown.

Neuroma

When the nerves are compressed between the heads of two toe bones, the nerve becomes enlarged and a benign growth, called a neuroma, results. When a neuroma is excised, a small portion of the nerve is removed.
The use of the CO2 laser has greatly reduced the post-operative discomfort associated with neuroma excision.

Injuries

Dr. Somers treats a wide variety of workplace and sports injuries for all members of the family. Each injury is treated with the objective of returning the patient to full, active participation in life.

Our website is intended as a reference to educate patients on symptoms of the foot; medical emergencies should be treated at a medical facility or hospital. If you feel that you are in need of an appointment, new patients are always welcome. If you would like to schedule an appointment, contact our office at 615-356-3249. Our staff will gladly assist you.
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