Indiana Foot and Ankle

04/02/2026

🔬 Did you know another study confirms that diabetes physically changes your nerves; and we can now see it with ultrasound?

A new 2026 study from the Netherlands analyzed 41 research papers and confirmed something fascinating: the nerves in people with diabetes are actually LARGER than normal, especially when nerve damage (neuropathy) develops.

Here's what they discovered:

✨ Even people with diabetes who don't have symptoms yet show nerve enlargement in their legs

✨ Those with diabetic nerve damage have even more swelling—particularly in nerves near the ankle and wrist

✨ The biggest changes happen at specific spots that doctors can measure with a simple ultrasound

Why does this matter? This could mean earlier detection of nerve problems BEFORE you lose feeling in your feet or hands. Ultrasound is painless, quick, and doesn't involve needles or electric shocks like traditional nerve tests.

If you have diabetes, talk to your doctor about nerve health monitoring. Catching nerve damage early means better chances to protect your nerves and prevent complications.

Peripheral Nerve Enlargement in Patients With Diabetic Sensorimotor Polyneuropathy: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.
Diabetes Research and Clinical Practice. 2026. Boers N, Hahn B, Eligh AM, et al.

03/17/2026

🍀 Happy St. Patrick's Day 🍀

03/12/2026

Sharp Heel Pain with Your First Steps?

Many people with heel pain notice it most when they take their first steps in the morning or after sitting for a while. The pain may ease after walking for a few minutes, but often returns later in the day after long periods of standing or walking.

If you’re experiencing persistent first-step heel pain, a foot and ankle specialist can help identify the cause and recommend effective treatment options.

03/06/2026

Understanding Peripheral Neuropathy

Peripheral neuropathy occurs when nerves outside the brain and spinal cord become damaged. These nerves control sensation, movement, and many automatic body functions. Symptoms often begin in the toes and feet and may slowly move upward over time.

Common symptoms include:
• Numbness or reduced feeling
• Tingling or “pins and needles”
• Burning, stabbing, or shooting pain
• Increased sensitivity to touch
• Weakness in the feet

What causes it?
Diabetes is the most common cause, but neuropathy can also develop from vitamin deficiencies, certain medications, alcohol use, autoimmune diseases, and nerve compression syndromes where a nerve becomes pinched or trapped along its path.

What can help?
While nerve damage is often not fully reversible, identifying and treating the underlying cause can help slow progression and improve symptoms. Treatments may include medications, lifestyle changes, and therapies aimed at reducing nerve irritation or addressing nerve compression.

Protecting your feet is essential.
Because neuropathy can reduce feeling, injuries may go unnoticed. Daily foot checks, supportive shoes, and regular podiatry visits help prevent serious complications.

If you notice new numbness, burning, or tingling in your feet, it may be worth getting evaluated early. Early detection can make a big difference!

03/04/2026

03/03/2026

👣 Struggling with foot pain? This handout explains how custom orthotics can relieve pain, improve alignment, and support treatment of multiple conditions.

Come and see us to see if custom orthotics are right for you!

02/26/2026

We always begin with conservative treatment whenever possible; but when surgery is the best path to lasting relief, you deserve skilled, precise care.

At Indiana Foot & Ankle, we provide thorough evaluations and personalized surgical treatment focused on improving comfort and quality of life.

Serving Jasper and the surrounding communities. Call today to schedule your consultation.

02/24/2026

We get asked about "debridement" a lot.... so we wanted to explain it clearly.

Debridement is the removal of unhealthy tissue so a wound can finally move out of a “stuck” state and start healing.

We put together a quick, easy presentation covering what it is and why it matters 👇

02/23/2026

Ever wonder why toenails change color? 👣
Yellow, white, thick, dark… it’s not always just “fungus.”

We put together a quick presentation breaking down the common causes (and what actually needs treatment). Take a look!

02/20/2026

Nobody planned it… but apparently our staff calendar says today is Black Friday 🖤

02/17/2026

Some wounds need extra attention, and waiting can cost more than you think. In people with diabetes, poor circulation, weakened immunity, kidney disease, smoking history, malnutrition, obesity, or age over 65, even a small cut can quietly turn into a serious infection before you realize it.

Here’s a helpful cheat sheet to help you decide if you or someone you love should seek professional wound care before a preventable problem becomes a hospital visit.

If you have concerns, call Indiana Foot & Ankle at (812) 634-2778 or visit us at 645 W 5th St, Jasper, IN to get it checked before it becomes something much bigger.