Foot & Ankle Doctor in North Mississippi
Our foot and ankle specialists bring together a team of dedicated and highly trained physicians and advanced practice providers to diagnose and treat all conditions of the foot and ankle.
Our team provides specialized care for foot and ankle conditions that arise from (though are not limited to):
- Work related injuries
- Sports related injuries
- Fractures
- Deformities
- Congenital defects
- Progressing diseases
Common Conditions of the Foot and Ankle
Tendonitis
Progressive wear and tear on the many tendons in the lower extremities can lead to a common condition known as tendonitis. Individuals with tendonitis will typically experience pain with movement of the foot and ankle, which will gradually worsen until the area is properly treated.
Ligament Sprains and Tears
Our specialists often see issues of sprains and tears in the ligaments of the feet in athletes and other active individuals. Sprains typically only require minor intervention, while a partial or full tear can require surgical treatment.
Ankle and Foot Trauma
Injury to the foot or ankle can cause significant and lasting damage that requires careful attention from one of our foot & ankle specialists.
Problems of The Achilles’ Tendon
As one of the most important structures within the foot, and the largest tendon in the entire body, the Achilles tendon can lead to severe pain if it develops tendonitis, becomes torn, or is ruptured.
Heel Pain
Many patients describe issues of pain in the back of their foot at the heel, which most often relates to an underlying medical condition such as bursitis, a fracture, plantar fasciitis, and more.
Plantar Fasciitis
There is a particular tissue of the foot known as the plantar fascia that can become inflamed, resulting in significant pain whenever pressure is applied.
Bunions and Bunionettes
Bunions and bunionettes will form along the inner or outer edge of the foot. While these callused bumps are not often very painful, they can affect the person’s gait if they become severe.
Hammertoes
Also known as claw toes and mallet toes, hammertoes are a deformity that describes an instance when the joint buckles to cause curling or bending of the affected toe.
Flat Feet
Individuals who lack a significant arch in their foot are often suffering from flat footedness. Treatment for flat feet is not always necessary, though it is recommended if the patient is suffering from chronic pain or other recurring symptoms that interfere with their day-to-day life.
Courses of Treatment We Typically Recommend
By seeking treatment early on when your symptoms appear, the specialists located at our state-of-art facilities, are able to provide patients with quality care for a wide variety of foot and ankle conditions.
Conservative treatment options include immobilization, bracing, physical therapy, or injections. Failure to improve with conservative treatments may warrant surgical evaluation.
If you have suffered a foot or ankle injury, contact the Orthopaedic Institute of North Mississippi today to get a diagnosis and treatment program in place for you.
How to Care for Your Feet
Have your feet measured.
Your foot size and shape can change over time.
Source: footcaremd.org
Fit your shoes to the larger foot.
Most people have one foot that is larger than the other, so make sure you have BOTH feet measured.
Source: footcaremd.org
Get measured at the end of the day.
Get measured at the end of the day when you feet are the largest. When you are up during the day, your feet will swell and settle some. You want to make sure you are comfortable throughout the day and not just when you head out of the house in the morning.
Source: footcaremd.org
Don’t rely on shoe size alone.
Just like clothes, the size marked inside the shoe may be different depending on the brand. So your shoe size is just a starting point in selecting the correct shoe.
Source: footcaremd.org
Look at the shape of the shoe.
Make sure the shoe shape resembles the shape of your foot and fits your foot comfortably.
Source: footcaremd.org
Don’t plan on shoes stretching over time.
They should fit well when you buy them.
Source: footcaremd.org
Check the width of the shoe.
The ball of your foot (the widest part just before your toes begin) should fit comfortably in the widest part of the shoe.
Source: footcaremd.org
Check the depth of the shoe.
The shoe should be deep enough to fit your toes, especially if you have hammertoes or other conditions. If the shoe’s toe box is too small, your toes will rub against the top of the shoe and can cause calluses or sores.
Source: footcaremd.org
Check the space at the end of the shoe.
Stand up and make sure there is 3/8″ or 1/2″ (about the width of your finger) between your longest toes (usually the second toe) and the end of the shoe.
Source: footcaremd.org
Always stand and walk around in the shoes.
Always stand and walk around in the shoes to see if they are comfortable, fit well, and don’t chafe or rub anywhere. Your heel should not slip or slide while walking.
Source: footcaremd.org
Assess Your Foot Health for Happy Feet
Every day you depend on your feet to live, work, and play. The average person takes about 10,000 steps a day, which amounts to a lot of stress and strain on your feet and ankles. That’s why it is important to assess your foot health regularly and catch problems early. Here are 5 easy steps to examine your feet and ankles.
1. Check the appearance of your feet and ankles.
While sitting, look for things like swelling, discoloration of the skin or nails, blisters, and excessive calluses. Be sure to examine the soles of your feet and the space between the toes. While standing, look for changes in the shape of your foot and ankle. If something has changed or looks suspicious, it is time to make an appointment with your foot and ankle specialist.
Source: footcaremd.org
2. Assess the blood flow.
Press down on the nail of your big toe until the color fades, about 5 seconds. Then let go and allow the blood to flow to return to your toe. If you have average circulation, the return of normal color to the toe should take 2-5 seconds.
Source: footcaremd.org
3. Test your foot and ankle function and flexibility.
Try to pick up a marble or small dishtowel with just your toes to assess their flexibility. To test your ankle flexibility, stand on a stair while facing up the staircase. Hang your heel over the edge and let it go below the level of the stair. If this causes pain, stop the test. If your heel goes below the level of the stair without causing strain in your calf, your flexibility level is excellent. If there is some strain, you can correct it with flexibility exercises.
Source: footcaremd.org
4. Evaluate sensation.
Take a pencil eraser and run it to the top, bottom, and both sides of your feet. The sensation should feel the same on all sides of the foot. It may tickle on the bottom of the foot, which is normal. If you lack sensation in one area, repeat the test over the next few days. If you get the same results, talk to a foot and ankle specialist.
Source: footcaremd.org
5. Examine your level of pain.
There should be no pain in the average, uninjured foot. If you do have pain, make sure to feel the parts of your foot to determine the exact location and source of the pain. If the pain persists for more that a few days, make and appointment with your foot and ankle specialist.
Source: footcaremd.org
Foot & Ankle Providers
Bryan C Fagan, M.D.
Dr. Fagan obtained his undergraduate degree from the University of Arkansas and attended medical school at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences. Following medical school, he completed an accredited orthopedic residency at the University of Mississippi Medical Center in Jackson. During his residency, he also completed an AO International Trauma Fellowship in Chur, Switzerland. Following residency, he completed an accredited fellowship in Sports Medicine and Arthroscopic Surgery at Mississippi Sports Medicine and Orthopedic Clinic and the Tulane Institute of Sports Medicine. While there, he trained under many world renowned surgeons, learning cutting edge techniques and procedures. During residency and fellowship, Dr. Fagan assisted in the management of athletes at many levels, including athletes from the New Orleans Saints, Tulane Green Wave, Ole Miss Rebels and many local high schools.
Dr. Fagan is board certified by the American Board of Orthopedic Surgeons and holds a subspecialty certificate in Orthopedic Sports Medicine. He specializes in arthroscopic surgery of the shoulder and knee, including arthroscopic rotator cuff repair, shoulder stabilization procedures, ACL reconstruction, and meniscus surgery. He also performs many other procedures, including: knee and shoulder replacements, surgery of the hand (including carpal tunnel and trigger finger release), surgery of the foot and ankle, and fracture care (including fractures in children).
Dr. Fagan and his wife Amy live in Tupelo with their two children, Annelise and Alice. During his free time he enjoys playing golf, running, working out, and spending time with his family.
Gabriel J. Rulewicz, M.D.
Dr. Gabriel Rulewicz specializes in the treatment of sports injuries and shoulder problems. He graduated with honors from Birmingham-Southern College. Then he attended medical school at the University of Mississippi School of Medicine in Jackson. He completed his residency at the University of Mississippi Medical Center. He served in the United States Air Force for 4 years as an orthopaedic surgeon. He was honorably discharged in 2011 and pursued further training at The Steadman Hawkins Clinic of the Carolinas. His special interest include sports medicine, arthroscopy and reconstruction of the shoulder and knee, as well as shoulder replacement. He is board-certified in orthopaedic surgery and is a member of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, American Orthopaedic Society of Sports Medicine and the Arthroscopy Association of North America.
He served in the Air Force active duty for 4 years and then another 9 years in the reserves. He spent time in Iraq and Eglin Air Force base. While at Eglin he served as the orthopedic PA fellowship director. Dr Rulewicz was honorably discharged as a Major.
Gabe enjoys spending time with his wife, Diane, and 3 daughters, Izzie, Lily, and Emme. He grew up in Tupelo and is a graduate of Tupelo High School in 1993. He returned home to practice Orthopaedic Surgery in 2012. He enjoys serving at church, playing sports, and going to antique sales.
Stephen R. Southworth, M.D.
Dr. Steve Southworth specializes in the treatment of hip and knee osteoarthritis. He is a board-certified orthopaedic surgeon offering non-surgical as well as surgical care of arthritis. He primarily concentrates in total hip replacement, knee replacement and ankle replacement. He also specializes in fracture care. He is a diplomate of the National Board of Medical Examiners.
He is Chairman of the Institutional Review Board for NMHS Research Medical Director for NMHS Physician Leadership Institute and Advanced Practioner Course.
Dr. Southworth enjoys his time bicycling and being a commercial pilot.
William P. Pillow, M.D.
Dr Pillow obtained his undergraduate degree from The University of Mississippi and his medical doctorate from the University of Mississippi Medical center. Following medical center he completed orthopedic residency at the University of Mississippi Medical Center in Jackson, MS. During his residency, he also completed an AO International Trauma Fellowship in Jackson Hole, Wyoming.
Dr Pillow is board certified by the American Board of Orthopaedic Surgeons in Sports Medicine and Orthopaedic Surgery. He specializes in arthroscopic surgery of the shoulder and knee, including arthroscopic rotator cuff repair, shoulder stabilization procedures, labral repairs, complex shoulder reconstructions, ACL reconstruction, patella dislocation reconstruction, meniscus and cartilage repair. He also performs knee and shoulder replacements, surgeries of the hand (including carpal tunnel and trigger releases) and elbow surgery.
Since Dr. Pillow moved to Tupelo in 2001, his goal has been to provide the most modern technology and to explain to patients their problem and best options, while getting them back to the highest level of function. One of the highest compliments that he can receive as a doctor is a new patient that is referred by someone that he has previously treated.
Dr. Pillow enjoys spending time with his wife and three sons. He is an avid outdoorsman that enjoys hunting, fishing and training hunting dogs.
Katelyn Richardson, AGNP-C
Katelyn Richardson is a certified adult-gerontological nurse practitioner specializing in foot and ankle orthopaedic care. She earned her Associate Degree in Nursing from Itawamba Community College in 2014, her Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Mississippi University for Women in 2019, and her Master of Science in Nursing from the University of Alabama at Birmingham in 2022. Katelyn also completed her Registered Nurse First Assistant Certification in 2022.
Katelyn has been part of the Foot and Ankle Specialty Team at the Orthopaedic Institute of North Mississippi since 2022. She is skilled in fracture care and the medical treatment of various foot and ankle conditions. Katelyn and her husband, Michael, have a daughter, Emma, and two pets, Jak and Lucy. They enjoy traveling, Mississippi State athletic events, and supporting Emma’s activities. They are members of Valley Grove Baptist Church in Pontotoc.
Amy Kuykendall, FNP-C
Amelia “Amy” Kuykendall is a certified family nurse practitioner specializing in orthopaedic care. She completed her nursing degree at William Carey University in 2001 and obtained her Master of Science in Nursing from the Mississippi University for Women in 2012. Amy has been part of the foot and ankle specialty team since 2014. She is a member of the Mississippi Association of Nurse Practitioners and the American Association of Nurse Practitioners.
Amy and her husband, Nathan, have three children. They enjoy family vacations and working with the youth at their local church. Amy provides orthopaedic care in Tupelo and her hometown of Amory.