Tennessee Foot & Ankle Clinic

08/11/2026

🦶 JONES FRACTURE: A SMALL BONE WITH A BIG REPUTATION!

A Jones fracture is a break at the base of the 5th metatarsal—the long bone on the outside of your foot. It commonly happens after a sudden twist, awkward step, or sports-related injury.

What makes a Jones fracture unique? This area of the bone has a limited blood supply, which can make healing slower and increase the risk of the fracture not healing properly.

⚠️ Common symptoms include:
• Pain and swelling along the outside of the foot
• Bruising
• Difficulty putting weight on the foot
• Tenderness near the base of the little toe

Treatment depends on the fracture and the patient. Some Jones fractures can heal with immobilization and limited weight-bearing, while others—particularly in active patients or certain fracture patterns—may benefit from surgical fixation.

Early evaluation and the right treatment plan can make an important difference in healing and getting you safely back on your feet.

📞 Call Tennessee Foot & Ankle Clinic today to schedule an appointment.

07/24/2026

07/24/2026

🥾 Every step has a purpose. Every journey starts with healthy feet. 👣

One of our favorite reviews this week came from a patient preparing to hike 2,197 miles in 2027—and we're honored to be part of that journey.

Whether your goal is hiking the Appalachian Trail, keeping up with your grandkids, getting back to work, or simply walking without pain, our mission is the same: helping you move with confidence.

We're incredibly grateful for the kind words our patients continue to share. Thank you for trusting Tennessee Foot & Ankle Clinic with your care. Your success stories inspire us every day! 💙⭐

📍 Tennessee Foot & Ankle Clinic
Helping East Tennessee stay active—one step at a time.

07/21/2026

🦴 Pain on the outside of your foot after a twist or fall? It could be a 5th metatarsal fracture.

The 5th metatarsal is the long bone on the outside of your foot and is one of the most commonly fractured bones in the foot. These injuries often happen after:
✔️ Rolling your ankle
✔️ A fall or awkward step
✔️ Sports or high-impact activities

Common symptoms include:
👣 Pain along the outside of the foot
👣 Swelling and bruising
👣 Difficulty walking or bearing weight
👣 Tenderness when touching the bone

Not all 5th metatarsal fractures are the same. Some heal well with a walking boot, while others—such as Jones fractures—have a higher risk of delayed healing or nonunion and may require surgery for the best outcome.

At Tennessee Foot & Ankle Clinic, we provide comprehensive evaluation and treatment, from advanced imaging and conservative care to minimally invasive and surgical fixation when appropriate. Early diagnosis and the right treatment plan can help you heal properly and get back on your feet sooner.

If you've injured your foot and are having pain along the outside of your foot, don't ignore it. Getting evaluated early can make all the difference.

📞 Call Tennessee Foot & Ankle Clinic today to schedule an appointment.

07/20/2026

We're incredibly grateful for every review, recommendation, and kind word. Thank you for trusting Tennessee Foot & Ankle Clinic with your care. We look forward to continuing to serve you and your family! 👣💙

07/08/2026

Flatfoot is not always “just a fallen arch.” In many patients, progressive flatfoot is associated with subtalar joint instability — a problem involving the joint beneath the ankle that helps control side-to-side motion and stabilize the hindfoot during walking. When this joint becomes unstable, it can contribute to collapse of the arch, heel valgus, fatigue, pain along the foot and ankle, recurrent sprains, and worsening deformity over time.

A careful evaluation is important because untreated hindfoot instability can continue to place abnormal stress on surrounding joints, tendons, and ligaments. Treatment depends on the severity of the deformity and the structures involved, and may include custom orthotics, bracing, immobilization, physical therapy, or surgical reconstruction to restore alignment and improve long-term function.

At Tennessee Foot & Ankle Clinic, Dr. Reper provides comprehensive evaluation and treatment for flatfoot deformity, hindfoot instability, and complex foot and ankle conditions. If your arch is collapsing, your foot feels unstable, or you continue to have pain despite conservative treatment, it may be time for a specialist evaluation. 👣

07/02/2026

We’re incredibly thankful for the kind words and support from our patients this week! ⭐️ Your trust in Tennessee Foot & Ankle Clinic means so much to us, and we’re honored to care for you and your family! 👣💙

06/04/2026

🚨 Lisfranc Injuries: More Than Just a Midfoot Sprain 🚨

A Lisfranc injury involves damage to the ligaments and bones that stabilize the middle of the foot. These injuries are often missed initially but can lead to chronic pain, arthritis, deformity, and loss of function if not treated promptly.

Recently, Dr. Louis Reper performed a percutaneous reduction and pinning of a displaced Lisfranc fracture-dislocation. By restoring the normal alignment of the foot through minimally invasive techniques, the injury was stabilized while minimizing soft tissue trauma.

Early reduction is critical—not only to preserve joint function but also to reduce the risk of serious complications such as compartment syndrome, a limb-threatening condition caused by increased pressure within the foot that can compromise blood flow and damage muscles and nerves.

If you've suffered a foot injury and are experiencing significant swelling, bruising, or difficulty bearing weight, don't ignore it. Early diagnosis and treatment can make all the difference.

📍 Tennessee Foot & Ankle Clinic
👨‍⚕️ Dr. Louis Reper II, Foot & Ankle Surgeon
🌐 Visit us online: tnfootandankle.com

05/19/2026

We would like to show appreciation & celebrate Michelle Stockett! 5 years of hard work & dedication at Tennessee Foot & Ankle Clinic! We couldn’t do it without our awesome employees! 🎉

05/18/2026

⚡ Pain along the outside of your ankle or foot? It could be Peroneal Tendinitis!

The peroneal tendons run along the outer side of your ankle and help stabilize your foot and ankle during walking and activity. These tendons are unique because they are among the most common tendons to develop a longitudinal “split tear,” where the tendon can split lengthwise rather than completely rupture. These injuries are often overlooked and can contribute to persistent pain and instability.

Signs and symptoms may include:

✔️ Pain on the outside of the ankle or foot
✔️ Swelling or tenderness
✔️ Weakness or instability
✔️ Pain that worsens with activity
✔️ Clicking or a snapping sensation around the ankle

Common causes include ankle sprains, overuse, high arches, repetitive stress, and improper footwear.

Treatment options may include:
🧊 Rest & ice
👟 Supportive shoes or bracing
💪 Physical therapy
💉 Injections or advanced treatments
🩺 Surgical repair in more severe cases

Persistent ankle pain is not something to ignore. Proper evaluation and treatment can help prevent chronic symptoms and get you back to doing what you enjoy.

📍 Tennessee Foot & Ankle Clinic
🌐 TnFootandAnkle.com
📞 Call: (865) 986-2700
📱 Text: (865) 419-3252