Items filtered by date: November 2022

The foot is made up of three parts, the forefoot consisting of the toes, the midfoot made up of the small navicular, cuneiform, and cuboid bones, and the hindfoot consisting of the lower ankle and heel. The Lisfranc joint is at the connection of the forefoot and midfoot. An injury to this joint can involve a dislocation, where there is a separation of the normal joint alignment between the forefoot and the midfoot, or a broken bone, usually in the midfoot. This typically happens when the foot is in a downward, pointed position and someone lands on top of it. It can also occur from an auto accident, an awkward step on an uneven surface, or a fall. If you have pain or swelling in the midfoot and it hurts to walk or stand, see a podiatrist for a proper diagnosis and treatment plan ranging from a walking cast to surgery depending on severity.

A broken foot requires immediate medical attention and treatment. If you need your feet checked, contact Dr. Royall from Mountain View Foot & Ankle Clinic. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Broken Foot Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment

A broken foot is caused by one of the bones in the foot typically breaking when bended, crushed, or stretched beyond its natural capabilities. Usually the location of the fracture indicates how the break occurred, whether it was through an object, fall, or any other type of injury. 

Common Symptoms of Broken Feet:

• Bruising
• Pain
• Redness
• Swelling
• Blue in color
• Numbness
• Cold
• Misshapen
• Cuts
• Deformities

Those that suspect they have a broken foot shoot seek urgent medical attention where a medical professional could diagnose the severity.

Treatment for broken bones varies depending on the cause, severity and location. Some will require the use of splints, casts or crutches while others could even involve surgery to repair the broken bones. Personal care includes the use of ice and keeping the foot stabilized and elevated.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our office located in Lehi, UT . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

It is critically important that seniors take the necessary steps to keep their feet healthy and strong. Often, seniors do not engage in the activity necessary to keep the muscles in their feet strong. As a result, they might be making themselves more vulnerable to suffering foot injuries or enduring a fall from weak feet. To strengthen the feet, senior citizens might consider performing certain foot exercises to improve strength and stability. For example, a senior might massage the feet with a tennis ball and perform ankle circles. As part of a daily foot exercise routine, a senior might also consider performing different toe, foot and ankle stretches. If you are a senior citizen looking to improve strength in the feet, contact a podiatrist today.

Proper foot care is something many older adults forget to consider. If you have any concerns about your feet and ankles, contact Dr. Royall from Mountain View Foot & Ankle Clinic. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

The Elderly and Their Feet

As we age we start to notice many changes in our body, but the elder population may not notice them right away. Medical conditions may prevent the elderly to take notice of their foot health right away. Poor vision is a lead contributor to not taking action for the elderly.

Common Conditions 

• Neuropathy – can reduce feeling in the feet and can hide many life-threatening medical conditions.
• Reduced flexibility – prevents the ability of proper toenail trimming, and foot cleaning. If left untreated, it may lead to further medical issues.
• Foot sores – amongst the older population can be serious before they are discovered. Some of the problematic conditions they may face are:
• Gouging toenails affecting nearby toe
• Shoes that don’t fit properly
• Pressure sores
• Loss of circulation in legs & feet
• Edema & swelling of feet and ankles

Susceptible Infections

Diabetes and poor circulation can cause general loss of sensitivity over the years, turning a simple cut into a serious issue.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our office located in Lehi, UT . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

People who are overweight may notice they have foot pain. The feet carry the weight of the body, and this type of pain may be reduced when excess weight is lost. It is beneficial to accomplish this by consuming a diet that is low in fat, and by practicing a frequent exercise routine. Research has indicated that approximately six times the body weight is felt in the ankle joints while climbing up steps. Arthritis in the feet may occur as a result of being overweight, and foot structure may be negatively affected. Common foot conditions that may happen to obese patients can include plantar fasciitis and inflammation of the tendon that is found on the inside of the ankle and foot. Additionally, a condition that is known as hindfoot arthritis affects the heel, and can radiate to the ball of the foot. If you have foot pain due to being overweight, please consult with a podiatrist who can offer you an effective weight loss plan which may provide foot pain relief.

Obesity has become very problematic at this point in time and can have extremely negative effects on the feet. If you’re an obese individual and are concerned about your feet, contact Dr. Royall from Mountain View Foot & Ankle Clinic. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Obesity and Your Feet

Since your feet are what support your entire weight when standing, any additional weight can result in pain and swelling. Being overweight is one of the main contributors to foot complications.

Problems & Complications

Extra Weight – Even putting on just a few extra pounds could create serious complications for your feet. As your weight increases, your balance and body will shift, creating new stresses on your feet. This uneven weight distribution can cause pain, even while doing the simplest tasks, such as walking.

Diabetes – People who are overweight are at serious risk of developing type-2 diabetes, which has a drastic impact on the health of your feet. As you get older, your diabetes might worsen, which could lead to loss of feeling in your feet, sores, and bruises. You could also become more prone to various infections.

Plantar fasciitis – Pressure and stress that is placed on muscles, joints, and tendons can trigger plantar fasciitis, which is an inflammation of tissue that forms along the bottom of the foot. 

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our office located in Lehi, UT . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Athlete’s foot, also referred to as tinea pedis, is a fungal infection that affects the skin on the feet. It is often seen between the toes first. The name, athlete’s foot, came into being because it was a common affliction of athletes with sweaty feet in tight-fitting shoes. The fungus likes warm, moist environments so wearing damp socks or coming into contact with contaminated surfaces, such as locker room floors and swimming pool areas, make for perfect hosts. Symptoms of athlete’s foot include dry skin on the side or bottom of the foot, a burning and stinging sensation, blisters, and itchiness. Athlete’s foot must be treated because of its potential of spreading the infection to other areas of the body and can cause pain. If you suspect you might have athlete’s foot, see a podiatrist who can confirm the diagnosis, determine what type of fungus caused it, and provide treatment.

Athlete’s Foot

Athlete’s foot is often an uncomfortable condition to experience. Thankfully, podiatrists specialize in treating athlete’s foot and offer the best treatment options. If you have any questions about athlete’s foot, consult with Dr. Royall from Mountain View Foot & Ankle Clinic. Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality treatment.

What Is Athlete’s Foot?

Tinea pedis, more commonly known as athlete’s foot, is a non-serious and common fungal infection of the foot. Athlete’s foot is contagious and can be contracted by touching someone who has it or infected surfaces. The most common places contaminated by it are public showers, locker rooms, and swimming pools. Once contracted, it grows on feet that are left inside moist, dark, and warm shoes and socks.

Prevention

The most effective ways to prevent athlete’s foot include:

• Thoroughly washing and drying feet
• Avoid going barefoot in locker rooms and public showers
• Using shower shoes in public showers
• Wearing socks that allow the feet to breathe
• Changing socks and shoes frequently if you sweat a lot

Symptoms

Athlete’s foot initially occurs as a rash between the toes. However, if left undiagnosed, it can spread to the sides and bottom of the feet, toenails, and if touched by hand, the hands themselves. Symptoms include:

• Redness
• Burning
• Itching
• Scaly and peeling skin

Diagnosis and Treatment

Diagnosis is quick and easy. Skin samples will be taken and either viewed under a microscope or sent to a lab for testing. Sometimes, a podiatrist can diagnose it based on simply looking at it. Once confirmed, treatment options include oral and topical antifungal medications.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in Lehi, UT . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

A proper diagnosis for patients who have poor circulation can consist of undergoing a physical examination, which can determine what the pulse and temperature are of the feet. This is often compared to the blood pressure in the arms, and is lower in the feet with existing poor circulation. This is then followed by checking the pulse in the entire leg, including the groin, ankles, and the back of the knees. Many times, physical tests are performed that can consist of the leg-elevation test and the leg-drop test. The first test involves lying on your back with your legs raised, and poor blood flow is evident when the leg becomes pale and painful. This is followed by performing the next test. Poor circulation is indicated when the leg will take longer to turn red while lowering the feet to the floor. This condition can be a serious ailment that often affects the feet. If this applies to you, it is advised that you speak with a podiatrist sooner rather than later who can guide you toward the correct treatment. 

While poor circulation itself isn’t a condition; it is a symptom of another underlying health condition you may have. If you have any concerns with poor circulation in your feet contact Dr. Royall of Mountain View Foot & Ankle Clinic. Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.

Poor Circulation in the Feet

Peripheral artery disease (PAD) can potentially lead to poor circulation in the lower extremities. PAD is a condition that causes the blood vessels and arteries to narrow. In a linked condition called atherosclerosis, the arteries stiffen up due to a buildup of plaque in the arteries and blood vessels. These two conditions can cause a decrease in the amount of blood that flows to your extremities, therefore resulting in pain.

Symptoms

Some of the most common symptoms of poor circulation are:

• Numbness
• Tingling
• Throbbing or stinging pain in limbs
• Pain
• Muscle Cramps

Treatment for poor circulation often depends on the underlying condition that causes it. Methods for treatment may include insulin for diabetes, special exercise programs, surgery for varicose veins, or compression socks for swollen legs.

As always, see a podiatrist as he or she will assist in finding a regimen that suits you. A podiatrist can also prescribe you any needed medication. 

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in Lehi, UT . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.