Items filtered by date: August 2022

To many people, the toes might seem like small and insignificant parts of the human body. Nothing could be further from the truth. Although the toes are small, the function that they serve, not just for the feet but for the entire body, is monumental. The big toe, for instance, has an interesting biomechanical structure that benefits other parts of the body. Also known as the hallux, the big toe helps grip the ground to provide leverage during motion activities like walking and running. Additionally, the big toe helps the feet balance when an individual puts weight on their feet. Ultimately, the big toe is what helps keep an individual from falling anytime that they stand or engage in motion activities. Without the big toe, the foot would essentially have to relearn how to balance. This would force other parts of the foot to take on the balancing function that the big toe usually has. The big toe can be susceptible to a multitude of different afflictions and foot conditions, including gout, ingrown toenails, and sesamoiditis. It is therefore critical that one takes extra care of this body part to keep it from falling prey to any of these afflictions. If you want to learn more about the function of the big toe, contact a podiatrist. 

If you have any concerns 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.

Biomechanics in Podiatry

Podiatric biomechanics is a particular sector of specialty podiatry with licensed practitioners who are trained to diagnose and treat conditions affecting the foot, ankle and lower leg. Biomechanics deals with the forces that act against the body, causing an interference with the biological structures. It focuses on the movement of the ankle, the foot and the forces that interact with them.

A History of Biomechanics

• Biomechanics dates back to the BC era in Egypt where evidence of professional foot care has been recorded.
• In 1974, biomechanics gained a higher profile from the studies of Merton Root, who claimed that by changing or controlling the forces between the ankle and the foot, corrections or conditions could be implemented to gain strength and coordination in the area.

Modern technological improvements are based on past theories and therapeutic processes that provide a better understanding of podiatric concepts for biomechanics. Computers can provide accurate information about the forces and patterns of the feet and lower legs.

Understanding biomechanics of the feet can help improve and eliminate pain, stopping further stress to 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.

A form of arthritis known as gout can cause severe pain and discomfort and many people have difficulty in walking. Gout develops because of excess uric acid in the blood and may result from genetic factors or eating foods that have high levels of purines. These foods can include shellfish, red meat, alcohol, or drinks that are made with large amounts of sugar. This can cause crystals to develop in the joints of the big toe and may cause debilitating pain as well as redness and swelling. For many people, maintaining a healthy eating regimen can limit the number of gout attacks. It can help to drink plenty of fresh water daily and to engage in a gentle stretching and exercise program. It is beneficial to find out why they may be recurring and learn about methods to control them. If you have gout, it is strongly advised that you are under the care of a podiatrist who can guide you toward correct treatment options and educate you about effective preventive methods.

Gout is a painful condition that can be treated. If you are seeking treatment, contact Dr. Royall from Mountain View Foot & Ankle Clinic. Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.

What Is Gout?

Gout is a form of arthritis that is characterized by sudden, severe attacks of pain, redness, and tenderness in the joints. The condition usually affects the joint at the base of the big toe. A gout attack can occur at any random time, such as the middle of the night while you are asleep.

Symptoms

• Intense Joint Pain - Usually around the large joint of your big toe, and it most severe within the first four to twelve hours
• Lingering Discomfort - Joint discomfort may last from a few days to a few weeks
• Inflammation and Redness -Affected joints may become swollen, tender, warm and red
• Limited Range of Motion - May experience a decrease in joint mobility

Risk Factors

• Genetics - If family members have gout, you’re more likely to have it
• Medications - Diuretic medications can raise uric acid levels
• Gender/Age - Gout is more common in men until the age of 60. It is believed that estrogen protects women until that point
• Diet - Eating red meat and shellfish increases your risk
• Alcohol - Having more than two alcoholic drinks per day increases your risk
• Obesity - Obese people are at a higher risk for gout

Prior to visiting your podiatrist to receive treatment for gout, there are a few things you should do beforehand. If you have gout you should write down your symptoms--including when they started and how often you experience them, important medical information you may have, and any questions you may have. Writing down these three things will help your podiatrist in assessing your specific situation so that he or she may provide the best route of treatment for you.

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.

Many people who have endured a broken toe often treat it by using the buddy taping method. This is done by taping the affected toe to the toe next to it, and is often an effective method in providing the stability that is necessary to completely heal the toe. A broken toe can occur from a heavy object falling on it, or if it is jammed into a piece of furniture. If the fracture is severe, there may be a bone that protrudes through the skin, and immediate medical attention is needed. Part of the recovery process is to stay off of the foot as much as possible, in addition to limiting daily activities. The toe will most likely be swollen and bruised, and it will be painful to walk without limping. Some patients opt to use a walking boot, and this can be helpful in relieving some of the pressure on the affected toe. Larger shoes may need to be purchased that can accommodate the broken toe, and a splint may need to be worn, depending upon which toe is affected. If you have broken your toe, please speak with a podiatrist who can guide you toward the treatment that is correct for you. 

Broken toes may cause a lot of pain and should be treated as soon as possible. If you have any concerns about your feet, contact Dr. Royall from Mountain View Foot & Ankle Clinic. Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.

What Is a Broken Toe?

A broken toe occurs when one or more of the toe bones of the foot are broken after an injury. Injuries such as stubbing your toe or dropping a heavy object on it may cause a toe fracture.

Symptoms of a Broken Toe

• Swelling
• Pain (with/without wearing shoes)
• Stiffness
• Nail Injury

Although the injured toe should be monitored daily, it is especially important to have a podiatrist look at your toe if you have severe symptoms. Some of these symptoms include worsening or new pain that is not relieved with medication, sores, redness, or open wounds near the toe.

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.

The sensation of burning feet, also called Grierson-Gopalan syndrome, can often be worse at night though it may taper off during the day. It is often felt on the soles of the feet but can spread to other parts of the foot and ankle as well as the lower legs. Causes of burning feet syndrome include nerve damage, such as peripheral neuropathy or tarsal tunnel syndrome. Among other conditions that may be involved are Morton’s neuroma, Charcot-Marie-Tooth disorder, and a regional pain disorder that sometimes follows surgery. Still, other causes include allergies, wearing shoes that are too tight, stress from an injury, and side effects of diabetes. While there is no way to prevent burning feet syndrome, it is possible to lessen the effects. It is suggested that you visit a podiatrist for a physical examination. Blood and nerve function testing may be done to uncover the underlying cause. If burning foot pain persists or gets worse, it is very important to see your podiatrist for treatment options. 

Foot Pain

Foot pain can be extremely painful and debilitating. If you have a foot pain, consult with Dr. Royall from Mountain View Foot & Ankle Clinic. Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

Causes

Foot pain is a very broad condition that could be caused by one or more ailments. The most common include:

• Bunions
• Hammertoes
• Plantar Fasciitis
• Bone Spurs
• Corns
• Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome
• Ingrown Toenails
• Arthritis (such as Gout, Rheumatoid, and Osteoarthritis)
• Flat Feet
• Injury (from stress fractures, broken toe, foot, ankle, Achilles tendon ruptures, and sprains)
• And more

Diagnosis

To figure out the cause of foot pain, podiatrists utilize several different methods. This can range from simple visual inspections and sensation tests to X-rays and MRI scans. Prior medical history, family medical history, and any recent physical traumatic events will all be taken into consideration for a proper diagnosis.

Treatment

Treatment depends upon the cause of the foot pain. Whether it is resting, staying off the foot, or having surgery; podiatrists have a number of treatment options available for foot pain.

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.

Pain on the outside of the foot between the ankle and the heel bone is usually caused by a condition known as sinus tarsi syndrome (STS). The sinus tarsi is an area within the hindfoot, between the talus and calcaneus bones, that contains ligaments, nerves, muscles, blood vessels, and fat. The pain felt in this area is generally caused by an injury to the ligament, such as a sprained ankle. It becomes a syndrome, however, when it is accompanied by several other factors. Among them are chronic pain felt at the front and side of the ankle, a feeling of instability, and difficulty walking on uneven surfaces (sand, gravel). Swelling, tenderness, and bruising are also present with sinus tarsi syndrome. People with flat feet are more likely to incur STS. It may also be the result of frequent ankle sprains. Ballet dancing, sitting with your feet tucked under you, and pitching baseballs or softballs can cause the syndrome because of repetitive actions. Symptoms of sinus tarsi syndrome generally develop over time. In order to determine whether you may have STS, please consult a podiatrist for an exam, diagnosis, and treatment options.

Ankle pain can be caused by a number of problems and may be potentially serious. If you have ankle pain, consult with Dr. Royall from Mountain View Foot & Ankle Clinic. Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

Ankle pain is any condition that causes pain in the ankle. Due to the fact that the ankle consists of tendons, muscles, bones, and ligaments, ankle pain can come from a number of different conditions.

Causes

The most common causes of ankle pain include:

• Types of arthritis (rheumatoid, osteoarthritis, and gout)
• Ankle sprains
• Broken ankles
• Achilles tendinitis
• Achilles tendon rupture
• Stress fractures
• Bursitis
• Tarsal tunnel syndrome
• Plantar fasciitis

Symptoms

Symptoms of ankle injury vary based upon the condition. Pain may include general pain and discomfort, swelling, aching, redness, bruising, burning or stabbing sensations, and/or loss of sensation.

Diagnosis

Due to the wide variety of potential causes of ankle pain, podiatrists will utilize a number of different methods to properly diagnose ankle pain. This can include asking for personal and family medical histories and of any recent injuries. Further diagnosis may include sensation tests, a physical examination, and potentially x-rays or other imaging tests.

Treatment

Just as the range of causes varies widely, so do treatments. Some more common treatments are rest, ice packs, keeping pressure off the foot, orthotics and braces, medication for inflammation and pain, and surgery.

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.