Items filtered by date: December 2024

Laser therapy is an increasingly popular treatment for fungal nail infections, offering a non-invasive and effective solution. This therapy uses focused light to penetrate the nail and target the fungal infection beneath the surface. The heat from the laser helps to destroy the fungus without damaging the surrounding tissue. One of the main benefits of laser therapy is its ability to treat fungal nails without the need for oral medication, which may have side effects. The treatment is quick, with minimal discomfort and little to no downtime. Many patients experience noticeable improvement after just one or two sessions, and the risk of recurrence is significantly reduced. Laser therapy promotes healthier nail growth by allowing the body’s natural healing process to take place more efficiently. Overall, it is a safe and convenient option for those seeking relief from persistent fungal nail infections. Toenail fungus can be unsightly. If you have developed this condition, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can determine if this type of laser therapy is right for you.

Laser treatment can be an effective way to get rid of toenail fungus. If you have any questions about laser treatment, consult with Dr. Royall from Mountain View Foot & Ankle Clinic. Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality treatment for fungal nails.

What Are Toenail Fungal Infections?

Onychomycosis, or fungal infection of the nail, is a relatively common and non-serious condition. Around 10 percent of U.S. citizens are afflicted with fungal nails. Common forms of fungus that infect the nail include dermatophytes, yeasts, and molds.

Symptoms of Toenail Fungal Infections Include:

• Nail thickening
• Brittleness of the nail
• Discoloration of the nail

Diagnosis for Fungal Nails

Fungal infections are diagnosed by fungal culture and microscopy. This will rule out any other conditions such as nail trauma, psoriasis, lichen planus, and onychogryphosis.

What Is Laser Treatment?

Laser treatment is a non-invasive, safe, quick, and painless procedure that uses the heat from a laser to kill fungus in the nail. Each infected nail is targeted with a laser for several minutes. The treatment is usually utilized several different times over a select period. During this time, a podiatrist will keep an eye on the infection.

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 broken toe can cause sudden pain, swelling, bruising, and difficulty walking. The toe may appear crooked or misaligned, and in some cases, you might hear a popping sound at the time of injury. Common causes of broken toes include dropping heavy objects on the foot, stubbing your toe, or sports-related accidents. Treatment for a broken toe often involves elevation to reduce swelling and pain. Depending on the severity of the fracture, your podiatrist may recommend buddy taping the toe or using a special shoe to protect it while it heals. In more severe cases, surgery may be needed to realign the bones. While many broken toes can heal on their own, it is important to visit a podiatrist to ensure the injury is properly diagnosed and treated. Improper treatment can lead to long-term pain or deformity. If you think you may have a broken toe, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist.

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.

Hallux rigidus is a form of arthritis affecting the big toe joint, causing stiffness, pain, and limited motion. Over time, everyday activities like walking or wearing shoes can become difficult. It develops when the joint cartilage wears down, often due to overuse, injury, or abnormal foot structure, leading to inflammation and bone spurs. Risk factors include repetitive stress on the toe, family history, or conditions like gout. A podiatrist diagnoses hallux rigidus through a physical exam and imaging tests like X-rays to assess joint damage. Early stages can be managed with shoe modifications, custom orthotics, and anti-inflammatory medications. Severe cases might require corticosteroid injections or surgery, such as joint fusion or reconstruction. Preventing further damage involves wearing proper footwear and avoiding high-impact activities. If you have big toe pain, it is suggested that you see a podiatrist for a proper diagnosis and treatment.

Toe pain can disrupt your daily activities. If you have any concerns, contact Dr. Royall of Mountain View Foot & Ankle Clinic. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

What Causes Toe Pain?

Most severe toe pain is caused due to a sports injury, trauma from dropping something heavy on the toe, or bumping into something rigid. Other problems can develop over time for various reasons.

Toe pain can be caused by one or more ailments. The most common include:

• Trauma
• Sports injury
• Wearing shoes that are too tight
• Arthritis
• Gout
• Corns and calluses
• Hammertoe
• Bunions
• Blisters
• Ingrown toenails
• Sprains
• Fractures (broken bones)
• Dislocations

When to See a Podiatrist

• Severe pain
• Persistent pain that lasts more than a week
• Signs of infection
• Continued swelling
• Pain that prevents walking

Diagnosis

In many cases the cause of toe pain is obvious, but in others, a podiatrist may want to use more advanced methods to determine the problem. These 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

Treatments for toe pain and injuries vary and may include shoe inserts, padding, taping, medicines, injections, and in some cases, surgery. If you believe that you have broken a toe, please see a podiatrist as soon as possible.

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

Foot pain while skiing can be caused by several factors, including improper ski boot fit, lack of foot support, and extended periods of pressure on the feet. Wearing ill-fitting boots that are too tight or too loose can lead to blisters, bruising, or pinching, while poorly aligned boots can strain the feet and ankles. Additionally, skiing for long durations without proper foot care can result in soreness and fatigue. To prevent foot pain, it is vital to ensure that ski boots fit properly and provide adequate support. Custom insoles can help improve comfort and alignment. Taking regular breaks to stretch and relax the feet also helps reduce fatigue. Foot care includes wearing moisture-wicking socks, keeping feet warm and dry, and using foot exercises to maintain flexibility. If you enjoy skiing and have developed foot pain, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can offer effective treatment solutions, and guide you on tips on wearing the right ski boots.

Sports related foot and ankle injuries require proper treatment before players can go back to their regular routines. For more information, contact Dr. Royall of Mountain View Foot & Ankle Clinic. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Sports Related Foot and Ankle Injuries

Foot and ankle injuries are a common occurrence when it comes to athletes of any sport. While many athletes dismiss the initial aches and pains, the truth is that ignoring potential foot and ankle injuries can lead to serious problems. As athletes continue to place pressure and strain the area further, a mild injury can turn into something as serious as a rupture and may lead to a permanent disability. There are many factors that contribute to sports related foot and ankle injuries, which include failure to warm up properly, not providing support or wearing bad footwear. Common injuries and conditions athletes face, including:

• Plantar Fasciitis
• Plantar Fasciosis
• Achilles Tendinitis
• Achilles Tendon Rupture
• Ankle Sprains

Sports related injuries are commonly treated using the RICE method. This includes rest, applying ice to the injured area, compression and elevating the ankle. More serious sprains and injuries may require surgery, which could include arthroscopic and reconstructive surgery. Rehabilitation and therapy may also be required in order to get any recovering athlete to become fully functional again. Any unusual aches and pains an athlete sustains must be evaluated by a licensed, reputable medical professional.

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.

Morton's neuroma is a painful condition that affects the ball of the foot, typically between the third and fourth toes. It occurs when the tissue surrounding a nerve becomes thickened, leading to irritation and compression of the nerve. This can cause sharp, burning pain, numbness, or tingling in the affected area. While the exact cause of Morton's neuroma is not always clear, it is commonly associated with repetitive stress or pressure on the feet, such as wearing tight or high-heeled shoes or engaging in activities that put strain on the toes. It is not caused by an autoimmune disease, although autoimmune conditions may contribute to other foot issues. If you have pain in this part of your foot, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist who can accurately diagnose and treat Morton’s neuroma.

Morton’s neuroma is a very uncomfortable condition to live with. If you think you have Morton’s neuroma, contact Dr. Royall of Mountain View Foot & Ankle Clinic. Our doctor will attend to all of your foot care needs and answer any of your related questions.  

Morton’s Neuroma

Morton's neuroma is a painful foot condition that commonly affects the areas between the second and third or third and fourth toe, although other areas of the foot are also susceptible. Morton’s neuroma is caused by an inflamed nerve in the foot that is being squeezed and aggravated by surrounding bones.

What Increases the Chances of Having Morton’s Neuroma?

• Ill-fitting high heels or shoes that add pressure to the toe or foot
• Jogging, running or any sport that involves constant impact to the foot
• Flat feet, bunions, and any other foot deformities

Morton’s neuroma is a very treatable condition. Orthotics and shoe inserts can often be used to alleviate the pain on the forefront of the feet. In more severe cases, corticosteroids can also be prescribed. In order to figure out the best treatment for your neuroma, it’s recommended to seek the care of a podiatrist who can diagnose your condition and provide different treatment options.

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.