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Causes of Non-Injury Ankle Pain

Tuesday, 27 May 2025

Not all foot and ankle pain is caused by an injury. Several medical conditions can lead to discomfort without any recent trauma. Osteoarthritis is one common cause, where the cartilage in the ankle joint wears down over time, resulting in pain and reduced movement. Rheumatoid arthritis, an autoimmune disease, can lead to joint swelling and stiffness, often affecting the ankles and feet. People with flat feet may experience ankle pain due to the collapse of the foot’s arch, which places stress on nearby joints. Achilles tendinopathy is another source of pain, involving inflammation or damage to the large tendon at the back of the ankle. Bursitis occurs when small fluid-filled sacs that cushion the ankle become inflamed. Pain can also result from joint infections or gout, a condition where uric acid builds up in the joint, especially in the toes and ankles. A podiatrist can help diagnose the underlying cause of your ankle pain and provide appropriate medical treatment. If you experience sudden or unexplained ankle pain, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for a diagnosis and treatment.

Ankle pain can be caused by a number of problems and may be potentially serious. If you have ankle pain, consult with Dr. Blake Zobell from Utah. 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 tendonitis
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 one of our offices located in Richfield and Ephraim, Utah . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.

Foot Exercises to Keep Older Adults Moving

Tuesday, 20 May 2025

Simple foot exercises can help older adults stay steady, ease pain, and maintain mobility. As we age, feet lose strength and flexibility, which can affect balance and increase the risk of falls. Gentle movements like toe curls, ankle circles, and heel raises can improve circulation, muscle tone, and joint motion. Rolling a small ball under the foot massages sore spots and wakes up tired feet. Stretching the calves and the bottoms of the feet helps relieve stiffness. These exercises can be done seated or standing and take just a few minutes each day. They are especially helpful for those with arthritis, diabetes, or poor circulation. Staying active starts from the ground up. If you have trouble with foot pain or balance, it is suggested you see a podiatrist for treatment and additional exercise tips.

If you need your feet checked, contact Dr. Blake Zobell of Utah. Our doctor will attend to all of your foot and ankle needs and provide you with quality treatment.

Geriatrics and Podiatry
When people age, some common issues that may occur are bone density loss, dry skin, poor circulation, and rough brittle nails. These issues may also affect your foot health if the necessary steps are not taken to alleviate the problems.

It is important to take care of your feet because feet that are injured or diseased can affect your overall health. Having painful feet hinders your ability to do daily activities or may decrease your willingness to do the things that you need to do.

Visiting Your Geriatrician
As we age, health problems become more likely, so it is essential to visit your doctor for check-ups to ensure that you are doing the best you can to take care of your health. It is recommended to check your feet frequently for any possible cuts, bruises, swelling, corns or any other irregularities.

Taking Care of Elderly Feet
Cracked or dry feet can be treated by applying moisturizer often. It is also important not to wear old socks because the older the sock is, the higher the possibility there will be that there is bacteria there. Wear fresh socks and make sure they fit properly.

Proper foot health means that you can have a more active lifestyle and you will not be bogged down by pain. Foot health also leads to good circulation, which is paramount for overall health.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact one of our offices located in Richfield and Ephraim, Utah . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Ankle Exercises After a Sprain

Tuesday, 13 May 2025

Recovering from a sprained ankle involves a gradual process of restoring motion, building strength, and improving balance to protect the joint from future injury. A podiatrist may recommend ankle exercises, starting with light range-of-motion exercises like flexing the foot upward and downward or tracing the alphabet with the toes within the first 48 hours to encourage flexibility. Strengthening exercises are added as healing progresses, including ankle eversion and inversion movements. Ankle eversion strengthens the muscles on the outer side of the ankle by turning the foot outward against resistance, while ankle inversion works the muscles on the inner side by turning the foot inward. These exercises help stabilize the ankle and prevent chronic sprains. By the third or fourth week, a patient may perform standing stretches to loosen tight calf muscles and practice toe rises to build endurance. Moving too quickly can place unnecessary stress on healing tissues, so guidance from a foot specialist is important. If you have sprained your ankle, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for initial treatment as well as a recovery plan.

Ankle sprains are common but need immediate attention. If you need your feet checked, contact Dr. Blake Zobell from Utah. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

How Does an Ankle Sprain Occur?

Ankle sprains take place when the ligaments in your ankle are torn or stretched beyond their limits. There are multiple ways that the ankle can become injured, including twisting or rolling over onto your ankle, putting undue stress on it, or causing trauma to the ankle itself.

What Are the Symptoms?

Mild to moderate bruising
Limited mobility
Swelling
Discoloration of the skin (depending on severity)

Preventing a Sprain

Wearing appropriate shoes for the occasion
Stretching before exercises and sports
Knowing your limits

Treatment of a Sprain

Treatment of a sprain depends on the severity. Many times, people are told to rest and remain off their feet completely, while others are given an air cast. If the sprain is very severe, surgery may be required.

If you have suffered an ankle sprain previously, you may want to consider additional support such as a brace and regular exercises to strengthen the ankle.

Are You Suffering From Ingrown Toenails?

Thursday, 08 May 2025

If left untreated, an ingrown toenail can lead to more serious concerns, such as an infection. Knowing proper nail care can help in the prevention of an ingrown toenail. Give us a call, and get treated!

Managing Painful Gout

Tuesday, 06 May 2025

Gout is a form of inflammatory arthritis that typically affects the joints in the feet, especially the big toe. It is caused by a buildup of uric acid in the blood, which forms sharp crystals in the joints. Gout can result from genetics, diet, especially foods high in purines like red meat and seafood, obesity, or certain medical conditions. Symptoms often appear suddenly and may include intense joint pain, redness, swelling, and warmth, especially at night. Many describe the pain as sharp, throbbing, or crushing, making walking or even the touch of a bedsheet unbearable. A podiatrist can diagnose gout through examination and imaging, and may recommend lifestyle changes, medications to lower uric acid levels, or anti-inflammatory treatments. In some cases, custom orthotics or joint care strategies may also help relieve pressure and prevent future flare-ups. If you have painful gout, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist.

Gout is a foot condition that requires certain treatment and care. If you are seeking treatment, contact Dr. Blake Zobell from Utah. Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.

What Is Gout?

Gout is a type of arthritis caused by a buildup of uric acid in the bloodstream. It often develops in the foot, especially the big toe area, although it can manifest in other parts of the body as well. Gout can make walking and standing very painful and is especially common in diabetics and the obese.

People typically get gout because of a poor diet. Genetic predisposition is also a factor. The children of parents who have had gout frequently have a chance of developing it themselves.

Gout can easily be identified by redness and inflammation of the big toe and the surrounding areas of the foot. Other symptoms include extreme fatigue, joint pain, and running high fevers. Sometimes corticosteroid drugs can be prescribed to treat gout, but the best way to combat this disease is to get more exercise and eat a better diet.

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