Blog

Foot Pain and Pregnancy

Tuesday, 28 June 2022

It should be no surprise that during pregnancy, a woman’s body goes through many changes to accommodate the baby growing inside of her. The changes can be both beautiful and uncomfortable. An unpleasant symptom many women endure during pregnancy is pain and swelling in their legs and feet. Foot pain at this time in a woman’s life can make it hard to stand, walk, or engage in daily activities. This type of pain is usually related to weight gain that puts pressure on the feet and ligaments near the arch of the foot, posture and gait changes due to the center of gravity changing with pregnancy, increased blood volume which can cause foot cramps and swelling, and shoes that might be too tight and cause pain. Women who are pregnant can try to get relief from foot pain by using orthotics to support the arch of the foot, wearing well-fitted, comfortable shoes, putting the feet up when sitting to ease blood flow, doing simple foot exercises to help with cramping and blood circulation, and keeping well hydrated. If you are experiencing painful feet during your pregnancy, it is suggested that you consult with a podiatrist who can provide treatment and recommendations to help you get through this unforgettable time in your life more comfortably.

Pregnant women with swollen feet can be treated with a variety of different methods that are readily available. For more information about other cures for swollen feet during pregnancy, consult with Dr. Blake Zobell from Utah. Our doctor will attend to all of your foot and ankle needs.

What Foot Problems Can Arise During Pregnancy?

One problem that can occur is overpronation, which occurs when the arch of the foot flattens and tends to roll inward. This can cause pain and discomfort in your heels while you’re walking or even just standing up, trying to support your baby.

Another problem is edema, or swelling in the extremities. This often affects the feet during pregnancy but tends to occur in the later stages.

How Can I Keep My Feet Healthy During Pregnancy?

Wearing orthotics can provide extra support for the feet and help distribute weight evenly
Minimize the amount of time spent walking barefoot
Wear shoes with good arch support
Wear shoes that allow for good circulation to the feet
Elevate feet if you experience swelling
Massage your feet
Get regular, light exercise, such as walking, to promote blood circulation to the feet

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.

Surgery May Be Needed to Relieve Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome

Tuesday, 21 June 2022

The tarsal tunnel encases the tibial nerve, which is found in the ankle. It is surrounded by soft bone and tissue and can become damaged from consistent pressure. This condition is known as tarsal tunnel syndrome. It can be caused by existing medical conditions like flat feet, arthritis, diabetes, or from an ankle sprain. Patients can experience specific symptoms that include a burning sensation, shooting pain, or tingling. Diagnosis is made by performing Tinel’s test. This is accomplished by exerting pressure on the tibial nerve and observing if it produces pain. Relief may be found when the affected foot is elevated, and this may help to rest the foot and reduce swelling. In severe cases, surgery called the tarsal tunnel release may be a necessary option. This can be an effective method in relieving the nerve. If you have endured an ankle injury, and are experiencing pain, please consult with a podiatrist who can diagnose and treat tarsal tunnel syndrome.

Tarsal tunnel syndrome can be very uncomfortable to live with. If you are experiencing tarsal tunnel syndrome, contact Dr. Blake Zobell of Utah. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome

Tarsal tunnel syndrome, which can also be called tibial nerve dysfunction, is an uncommon condition of misfiring peripheral nerves in the foot. The tibial nerve is the peripheral nerve in the leg responsible for sensation and movement of the foot and calf muscles. In tarsal tunnel syndrome, the tibial nerve is damaged, causing problems with movement and feeling in the foot of the affected leg.

Common Cause of Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome

Involves pressure or an injury, direct pressure on the tibial nerve for an extended period of time, sometimes caused by other body structures close by or near the knee.
Diseases that damage nerves, including diabetes, may cause tarsal tunnel syndrome.
At times, tarsal tunnel syndrome can appear without an obvious cause in some cases.

The Effects of Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome

Different sensations, an afflicted person may experience pain, tingling, burning or other unusual sensations in the foot of the affected leg.
The foot muscles, toes and ankle become weaker, and curling your toes or flexing your foot can become difficult.
If condition worsens, infections and ulcers may develop on the foot that is experiencing the syndrome.

A physical exam of the leg can help identify the presence of tarsal tunnel syndrome. Medical tests, such as a nerve biopsy, are also used to diagnose the condition. Patients may receive physical therapy and prescriptive medication. In extreme cases, some may require surgery.

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

Do Your Child's Feet Hurt?

Thursday, 16 June 2022

Have your child's feet been examined lately? Healthy feet are happy feet. If your child is complaining of foot pain, it may be a sign of underlying problems.

Foot Cramps in the Elderly

Tuesday, 14 June 2022

Foot cramps are a result of the foot muscles involuntarily contracting. They are inconvenient, uncomfortable, and even painful, but they are usually not serious. One may experience a foot cramp due to dehydration, muscle fatigue, or exercising without proper stretching of the calves and feet. They may also result from a side effect of a medication or a nutritional deficiency. With age, nerves and muscles may wear out and cramping can occur. Older people are also generally less active than younger people, therefore, they may have a higher risk for these muscle spasms. Furthermore, nocturnal foot cramps may be related to a circulation disorder, which is also more common among the elderly. Wearing well-fitting, supportive shoes can help as well as massaging the feet and using cool or warm compresses when a foot cramp occurs. If you suffer from severe or frequent muscle cramps in your feet, it is suggested you consult with a podiatrist who can help diagnose the cause and provide the proper treatment regime.

Proper foot care is something many older adults forget to consider. If you have any concerns about your feet and ankles, contact Dr. Blake Zobell from Utah. 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.

Foot Structure and Skin May Change in Elderly Feet

Tuesday, 07 June 2022

Many elderly people endure foot pain, which may impact mobility and completing daily activities. Research has shown there may be increased soft tissue stiffness in the foot, in addition to having a limited range of motion as one ages. With advanced age, the foot can lose overall strength and may become protonated as a result of reduced joint mobility. The risk of falling may increase, foot pain may develop, and it may be difficult to complete weight bearing activities. Approximately one in five people lose the ability to leave their house because of devastating foot pain. The skin may change thickness, and can add friction to the feet while walking. Recent reviews have confirmed the overall loss of elastin, which can result in thicker and dryer skin on the skin. In summation, the skin condition and foot structure may change in elderly feet, and may cause foot conditions that did not exist in their youth. If you would like more information about how the feet change as the aging process occurs, please consult with a podiatrist.

If you have any concerns about your feet, contact Dr. Blake Zobell from Utah. 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 one of our offices located in Richfield and Ephraim, Utah . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Blog

Blog Archives