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Posterior Tibial Tendonitis and Foot Pain

Wednesday, 29 September 2021

Posterior tibial tendonitis is a common cause of foot pain and is characterized by inflammation, degeneration, or tearing of the tibialis posterior tendon, located along the inside of the ankle. This tendon is responsible for stabilizing the lower leg and supporting the arch of the foot. When it is injured, you may experience pain, swelling, stiffness, reduced mobility, and fallen arches. Left untreated, this condition can progress from minor tendon damage to partial or complete rupture of the tendon. Potential treatments may include resting, icing, compressing, and elevating the affected foot, taking anti-inflammatory medications, wearing orthotics or more supportive shoes, and doing ankle strengthening exercises. In more severe cases, the ankle may need to be immobilized with a cast or boot for a period of time. If you are dealing with any foot or ankle pain, please seek the care of a podiatrist.

Ankle and foot injuries are common among athletes and in many sports. They can be caused by several problems and may be potentially serious. If you are feeling pain or think you were injured in a sporting event or when exercising, consult with Dr. Blake Zobell from Utah. Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

Common Injuries

The most common injuries that occur in sporting activities include:

Achilles Tendonitis
Achilles Tendon Rupture
Ankle Sprains
Broken Foot
Plantar Fasciitis
Stress Fractures
Turf Toe

Symptoms

Symptoms vary depending upon the injury and in some cases, there may be no symptoms at all. However, in most cases, some form of symptom is experienced. Pain, aching, burning, bruising, tenderness, tightness or stiffness, sensation loss, difficulty moving, and swelling are the most common symptoms.

Treatment

Just as symptoms vary depending upon the injury, so do treatment options. A common treatment method is known as the RICE method. This method involves rest, applying ice, compression and elevating the afflicted foot or ankle. If the injury appears to be more serious, surgery might be required, such as arthroscopic or reconstructive surgery. Lastly, rehabilitation or therapy might be needed to gain full functionality in the afflicted area. Any discomfort experienced by an athlete must be evaluated by a licensed, reputable medical professional.

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.

Traumatic Fractures vs. Stress Fractures in Toes

Tuesday, 21 September 2021

Broken toe bones can either be acute, traumatic fractures, or stress fractures. Traumatic fractures may occur suddenly due to a direct impact—such as stubbing your toe forcefully on a piece of furniture. The affected bone can crack and become displaced. You may hear a sound at the time of injury, feel pain at the point of impact, and see swelling and bruising the following day. You may also have a crooked or abnormal looking toe following the injury. Stress fractures are tiny cracks in bones that occur over time due to repetitive damage, often from playing sports or wearing poorly-fitted shoes. These types of fractures can cause pain during or after normal activity that may go away with rest, pain at the site of the fracture when it is touched, and swelling. Toe fractures that do not receive prompt and proper treatment may become chronically painful, deformed, or arthritic. If you suspect that you may have broken a toe, it is suggested that you see a podiatrist as soon as possible.

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. Blake Zobell from Utah. 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 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.

Are You Suffering From Ingrown Toenails?

Sunday, 19 September 2021

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!

What the Feet Go Through During Pregnancy

Tuesday, 14 September 2021

When a woman is pregnant, many changes occur in her feet. The fluctuation in hormone levels during pregnancy can cause muscles to weaken, and ligaments to loosen in the feet and ankles. This can cause arches to fall and the feet to roll inward due to increased strain. Pain may also be felt in the arch and inside the ankle. These factors, along with the additional weight gain during pregnancy, can contribute to an inflammation in the connective tissue between the toes and heel bone (plantar fasciitis). Additionally, it is widely believed that many women come out of pregnancy with wider and longer feet. There are strengthening exercises, orthotics, as well as other methods that a podiatrist can deploy to help relieve pressure and support the foot structure during pregnancy.

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.

What Are the Symptoms of an Ankle Sprain?

Tuesday, 07 September 2021

One of the most common injuries that can occur is an ankle sprain. They occur when the foot twists inwards under the weight of the body (usually due to trauma) which causes the ankle to twist and results in the ligaments getting over stretched and potentially even torn. While the entire ankle joint may be affected, pain will specifically be felt on the outside of the ankle where the damaged ligaments are. The ankle usually swells immediately, but it may take up to 48 hours for the swelling to develop. Bruising is also likely to occur. Because the symptoms of an ankle sprain are similar to a broken ankle, patients who believe that they have sprained their ankle should consult with a podiatrist for a proper diagnosis and treatment options.

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.

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