Richfield (435) 896-6497
Ephraim (435) 283-4076
Tuesday, 30 August 2022 00:00
Symptoms of an Achilles Tendon Rupture
The Achilles tendon plays an integral role in the functioning of the feet. The tendon essentially connects the calf muscle to the heel bone, facilitating movement of all kinds. Since this tendon is so important, suffering an Achilles tendon injury is nothing to take lightly. An Achilles tendon rupture occurs in an individual when the tendon is stretched or torn. Typically, the tendon can stretch or tear when a person is running and they accelerate their pace too quickly. The symptoms that an individual might feel after suffering from an Achilles tendon rupture can vary. Generally speaking, however, an individual with this tendon rupture is likely to feel pain that comes in sharp, sudden bursts. This pain is typically felt in the ankle or calf. Additionally, if you are suffering from an Achilles tendon rupture, you might sense a feeling of swelling where the Achilles tendon is located, between the heel bone and the calf. Lastly, another common symptom of an Achilles tendon rupture is experiencing discomfort and difficulty when moving the feet. Specifically, walking and moving the toes can be particularly difficult. If you suspect that you have ruptured your Achilles tendon, contact your podiatrist immediately.
Achilles tendon injuries need immediate attention to avoid future complications. If you have any concerns, contact Dr. Blake Zobell of Utah. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.
What Is the Achilles Tendon?
The Achilles tendon is a tendon that connects the lower leg muscles and calf to the heel of the foot. It is the strongest tendon in the human body and is essential for making movement possible. Because this tendon is such an integral part of the body, any injuries to it can create immense difficulties and should immediately be presented to a doctor.
What Are the Symptoms of an Achilles Tendon Injury?
There are various types of injuries that can affect the Achilles tendon. The two most common injuries are Achilles tendinitis and ruptures of the tendon.
Achilles Tendinitis Symptoms
- Inflammation
- Dull to severe pain
- Increased blood flow to the tendon
- Thickening of the tendon
Rupture Symptoms
- Extreme pain and swelling in the foot
- Total immobility
Treatment and Prevention
Achilles tendon injuries are diagnosed by a thorough physical evaluation, which can include an MRI. Treatment involves rest, physical therapy, and in some cases, surgery. However, various preventative measures can be taken to avoid these injuries, such as:
- Thorough stretching of the tendon before and after exercise
- Strengthening exercises like calf raises, squats, leg curls, leg extensions, leg raises, lunges, and leg presses
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.
Published in Blog
Tagged under
Tuesday, 30 August 2022 00:00
Achilles Tendon Injuries
The Achilles tendon is the largest tendon in the body; it is a tough band of fibrous tissue that stretches from the bones of the heel to the calf muscles. This tendon is what allows us to stand on our toes while running, walking, or jumping, it is common for this tendon to become injured. In severe cases, the Achilles tendon may become partially torn or completely ruptured. However, this tendon is susceptible to injury because of its limited blood supply and the high level of tension it endures.
The people who are more likely to suffer from Achilles tendon injuries are athletes who partake in activities that require them to speed up, slow down, or pivot. Consequently, athletes who engage in running, gymnastics, dance, football, baseball, basketball, or tennis are more likely to suffer from Achilles tendon injuries. Additionally, there are other factors that may make you more prone to this injury. People who wear high heels, have flat feet, tight leg muscles or tendons, or take medicines called glucocorticoids are more likely to have Achilles tendon injuries.
A common symptom of an Achilles tendon injury is pain above the heel that is felt when you stand on your toes. However, if the tendon is ruptured, the pain will be severe, and the area may become swollen and stiff. Other symptoms may be reduced strength in the lower ankle or leg area, and reduced range of motion in the ankle. When the Achilles tendon tears, there is usually a popping sound that occurs along with it. People who have acute tears or ruptures may find walking and standing to be difficult.
If you suspect you have injured your Achilles tendon, you should see your podiatrist to have a physical examination. Your podiatrist will likely conduct a series of tests to diagnose your injury including a “calf-squeeze” test. Calf squeeze tests are performed by first squeezing the calf muscle on the healthy leg. This will pull on the tendon and consequently cause the foot to move. Afterward, the same test will be performed on the injured leg. If the tendon is torn, the foot won’t move because the calf muscle won’t be connected to the foot.
Published in Featured
Tagged under
Tuesday, 23 August 2022 00:00
When Plantar Warts Spread
Plantar warts are caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV), and they typically develop on the bottoms of the feet, usually on the balls or heels. These warts can, unfortunately, be particularly painful for some individuals when they walk or put weight on their feet. Since plantar warts are located on the bottoms of the feet, they may essentially grow inward in response to the pressure that is put on the soles of the feet. Plantar warts have a pernicious ability to spread to other parts of the feet and body sometimes very easily. For example, you might unknowingly be spreading your plantar warts if you touch the wart and then immediately touch another part of your body. Additionally, you may be spreading your plantar warts to other people if you share personal self-care tools such as razors or towels. It is not beneficial to your health if your plantar warts begin to spread. If this happens, a medical professional might advise you to use over-the-counter medications to address the problem. If you have plantar warts, you ought to contact a podiatrist especially if you notice that they are beginning to spread. A podiatrist is a foot specialist who can help you take specific steps to identify and address the problem.
Plantar warts can be very uncomfortable. If you need your feet checked, contact Dr. Blake Zobell from Utah. Our doctor will assist you with all of your foot and ankle needs.
About Plantar Warts
Plantar warts are the result of HPV, or human papillomavirus, getting into open wounds on the feet. They are mostly found on the heels or balls of the feet.
While plantar warts are generally harmless, those experiencing excessive pain or those suffering from diabetes or a compromised immune system require immediate medical care. Plantar warts are easily diagnosed, usually through scraping off a bit of rough skin or by getting a biopsy.
Symptoms
- Lesions on the bottom of your feet, usually rough and grainy
- Hard or thick callused spots
- Wart seeds, which are small clotted blood vessels that look like little black spots
- Pain, discomfort, or tenderness of your feet when walking or standing
Treatment
- Freezing
- Electric tool removal
- Laser Treatment
- Topical Creams (prescription only)
- Over-the-counter medications
To help prevent developing plantar warts, avoid walking barefoot over abrasive surfaces that can cause cuts or wounds for HPV to get into. Avoiding direct contact with other warts, as well as not picking or rubbing existing warts, can help prevent the further spread of plantar warts. However, if you think you have developed plantar warts, speak to your podiatrist. He or she can diagnose the warts on your feet and recommend the appropriate treatment options.
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.
Published in Blog
Tagged under
Tuesday, 23 August 2022 00:00
Plantar Warts
Plantar warts are growths that typically appear on the heels or other weight-bearing areas of the feet. These warts are caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV). The virus enters the body through breaks in the skin, such as cuts, that are on the bottom of the feet. Plantar warts are more likely to affect children and teenagers, people with weakened immune systems, people who have a history with plantar warts, and people who walk barefoot in environments exposed to a wart-causing virus.
If you suspect you have plantar warts, you may have the following symptoms: pain or tenderness while walking, a lesion that interrupts the ridges in the skin of your foot, small fleshy lesions on the bottom of the foot, or a callus where a wart has grown inward over a well-defined spot on the skin.
HPV causes plantar warts to form and is very common. There are more than 100 kinds of the virus in existence. However, only a few of them cause warts on the feet. The other types of HPV are likely to cause warts on other parts of the body.
If you have plantar warts, your podiatrist may try different treatment methods depending on your specific case. Some treatments for plantar warts are peeling medicines (salicylic acid), freezing medicines (cryotherapy), or surgical procedures. Laser treatments and vaccines are also used to treat plantar warts.
Published in Featured
Tagged under
Tuesday, 16 August 2022 00:00
What Causes Broken Toes?
Breaking any bone in the body is nothing to take lightly. When you break a bone in the toes of your feet you should take it just as seriously as any other broken bone. A broken toe, also known as a fractured toe, occurs when one or more bones in a toe become fractured. If you have a broken toe, you may experience a variety of symptoms. You could feel pain in the toes or feet, a swelling sensation, or a feeling of stiffness. You might also notice bruising around the affected area. It can be important for you to become familiar with the different causes of broken toes to try to prevent toe fractures from occurring in the future. First, broken toes can be caused by direct injuries to the toes. Commonly, this could include dropping a heavy object onto your toe or you might manage to forcefully stub your toe into a hard surface. Second, you might experience a broken toe from performing repetitive motions over a prolonged period. This can result in a stress fracture which is commonly developed by playing certain sports. No matter the cause, broken toes should be taken seriously. Reach out to a podiatrist if you suspect a fractured toe. The podiatrist will be able to help you identify and address the problem.
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 and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.
Published in Blog
Tagged under
Tuesday, 16 August 2022 00:00
What to Know About a Broken Toe
The forefoot is composed of five metatarsal bones and fourteen phalanges. Each toe has three phalanges except for the big toe which only has two. Our toes play an essential role to the walking process, which is why a broken toe could seriously disrupt one’s ability to move around. Toe fractures are common and can be very painful. Fortunately, these injuries rarely require surgery and usually heal with rest and a change in activity.
Broken toes typically result from a traumatic event such as falling, stubbing the toe, or dropping something on the toe. Traumatic toe fractures may be categorized as either minor or severe fractures. At times, one may hear a “pop” or “crack” sound when the bone breaks. Common symptoms of a traumatic toe fracture include pain, throbbing, bruising, swelling, and redness.
Another type of toe fractures is a stress fracture. These injuries usually appear in the form of small hairline breaks on the bone. Stress fractures develop after repetitive activity instead of a single injury. Stress fractures occur when the muscles in the bone become too weak to absorb impact. Consequently, the toe bone becomes vulnerable to any pressure and impact it endures. Symptoms for a stress fracture in the toe include swelling without bruising, tenderness to the touch, pain that goes away with rest, and pain after walking or running.
If you suspect that you have a broken toe, you should make an appointment with your podiatrist. He or she will likely diagnose you by performing a physical exam and an X-ray. Treatment for a broken toe may include the R.I.C.E. method, buddy taping, surgery, or antibiotics. The R.I.C.E. method (Rest, Ice, Compression, and Elevation) is a common treatment method for many injuries because it decreases pain. Buddy tapping involves wrapping the injured toe next to an adjacent toe to keep it supported and protected. These two methods have proven to be effective in the healing process for toe fractures. The estimated healing time for a broken toe is approximately four to six weeks. If the injury becomes infected or requires surgery, the estimated healing time may take eight weeks or more.
Published in Featured
Tagged under
Monday, 15 August 2022 00:00
Are You Suffering From Ingrown Toenails?
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!
Published in Blog
Tagged under
Tuesday, 09 August 2022 00:00
Foot Surgery
In most cases, foot surgery is often chosen as the last available option for conditions that have otherwise been unsuccessfully treated. Surgery may be necessary for several reasons, including the removal of foot deformities (e.g. bone spurs or bunions), arthritis problems, reconstruction due to injury, and congenital malformations (e.g. club foot or flat feet). Regardless of one’s age, foot surgery may be the only successful option for treatment for certain conditions.
The type of surgery one undergoes depends on the type of foot condition the patient has. For the removal of a bunion growth, a bunionectomy is necessary. If the bones in the feet need to be realigned or fused together, a surgical fusion of the foot is needed. For pain or nerve issues, a patient may require surgery in which the tissues surrounding the painful nerve are removed. Initially, less invasive treatments are generally attempted; surgery is often the last measure taken if other treatments are unsuccessful.
While in many cases surgery is often deemed as the final resort, choosing surgery comes with certain benefits. The associated pain experienced in relation to the particular condition is often relieved with surgery, allowing patients to quickly resume daily activities. The greatest benefit, however, is that surgery generally eliminates the problem immediately.
Podiatry history has shown that foot treatments continue to evolve over time. In the field of foot surgery, endoscopic surgery is just one of the many advanced forms of surgery. As technology vastly improves so too will the various techniques in foot surgery, which already require smaller and smaller incisions with the use of better and more efficient tools. Thanks to such innovations, surgery is no longer as invasive as it was in the past, allowing for faster and easier recoveries.
Published in Featured
Tagged under
Tuesday, 02 August 2022 00:00
Sever’s Disease and Sports
Sever’s disease is an affliction of the foot that can threaten your child’s health, so it is important to be fully aware of what this condition is. Primarily affecting children, Sever’s disease occurs when excessive strain is placed on the growth plate of a child’s heel. The condition can produce pain in the heel. A child is most susceptible to developing Sever’s disease during the onset of a growth spurt. Sever’s disease in children has an interesting link to sports and physical activities that parents should be aware of. Playing high-impact sports puts children at an increased risk of developing Sever’s disease because it can place extra strain on the growth plate of the heel. Specifically, soccer, basketball, track, and gymnastics are all common sports that can put children at an increased risk. Additionally, physical activities and other sports that include children engaging in a lot of running or jumping can make the development of Sever’s disease more likely. It is therefore no surprise that cases of Sever’s disease are usually seen prominently at the beginning of sports seasons. If your child is engaged in a sport or some kind of comparable physical activity, then consider contacting a podiatrist who can help you learn how to prevent or treat Sever’s disease.
Sever's disease often occurs in children and teens. If your child is experiencing foot or ankle pain, see Dr. Blake Zobell from Utah. Our doctor can treat your child’s foot and ankle needs.
Sever’s Disease
Sever’s disease is also known as calcaneal apophysitis, which is a medical condition that causes heel pain I none or both feet. The disease is known to affect children between the ages of 8 and 14.
Sever’s disease occurs when part of the child’s heel known as the growth plate (calcaneal epiphysis) is attached to the Achilles tendon. This area can suffer injury when the muscles and tendons of the growing foot do not keep pace with bone growth. Therefore, the constant pain which one experiences at the back of the heel will make the child unable to put any weight on the heel. The child is then forced to walk on their toes.
Symptoms
Acute pain – Pain associated with Sever’s disease is usually felt in the heel when the child engages in physical activity such as walking, jumping and or running.
Highly active – Children who are very active are among the most susceptible in experiencing Sever’s disease, because of the stress and tension placed on their 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 and ankle injuries.
Published in Blog
Tagged under
Tuesday, 02 August 2022 00:00
Sever's Disease
Sever’s disease, also known as calcaneal apophysitis is a common bone disorder that occurs during childhood. The disease is defined as an inflammation of the growth plate in the heel. When a child has a growth spurt, his heel bone grows faster than the muscles, tendons, and ligaments in his leg. This disease is a result of overuse. The people who are most likely to be affected by this disease are children who are in a growth spurt, especially boys who are from the ages of 5 to 13 years old. 60% of children with Sever’s disease have both heels involved.
Symptoms of this disease are heel pain that intensifies during running and jumping activities. The pain is typically localized to the posterior part of the heel. Symptoms may be severe, and they can easily interfere with daily activities. Children who play soccer, baseball, and basketball are more likely to develop Sever’s disease.
Your doctor will diagnose your child based on his or her symptoms, x-rays are generally not helpful in diagnosing this disease. Your doctor may examine both heels and ask your child questions about his or her activity level in sports. Your doctor may then use the squeeze test on your child’s heel to see if there is any pain. Nevertheless, some doctors might still use x-rays to rule out any other issues such as fractures, infections, and tumors.
Sever’s disease can be prevented by maintaining good flexibility while your child is growing. Another prevention method is to wear good-quality shoes that have firm support and a shock-absorbent sole. Sever’s disease can be treated by ceasing any activity that causes heel pain. You should apply ice to the injured heel for 20 minutes 3 times a day. Additionally, orthotics should be used for children who have high arches, flat feet, or bowed legs.
If you suspect your child has Sever’s disease, you should make an appointment with your podiatrist to have his or her foot examined. Your doctor may recommend nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as ibuprofen or naproxen to relieve pain. In more severe cases, your child may need a cast to rest his or her heel. Fortunately, Sever’s disease does not cause long-term foot problems. After treatment, your child should start to feel better within two weeks to two months.
Published in Featured
Tagged under
