Items filtered by date: March 2022

Tuesday, 29 March 2022 00:00

Dealing With Peripheral Artery Disease

When blood flow to the extremities slows, particularly to the feet, it most likely is caused by a blockage of the arteries. This condition, called peripheral arterial disease (PAD), is very common. Smoking, obesity, poor eating habits, and being sedentary are major factors in the development of PAD. Other maladies, such as diabetes and hypertension, can further cause the blood vessels to narrow. Symptoms of PAD include pain and cramping in the legs and feet when walking, numbness, sores that don’t heal, and foot pain when at rest. Some life changes can help reduce the symptoms, such as lowering fats and cholesterol in your diet, moving around more, reducing stress, stopping smoking, and lowering your blood pressure. If you develop sores on your feet and ankles that refuse to heal, and are experiencing other PAD symptoms, it is a good idea to make an appointment with a podiatrist for an examination and ongoing treatment plan.

 

Peripheral artery disease can pose a serious risk to your health. It can increase the risk of stroke and heart attack. If you have symptoms of peripheral artery disease, consult with Dr. Royall from Mountain View Foot & Ankle Clinic. Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

Peripheral artery disease (PAD) is when arteries are constricted due to plaque (fatty deposits) build-up. This results in less blood flow to the legs and other extremities. The main cause of PAD is atherosclerosis, in which plaque builds up in the arteries.

Symptoms

Symptoms of PAD include:

  • Claudication (leg pain from walking)
  • Numbness in legs
  • Decrease in growth of leg hair and toenails
  • Paleness of the skin
  • Erectile dysfunction
  • Sores and wounds on legs and feet that won’t heal
  • Coldness in one leg

It is important to note that a majority of individuals never show any symptoms of PAD.

Diagnosis

While PAD occurs in the legs and arteries, Podiatrists can diagnose PAD. Podiatrists utilize a test called an ankle-brachial index (ABI). An ABI test compares blood pressure in your arm to you ankle to see if any abnormality occurs. Ultrasound and imaging devices may also be used.

Treatment

Fortunately, lifestyle changes such as maintaining a healthy diet, exercising, managing cholesterol and blood sugar levels, and quitting smoking, can all treat PAD. Medications that prevent clots from occurring can be prescribed. Finally, in some cases, surgery may be recommended.

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.

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Corns are like calluses in that they develop from friction on the skin. They are hard, thick patches of skin that usually occur on the feet. Though corns are not serious, they can become irritated and painful. Different types of corns can develop on the feet – hard (the most common), soft, and seed corns. Hard corns are hard, as the name implies, and usually occur on wider areas of thick skin. Soft corns are more likely to be rubbery in texture, are white or gray in color, and are more apt to develop between toes. Seed corns are usually found on the bottom of the foot. Each of these types of corns can hurt as they thicken. Treatment for corns is often as simple as eliminating the source of friction that caused them in the first place. Make sure shoes and socks fit well and are not too loose or tight, trim toenails regularly so they do not push toes up against shoes and moisturize feet to prevent dry skin. If a corn develops, corn pads help to protect from irritation at its site. If a corn is unusually painful, does not go away, or seems infected, or if you have another physical condition that can lead to a greater problem (such as diabetes or peripheral arterial disease), a visit to a podiatrist is suggested for proper evaluation and treatment.

 

If you have any concerns regarding your feet and ankles, contact Dr. Royall of Mountain View Foot & Ankle Clinic. Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.

Corns: What Are They? and How Do You Get Rid of Them?
Corns can be described as areas of the skin that have thickened to the point of becoming painful or irritating. They are often layers and layers of the skin that have become dry and rough, and are normally smaller than calluses.

Ways to Prevent Corns
There are many ways to get rid of painful corns such as wearing:

  • Well-fitting socks
  • Comfortable shoes that are not tight around your foot
  • Shoes that offer support

Treating Corns
Treatment of corns involves removing the dead skin that has built up in the specific area of the foot. Consult with Our doctor to determine the best treatment option for your case of corns.

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.

Read more about Corns and Calluses
Tuesday, 15 March 2022 00:00

Why Falls Are a Problem for Older Adults

As we age, several factors combine to make the threat of a fall more prevalent. Balance problems, weaker muscles and poorer eyesight may all contribute to the likelihood of a fall. Most falls happen in the home, and can be caused by inadequate lighting, unsafe footwear, slippery floors, loose rugs and electrical cords, and uneven surfaces. Certain physical conditions, such as low blood pressure, incontinence, and diabetes also may increase the chances of a fall. Many of these issues can be controlled with a few simple lifestyle changes. However, if an elderly person falls more and more often, certain complications may ensue. Among them are hip and thigh fractures, head injuries, wrist fractures, and even a tendency to become more sedentary, which further weakens the muscles. If falling has become a problem for you, it’s a good idea to make an appointment with a podiatrist who can help you find ways to prevent injury and reduce any greater risk to your health.

Preventing falls among the elderly is very important. If you are older and have fallen or fear that you are prone to falling, consult with Dr. Royall from Mountain View Foot & Ankle Clinic. Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality advice and care.

Every 11 seconds, an elderly American is being treated in an emergency room for a fall related injury. Falls are the leading cause of head and hip injuries for those 65 and older. Due to decreases in strength, balance, senses, and lack of awareness, elderly persons are very susceptible to falling. Thankfully, there are a number of things older persons can do to prevent falls.

How to Prevent Falls

Some effective methods that older persons can do to prevent falls include:

  • Enrolling in strength and balance exercise program to increase balance and strength
  • Periodically having your sight and hearing checked
  • Discuss any medications you have with a doctor to see if it increases the risk of falling
  • Clearing the house of falling hazards and installing devices like grab bars and railings
  • Utilizing a walker or cane
  • Wearing shoes that provide good support and cushioning
  • Talking to family members about falling and increasing awareness

Falling can be a traumatic and embarrassing experience for elderly persons; this can make them less willing to leave the house, and less willing to talk to someone about their fears of falling. Doing such things, however, will increase the likelihood of tripping or losing one’s balance. Knowing the causes of falling and how to prevent them is the best way to mitigate the risk of serious injury.  

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.

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Tuesday, 08 March 2022 00:00

What Podiatrists Can Do for Ankle Sprains

Ankle sprains are one of the most common injuries to occur when playing sports. They occur when the ligaments that connect the bones to the joints become over stretched or torn because of a sudden twist or force. Signs of an ankle sprain include ankle swelling, bruising, pain, difficulty bending the ankle, or difficulty bearing weight with the ankle. Patients who are unable to walk with their injured ankle, have significant swelling, or haven’t seen any signs of progress after a few days, should consult with a podiatrist for treatment. Ultimately, differentiating between an ankle sprain and an ankle fracture can be very difficult. Therefore, patients who believe that they have sprained their ankle should consult with a podiatrist who can evaluate and diagnose the injury.  

Although ankle sprains are common, they aren’t always minor injuries. If you need your ankle injury looked at, contact Dr. Royall from Mountain View Foot & Ankle Clinic. 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 are the result of a tear in the ligaments within the ankle. These injuries may happen when you make a rapid shifting movement while your foot is planted. A less common way to sprain your ankle is when your ankle rolls inward while your foot turns outward.

What Are the Symptoms?

  • Pain at the sight of the tear
  • Bruising/Swelling
  • Ankle area is tender to touch
  • In severe cases, may hear/feel something tear
  • Skin discoloration

Preventing a Sprain

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

Treatment of a Sprain

In many cases, the RICE method (Rest, Ice, Compression, and Elevate) is used to treat ankle sprains. However, you should see a podiatrist to see which treatment option would work best with your injury. In severe cases, surgery may be required.

It is important to ask your doctor about rehab options after you receive treatment for your injury. Stretching, strength training, and balance exercises may help the ankle heal while also preventing further injury.

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.

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Suffering from this type of pain? You may have the foot condition known as Morton's neuroma. Morton's neuroma may develop as a result of ill-fitting footwear and existing foot deformities. We can help.

If you drop something on your foot, it will likely turn purple or blue from bruising. This is normal, and the common solutions of rest, ice, elevation, and compression should help ease the pain as your foot heals. However, chronic discoloration of the feet can be a sign of restricted blood flow brought on by other conditions. Among them are diabetic neuropathy, peripheral artery disease (PAD), lupus, or Raynaud’s disease. In some way all of these conditions limit the flow of blood to the extremities and can cause foot swelling, discoloration and numbness. If you notice that your feet have changed color for longer periods, it may be wise to consult a podiatrist who can offer a complete examination and diagnosis of your feet and recommend the best treatment options for you.

Everyday foot care is very important to prevent infection and other foot ailments. If you need your feet checked, contact Dr. Royall from Mountain View Foot & Ankle Clinic. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Everyday Foot Care

Often, people take care of their bodies, face and hair more so than they do for their feet. But the feet are a very important aspect of our bodies, and one that we should pay more attention to. Without our feet, we would not be able to perform most daily tasks.

It is best to check your feet regularly to make sure there are no new bruises or cuts that you may not have noticed before. For dry feet, moisturizer can easily be a remedy and can be applied as often as necessary to the affected areas. Wearing shoes that fit well can also help you maintain good foot health, as well as making it easier to walk and do daily activities without the stress or pain of ill-fitting shoes, high heels, or even flip flops. Wearing clean socks with closed shoes is important to ensure that sweat and bacteria do not accumulate within the shoe. Clean socks help to prevent Athlete’s foot, fungi problems, bad odors, and can absorb sweat.

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.

Read more about Every Day Foot Care

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