Items filtered by date: November 2025

Clubfoot is a congenital condition in which a newborn’s foot is twisted out of its normal position, often turning inward or downward. The exact cause is not always known, but clubfoot may be related to genetic factors, abnormal fetal development, or limited space in the womb. Symptoms include a visibly misshapen foot, stiffness, and difficulty with normal movement as the child grows. Early diagnosis and treatment are essential for proper development. A podiatrist can help by guiding specialized care that may include stretching, casting, bracing, or monitoring long-term foot function. Early intervention leads to better outcomes and improved mobility. If your child has signs of clubfoot, it is strongly suggested that you include a podiatrist on your health care team to ensure healthy growth and support proper foot alignment.

Congenital foot problems require immediate attention to avoid future complications. If you have any concerns, contact Dr. Royall of Mountain View Foot & Ankle Clinic. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Congenital foot problems are deformities affecting the feet, toes, and/or ankles that children are born with. Some of these conditions have a genetic cause while others just happen. Some specific foot ailments that children may be born with include clubfeet, polydactyly/macrodactyly, and cleft foot. There are several other foot anomalies that can occur congenitally. What all of these conditions have in common is that a child may experience difficulty walking or performing everyday activities, as well as trouble finding footwear that fits their foot deformity. Some of these conditions are more serious than others. Consulting with a podiatrist as early as possible will help in properly diagnosing a child’s foot condition while getting the necessary treatment underway.

What are Causes of Congenital Foot Problem?

A congenital foot problem is one that happens to a child at birth. These conditions can be caused by a genetic predisposition, developmental or positional abnormalities during gestation, or with no known cause.

What are Symptoms of Congenital Foot Problems?

Symptoms vary by the congenital condition. Symptoms may consist of the following:

• Clubfoot, where tendons are shortened, bones are shaped differently, and the Achilles tendon is tight, causing the foot to point in and down. It is also possible for the soles of the feet to face each other.
• Polydactyly, which usually consists of a nubbin or small lump of tissue without a bone, a toe that is partially formed but has no joints, or an extra toe.
• Vertical talus, where the talus bone forms in the wrong position causing other bones in the foot to line up improperly, the front of the foot to point up, and the bottom of the foot to stiffen, with no arch, and to curve out.
• Tarsal coalition, when there is an abnormal connection of two or more bones in the foot leading to severe, rigid flatfoot.
• Cleft foot, where there are missing toes, a V-shaped cleft, and other anatomical differences.
• Macrodactyly, when the toes are abnormally large due to overgrowth of the underlying bone or soft tissue.

Treatment and Prevention

While there is nothing one can do to prevent congenital foot problems, raising awareness and receiving neonatal screenings are important. Early detection by taking your child to a podiatrist leads to the best outcome possible.

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.

Diabetic neuropathy damages the nerves in the feet due to prolonged high blood sugar levels, making people more vulnerable to serious foot problems. Nerve damage often causes numbness, tingling, burning, or sharp pain in the toes and feet. Because sensation is reduced, injuries like cuts, blisters, or sores may go unnoticed, allowing them to worsen into ulcers or become infected. In advanced cases, untreated wounds can lead to gangrene and the possibility of limb loss. Neuropathy can also weaken the muscles in the feet and ankles, increasing the risk of imbalance and falls. Some people may develop changes in foot shape, which can lead to bone fractures and collapse. A podiatrist can detect early warning signs of neuropathy through a thorough foot exam, provide treatment to relieve discomfort, and help prevent further complications. If you have symptoms of neuropathy in your feet, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist for ongoing help in managing this condition.

Neuropathy

Neuropathy can be a potentially serious condition, especially if it is left undiagnosed. If you have any concerns that you may be experiencing nerve loss in your feet, 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 for neuropathy.

What Is Neuropathy?

Neuropathy is a condition that leads to damage to the nerves in the body. Peripheral neuropathy, or neuropathy that affects your peripheral nervous system, usually occurs in the feet. Neuropathy can be triggered by a number of different causes. Such causes include diabetes, infections, cancers, disorders, and toxic substances.

Symptoms of Neuropathy Include:

• Numbness
• Sensation loss
• Prickling and tingling sensations
• Throbbing, freezing, burning pains
• Muscle weakness

Those with diabetes are at serious risk due to being unable to feel an ulcer on their feet. Diabetics usually also suffer from poor blood circulation. This can lead to the wound not healing, infections occurring, and the limb may have to be amputated.

Treatment

To treat neuropathy in the foot, podiatrists will first diagnose the cause of the neuropathy. Figuring out the underlying cause of the neuropathy will allow the podiatrist to prescribe the best treatment, whether it be caused by diabetes, toxic substance exposure, infection, etc. If the nerve has not died, then it’s possible that sensation may be able to return to the foot.

Pain medication may be issued for pain. Electrical nerve stimulation can be used to stimulate nerves. If the neuropathy is caused from pressure on the nerves, then surgery may be necessary.

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.

Ingrown toenails are a frequent problem and studies show they tend to affect men more often than women. The nail grows into the skin at the edge, leading to pain, swelling, and sometimes infection. While trimming the nail properly, soaking the foot, and wearing wide shoes can bring relief, these conservative steps do not always stop the condition from coming back. For many people, surgical correction offers a more reliable long-term outcome by removing part of the nail or reshaping the nail bed. In addition to wearing tight footwear and improper toenail cutting, ingrown nails may also develop from underlying medical conditions, poor foot hygiene, or even certain medications that alter nail growth. If you struggle with recurring ingrown toenails or notice signs of infection, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist to explore the most effective treatment.

Ingrown toenails may initially present themselves as a minor discomfort, but they may progress into an infection in the skin without proper treatment. For more information about ingrown toenails, contact Dr. Royall of Mountain View Foot & Ankle Clinic. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Ingrown Toenails

Ingrown toenails are caused when the corner or side of a toenail grows into the soft flesh surrounding it. They often result in redness, swelling, pain, and in some cases, infection. This condition typically affects the big toe and may recur if it is not treated properly.

Causes

• Improper toenail trimming
• Genetics
• Improper shoe fitting
• Injury from pedicures or nail picking
• Abnormal gait
• Poor hygiene

You are more likely to develop an ingrown toenail if you are obese, have diabetes, arthritis, or have any fungal infection in your nails. Additionally, people who have foot or toe deformities are at a higher risk of developing an ingrown toenail.

Symptoms

Some symptoms of ingrown toenails are redness, swelling, and pain. In rare cases, there may be a yellowish drainage coming from the nail.

Treatment

Ignoring an ingrown toenail can have serious complications. Infections of the nail border can progress to a deeper soft-tissue infection, which can then turn into a bone infection. You should always speak with your podiatrist if you suspect you have an ingrown toenail, especially if you have diabetes or poor circulation.

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.

A small bump on the side of the big toe may be indicative of a bunion. This protrusion can become larger, and it may push the other toes closer to each other. Probable causes of a developing bunion can include genetics and wearing shoes that do not have adequate room for the toes to move freely in. Additionally, existing medical conditions such as certain types of arthritis may cause a bunion, or it may develop as a result of repetitive stress on the front of the foot. A bunion may cause difficulty in walking, and the foot may feel painful and stiff. There are effective methods that can be implemented which may help to manage bunion symptoms. Many patients find mild relief when there is ample room in the shoes that are worn, or from using a bunion pad or wearing custom made orthotics. If you notice a bunion that is beginning to form, it is recommended that you schedule a consultation with a podiatrist who can offer you the correct treatment options.

If you are suffering from bunion pain, contact Dr. Royall of Mountain View Foot & Ankle Clinic. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

What Is a Bunion?

Bunions are painful bony bumps that usually develop on the inside of the foot at the joint of the big toe. As the deformity increases over time, it may become painful to walk and wear shoes. Women are more likely to exacerbate existing bunions since they often wear tight, narrow shoes that shift their toes together. Bunion pain can be relieved by wearing wider shoes with enough room for the toes.

Causes

• Genetics – some people inherit feet that are more prone to bunion development
• Inflammatory Conditions - rheumatoid arthritis and polio may cause bunion development

Symptoms

• Redness and inflammation
• Pain and tenderness
• Callus or corns on the bump
• Restricted motion in the big toe

In order to diagnose your bunion, your podiatrist may ask about your medical history, symptoms, and general health. Your doctor might also order an x-ray to take a closer look at your feet. Nonsurgical treatment options include orthotics, padding, icing, changes in footwear, and medication. If nonsurgical treatments don’t alleviate your bunion pain, surgery may be necessary.

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.