Items filtered by date: June 2025

Sunday, 29 June 2025 00:00

Gout Pain Can Be Managed

Gout is a painful, inflammatory form of arthritis. Those affected will typically feel an intense stiffness in the joints of their feet, particularly in the big toe. Schedule a visit to learn about how gout can be managed and treated.

Golfers are at risk of developing foot and ankle injuries usually due to the repeated motions involved in swinging the club. One foot issue common to golfers is intermetatarsal neuroma, a painful nerve condition in the forefoot caused by pressure during the swing, often affecting the non-dominant foot. Another problem is lateral ankle pain, which results from repeated motion during follow-through. As the body rotates, the back foot often rolls outward, termed supination, while the heel moves slightly inward. These combined forces can strain the ankle ligaments and surrounding tendons. Golfers may also develop subungual hematomas, which are collections of blood beneath the toenail, typically under the big toe of the dominant foot, caused by repeated pressure during the swing. Even driving the golf cart can lead to top-of-foot pain, especially if the brake is used heavily. A podiatrist can diagnose these issues and recommend effective treatment. If you believe you have foot or ankle pain related to playing golf, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist, who can offer appropriate relief and treatment solutions.

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. Royall from Mountain View Foot & Ankle Clinic. 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 feel free to contact our office located in Lehi, UT . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Read more about Sports Related Foot and Ankle Injuries
Tuesday, 17 June 2025 00:00

Relieving Pain From Various Foot Issues

Many common foot concerns can be eased with early attention and the right care. Sore heels often respond well to rest, stretching, and supportive footwear that absorbs shock and reduces strain. For bunions, choosing shoes with a wider toe box and using protective pads may reduce pressure and irritation. Custom orthotics can help improve alignment and reduce pain in both conditions. Corns, calluses, and arch discomfort may also improve with better footwear choices, moisturizing, and targeted exercises. When symptoms do not improve or interfere with walking, professional evaluation is important. Some conditions may worsen over time without proper care. If your feet are frequently uncomfortable or showing signs of change, it is suggested that you see a podiatrist for a diagnosis and personalized treatment plan. Proper foot care helps prevent further problems and supports daily comfort and mobility.

Foot Pain

Foot pain can be extremely painful and debilitating. If you have a foot pain, 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.

Causes

Foot pain is a very broad condition that could be caused by one or more ailments. The most common include:

  • Bunions
  • Hammertoes
  • Plantar Fasciitis
  • Bone Spurs
  • Corns
  • Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome
  • Ingrown Toenails
  • Arthritis (such as Gout, Rheumatoid, and Osteoarthritis)
  • Flat Feet
  • Injury (from stress fractures, broken toe, foot, ankle, Achilles tendon ruptures, and sprains)
  • And more

Diagnosis

To figure out the cause of foot pain, podiatrists utilize several different methods. This can range from simple visual inspections and sensation tests to X-rays and MRI scans. Prior medical history, family medical history, and any recent physical traumatic events will all be taken into consideration for a proper diagnosis.

Treatment

Treatment depends upon the cause of the foot pain. Whether it is resting, staying off the foot, or having surgery; podiatrists have a number of treatment options available for foot pain.

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.

Read more about Foot Pain
Tuesday, 10 June 2025 00:00

Types of Heel Spur Surgery

Heel spurs are bony growths that form on the heel bone, often caused by repetitive stress from running, wearing poorly fitting shoes or high heels, or having flat feet or high arches. These spurs can lead to pain and inflammation, especially when walking or standing. When conservative treatments do not relieve symptoms, surgery to remove heel spurs may be considered. Common procedures include inferior heel spur resection, which removes spurs beneath the heel, and posterior heel spur resection, which addresses spurs at the back of the heel near the Achilles tendon. A podiatrist can evaluate your condition, recommend appropriate treatment, and determine if surgery is necessary. Heel spurs can be painful. If you have developed one, it is suggested that you contact this type of doctor who can further discuss the benefits of foot surgery with you.

Foot surgery is sometimes necessary to treat a foot ailment. To learn more, contact Dr. Royall of Mountain View Foot & Ankle Clinic. Our doctor will assist you with all of your foot and ankle needs.

When Is Surgery Necessary?

Foot and ankle surgery is generally reserved for cases in which less invasive, conservative procedures have failed to alleviate the problem. Some of the cases in which surgery may be necessary include:

  • Removing foot deformities like bunions and bone spurs
  • Severe arthritis that has caused bone issues
  • Cosmetic reconstruction

What Types of Surgery Are There?

The type of surgery you receive will depend on the nature of the problem you have. Some of the possible surgeries include:

  • Bunionectomy for painful bunions
  • Surgical fusion for realignment of bones
  • Neuropathy decompression surgery to treat nerve damage

Benefits of Surgery

Although surgery is usually a last resort, it can provide more complete pain relief compared to non-surgical methods and may allow you to finally resume full activity.

Surgical techniques have also become increasingly sophisticated. Techniques like endoscopic surgery allow for smaller incisions and faster recovery times.

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 Foot Surgery

Strengthening the feet through targeted stretching exercises improves sensory awareness, mobility, and flexibility. These qualities help support balance, posture, and overall movement. To perform the independent toe lift, sit with your feet flat and try lifting just your big toe while keeping the others down, then reverse it. The short foot exercise is done by shortening the arch without curling the toes, pulling the ball of the foot toward the heel to engage intrinsic muscles. For the top of foot stretch, kneel with toes pointed behind and gently sit back to stretch the front of the foot and ankle. The arch stretch can be performed by sitting with one foot over the opposite knee, pulling the toes back to stretch the bottom of the foot. A podiatrist can evaluate your foot mechanics, demonstrate proper techniques, and create a plan to improve strength and reduce pain. If you experience ongoing foot discomfort, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can treat the condition and guide you through safe, effective stretching routines.

Stretching the feet is a great way to prevent injuries. If you have any concerns with 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.

Stretching the Feet

Stretching the muscles in the foot is an important part in any physical activity. Feet that are tight can lead to less flexibility and make you more prone to injury. One of the most common forms of foot pain, plantar fasciitis, can be stretched out to help ease the pain. Stretching can not only ease pain from plantar fasciitis but also prevent it as well. However, it is important to see a podiatrist first if stretching is right for you. Podiatrists can also recommend other ways to stretch your feet. Once you know whether stretching is right for you, here are some excellent stretches you can do.

  • Using a foam roller or any cylindrical object (a water bottle or soda can will do), roll the object under your foot back and forth. You should also exert pressure on the object. Be sure to do this to both feet for a minute. Do this exercise three times each.
  • Similar to the previous one, take a ball, such as a tennis ball, and roll it under your foot while seated and exert pressure on it.
  • Grab a resistance band or towel and take a seat. If you are using a towel, fold it length wise. Next put either one between the ball of your foot and heel and pull with both hands on each side towards you. Hold this for 15 seconds and then switch feet. Do this three times for each foot.
  • Finally hold your big toe while crossing one leg over the other. Pull the toe towards you and hold for 15 seconds. Once again do this three times per foot.

It is best to go easy when first stretching your foot and work your way up. If your foot starts hurting, stop exercising and ice and rest the foot. It is advised to then see a podiatrist for help.

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.

Read more about How to Stretch Your Feet

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