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Heel pain is often caused by plantar fasciitis or a heel spur. Plantar fasciitis is the inflammation of the thick band of tissue that runs along the bottom of the foot and connects the heel bone to the toes. This condition usually causes sharp pain in the heel, especially during the first steps in the morning or after long periods of standing. A heel spur is a bony growth that can develop on the underside of the heel bone, often resulting from chronic strain on foot muscles and ligaments. Although heel spurs may not always cause pain, when they do, the discomfort can feel similar to plantar fasciitis. If you have heel pain, it is strongly suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can offer effective relief tips for heel spurs and plantar fasciitis.

Many people suffer from bouts of heel pain. For more information, contact one of our podiatrists of Foot & Ankle Institue. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Causes of Heel Pain

Heel pain is often associated with plantar fasciitis. The plantar fascia is a band of tissues that extends along the bottom of the foot. A rip or tear in this ligament can cause inflammation of the tissue.

Achilles tendonitis is another cause of heel pain. Inflammation of the Achilles tendon will cause pain from fractures and muscle tearing. Lack of flexibility is also another symptom.

Heel spurs are another cause of pain. When the tissues of the plantar fascia undergo a great deal of stress, it can lead to ligament separation from the heel bone, causing heel spurs.

Why Might Heel Pain Occur?

• Wearing ill-fitting shoes                  
• Wearing non-supportive shoes
• Weight change           
• Excessive running

Treatments

Heel pain should be treated as soon as possible for immediate results. Keeping your feet in a stress-free environment will help. If you suffer from Achilles tendonitis or plantar fasciitis, applying ice will reduce the swelling. Stretching before an exercise like running will help the muscles. Using all these tips will help make heel pain a condition of the past.

If you have any questions please contact one of our offices located in St. George, Hurricane, and Cedar City, UT and Mesquite, NV . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

A broken toe might seem minor, but it can be surprisingly painful and disruptive. Toe fractures happen from direct impact, like stubbing a toe on furniture, dropping something heavy on it, or even excessive stress from repetitive movements. There are different types of toe fractures. A stress fracture develops over time from repeated strain, common in runners and athletes. A non-displaced fracture means the bone has cracked but remains aligned, while a displaced fracture occurs when the bone shifts out of place. A comminuted fracture involves multiple breaks in the same bone, and an open fracture means the bone has pierced the skin, requiring immediate medical attention. Treatment depends on severity, ranging from taping the injured toe to its neighbor for stability to wearing a stiff-soled shoe. Severe cases may require a splint or even surgery to ensure proper healing. If you have severe pain from a broken toe, it is strongly suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for appropriate treatment.

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 one of our podiatrists from Foot & Ankle Institue. Our doctors 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 St. George, Hurricane, and Cedar City, UT and Mesquite, NV . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Wearing the correct shoe size is vital for foot health and overall comfort. Shoes that are too tight or too loose can cause a variety of foot problems. Wearing tight shoes can lead to blisters, calluses, and bunions, while shoes that are too loose can cause instability, leading to sprained ankles or difficulty walking. Inappropriate shoe sizes can also contribute to conditions like hammertoes, corns, or nerve damage. Additionally, wearing ill-fitting shoes can impact posture, leading to back, knee, or hip pain. Children’s feet are especially prone to damage if their shoes do not fit properly as they are still growing. If you have foot pain, possibly from wearing the wrong size shoes, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can treat various foot conditions, and guide you on how to find your right shoe size.

Getting the right shoe size is an important part of proper foot health. Seek the assistance of one of our podiatrists from Foot & Ankle Institue. Our doctors will provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Getting the Right Shoe Size

There are many people who wear shoes that are the incorrect size, negatively affecting their feet and posture. Selecting the right shoes is not a difficult process, so long as you keep several things in mind when it comes to choosing the right pair.

• When visiting the shoe store, use the tools available to measure your foot.
• Be sure there is ‘wiggle room’. There should be about an inch between your toes and the tip of your shoes.
• Do not always assume you are the same size, as manufacturers run differently.
• Purchase shoes later in the day, as your feet swell as the day progresses.
• If a shoe is not comfortable, it is not suitable. Most shoes can’t be ‘broken in’, and comfort should be the ultimate goal when it comes to choosing the right pair of shoes

As our feet hold our body weight and keep us moving, it is important to treat them right. Picking the right pair of shoes can provide your feet comfort and mobility without pain.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact one of our offices located in St. George, Hurricane, and Cedar City, UT and Mesquite, NV . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Ingrown toenails occur when the edges of a toenail grow into the surrounding skin, causing pain, redness, and swelling. This condition is often seen in the big toe and can sometimes lead to infection. One of the key causes of ingrown toenails is improper nail trimming, such as cutting nails too short or rounding the edges. Other factors include wearing tight shoes that crowd the toes or injure the nail. Toenail thickening, often caused by fungal infections, can also increase the risk of ingrown nails by altering the shape of the nail and making it more likely to dig into the skin. Ingrown toenails may improve with care such as soaking and proper trimming, but severe cases require professional treatment. A podiatrist can safely remove part of the nail, treat any infection, and provide advice on proper nail care and footwear to prevent recurrence. If you have an ingrown toenail, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist.

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 one of our podiatrists of Foot & Ankle Institue. Our doctors 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 one of our offices located in St. George, Hurricane, and Cedar City, UT and Mesquite, NV . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.