Blog

The majority of babies are born with flat feet, and they may remain that way into adulthood. Flat feet are easily noticed as the foot lies flat on the floor while standing, and the lack of an arch may be painful for some patients. Flat feet fall into two categories. Those who have weak muscles in the foot are referred to as having flexible flat feet, and the arch may be seen while lying down. With this condition, the arch will disappear when weight is put on it. Rigid flat feet will remain the same whether standing or lying down, and there may be a reduced range of motion. Many people who have flat feet choose to wear orthotics, which can be successful in treating this type of abnormal foot structure. Severely flat feet may cause difficulty in completing daily activities, and surgery may be considered for permanent relief. If you are an adult who has flat feet, it is suggested that you are under the care of a podiatrist who can guide you toward the relief options and offer the treatment that is best for you.

Flatfoot is a condition many people suffer from. If you have flat feet, contact one of our podiatrists from Foot & Ankle Institue. Our doctors will treat your foot and ankle needs.

What Are Flat Feet?

Flatfoot is a condition in which the arch of the foot is depressed and the sole of the foot is almost completely in contact with the ground. About 20-30% of the population generally has flat feet because their arches never formed during growth.

Conditions & Problems:

Having flat feet makes it difficult to run or walk because of the stress placed on the ankles.

Alignment – The general alignment of your legs can be disrupted, because the ankles move inward which can cause major discomfort.

Knees – If you have complications with your knees, flat feet can be a contributor to arthritis in that area.  

Symptoms

• Pain around the heel or arch area
• Trouble standing on the tip toe
• Swelling around the inside of the ankle
• Flat look to one or both feet
• Having your shoes feel uneven when worn

Treatment

If you are experiencing pain and stress on the foot you may weaken the posterior tibial tendon, which runs around the inside of the ankle. 

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 and ankle needs.

Toenail fungus is a common nail infection.  It is considered contagious, and most people will develop this foot condition at some point in their lives. It is noticeable by the yellow and thickened toenails, and in severe cases, the nail can become brittle and crumble. The fungus that causes this nail condition lives in warm and moist environments, including shower room floors, public swimming pools, and similar places. Effective prevention techniques can consist of refraining from sharing towels, shoes, and socks, in addition to wearing shoes that are made of breathable materials. People who have existing medical conditions, such as diabetes, psoriasis, or a weakened immune system may be prone to developing toenail fungus. If you see the beginning signs of this nail infection, it is strongly suggested that you consult with a podiatrist sooner rather than later who can discuss treatment options with you.

For more information about treatment, 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.

Toenail Fungus Treatment

Toenail fungus is a condition that affects many people and can be especially hard to get rid of. Fortunately, there are several methods to go about treating and avoiding it.

Antifungals & Deterrence

Oral antifungal medicine has been shown to be effective in many cases. It is important to consult with a podiatrist to determine the proper regiment for you, or potentially explore other options.

Applying foot powder on the feet and shoes helps keep the feet free of moisture and sweat.

Sandals or open toed shoes – Wearing these will allow air movement and help keep feet dry. They also expose your feet to light, which fungus cannot tolerate. Socks with moisture wicking material also help as well.

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 tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.

Hikers toenail is a condition that can be painful, unsightly and a generally unpleasant experience among people who enjoy this activity. It also can lead to other conditions, including fungal infections and misshapen toenails. Symptoms of hikers toenail include a blackened appearance of the nail, which is actually caused by blood forming underneath it. Combined with the warm and moist environment that develops within hiking boots, it is a perfect breeding ground for fungal infections. One of the main causes of hikers toenail is improperly fitting footwear. Specifically, boots that are too short and boots that leave too much room for the foot to slide are the top causes. Both can make the toes push forward against the tip of the boot. If this continues, it can form an ingrown toenail, or it can actually separate the toenail from the nailbed. In most cases, however, the toenails simply become bruised, cracked, and blackened. For treatment of severely bruised toenails, it is suggested that you visit a podiatrist, who is a trained foot doctor and can help to remedy the situation.

Toe pain can disrupt your daily activities. If you have any concerns, 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.

What Causes Toe Pain?

Most severe toe pain is caused due to a sports injury, trauma from dropping something heavy on the toe, or bumping into something rigid. Other problems can develop over time for various reasons.

Toe pain can be caused by one or more ailments. The most common include:

• Trauma
• Sports injury
• Wearing shoes that are too tight
• Arthritis
• Gout
• Corns and calluses
• Hammertoe
• Bunions
• Blisters
• Ingrown toenails
• Sprains
• Fractures (broken bones)
• Dislocations

When to See a Podiatrist

• Severe pain
• Persistent pain that lasts more than a week
• Signs of infection
• Continued swelling
• Pain that prevents walking

Diagnosis

In many cases the cause of toe pain is obvious, but in others, a podiatrist may want to use more advanced methods to determine the problem. These 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

Treatments for toe pain and injuries vary and may include shoe inserts, padding, taping, medicines, injections, and in some cases, surgery. If you believe that you have broken a toe, please see a podiatrist as soon as possible.

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 tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.