Hammertoe surgery is a procedure to correct a deformity where a toe bends downward abnormally. Before surgery, expect a thorough consultation with your podiatrist, including a physical examination and imaging tests to assess the extent of the deformity. The procedure is typically outpatient, meaning you can go home the same day. During surgery, you will receive local anesthesia to numb the area. The doctor may remove a small piece of bone or realign tendons and ligaments to straighten the toe. Post-surgery, your foot will be bandaged, and you may need to wear a special shoe or boot for several weeks to protect the toe. Recovery involves rest, keeping your foot elevated, and avoiding putting weight on the affected area initially. Pain and swelling are common but manageable with prescribed medications. If you have had hammertoe surgery, follow-up appointments with a podiatrist are strongly suggested to monitor healing.

Foot surgery is sometimes necessary to treat a foot ailment. To learn more, contact Landon Bowerbank, DPM of Pioneer Foot and Ankle. 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.

Chronic ankle pain is a persistent problem, often resulting from recurrent ankle sprains. These injuries are common among both the general and athletic populations. Up to 40 percent of people experience long-term issues, including pain, swelling, and instability. Recurring ankle pain can last a year or more after the initial injury. This chronic discomfort usually arises from microscopic tears in the ankle ligaments during a sprain, causing either functional or mechanical instability. Functional instability, which is described as the sensation of the ankle giving out, is difficult to see on X-rays. In contrast, mechanical instability involves excessive joint movement that can be detected through clinical tests or imaging. A podiatrist can effectively manage chronic ankle pain. This medically trained foot doctor can provide a thorough evaluation to determine the type of instability and offer such treatment as bracing, or surgery, depending on the severity of the injury. If you experience frequent ankle pain or injury, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for an exam, diagnosis, and treatment options.

Ankle pain can have many different causes and the pain may potentially be serious. If you have ankle pain, consult with Landon Bowerbank, DPM from Pioneer Foot and Ankle. our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

Ankle pain is any condition that causes pain in the ankle. Due to the fact that the ankle consists of tendons, muscles, bones, and ligaments, ankle pain can come from a number of different conditions.

Causes

The most common causes of ankle pain include:

• Types of arthritis (rheumatoid, osteoarthritis, and gout)
• Ankle sprains
• Broken ankles
• Achilles tendinitis
• Achilles tendon rupture
• Stress fractures
• Tarsal tunnel syndrome
• Plantar fasciitis

Symptoms

Symptoms of ankle injury vary based upon the condition. Pain may include general pain and discomfort, swelling, aching, redness, bruising, burning or stabbing sensations, and/or loss of sensation.

Diagnosis

Due to the wide variety of potential causes of ankle pain, podiatrists will utilize a number of different methods to properly diagnose ankle pain. This can include asking for personal and family medical histories and of any recent injuries. Further diagnosis may include sensation tests, a physical examination, and potentially x-rays or other imaging tests.

Treatment

Just as the range of causes varies widely, so do treatments. Some more common treatments are rest, ice packs, keeping pressure off the foot, orthotics and braces, medication for inflammation and pain, and surgery.

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.

Foot arthritis can be debilitating, but incorporating stretches and exercises into your daily routine can help alleviate pain and improve mobility. Toe curls are where you scrunch a towel with your toes to strengthen the muscles in your feet and promote flexibility. Ankle circles help maintain joint mobility and reduce stiffness. Calf stretches, such as leaning against a wall with one leg extended behind you, help stretch the muscles and tendons in your lower leg, easing strain on arthritic joints. Toe stretches, gently pulling each toe back for a few seconds, can increase flexibility and reduce discomfort. Finally, seated heel raises, lifting your heels off the ground while seated, strengthen the muscles in your calves and feet, providing support to arthritic joints. If you have arthritis in your feet, it is suggested that you are under the care of a podiatrist who can help you to manage this condition.

Arthritis can be a difficult condition to live with. If you are seeking treatment, contact Landon Bowerbank, DPM from Pioneer Foot and Ankle. our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Arthritic Foot Care  

Arthritis is a term that is commonly used to describe joint pain.  The condition itself can occur to anyone of any age, race, or gender, and there are over 100 types of it.  Nevertheless, arthritis is more commonly found in women compared to men, and it is also more prevalent in those who are overweight. The causes of arthritis vary depending on which type of arthritis you have. Osteoarthritis for example, is often caused by injury, while rheumatoid arthritis is caused by a misdirected immune system.

Symptoms

• Swelling
• Pain
• Stiffness
• Decreased Range of Motion

Arthritic symptoms range in severity, and they may come and go. Some symptoms stay the same for several years but could potentially get worse with time. Severe cases of arthritis can prevent its sufferers from performing daily activities and make walking difficult.

Risk Factors

• Occupation – Occupations requiring repetitive knee movements have been linked to osteoarthritis
• Obesity – Excess weight can contribute to osteoarthritis development
• Infection – Microbial agents can infect the joints and trigger arthritis
• Joint Injuries – Damage to joints may lead to osteoarthritis
• Age – Risk increases with age
• Gender –Most types are more common in women
• Genetics – Arthritis can be hereditary

If you suspect your arthritis is affecting your feet, it is crucial that you see a podiatrist immediately. Your doctor will be able to address your specific case and help you decide which treatment method is best for you.

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.

Foot fractures encompass a spectrum of injuries, each demanding specific attention and care. Among them, the Jones fracture affects the fifth metatarsal bone, typically requiring immobilization through casting or surgery to ensure proper healing. Metatarsal shaft fractures, occurring along the long bones of the foot, often necessitate rest, elevation, and the use of crutches to alleviate pressure. Proximal fifth metatarsal tuberosity avulsion fractures involve the pulling away of a small bone fragment due to sudden muscle contractions, often managed with immobilization and gradual return to weight-bearing activities. Additionally, big toe fractures, whether simple or complex, may require splinting, taping, or buddy taping to adjacent toes to promote stability. Relief techniques for foot fractures commonly involve rest and elevation to mitigate swelling and pain. Immobilization aids like casts, braces, or boots help stabilize the injured area, facilitating proper healing. If you have broken your foot, it is strongly suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can determine what type of fracture you have, and offer appropriate treatment methods.

A broken foot requires immediate medical attention and treatment. If you need your feet checked, contact Landon Bowerbank, DPM from Pioneer Foot and Ankle. our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Broken Foot Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment

A broken foot is caused by one of the bones in the foot typically breaking when bended, crushed, or stretched beyond its natural capabilities. Usually the location of the fracture indicates how the break occurred, whether it was through an object, fall, or any other type of injury. 

Common Symptoms of Broken Feet:

• Bruising
• Pain
• Redness
• Swelling
• Blue in color
• Numbness
• Cold
• Misshapen
• Cuts
• Deformities

Those that suspect they have a broken foot shoot seek urgent medical attention where a medical professional could diagnose the severity.

Treatment for broken bones varies depending on the cause, severity and location. Some will require the use of splints, casts or crutches while others could even involve surgery to repair the broken bones. Personal care includes the use of ice and keeping the foot stabilized and elevated.

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.

Broken toes in kids are common due to their active lifestyles and frequent participation in sports and play. These fractures often occur from stubbing the toe, dropping heavy objects on the foot, or direct impacts during activities. Symptoms of a broken toe include severe pain, swelling, bruising, and difficulty walking or bearing weight on the affected foot. The pain from a broken toe is usually immediate and intense, with visible deformity or misalignment in severe cases. If a child complains of persistent pain and shows signs of swelling or discoloration, a fracture is likely. Treatment for broken toes in children typically involves rest, compression, and elevation to reduce swelling and alleviate pain. Immobilizing the toe with a splint or buddy-taping it to an adjacent toe can help maintain alignment and promote healing. Pain relievers may be used to manage discomfort. If you suspect your child has broken a toe, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for a proper diagnosis and appropriate treatment. 

A broken toe can be very painful and lead to complications if not properly fixed. If you have any concerns about your feet, contact Landon Bowerbank, DPM from Pioneer Foot and Ankle. our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.

What to Know About a Broken Toe

Although most people try to avoid foot trauma such as banging, stubbing, or dropping heavy objects on their feet, the unfortunate fact is that it is a common occurrence. Given the fact that toes are positioned in front of the feet, they typically sustain the brunt of such trauma. When trauma occurs to a toe, the result can be a painful break (fracture).

Symptoms of a Broken Toe

• Throbbing pain
• Swelling
• Bruising on the skin and toenail
• The inability to move the toe
• Toe appears crooked or disfigured
• Tingling or numbness in the toe

Generally, it is best to stay off of the injured toe with the affected foot elevated.

Severe toe fractures may be treated with a splint, cast, and in some cases, minor surgery. Due to its position and the pressure it endures with daily activity, future complications can occur if the big toe is not properly treated.

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.