Lupus, an autoimmune disease, can significantly affect the bones, joints, and muscles in the feet, leading to various complications. This condition causes the immune system to attack healthy tissues, resulting in inflammation and damage. In the feet, lupus commonly leads to arthritis, causing joint pain, swelling, and stiffness. Tendonitis, an inflammation of the tendons, is also frequent, causing pain and difficulty in movement. Additionally, tendon laxity, or the loosening of tendons, can occur, causing instability and increasing the risk of sprains. One severe complication of lupus is avascular necrosis, where reduced blood flow to the bones leads to bone tissue death. This condition can cause severe pain and lead to bone collapse if untreated. Managing lupus symptoms requires early intervention and proper care. If you have this disease and are experiencing foot-related issues, it is strongly suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for personalized treatment and to address your specific problems.

When dealing with systemic disease of the feet, it is extremely important to check the affected areas routinely so that any additional problems are caught quickly.  If you have any concerns about your feet and ankles contact Landon Bowerbank, DPM from Pioneer Foot and Ankle. our doctor will assist you with all of your podiatric needs.

Systemic Diseases of the Feet

Systemic diseases affect the whole body, and symptoms usually are displayed in the feet. This condition can make a patient’s ability to walk unbearable.  Systemic diseases include gout, diabetes mellitus, neurological disorders, and arthritis.

Gout – is caused by an excess of uric acid in the body. Common symptoms include pain, inflammation, and redness at the metatarsal/phalangeal joint of the base big toe. Gout can be treated by NSAIDs to relieve pain and inflammation, and other drugs that lower the acid levels in the body.

Diabetes mellitus – is an increase in the level of blood sugar that the body cannot counteract with its own insulin. Failure to produce enough insulin is a factor in Diabetes.

Diabetes of the Feet

Diabetic Neuropathy – may lead to damaged nerves and affect the feet through numbness and loss of sensation.

Peripheral Vascular Disease – can restrict the blood flow to the feet, and often times lead to amputation of the feet. 

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.

Ingrown toenails are characterized by the downward curling of the toenail's side or corner into the adjacent skin. An ingrown toenail typically results in redness, swelling, tenderness, and in some cases becomes infected. While frequently seen in the big toe, any toenail can become ingrown. The major causes of ingrown toenails include wearing ill-fitting footwear, improper nail trimming techniques, and traumatic injury to the toe. Seeking professional evaluation by a podiatrist is essential for an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment. For mild cases, conservative measures such as warm water soaks and placement of a cotton ball beneath the affected nail corner may provide relief. However, persistent or worsening symptoms warrant prompt intervention to prevent complications, including bacterial infection. In such instances, treatment may involve antibiotic therapy or, in severe cases, surgical removal of the ingrown portion of the nail. Among the ways to prevent an ingrown toenail are trimming nails straight and wearing shoes that fit properly. If you have an ingrown toenail, especially if pain is persistent, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for a complete exam and treatment suggestions.

Ingrown toenails can become painful if they are not treated properly. For more information about ingrown toenails, contact Landon Bowerbank, DPM of Pioneer Foot and Ankle. our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Ingrown Toenails

Ingrown toenails occur when a toenail grows sideways into the bed of the nail, causing pain, swelling, and possibly infection.

Causes

• Bacterial infections
• Improper nail cutting such as cutting it too short or not straight across
• Trauma to the toe, such as stubbing, which causes the nail to grow back irregularly
• Ill-fitting shoes that bunch the toes too close together
• Genetic predisposition

Prevention

Because ingrown toenails are not something found outside of shoe-wearing cultures, going barefoot as often as possible will decrease the likeliness of developing ingrown toenails. Wearing proper fitting shoes and using proper cutting techniques will also help decrease your risk of developing ingrown toenails.

Treatment

Ingrown toenails are a very treatable foot condition. In minor cases, soaking the affected area in salt or antibacterial soaps will not only help with the ingrown nail itself, but also help prevent any infections from occurring. In more severe cases, surgery is an option. In either case, speaking to your podiatrist about this condition will help you get a better understanding of specific treatment options that are right 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 and ankle needs.

As you age, elderly foot care becomes increasingly important for maintaining mobility and overall well-being. Elderly individuals are particularly susceptible to foot problems due to factors such as decreased circulation, thinning skin, and loss of natural cushioning. To promote foot health, it is essential for seniors to prioritize regular foot inspections, checking for any signs of redness, swelling, cuts, or sores. Keeping feet clean and moisturized can help prevent dryness and cracking, which can lead to infections. Wearing properly fitting shoes with adequate support and cushioning is vital for preventing foot pain and deformities. Additionally, it is beneficial for seniors to engage in gentle foot exercises, such as toe curls and ankle rotations, to improve circulation and flexibility. If foot pain or other conditions have developed, it is strongly suggested that you contact podiatrist who can offer relief methods and provide additional tips on elderly foot care.

Proper foot care is something many older adults forget to consider. If you have any concerns about your feet and ankles, 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.

The Elderly and Their Feet

As we age we start to notice many changes in our body, but the elder population may not notice them right away. Medical conditions may prevent the elderly to take notice of their foot health right away. Poor vision is a lead contributor to not taking action for the elderly.

Common Conditions 

• Neuropathy – can reduce feeling in the feet and can hide many life-threatening medical conditions.
• Reduced flexibility – prevents the ability of proper toenail trimming, and foot cleaning. If left untreated, it may lead to further medical issues.
• Foot sores – amongst the older population can be serious before they are discovered. Some of the problematic conditions they may face are:
• Gouging toenails affecting nearby toe
• Shoes that don’t fit properly
• Pressure sores
• Loss of circulation in legs & feet
• Edema & swelling of feet and ankles

Susceptible Infections

Diabetes and poor circulation can cause general loss of sensitivity over the years, turning a simple cut into a serious issue.

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.

Non-healing foot ulcers in diabetic patients are influenced by a myriad of factors, including the wound environment, the patient's general health, and the medications they are taking. A compromised wound environment, often characterized by high bacterial load, excess moisture, or inadequate blood supply due to peripheral arterial disease, can impede healing. Additionally, the patient's overall health status plays a significant role, with conditions like obesity, smoking, and immune system deficiencies hindering the body's ability to repair tissues. Medications such as corticosteroids and certain chemotherapeutic agents may also interfere with wound healing processes. Addressing these multifaceted challenges requires a comprehensive approach, encompassing wound debridement, infection control, and optimizing the patient's general health through lifestyle modifications and medication adjustments. If you suffer from diabetic foot ulcers, it is strongly suggested that you are under a podiatrist to enhance healing outcomes and reduce the risk of serious complications.

Wound care is an important part in dealing with diabetes. If you have diabetes and a foot wound or would like more information about wound care for diabetics, 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.

What Is Wound Care?

Wound care is the practice of taking proper care of a wound. This can range from the smallest to the largest of wounds. While everyone can benefit from proper wound care, it is much more important for diabetics. Diabetics often suffer from poor blood circulation which causes wounds to heal much slower than they would in a non-diabetic. 

What Is the Importance of Wound Care?

While it may not seem apparent with small ulcers on the foot, for diabetics, any size ulcer can become infected. Diabetics often also suffer from neuropathy, or nerve loss. This means they might not even feel when they have an ulcer on their foot. If the wound becomes severely infected, amputation may be necessary. Therefore, it is of the upmost importance to properly care for any and all foot wounds.

How to Care for Wounds

The best way to care for foot wounds is to prevent them. For diabetics, this means daily inspections of the feet for any signs of abnormalities or ulcers. It is also recommended to see a podiatrist several times a year for a foot inspection. If you do have an ulcer, run the wound under water to clear dirt from the wound; then apply antibiotic ointment to the wound and cover with a bandage. Bandages should be changed daily and keeping pressure off the wound is smart. It is advised to see a podiatrist, who can keep an eye on it.

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.

Athlete's foot, a fungal infection of the skin on the feet, is usually treated with different types of antifungal medications. These can come in the form of creams, sprays, and powders, as well as oral medications for more severe cases. These treatments can kill the fungus that causes the infection. The infection usually clears up within a few weeks of topical treatment application. Keeping your feet clean and dry when treating athlete’s foot is important, as the fungus thrives in moist environments. Changing socks regularly, using antifungal powders in shoes, and avoiding walking barefoot in public areas, such as locker rooms or swimming pools, can help prevent the spread of the infection. A podiatrist, or foot doctor, might recommend a stronger prescription medication for more persistent cases. Podiatrists can also guide proper foot hygiene to prevent recurrence. If you are struggling with athlete’s foot, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist for the right treatment options for you. 

Athlete’s foot is an inconvenient condition that can be easily reduced with the proper treatment. If you have any concerns about your feet and ankles, contact Landon Bowerbank, DPM from Pioneer Foot and Ankle.  our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.

Athlete’s Foot: The Sole Story

Athlete's foot, also known as tinea pedis, can be an extremely contagious foot infection. It is commonly contracted in public changing areas and bathrooms, dormitory style living quarters, around locker rooms and public swimming pools, or anywhere your feet often come into contact with other people.

Solutions to Combat Athlete’s Foot

• Hydrate your feet by using lotion
• Exfoliate
• Buff off nails
• Use of anti-fungal products
• Examine your feet and visit your doctor if any suspicious blisters or cuts develop

Athlete’s foot can cause many irritating symptoms such as dry and flaking skin, itching, and redness. Some more severe symptoms can include bleeding and cracked skin, intense itching and burning, and even pain when walking. In the worst cases, Athlete’s foot can cause blistering as well. Speak to your podiatrist for a better understanding of the different causes of Athlete’s foot, as well as help in determining which treatment options are 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 and ankle needs.