Gout is a type of arthritis that causes sudden, intense joint pain, often starting in the big toe. It happens when there is too much uric acid in the body, which can form sharp crystals in the joints. These crystals lead to swelling, redness, and severe tenderness that may appear without warning, often overnight. Certain foods and drinks, such as red meat, seafood, and alcohol, may increase the risk of a flare-up. Gout attacks can become more frequent or affect other joints, if left untreated. Managing the condition involves lifestyle changes, staying hydrated, and, in many cases, medication to control uric acid levels. Wearing comfortable shoes and avoiding excess pressure on the affected foot can help during flare-ups. If you are experiencing sudden joint pain or swelling in your toe or foot, it is suggested that you see a podiatrist for an accurate diagnosis and care plan.

Gout is a painful condition that can be treated. If you are seeking treatment, contact Landon Bowerbank, DPM from Pioneer Foot and Ankle. our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.

What Is Gout?

Gout is a form of arthritis that is characterized by sudden, severe attacks of pain, redness, and tenderness in the joints. The condition usually affects the joint at the base of the big toe. A gout attack can occur at any random time, such as the middle of the night while you are asleep.

Symptoms

• Intense Joint Pain - Usually around the large joint of your big toe, and it most severe within the first four to twelve hours
• Lingering Discomfort - Joint discomfort may last from a few days to a few weeks
• Inflammation and Redness -Affected joints may become swollen, tender, warm and red
• Limited Range of Motion - May experience a decrease in joint mobility

Risk Factors

• Genetics - If family members have gout, you’re more likely to have it
• Medications - Diuretic medications can raise uric acid levels
• Gender/Age - Gout is more common in men until the age of 60. It is believed that estrogen protects women until that point
• Diet - Eating red meat and shellfish increases your risk
• Alcohol - Having more than two alcoholic drinks per day increases your risk
• Obesity - Obese people are at a higher risk for gout

Prior to visiting your podiatrist to receive treatment for gout, there are a few things you should do beforehand. If you have gout you should write down your symptoms--including when they started and how often you experience them, important medical information you may have, and any questions you may have. Writing down these three things will help your podiatrist in assessing your specific situation so that he or she may provide the best route of treatment 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.

Stress fractures are small cracks in the bone that often develop from repeated impact or overuse. They tend to appear in the feet and lower legs, especially in athletes, runners, or people who suddenly increase their activity level. Wearing shoes that lack adequate support, skipping rest days, or having poor bone health can all raise the risk. These injuries may begin with a dull ache that worsens over time, especially during weight-bearing activities. Preventing stress fractures involves building up activity gradually, choosing footwear with proper support, and including rest in your routine. Nutrition also plays a role. Strong bones need enough calcium, vitamin D, and overall nourishment. If foot or ankle pain continues during movement or returns with activity, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for a diagnosis and appropriate treatment.

Activities where too much pressure is put on the feet can cause stress fractures. To learn more, contact Landon Bowerbank, DPM from Pioneer Foot and Ankle. our doctor can provide the care you need to keep your pain free and on your feet.

Dealing with Stress Fractures of the Foot and Ankle

Stress fractures occur in the foot and ankle when muscles in these areas weaken from too much or too little use.  The feet and ankles then lose support when walking or running from the impact of the ground. Since there is no protection, the bones receive the full impact of each step. Stress on the feet can cause cracks to form in the bones, thus creating stress fractures.

What Are Stress Fractures?

Stress fractures occur frequently in individuals whose daily activities cause great impact on the feet and ankles. Stress factors are most common among:

• Runners                                  
• People affected with Osteoporosis
• Tennis or basketball players
• Gymnasts
• High impact workouts

Symptoms

Pain from the fractures occur in the area of the fractures and can be constant or intermittent. It will often cause sharp or dull pain with swelling and tenderness. Engaging in any kind of activity which involves high impact will aggravate 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 and ankle needs.

Fracture blisters are fluid-filled lesions that develop on the skin near a broken bone, usually in areas with little soft tissue such as the ankle or foot. These blisters form due to increased pressure and shearing forces during a traumatic injury. Common causes include severe fractures, particularly from high-impact incidents. Symptoms involve tense or blood-filled blisters, swelling, and pain. Risk factors include diabetes, vascular disease, and delayed medical attention. A podiatrist can assess the injury, prevent  or treat an infection, and guide proper wound care and immobilization. Prompt evaluation ensures healing without complications. If you notice blistering near a foot injury, it is strongly suggested that you seek expert podiatric care immediately.

Blisters are prone to making everyday activities extremely uncomfortable. If your feet are hurting, 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.

Foot Blisters

Foot blisters develop as a result of constantly wearing tight or ill-fitting footwear. This happens due to the constant rubbing from the shoe, which can often lead to pain.

What Are Foot Blisters?

A foot blister is a small fluid-filled pocket that forms on the upper-most layer of the skin. Blisters are filled with clear fluid and can lead to blood drainage or pus if the area becomes infected.

How Do Blisters Form?

Blisters on the feet are often the result of constant friction of skin and material, usually by shoe rubbing. Walking in sandals, boots, or shoes that don’t fit properly for long periods of time can result in a blister. Having consistent foot moisture and humidity can easily lead to blister formation.

Prevention & Treatment

It is important to properly care for the affected area in order to prevent infection and ease the pain. Do not lance the blister and use a Band-Aid to provide pain relief. Also, be sure to keep your feet dry and wear proper fitting shoes. If you see blood or pus in a blister, seek assistance from a podiatrist.

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.

Poor circulation in the feet occurs when blood flow is reduced, often due to underlying conditions like diabetes, peripheral artery disease, or Raynaud's phenomenon. which causes blood vessels to narrow in response to cold or stress, and leads to pale, cold, or numb toes that may later turn blue or red. Symptoms of poor circulation include tingling, cramping, slow-healing wounds, and noticeable temperature differences between feet. These signs should not be ignored, as they may indicate more serious vascular issues. A podiatrist can perform diagnostic tests, recommend lifestyle changes, and provide treatment options to improve blood flow and manage discomfort. If you are experiencing any signs of poor circulation in your feet, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist who can help you to manage your foot health.

Poor circulation is a serious condition and needs immediate medical attention. If you have any concerns with poor circulation in your feet contact Landon Bowerbank, DPM of Pioneer Foot and Ankle. our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.

Poor Circulation in the Feet

Poor blood circulation in the feet and legs is can be caused by peripheral artery disease (PAD), which is the result of a buildup of plaque in the arteries.

Plaque buildup or atherosclerosis results from excess calcium and cholesterol in the bloodstream. This can restrict the amount of blood which can flow through the arteries. Poor blood circulation in the feet and legs are sometimes caused by inflammation in the blood vessels, known as vasculitis.

Causes

Lack of oxygen and oxygen from poor blood circulation restricts muscle growth and development. It can also cause:

• Muscle pain, stiffness, or weakness   
• Numbness or cramping in the legs 
• Skin discoloration
• Slower nail & hair growth
• Erectile dysfunction

Those who have diabetes or smoke are at greatest risk for poor circulation, as are those who are over 50. If you have poor circulation in the feet and legs it may be caused by PAD and is important to make changes to your lifestyle in order to reduce risk of getting a heart attack or stroke. Exercise and maintaining a healthy lifestyle will dramatically improve conditions.

As always, see a podiatrist as he or she will assist in finding a regimen that suits you. A podiatrist can also prescribe you any needed medication. 

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.

Ankle pain can result from a variety of causes, ranging from sudden injury to long-term wear and tear. Sprains are among the most common sources, often caused by twisting the ankle beyond its normal range. Overuse injuries, such as tendonitis or stress on the joint, can also lead to discomfort. Arthritis, gout, and underlying structural issues like flat feet may contribute to ongoing pain or stiffness. Immediate care for ankle pain often includes rest, elevation, and avoiding activities that increase discomfort. Wearing supportive footwear and gentle stretching can help reduce stress on the joint. When pain persists, swelling increases, or walking becomes difficult, a medical evaluation is needed to rule out more serious conditions. If ankle pain is affecting your mobility or quality of life, it is suggested that you see a podiatrist for a diagnosis and care plan tailored to your needs.

Ankle pain can be caused by a number of problems and may be potentially 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 tendonitis
• Achilles tendon rupture
• Stress fractures
• Bursitis
• 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.