Charcot foot is a serious condition that affects people with peripheral neuropathy, most commonly those with diabetes. It weakens the bones in the foot, causing them to fracture and dislocate without significant pain. As the condition progresses, the arch collapses, leading to a rocker-bottom type of deformity. Early signs include swelling, redness, and warmth in the foot, often mistaken for infection. If left untreated, Charcot foot can lead to severe deformity, ulceration, and an increased risk of limb loss. Early diagnosis and treatment are critical. Offloading the foot with a total contact cast or custom orthotic device helps protect and stabilize the bones during healing. In advanced cases, surgery may be necessary. If you have diabetes and notice changes in your feet, it is suggested that you see a podiatrist for a proper diagnosis and treatment.

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.

Plantar fasciitis causes heel pain due to inflammation of the thick band of tissue along the bottom of the foot. Stretching and strengthening exercises can help relieve discomfort and improve flexibility. A gentle calf stretch, performed by pressing the heel down while leaning against a wall, helps reduce tension in the plantar fascia. Rolling a ball or a frozen water bottle under the foot provides a deep stretch and massage to the arch. Toe stretches, where the toes are gently pulled back toward the shin, can improve mobility and relieve tightness. Additionally, strengthening exercises, such as towel scrunches and toe lifts, help support the foot structure. If you have plantar fasciitis, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can offer effective treatment and relief tips.

Stretching the feet is a great way to prevent injuries. If you have any concerns with your feet 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.

Stretching the Feet

Stretching the muscles in the foot is an important part in any physical activity. Feet that are tight can lead to less flexibility and make you more prone to injury. One of the most common forms of foot pain, plantar fasciitis, can be stretched out to help ease the pain. Stretching can not only ease pain from plantar fasciitis but also prevent it as well. However, it is important to see a podiatrist first if stretching is right for you. Podiatrists can also recommend other ways to stretch your feet. Once you know whether stretching is right for you, here are some excellent stretches you can do.

• Using a foam roller or any cylindrical object (a water bottle or soda can will do), roll the object under your foot back and forth. You should also exert pressure on the object. Be sure to do this to both feet for a minute. Do this exercise three times each.
• Similar to the previous one, take a ball, such as a tennis ball, and roll it under your foot while seated and exert pressure on it.
• Grab a resistance band or towel and take a seat. If you are using a towel, fold it length wise. Next put either one between the ball of your foot and heel and pull with both hands on each side towards you. Hold this for 15 seconds and then switch feet. Do this three times for each foot.
• Finally hold your big toe while crossing one leg over the other. Pull the toe towards you and hold for 15 seconds. Once again do this three times per foot.

It is best to go easy when first stretching your foot and work your way up. If your foot starts hurting, stop exercising and ice and rest the foot. It is advised to then see a podiatrist for help.

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.

Morton's neuroma involves damage and inflammation of the nerves between the toes, most often between the third and fourth toes. Patients typically experience sharp, burning pain, tingling, or numbness extending from the ball of the foot into the toes. Many describe the sensation as walking with a small stone or pebble under the foot. Morton’s neuroma often arises from continuous pressure or irritation of the nerve. It may be caused by wearing tight shoes, high heels, or foot abnormalities such as bunions, hammertoe, or flat arches. Participation in high-impact activities like running also may contribute to such nerve injury. Treatment from a podiatrist includes customized orthotic shoe inserts, steroid injections to relieve inflammation, and possibly surgery to remove the affected nerve, or releasing pressure by cutting surrounding ligaments. If you have ongoing sharp, burning pain under your toes, it is suggested that you scheduled an appointment with a podiatrist for an exam, diagnosis, and treatment.

Morton’s neuroma is a very uncomfortable condition to live with. If you think you have Morton’s neuroma, contact Landon Bowerbank, DPM of Pioneer Foot and Ankle. our doctor will attend to all of your foot care needs and answer any of your related questions.  

Morton’s Neuroma

Morton's neuroma is a painful foot condition that commonly affects the areas between the second and third or third and fourth toe, although other areas of the foot are also susceptible. Morton’s neuroma is caused by an inflamed nerve in the foot that is being squeezed and aggravated by surrounding bones.

What Increases the Chances of Having Morton’s Neuroma?

• Ill-fitting high heels or shoes that add pressure to the toe or foot
• Jogging, running or any sport that involves constant impact to the foot
• Flat feet, bunions, and any other foot deformities

Morton’s neuroma is a very treatable condition. Orthotics and shoe inserts can often be used to alleviate the pain on the forefront of the feet. In more severe cases, corticosteroids can also be prescribed. In order to figure out the best treatment for your neuroma, it’s recommended to seek the care of a podiatrist who can diagnose your condition and provide different treatment options.

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.

Bathrooms are one of the most common places where seniors experience falls due to slippery surfaces, limited space, and poor balance. Key risk areas include the shower or bathtub, where wet floors and awkward stepping increase fall likelihood. Toilet areas can also pose risks, especially when sitting down or standing up without support. To reduce these hazards, install grab bars near the toilet, shower, and bathtub. Non-slip mats inside and outside the tub can provide added stability. Adequate lighting and removing loose rugs can enhance safety. Seniors should wear non-slip footwear when using the bathroom. If you incur a fall, especially one resulting in foot or ankle pain, swelling, or difficulty walking it is strongly suggested that you visit a podiatrist for a proper diagnosis and treatment. 

Preventing falls among the elderly is very important. If you are older and have fallen or fear that you are prone to falling, consult with Landon Bowerbank, DPM from Pioneer Foot and Ankle. our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality advice and care.

Every 11 seconds, an elderly American is being treated in an emergency room for a fall related injury. Falls are the leading cause of head and hip injuries for those 65 and older. Due to decreases in strength, balance, senses, and lack of awareness, elderly persons are very susceptible to falling. Thankfully, there are a number of things older persons can do to prevent falls.

How to Prevent Falls

Some effective methods that older persons can do to prevent falls include:

• Enrolling in strength and balance exercise program to increase balance and strength
• Periodically having your sight and hearing checked
• Discuss any medications you have with a doctor to see if it increases the risk of falling
• Clearing the house of falling hazards and installing devices like grab bars and railings
• Utilizing a walker or cane
• Wearing shoes that provide good support and cushioning
• Talking to family members about falling and increasing awareness

Falling can be a traumatic and embarrassing experience for elderly persons; this can make them less willing to leave the house, and less willing to talk to someone about their fears of falling. Doing such things, however, will increase the likelihood of tripping or losing one’s balance. Knowing the causes of falling and how to prevent them is the best way to mitigate the risk of serious injury.  

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.

A sprained toe occurs when the ligaments in the toe are stretched or torn. This injury often results from trauma, such as stubbing the toe, or from hyperextension, where the joint is forced beyond its normal range of motion. A sprained toe is different from a broken toe, which involves damage to the bone rather than the ligament. Symptoms include pain, swelling, bruising, tenderness, and difficulty moving the toe. Some patients may also experience joint instability or hear a popping sound when the injury occurs. Any of the numerous joints in the toes can be affected, and the severity can range from minor ligament stretching to complete tears. Athletes and others who engage in activities involving sudden movements or uneven surfaces are at a higher risk of spraining a toe. A podiatrist can diagnose the injury by examining the toe, discussing its cause, and using imaging, such as X-rays, to rule out fractures. If you have injured your toe, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist for a diagnosis and appropriate treatment.

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

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 our office located in Lehi, UT . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.