Foot exercises are essential for building stronger feet and improving overall mobility. The intrinsic foot muscles, which are located within the foot itself, play an essential role in supporting the arch, stabilizing the toes, and assisting with balance and walking. One effective exercise for strengthening these muscles is the big toe press. This involves pressing the big toe downward while keeping the other toes relaxed, which helps to improve toe strength and control. Another beneficial exercise is the short foot exercise, which focuses on activating the small muscles that support the arch. To perform this exercise, gently contract the muscles under the arch while keeping the toes relaxed and flat. Additionally, toe splay exercises, where the toes are spread as wide as possible and held for a few seconds, can improve flexibility and strength in the toes. If you have foot pain, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can treat various foot conditions and guide you on additional exercises that can strengthen your feet.

Exercising your feet regularly with the proper foot wear is a great way to prevent injuries and build strength. If you have any concerns about your feet, 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.

Exercise for Your Feet

Exercise for your feet can help you gain strength, mobility and flexibility in your feet. They say that strengthening your feet can be just as rewarding as strengthening another part of the body. Your feet are very important, and we often forget about them in our daily tasks. But it is because of our feet that are we able to get going and do what we need to. For those of us fortunate enough to not have any foot problems, it is an important gesture to take care of them to ensure good health in the long run.

Some foot health exercises can include ankle pumps, tip-toeing, toe rises, lifting off the floor doing reps and sets, and flexing the toes. It is best to speak with our doctor to determine an appropriate regimen for your needs. Everyone’s needs and bodies are different, and the activities required to maintain strength in the feet vary from individual to individual. 

Once you get into a routine of doing regular exercise, you may notice a difference in your feet and how strong they may become.

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 swelling can occur even in the absence of an injury and may be a sign of an underlying health condition. One common cause is poor circulation, which can lead to fluid buildup in the lower extremities. Prolonged sitting or standing, especially for long periods, can also result in ankle swelling. Certain medical conditions, such as heart, liver, or kidney disease, can impair the body's ability to regulate fluid, causing swelling in the ankles and other parts of the body. Additionally, high blood pressure or varicose veins can contribute to fluid retention and swelling in the ankles. Hormonal changes, particularly during pregnancy or menstruation, can also lead to ankle swelling due to changes in fluid balance. Additionally, medications, such as those for high blood pressure or diabetes, may have side effects that result in swollen ankles. If ankle swelling persists or is accompanied by other symptoms, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can determine what the cause is, and offer appropriate treatment solutions.

Swollen feet can be a sign of an underlying condition. 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.

Swollen feet are a common ailment among pregnant women and people who stand or sit for extended periods. Aging may increase the possibility of swollen feet and patients who are obese often notice when their feet are swelling too. There may be medical reasons why swollen feet occur:

• Phlebitis - A condition that causes the veins to become inflamed and can also cause leg pain.
• Liver disease - This may lead to low blood levels of albumin which is a protein. This can cause fluid in the blood to pass into the tissues and several areas of the body can become swollen.
• Heart failure - When the heart doesn’t pump properly the blood that is normally pumped back to the heart can pool in the veins of the legs causing swollen feet.
• Kidney disease - One of the main functions of the kidneys is releasing excess fluid in the body. This type of condition can make it difficult for the kidneys to function properly, and as a result the feet may become swollen.
• Deep-vein thrombosis (DVT)- This is a serious condition where blood clots form in the veins of the legs. They can block the return of blood from the legs to the heart which may cause the feet to swell. It is important to be treated by a podiatrist if this condition is present.

Swollen feet can also be caused by bone and tendon conditions, including fractures, arthritis, and tendinitis. Additionally, there may be skin and toenail conditions and an infection may cause the feet to swell. Patients who take medicine to treat high blood pressure may be prone to getting swollen feet. 

Many patients elevate their feet to help relieve the swelling and this is generally a temporary remedy. When a podiatrist is consulted the reason behind the swelling can be uncovered and subsequently treated.

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.

A sprained ankle and a broken ankle can both cause significant pain, but they differ in severity and treatment. A sprain occurs when the ligaments surrounding the ankle are stretched or torn, often due to a twist or sudden movement. Symptoms include swelling, bruising, and difficulty bearing weight. A broken ankle, on the other hand, involves a fracture of one or more of the ankle bones, often caused by a fall or high-impact injury. Symptoms of a broken ankle may include sharp pain, severe swelling, bruising, and an inability to move or put weight on the foot. Treatment for an ankle sprain usually involves rest, along with mild pain relievers. A broken ankle may require a cast, splint, or even surgery to realign the bones. A podiatrist can assess the injury, recommend proper treatment, and guide recovery. If you are experiencing a sprained or broken ankle, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist.

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 pain is a frequent issue for individuals with Parkinson's disease, stemming from the condition’s impact on muscles, nerves, and gait. Muscle rigidity and slowness of movement can alter posture and walking patterns, placing excessive pressure on the feet. Additionally, nerve dysfunction associated with Parkinson’s may contribute to discomfort, numbness, or cramping. Managing foot pain begins with addressing posture and mobility challenges. Stretching exercises, targeting exercises, and wearing supportive, well-cushioned footwear can alleviate strain on the feet. Orthotic inserts may also help redistribute pressure and improve balance. A podiatrist plays a critical role in managing foot pain in Parkinson’s patients. They can provide tailored treatments, such as custom orthotics or foot care routines, and identify any secondary issues like corns, calluses, or infections that may worsen discomfort. If you suffer from foot pain related to Parkinson’s, it is suggested that you schedule regular check-ups with a podiatrist to ensure optimal foot health and mobility.

Foot Pain

Foot pain can be extremely painful and debilitating. If you have a foot 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.

Causes

Foot pain is a very broad condition that could be caused by one or more ailments. The most common include:

• Bunions
• Hammertoes
• Plantar Fasciitis
• Bone Spurs
• Corns
• Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome
• Ingrown Toenails
• Arthritis (such as Gout, Rheumatoid, and Osteoarthritis)
• Flat Feet
• Injury (from stress fractures, broken toe, foot, ankle, Achilles tendon ruptures, and sprains)
• And more

Diagnosis

To figure out the cause of foot pain, podiatrists utilize several different methods. This 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

Treatment depends upon the cause of the foot pain. Whether it is resting, staying off the foot, or having surgery; podiatrists have a number of treatment options available for foot 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 care needs.

While bunions are more common in adults, they can also develop in children. Pediatric bunions often result from inherited foot structures, where genetic factors influence bone alignment. Unlike adults, children's bunions tend to be softer, although they may still cause discomfort and visible bumps on the side of the big toe. Children with flat feet or hypermobility are more prone to bunions, especially if there is a family history. Unfortunately, bunions will not go away on their own and may worsen over time, particularly as children grow and become more active. Early intervention helps prevent progression. Wearing supportive shoes with wide-toe boxes and arch support can alleviate pressure. If you have a child with a bunion, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist so the severity of the bunion can be assessed, and individualized treatment options are offered for long-term foot health.

If you are suffering from bunions, 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 Is a Bunion?

A bunion is formed of swollen tissue or an enlargement of boney growth, usually located at the base joint of the toe that connects to the foot. The swelling occurs due to the bones in the big toe shifting inward, which impacts the other toes of the foot. This causes the area around the base of the big toe to become inflamed and painful.

Why Do Bunions Form?

Genetics – Susceptibility to bunions are often hereditary

Stress on the feet – Poorly fitted and uncomfortable footwear that places stress on feet, such as heels, can worsen existing bunions

How Are Bunions Diagnosed?

Doctors often perform two tests – blood tests and x-rays – when trying to diagnose bunions, especially in the early stages of development. Blood tests help determine if the foot pain is being caused by something else, such as arthritis, while x-rays provide a clear picture of your bone structure to your doctor.

How Are Bunions Treated?

• Refrain from wearing heels or similar shoes that cause discomfort
• Select wider shoes that can provide more comfort and reduce pain
• Anti-inflammatory and pain management drugs
• Orthotics or foot inserts
• 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.