March 2020

There are many types of deformities that can happen to the feet. One of these is referred to as a hammertoe, which can cause the toe to bend downward instead of naturally pointing forward. It can develop gradually due to genetic reasons, or from wearing shoes that do not have adequate room for the toes to move freely in. Additional reasons why this ailment may occur can include an injury to the toe, or medical conditions such as arthritis or nerve damage. Common side effects of hammertoe may consist of corns or calluses, they can form on top of the affected toe, and it may be difficult to walk and flex your foot. Patients may find mild relief when insoles are worn in the shoes, and surgery may be a necessary option to correct severe hammertoe. If you are afflicted with this ailment, it’s suggested that you consult with a podiatrist as quickly as possible for proper treatment to begin.

Hammertoes can be a painful condition to live with. For more information, contact Dr. Randy Garr of Utah. Our doctor will answer any of your foot- and ankle-related questions.

Hammertoe

Hammertoe is a foot deformity that occurs due to an imbalance in the muscles, tendons, or ligaments that normally hold the toe straight. It can be caused by the type of shoes you wear, your foot structure, trauma, and certain disease processes.

Symptoms

• Painful and/or difficult toe movement
• Swelling
• Joint stiffness
• Calluses/Corns
• Physical deformity

Risk Factors

• Age – The risk of hammertoe increases with age
• Sex – Women are more likely to have hammertoe compared to men
• Toe Length – You are more likely to develop hammertoe if your second toe is longer than your big toe
• Certain Diseases – Arthritis and diabetes may make you more likely to develop hammertoe

Treatment

If you have hammertoe, you should change into a more comfortable shoe that provides enough room for your toes. Exercises such as picking up marbles may strengthen and stretch your toe muscles. Nevertheless, it is important to seek assistance from a podiatrist in order to determine the severity of your hammertoe and see which treatment option will work best for you.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in Provo, UT . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Common symptoms of an uncomfortable foot condition that is known as athlete’s foot can consist of a burning and itching sensation between the toes or on the bottom of the feet. In severe cases, blisters can develop and may become infected from intense scratching. This condition is caused by a fungus that is found in moist environments. These moist locations may include shower room floors, public pools, and surrounding areas. Additional symptoms may include foot odor, and the skin may become dry and cracked. The signs of athlete’s foot may lessen in a few weeks, but if it is recurring or will not heal, it is suggested that you speak to a podiatrist for proper treatment.

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 Dr. Randy Garr from Utah.  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 Provo, UT . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

The medical condition that is known as a heel spur typically develops from inflammation that happens to the plantar fascia. It is defined as a bony growth that forms on the heel, and can cause pain and discomfort. Some of the reasons why this condition may develop can include sudden weight gain, wearing shoes that do not have adequate cushioning, or existing conditions that may include flat feet. The symptoms that patients experience can consist of pain in the heel and surrounding areas, and the foot may feel stiff upon arising in the morning. Research has indicated that mild relief may be found when orthotics are worn in the shoes, as this may be helpful in reducing pressure on the heel. If you have developed a heel spur, it is suggested that you consult with a podiatrist who can offer you correct treatment options.

Heel spurs can be incredibly painful and sometimes may make you unable to participate in physical activities. To get medical care for your heel spurs, contact Dr. Randy Garr from Utah. Our doctor will do everything possible to treat your condition.

Heels Spurs

Heel spurs are formed by calcium deposits on the back of the foot where the heel is. This can also be caused by small fragments of bone breaking off one section of the foot, attaching onto the back of the foot. Heel spurs can also be bone growth on the back of the foot and may grow in the direction of the arch of the foot.

Older individuals usually suffer from heel spurs and pain sometimes intensifies with age. One of the main condition's spurs are related to is plantar fasciitis.

Pain

The pain associated with spurs is often because of weight placed on the feet. When someone is walking, their entire weight is concentrated on the feet. Bone spurs then have the tendency to affect other bones and tissues around the foot. As the pain continues, the feet will become tender and sensitive over time.

Treatments

There are many ways to treat heel spurs. If one is suffering from heel spurs in conjunction with pain, there are several methods for healing. Medication, surgery, and herbal care are some options.

If you have any questions feel free to contact our office located in Provo, UT . We offer the latest in diagnostic and treatment technology to meet your needs.

The sesamoid bones are located under the ball of the foot. They help to enable the big toe to press down, and pain and discomfort may develop if they should become inflamed. This may happen as a result of participating in running and jumping activities, or from wearing shoes that do not fit correctly. Common symptoms that can be associated with this ailment may include pain on the bottom of the foot, and it may be difficult to stand on your tiptoes. Patients who have this condition may find moderate relief when the affected foot is elevated, and it may help to use an insole that can support the arch. If you feel you may have sesamoiditis, it is strongly advised that you consult with a podiatrist who can properly diagnose and treat this condition. 

Sesamoiditis is an unpleasant foot condition characterized by pain in the balls of the feet. If you think you’re struggling with sesamoiditis, contact Dr. Randy Garr of Utah. Our doctor will treat your condition thoroughly and effectively.

Sesamoiditis

Sesamoiditis is a condition of the foot that affects the ball of the foot. It is more common in younger people than it is in older people. It can also occur with people who have begun a new exercise program, since their bodies are adjusting to the new physical regimen. Pain may also be caused by the inflammation of tendons surrounding the bones. It is important to seek treatment in its early stages because if you ignore the pain, this condition can lead to more serious problems such as severe irritation and bone fractures.

Causes of Sesamoiditis

• Sudden increase in activity
• Increase in physically strenuous movement without a proper warm up or build up
• Foot structure: those who have smaller, bonier feet or those with a high arch may be more susceptible

Treatment for sesamoiditis is non-invasive and simple. Doctors may recommend a strict rest period where the patient forgoes most physical activity. This will help give the patient time to heal their feet through limited activity. For serious cases, it is best to speak with your doctor to determine a treatment option that will help your specific needs.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our office located in Provo, UT . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Bunions, otherwise recognized as a deformity of the big toe, can be incredibly painful when left untreated. They may easily be diagnosed by looking for a bony protrusion on the side of the big toe, and are typically more common among women and elderly patients. However, there are many reasons why someone may develop a bunion, one of those reasons being genetics. Another contributing factor may have to do with your shoes. Those who commonly wear constraining footwear, such as high heels, or cowboy boots, for extended periods of time may be more likely to develop a bunion. Injuries to the foot, as well as arthritis, can both increase your risk of developing a bunion. To help find relief from the pain bunions typically cause, it is suggested that you wear custom orthotics. For more information on treating bunions and how orthotics may help, please consult with a podiatrist for professional care.

If you are suffering from bunion pain, contact Dr. Randy Garr of Utah. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

What Is a Bunion?

Bunions are painful bony bumps that usually develop on the inside of the foot at the joint of the big toe. As the deformity increases over time, it may become painful to walk and wear shoes. Women are more likely to exacerbate existing bunions since they often wear tight, narrow shoes that shift their toes together. Bunion pain can be relieved by wearing wider shoes with enough room for the toes.

Causes

• Genetics – some people inherit feet that are more prone to bunion development
• Inflammatory Conditions - rheumatoid arthritis and polio may cause bunion development

Symptoms

• Redness and inflammation
• Pain and tenderness
• Callus or corns on the bump
• Restricted motion in the big toe

In order to diagnose your bunion, your podiatrist may ask about your medical history, symptoms, and general health. Your doctor might also order an x-ray to take a closer look at your feet. Nonsurgical treatment options include orthotics, padding, icing, changes in footwear, and medication. If nonsurgical treatments don’t alleviate your bunion pain, surgery may be necessary.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in Provo, UT . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.