March 2024

Minimally invasive foot surgery, known as MIS, involves performing surgical procedures with smaller incisions and specialized instruments, often utilizing advanced imaging technology for precision. This approach reduces tissue damage, postoperative pain, and recovery time compared to traditional open surgery. For bunions, MIS techniques focus on correcting the bony deformity at the base of the big toe with minimal disruption to surrounding tissues. Podiatric surgeons may use small incisions to access and realign the bones, remove excess bone or tissue, and stabilize the joint with screws or other fixation devices. MIS for bunions offers several advantages over open surgery, including faster recovery, reduced risk of complications like infection and scarring, and less postoperative pain. It is particularly suitable for mild to moderate bunions with minimal joint involvement and flexible deformities. However, severe bunions or those requiring extensive bone correction may still require traditional open surgery for optimal outcomes. If you have discomfort from a bunion, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist to discuss whether surgery might be a good option for you.

Foot surgery is sometimes necessary to treat a foot ailment. To learn more, contact Dr. Randy Garr of Utah. Our doctor will assist you with all of your foot and ankle needs.

When Is Surgery Necessary?

Foot and ankle surgery is generally reserved for cases in which less invasive, conservative procedures have failed to alleviate the problem. Some of the cases in which surgery may be necessary include:

• Removing foot deformities like bunions and bone spurs
• Severe arthritis that has caused bone issues
• Cosmetic reconstruction

What Types of Surgery Are There?

The type of surgery you receive will depend on the nature of the problem you have. Some of the possible surgeries include:

• Bunionectomy for painful bunions
• Surgical fusion for realignment of bones
• Neuropathy decompression surgery to treat nerve damage

Benefits of Surgery

Although surgery is usually a last resort, it can provide more complete pain relief compared to non-surgical methods and may allow you to finally resume full activity.

Surgical techniques have also become increasingly sophisticated. Techniques like endoscopic surgery allow for smaller incisions and faster recovery times.

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.

Foot protection in the workplace holds the utmost importance for ensuring employee safety and well-being. Workers across various industries face potential hazards that can lead to foot injuries, emphasizing the need for preventive measures and appropriate safety protocols. Two categories of work-related foot injuries commonly observed include traumatic injuries and repetitive stress injuries. Traumatic injuries, such as crushing, punctures, or lacerations, often occur in environments where heavy machinery or equipment is used, posing immediate risks to foot health. Conversely, stress injuries stem from prolonged exposure to repetitive motions or standing for extended periods, leading to conditions like plantar fasciitis or tendonitis. Both categories of injuries can result in severe pain, disability, and reduced productivity, emphasizing the important role of wearing proper footwear at work. If you experiencing foot pain related to work conditions, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist for a diagnosis and treatment options.

While working on the feet, it is important to take the proper care of them. For more information about working on your feet, contact Dr. Randy Garr from Utah. Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.

Working on Your Feet

Standing on your feet for long periods of time can cause stress and pain in your feet. Your whole body may experience change in terms of posture, back pain, bunions, callouses and or plantar warts. There are ways to avoid these conditions with proper foot care, smart choices and correct posture.

Positive Changes

Negative heeled shoe – Choosing this shoe type places the heel slightly lower than the ball of the foot. These are great for overall foot health. Find shoes that fit you correctly.

Go barefoot – Our feet were not designed to be enclosed for all hours of the day. Try to periodically expose your feet to air.

Eliminate Pain

Foot Exercises – Performing simple exercises, incorporating yoga and doing stretches are beneficial. This will allow increased blood flow to the area and muscles of the foot.

Achilles tendon – Stretching the foot out flat on the floor will relax the calf muscles and tendon. These exercises can be performed almost anywhere. Make sure you add these exercises to your daily regimen. 

With a little bit of this information and knowing more about foot health, you will notice changes. Foot stretches and proper footwear will help with pain and prevent further issues.

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.

Experiencing heel pain can significantly impact your daily life, making even simple tasks like walking or standing uncomfortable. Podiatrists, medical professionals specializing in foot and ankle health, can diagnose and treat heel pain. These types of doctors understand the complex structure of the foot and can identify the underlying causes of heel pain. Included are overuse injuries like plantar fasciitis, bone spurs, or Achilles tendonitis. Targeting the underlying cause of heel pain is important for appropriate care. It is especially important to seek the advice of a podiatrist if you have persistent pain, and if the pain comes suddenly or after an injury. A podiatrist can offer a personalized treatment plan that may include specialized exercises, custom orthotics, medication, or advanced therapies designed to alleviate pain and promote healing. Podiatrists can also provide valuable guidance on footwear choices and lifestyle modifications to prevent future pain. If you are suffering from heel pain, it is suggested you seek the help of a podiatrist for diagnosis and care. 

Many people suffer from bouts of heel pain. For more information, contact Dr. Randy Garr of Utah. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Causes of Heel Pain

Heel pain is often associated with plantar fasciitis. The plantar fascia is a band of tissues that extends along the bottom of the foot. A rip or tear in this ligament can cause inflammation of the tissue.

Achilles tendonitis is another cause of heel pain. Inflammation of the Achilles tendon will cause pain from fractures and muscle tearing. Lack of flexibility is also another symptom.

Heel spurs are another cause of pain. When the tissues of the plantar fascia undergo a great deal of stress, it can lead to ligament separation from the heel bone, causing heel spurs.

Why Might Heel Pain Occur?

• Wearing ill-fitting shoes                  
• Wearing non-supportive shoes
• Weight change           
• Excessive running

Treatments

Heel pain should be treated as soon as possible for immediate results. Keeping your feet in a stress-free environment will help. If you suffer from Achilles tendonitis or plantar fasciitis, applying ice will reduce the swelling. Stretching before an exercise like running will help the muscles. Using all these tips will help make heel pain a condition of the past.

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

Heel stretch exercises can offer an effective solution for relieving foot pain and tightness. One beneficial heel stretch is the gastrocnemius heel stretch, performed by standing facing a wall with the leg to be stretched behind and toes pointing forward. Start by keeping the back heel down and the knee straight while lunging forward onto the front leg. This helps to reduce tension and friction on foot structures, ultimately alleviating foot and ankle pain. Another helpful technique is the foot pull stretch. Sit with one leg crossed over the other, and gently pull all toes back toward the shin to provide relief for plantar fascia tightness. The ball rolling exercise is accomplished by sitting with the foot resting on a golf or tennis ball and rolling it backward and forward. This has been effective in stretching the soft tissues underneath the heel and ball of the foot, which may ease pain from plantar fasciitis. Incorporating these stretches into a daily routine can significantly contribute to diminishing foot pain and enhancing overall foot health, promoting a more comfortable and pain free lifestyle. If you are experiencing foot or heel pain, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for an examination and treatment options.

Stretching the feet is a great way to prevent injuries. If you have any concerns with your feet consult with Dr. Randy Garr from Utah. 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 Provo, UT . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.