May 2023

Excess fluid in the body may result in having swollen feet. The medical term is oedema, which can happen for various reasons. Pregnant women are all too familiar with having swollen ankles, in addition to people who are overweight. Taking specific types of medication may produce swollen feet, such as hormone therapy, antidepressants, or blood pressure pills. An injury that happens to the feet may cause the ankles to swell, in addition to having existing kidney, liver or heart conditions. Mild relief may be found when salty foods are reduced from daily eating, a gentle exercise program is started, and the feet are frequently elevated. If you have swollen feet or ankles, it is suggested that you confer with a podiatrist who can help you to manage this condition.

Swollen feet can be a sign of an underlying condition. If you have any concerns, contact Dr. Blake Zobell of Utah. 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 one of our offices located in Richfield and Ephraim, Utah . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.

Swelling in the ankles, also known as edema, is not uncommon and has many causes. A sprained ankle is one of the most common causes of a swollen ankle, as are sitting for prolonged periods, airplane travel, pregnancy, and obesity. Certain medications may contribute to swelling in the ankles. Among them are medication for blood pressure, anti-inflammatory drugs, and anti-allergy remedies. Certain hormonal therapy drugs and antidepressants may also generate swelling in the ankle. More seriously, swollen ankles can be caused by a number of underlying health conditions such as a blocked lymphatic system, arthritis, and blood clots. Preeclampsia, a common and potentially dangerous condition among pregnant women, can be indicated by a sudden swelling in the ankles. Congestive heart failure, as well as liver or kidney dysfunction, are other serious causes of swollen ankles. If you are unsure what is causing swelling in the ankles, it is suggested that you visit a podiatrist for a thorough exam.

Ankle pain can have many different causes and the pain may potentially be serious. If you have ankle pain, consult with Dr. Blake Zobell from Utah. 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 one of our offices located in Richfield and Ephraim, Utah . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Ingrown toenails happen when the toenail grows into its surrounding skin. This can be uncomfortable, as the nail pierces the skin and becomes tender, red, and swollen. The big toe is the most often affected by this affliction, and if not tended to, it can bleed and become infected. If one is diabetic and has an ingrown toenail, they need to obtain immediate medical care as this can turn into a serious complication with their propensity towards infections and slower healing. To prevent ingrown toenails, it is important to cut toenails straight across rather than in a curved fashion, wear shoes that fit well and do not bind the toes in any way, and wear socks or other foot coverings to protect the feet. Examining the feet for excessive sweat or injury can help in the prevention of ingrown toenails as well. Wet feet can cause the toenails to soften, and it becomes easier for the nail to grow into the skin. Even a stubbed toe can cause a toenail to pierce the skin. If you develop an ingrown toenail, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist who can provide the best treatment option for you.

Ingrown toenails may initially present themselves as a minor discomfort, but they may progress into an infection in the skin without proper treatment. For more information about ingrown toenails, contact Dr. Blake Zobell of Utah. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Ingrown Toenails

Ingrown toenails are caused when the corner or side of a toenail grows into the soft flesh surrounding it. They often result in redness, swelling, pain, and in some cases, infection. This condition typically affects the big toe and may recur if it is not treated properly.

Causes

• Improper toenail trimming
• Genetics
• Improper shoe fitting
• Injury from pedicures or nail picking
• Abnormal gait
• Poor hygiene

You are more likely to develop an ingrown toenail if you are obese, have diabetes, arthritis, or have any fungal infection in your nails. Additionally, people who have foot or toe deformities are at a higher risk of developing an ingrown toenail.

Symptoms

Some symptoms of ingrown toenails are redness, swelling, and pain. In rare cases, there may be a yellowish drainage coming from the nail.

Treatment

Ignoring an ingrown toenail can have serious complications. Infections of the nail border can progress to a deeper soft-tissue infection, which can then turn into a bone infection. You should always speak with your podiatrist if you suspect you have an ingrown toenail, especially if you have diabetes or poor circulation.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact one of our offices located in Richfield and Ephraim, Utah . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

If you have injured an ankle, it may take a long time to heal. The goal is to help it heal completely in order to ward off future injuries to the same ankle. Many patients find that using an ankle brace can help. In fact, in many cases, wearing an ankle brace also helps to prevent an injury in the first place. A number of types of ankle braces are available, including those made with elastic materials that slip onto the foot and those made with more solid material and straps that encase the foot. A brace can help to reduce strain, tension, and pressure on the ankle joint. One of the major uses of an ankle brace is to immobilize the joint and help to reduce swelling after an injury. Among the many problems that can be helped by wearing an ankle brace are sprains, Achilles tendonitis, and arthritis. For help with choosing the correct type of ankle brace, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist.

If you are having discomfort in your feet and would like to try orthotics, contact Dr. Blake Zobell from Utah. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

What Are Orthotics?

Orthotics are inserts you can place into your shoes to help with a variety of foot problems such as flat feet or foot pain. Orthotics provide relief and comfort for minor foot and heel pain but can’t correct serious biomechanical problems in your feet.

Over-the-Counter Inserts

Orthotics come in a wide variety of over-the-counter inserts that are used to treat foot pain, heel pain, and minor problems. For example, arch supports can be inserted into your shoes to help correct overarched or flat feet, while gel insoles are often used because they provide comfort and relief from foot and heel pain by alleviating pressure.

Prescription Orthotics

If over-the-counter inserts don’t work for you or if you have a more severe foot concern, it is possible to have your podiatrist prescribe custom orthotics. These high-quality inserts are designed to treat problems such as abnormal motion, plantar fasciitis, and severe forms of heel pain. They can even be used to help patients suffering from diabetes by treating foot ulcers and painful calluses and are usually molded to your feet individually, which allows them to provide full support and comfort.

If you are experiencing minor to severe foot or heel pain, it’s recommended to speak with your podiatrist about the possibilities of using orthotics. A podiatrist can determine which type of orthotic is right for you and allow you to take the first steps towards being pain-free.

If you have any questions please contact one of our offices located in Richfield and Ephraim, Utah . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

There are bones in the toes that are known as phalanges. The big toe has two, which are referred to as the distal and the proximal. The remaining toes have three phalanges, and an additional one is found between the distal and proximal. The bones in the toes can be easily fractured, as they are at the end of the body. When an injury happens, and the impact presses the ends of the bone toward the center, this is known as a compressed fracture. If the bone split into many pieces, a comminuted fracture has occurred. A displaced fracture is noticeable as the bone protrudes from the skin, and moves out of alignment. Conversely, a bone that is broken and remains in its normal position is called a non-displaced fracture. Research has shown the most commonly broken toe is the pinky. This can happen if the toe is stubbed into a piece of furniture, or if a heavy object suddenly drops on it. An X-ray is generally performed that can determine the extent of the injury. If you have broken your toe, it is suggested that you confer with a podiatrist who can begin you on the right treatment path.

A broken toe can be very painful and lead to complications if not properly fixed. If you have any concerns about your feet, contact Dr. Blake Zobell from Utah. Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.

What to Know About a Broken Toe

Although most people try to avoid foot trauma such as banging, stubbing, or dropping heavy objects on their feet, the unfortunate fact is that it is a common occurrence. Given the fact that toes are positioned in front of the feet, they typically sustain the brunt of such trauma. When trauma occurs to a toe, the result can be a painful break (fracture).

Symptoms of a Broken Toe

• Throbbing pain
• Swelling
• Bruising on the skin and toenail
• The inability to move the toe
• Toe appears crooked or disfigured
• Tingling or numbness in the toe

Generally, it is best to stay off of the injured toe with the affected foot elevated.

Severe toe fractures may be treated with a splint, cast, and in some cases, minor surgery. Due to its position and the pressure it endures with daily activity, future complications can occur if the big toe is not properly treated.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact one of our offices located in Richfield and Ephraim, Utah . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.