September 2024

Pronation and supination are essential movements of the foot during walking and running, each playing a significant role in your overall gait pattern. Pronation involves the inward roll of the foot as it makes contact with the ground. It helps absorb shock and distributes your body weight evenly. In contrast, supination refers to the outward roll of the foot, providing stability and leverage as you push off. While both of these motions are normal, excessive pronation or supination can become problematic. The result includes increased wear on your shoes, ankle instability, and pain in the knees, hips, or lower back. Abnormal pronation can strain your feet as well as affect your posture. A podiatrist can assess your gait and identify any biomechanical imbalance. Treatment may include custom orthotics or specialized exercises to help restore proper foot function. If you have foot pain related to an abnormal gait, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for a gait analysis and treatment.

If you have any concerns about your feet, contact Dr. Blake Zobell from Utah. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Biomechanics in Podiatry

Podiatric biomechanics is a particular sector of specialty podiatry with licensed practitioners who are trained to diagnose and treat conditions affecting the foot, ankle and lower leg. Biomechanics deals with the forces that act against the body, causing an interference with the biological structures. It focuses on the movement of the ankle, the foot and the forces that interact with them.

A History of Biomechanics

• Biomechanics dates back to the BC era in Egypt where evidence of professional foot care has been recorded.
• In 1974, biomechanics gained a higher profile from the studies of Merton Root, who claimed that by changing or controlling the forces between the ankle and the foot, corrections or conditions could be implemented to gain strength and coordination in the area.

Modern technological improvements are based on past theories and therapeutic processes that provide a better understanding of podiatric concepts for biomechanics. Computers can provide accurate information about the forces and patterns of the feet and lower legs.

Understanding biomechanics of the feet can help improve and eliminate pain, stopping further stress to the foot.

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.

Peripheral artery disease, or PAD, affects blood flow to the extremities, often causing pain, numbness, and discomfort in the feet. To find relief from PAD, managing underlying conditions like diabetes and high blood pressure is essential. Regular exercise, such as walking, can improve circulation and reduce symptoms by encouraging blood flow. Wearing well-fitting, comfortable shoes helps alleviate pressure points and prevent sores. Maintaining a healthy diet and quitting smoking can also significantly benefit vascular health. In more severe cases, medical interventions like angioplasty or surgery might be necessary to restore blood flow. If you have this condition, it is suggested that you are under the care of a podiatrist who can perform regular foot health checks.

Peripheral artery disease can pose a serious risk to your health. It can increase the risk of stroke and heart attack. If you have symptoms of peripheral artery disease, consult with Dr. Blake Zobell from Utah. Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

Peripheral artery disease (PAD) is when arteries are constricted due to plaque (fatty deposits) build-up. This results in less blood flow to the legs and other extremities. The main cause of PAD is atherosclerosis, in which plaque builds up in the arteries.

Symptoms

Symptoms of PAD include:

• Claudication (leg pain from walking)
• Numbness in legs
• Decrease in growth of leg hair and toenails
• Paleness of the skin
• Erectile dysfunction
• Sores and wounds on legs and feet that won’t heal
• Coldness in one leg

It is important to note that a majority of individuals never show any symptoms of PAD.

Diagnosis

While PAD occurs in the legs and arteries, Podiatrists can diagnose PAD. Podiatrists utilize a test called an ankle-brachial index (ABI). An ABI test compares blood pressure in your arm to you ankle to see if any abnormality occurs. Ultrasound and imaging devices may also be used.

Treatment

Fortunately, lifestyle changes such as maintaining a healthy diet, exercising, managing cholesterol and blood sugar levels, and quitting smoking, can all treat PAD. Medications that prevent clots from occurring can be prescribed. Finally, in some cases, surgery may be recommended.

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.

Diabetes can cause nerve damage and impair wound healing in the feet, leading to serious complications like ulcers. Proper foot care is essential for diabetics to maintain foot health. This includes always wearing well-fitting shoes to prevent injuries, even indoors, where unnoticed cuts can occur. Daily foot inspections are important in order to detect any abnormalities, such as abrasions or discolorations early. Promptly seeking care from a podiatrist for any concerning signs can prevent minor issues from escalating into ulcerated wounds, or gangrene. By prioritizing foot health with these proactive measures, diabetics can significantly reduce the risk of complications and ensure their feet remain healthy and functional. For detailed information on diabetic foot care as well as regular foot checkups, it is suggested you make an appointment with a podiatrist.

Diabetic foot care is important in preventing foot ailments such as ulcers. If you are suffering from diabetes or have any other concerns about your feet, contact Dr. Blake Zobell from Utah. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Diabetic Foot Care

Diabetes affects millions of people every year. The condition can damage blood vessels in many parts of the body, especially the feet. Because of this, taking care of your feet is essential if you have diabetes, and having a podiatrist help monitor your foot health is highly recommended.

The Importance of Caring for Your Feet

• Routinely inspect your feet for bruises or sores.
• Wear socks that fit your feet comfortably.
• Wear comfortable shoes that provide adequate support.

Patients with diabetes should have their doctor monitor their blood levels, as blood sugar levels play such a huge role in diabetic care. Monitoring these levels on a regular basis is highly advised.

It is always best to inform your healthcare professional of any concerns you may have regarding your feet, especially for diabetic patients. Early treatment and routine foot examinations are keys to maintaining proper health, especially because severe complications can arise if proper treatment is not applied.

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.

Flat feet occur when the arch of the foot collapses, causing the entire foot to make contact with the ground. This condition can arise from genetics, trauma, or underlying health issues like diabetes. While many people with flat feet manage symptoms through nonsurgical treatments, surgery may become necessary when these interventions fail to provide relief. Complications from flatfoot can include changing the way you walk, plantar fasciitis, and Achilles tendonitis, which can significantly impact daily activities. Custom orthotics, bracing, stretching exercises, and certain medications can help to alleviate pain and improve foot function. But when these measures are insufficient, a podiatrist may recommend surgical reconstruction to restore the foot's arch and alleviate discomfort. Surgery typically involves repairing or reconstructing tendons and ligaments, realigning bones, or fusing joints to create a stable arch. Because recovery from flatfoot surgery can take up to three months, carefully following post-operative care instructions is paramount to a successful outcome. If you have severe pain from flat feet, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist who can determne if surgery is right for you.

Flatfoot is a condition many people suffer from. If you have flat feet, contact Dr. Blake Zobell from Utah. Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.

What Are Flat Feet?

Flatfoot is a condition in which the arch of the foot is depressed and the sole of the foot is almost completely in contact with the ground. About 20-30% of the population generally has flat feet because their arches never formed during growth.

Conditions & Problems:

Having flat feet makes it difficult to run or walk because of the stress placed on the ankles.

Alignment – The general alignment of your legs can be disrupted, because the ankles move inward which can cause major discomfort.

Knees – If you have complications with your knees, flat feet can be a contributor to arthritis in that area.  

Symptoms

• Pain around the heel or arch area
• Trouble standing on the tip toe
• Swelling around the inside of the ankle
• Flat look to one or both feet
• Having your shoes feel uneven when worn

Treatment

If you are experiencing pain and stress on the foot you may weaken the posterior tibial tendon, which runs around the inside of the ankle. 

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.