The Achilles tendon is the largest tendon in the body and connects the calf muscles to the heel bone, allowing us to walk, run, and jump. An Achilles tendon injury occurs when the tendon is strained, stretched, or torn. Typically, injuries manifest through pain and stiffness along the back of the leg, near the heel or calf area. Individuals with an Achilles tendon injury may experience localized swelling, tenderness, or warmth around the affected area. In some cases, a noticeable snapping sound may accompany the injury, indicating a severe tear. Pain can worsen during physical activity, particularly when pushing off the foot or standing on tiptoes. Understanding these symptoms is vital for timely medical intervention and appropriate rehabilitation to ensure a swift recovery and regain the functionality of the Achilles tendon. If you have endured an Achilles tendon injury, it is suggested that you are under the care of a podiatrist who can effectively treat this condition.

Achilles tendon injuries need immediate attention to avoid future complications. 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.

What Is the Achilles Tendon?

The Achilles tendon is a tendon that connects the lower leg muscles and calf to the heel of the foot. It is the strongest tendon in the human body and is essential for making movement possible. Because this tendon is such an integral part of the body, any injuries to it can create immense difficulties and should immediately be presented to a doctor.

What Are the Symptoms of an Achilles Tendon Injury?

There are various types of injuries that can affect the Achilles tendon. The two most common injuries are Achilles tendinitis and ruptures of the tendon.

Achilles Tendinitis Symptoms

• Inflammation
• Dull to severe pain
• Increased blood flow to the tendon
• Thickening of the tendon

Rupture Symptoms

• Extreme pain and swelling in the foot
• Total immobility

Treatment and Prevention

Achilles tendon injuries are diagnosed by a thorough physical evaluation, which can include an MRI. Treatment involves rest, physical therapy, and in some cases, surgery. However, various preventative measures can be taken to avoid these injuries, such as:

• Thorough stretching of the tendon before and after exercise
• Strengthening exercises like calf raises, squats, leg curls, leg extensions, leg raises, lunges, and leg presses

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.

Lupus patients commonly experience foot-related problems that are painful and can cause disability. These issues encompass various foot structures, including joints, skin, and nerves. Foot problems in lupus patients can originate from joint and soft tissue disorders, dermatological complications, neurological and circulatory issues, and vasculitis. Approximately two-thirds of lupus patients have foot arthritis. Imaging shows inflammatory foot joint abnormalities, with the ankle and metatarsophalangeal joints most affected, essential for mobility. Dermatological issues, including corns and calluses, are common and may lead to foot ulceration. Immunosuppressive treatments increase the risk of skin infections such as fungal infections. Lupus patients face vascular problems, including peripheral vascular disease and Raynaud’s phenomenon. Neurological deficits affect lupus patients which may lead to sensory neuropathy, altered gait, and an increased risk of falls. Foot deformities may not always be apparent due to footwear, and foot problems in lupus cannot always be solely attributed to the disease as they are also prevalent in the general population. Management of foot issues in lupus requires a comprehensive approach and podiatry care. If you have lupus and are experiencing foot problems, it is strongly suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist who can help you regain quality of life.

When dealing with systemic disease of the feet, it is extremely important to check the affected areas routinely so that any additional problems are caught quickly.  If you have any concerns about your feet and ankles contact Dr. Blake Zobell from Utah. Our doctor will assist you with all of your podiatric needs.

Systemic Diseases of the Feet

Systemic diseases affect the whole body, and symptoms usually are displayed in the feet. This condition can make a patient’s ability to walk unbearable.  Systemic diseases include gout, diabetes mellitus, neurological disorders, and arthritis.

Gout – is caused by an excess of uric acid in the body. Common symptoms include pain, inflammation, and redness at the metatarsal/phalangeal joint of the base big toe. Gout can be treated by NSAIDs to relieve pain and inflammation, and other drugs that lower the acid levels in the body.

Diabetes mellitus – is an increase in the level of blood sugar that the body cannot counteract with its own insulin. Failure to produce enough insulin is a factor in Diabetes.

Diabetes of the Feet

Diabetic Neuropathy – may lead to damaged nerves and affect the feet through numbness and loss of sensation.

Peripheral Vascular Disease – can restrict the blood flow to the feet, and often times lead to amputation of the feet. 

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.

Understanding how your choice of footwear can affect your feet, legs, and joints is crucial. Ill-fitting or unsupportive shoes can exert pressure on these areas during physical activity, potentially resulting in discomfort and injuries. Inappropriate footwear choices may contribute to common sports injuries such as shin splints and Achilles tendon pain, as well as foot problems that can include corns, bunions, ingrown nails. These issues can severely limit or even halt your physical activity. Different activities require specific types of footwear, such as beach and road running. Wearing unsuitable shoes can worsen existing problems, such as hip, knee, ankle, or foot pain or arthritis. Even short periods of wearing in ill-fitting shoes can cause stress and pain in your bones, joints, and supporting soft tissues, especially if you stand for extended periods at a time. Your choice of shoes can significantly affect your walking style or gait. The correct step involves the heel making initial contact with the ground, followed by a slight inward roll of the arch. This can allow the ball of the foot and big toe to follow. The heel then lifts off the ground, enabling you to push off from the ball of your foot and big toe. Some individuals have arches that roll excessively inward or outward, both of which can impact how effectively your feet absorb shock. If you have questions about how the shoes you wear are affecting the biomechanics of your feet, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist for a consultation.

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.

Foot pain is an incredibly common ailment that can affect people of all ages and lifestyles. Understanding the underlying causes can be crucial for finding relief and maintaining healthy, pain-free feet. One of the primary culprits is improper footwear. Wearing shoes that do not fit well or lack adequate support can lead to various foot issues. Overuse and repetitive stress from activities such as running or standing for extended periods of time can strain the foot's muscles and ligaments, causing pain. Additionally, underlying medical conditions including arthritis, diabetes, and plantar fasciitis can contribute to chronic foot discomfort. Poor foot mechanics, such as having flat feet or high arches, may also play a role in having foot pain. Additionally, injuries consisting of sprains or fractures, can result in sudden foot pain. Identifying the specific cause of your foot pain is the first step toward effective treatment and a return to a pain-free, active lifestyle. If you have any type of foot pain, it is strongly suggested that you seek the counsel of a podiatrist who can effectively diagnose and treat any foot condition.

Foot Pain

Foot pain can be extremely painful and debilitating. If you have a foot pain, consult with Dr. Blake Zobell from Utah. 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 one of our offices located in Richfield and Ephraim, Utah . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Heel spurs, a common yet often misunderstood foot condition, can bring discomfort in every step we take. These bony growths form on the underside of the heel bone and are a condition involving inflammation of the connective tissue. Causes of heel spurs can include repetitive strain on the foot, poor footwear choices, and biomechanical issues that strain the plantar fascia. Symptoms can range from sharp pain in the heel, especially upon waking or after prolonged periods of rest, to aching discomfort that persists during the day. The path to relief begins with understanding. While heel spurs themselves may not always require treatment, addressing the underlying causes through rest, proper footwear, and stretching can significantly alleviate pain and discomfort. If you have heel pain, it is strongly suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can effectively diagnose and treat heel spurs.

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. Blake Zobell 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 one of our offices located in Richfield and Ephraim, Utah . We offer the latest in diagnostic and treatment technology to meet your needs.