If you find it difficult to walk or stand for long periods of time due to persistent heel pain, it could be caused by heel fat pad syndrome, also known as fat pad atrophy. This condition results from changes in the elasticity and thickness of the heel fat pad over time, often due to wear and tear on the fatty tissues and muscle fibers. Fat pad atrophy in the heels mimics symptoms of plantar fasciitis but has its own distinct causes and symptoms. Risk factors include overuse, wearing improper footwear, gait imbalances, and certain medical conditions like diabetes or arthritis. Symptoms typically include deep, bruise-like pain in the middle of the heel, increased by weight-bearing activities or walking on hard surfaces. A podiatrist can conduct a thorough evaluation to determine the cause and severity of the condition. Relief options may involve activity modification, custom insoles, and home exercise programs aimed at improving foot biomechanics and muscle control. If you have heel pain, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for guidance on correct treatment methods.

Many people suffer from bouts of heel pain. For more information, contact Dr. Blake Zobell 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 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.

Minor foot surgery encompasses a range of procedures aimed at addressing common foot problems with minimal invasiveness. These surgeries are often performed to correct issues like ingrown toenails, bunions, hammertoes, and plantar warts. Ingrown toenail surgery involves removing part or all of the affected nails to relieve pain and prevent infection. Bunion surgery, or a bunionectomy, involves realigning the bone, ligaments, and tendons to correct the deformity. Hammertoe surgery aims to straighten the bent toe by removing a portion of the bone or releasing the tendon. Plantar wart removal can be performed using various methods, including excision, laser therapy, or cryotherapy. These procedures are typically done on an outpatient basis under local anesthesia, allowing for quick recovery and minimal downtime. If you have any sort of foot problem, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist. After a thorough examination and imaging tests, the best treatment, which may include minor surgery, will be discussed.

Foot surgery is sometimes necessary to treat a foot ailment. To learn more, contact Dr. Blake Zobell 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 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.

Fashion trends often dictate footwear choices, but some styles can take a toll on foot health, particularly for women. High heels, revered for their elegance and sophistication, are notorious culprits in causing a myriad of foot problems. The elevated heel places excessive pressure on the forefoot, leading to issues like bunions, hammertoes, and neuromas. Moreover, prolonged wear of high heels can shorten the Achilles tendon, contributing to calf tightness and discomfort. The narrow toe box squeezes toes together, increasing the risk of ingrown toenails and corns. Additionally, high heels alter the body's natural alignment, leading to lower back pain and postural imbalances. Despite their allure, high heels can wreak havoc on foot anatomy and function. Opting for footwear with lower heels and adequate arch support can help reduce these risks while still maintaining style. Wearing high heels may cause foot pain, and there are a variety of foot conditions that can develop. If this applies to you, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist who can treat foot ailments from high heel use.

High heels have a history of causing foot and ankle problems. If you have any concerns about your feet or ankles, contact Dr. Blake Zobell from Utah. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Effects of High Heels on the Feet

High heels are popular shoes among women because of their many styles and societal appeal.  Despite this, high heels can still cause many health problems if worn too frequently.

Which Parts of My Body Will Be Affected by High Heels?

• Ankle Joints
• Achilles Tendon – May shorten and stiffen with prolonged wear
• Balls of the Feet
• Knees – Heels cause the knees to bend constantly, creating stress on them
• Back – They decrease the spine’s ability to absorb shock, which may lead to back pain.  The vertebrae of the lower back may compress.

What Kinds of Foot Problems Can Develop from Wearing High Heels?

• Corns
• Calluses
• Hammertoe
• Bunions
• Morton’s Neuroma
• Plantar Fasciitis

How Can I Still Wear High Heels and Maintain Foot Health?

If you want to wear high heeled shoes, make sure that you are not wearing them every day, as this will help prevent long term physical problems.  Try wearing thicker heels as opposed to stilettos to distribute weight more evenly across the feet.  Always make sure you are wearing the proper shoes for the right occasion, such as sneakers for exercising.  If you walk to work, try carrying your heels with you and changing into them once you arrive at work.  Adding inserts to your heels can help cushion your feet and absorb shock. Full foot inserts or metatarsal pads are available. 

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.

Cuboid syndrome is a condition where the cuboid bone, located on the outer side of the midfoot, becomes partially dislocated or misaligned. This often occurs due to injury or repetitive strain. Athletes are more likely to get cuboid syndrome than other groups because their activities, such as running or jumping, put significant stress on the foot's complex structures. This is especially true for those in sports requiring sudden changes of direction or explosive movements. Symptoms of cuboid syndrome may include intense lateral foot pain, redness, and swelling. A podiatrist, or foot doctor, can treat cuboid syndrome through manual manipulation to realign the bone, along with rest, compression, and elevation to reduce inflammation. Additionally, the use of taping techniques and custom orthotics may help stabilize the cuboid bone and prevent recurrence, allowing athletes to return to their activities with reduced risk of further injury. If you suspect cuboid syndrome, it is suggested you make an appointment with a podiatrist as soon as possible. 

Cuboid syndrome, also known as cuboid subluxation, occurs when the joints and ligaments near the cuboid bone in the foot become torn. If you have cuboid syndrome, consult with Dr. Blake Zobell from Utah. Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

Cuboid syndrome is a common cause of lateral foot pain, which is pain on the outside of the foot. The condition may happen suddenly due to an ankle sprain, or it may develop slowly overtime from repetitive tension through the bone and surrounding structures.

Causes

The most common causes of cuboid syndrome include:

• Injury – The most common cause of this ailment is an ankle sprain.
• Repetitive Strain – Tension placed through the peroneus longus muscle from repetitive activities such as jumping and running may cause excessive traction on the bone causing it to sublux.
• Altered Foot Biomechanics – Most people suffering from cuboid subluxation have flat feet.

Symptoms

A common symptom of cuboid syndrome is pain along the outside of the foot which can be felt in the ankle and toes. This pain may create walking difficulties and may cause those with the condition to walk with a limp.

Diagnosis

Diagnosis of cuboid syndrome is often difficult, and it is often misdiagnosed. X-rays, MRIs and CT scans often fail to properly show the cuboid subluxation. Although there isn’t a specific test used to diagnose cuboid syndrome, your podiatrist will usually check if pain is felt while pressing firmly on the cuboid bone of your foot.

Treatment

Just as the range of causes varies widely, so do treatments. Some more common treatments are ice therapy, rest, exercise, taping, and orthotics.

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.

Bunions, medically known as hallux valgus, are bony bumps that form at the base of the big toe. They develop when the bones in the front part of the foot move out of place, while the tip of the big toe pulls toward the smaller toes. This forces the joint at the base of the big toe to stick out.  Over time, the movement of the big toe toward the others creates a noticeable bump, which can become painful due to inflammation or arthritis within the joint. It may require treatment ranging from padded shoes and orthotics to surgery. Certain people are genetically predisposed to develop bunions, whereas other cases of bunions may develop due to ill-fitting footwear. High heels or shoes with a narrow toe box can exacerbate this condition. Additionally, conditions like arthritis can also contribute to bunion development by weakening and damaging the cartilage in the joint. If you have a bunion, it is suggested that you visit a podiatrist for treatment options and to prevent it from worsening. 

If you are suffering from bunions, 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 a Bunion?

A bunion is formed of swollen tissue or an enlargement of boney growth, usually located at the base joint of the toe that connects to the foot. The swelling occurs due to the bones in the big toe shifting inward, which impacts the other toes of the foot. This causes the area around the base of the big toe to become inflamed and painful.

Why Do Bunions Form?

Genetics – Susceptibility to bunions are often hereditary

Stress on the feet – Poorly fitted and uncomfortable footwear that places stress on feet, such as heels, can worsen existing bunions

How Are Bunions Diagnosed?

Doctors often perform two tests – blood tests and x-rays – when trying to diagnose bunions, especially in the early stages of development. Blood tests help determine if the foot pain is being caused by something else, such as arthritis, while x-rays provide a clear picture of your bone structure to your doctor.

How Are Bunions Treated?

• Refrain from wearing heels or similar shoes that cause discomfort
• Select wider shoes that can provide more comfort and reduce pain
• Anti-inflammatory and pain management drugs
• Orthotics or foot inserts
• 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.