Babies feet are generally flexible when they are born. There are numerous bones, joints, and ligaments that hold the feet together, and will become stronger as walking begins. This typically happens between eight and eighteen months of age. Research has indicated it is beneficial to have your children walk barefoot while they are indoors. The overall strength of the foot may be developed as a result of the grasping action the toes will provide. When it is time to walk outside, wearing the proper footwear will help the child to balance as the feet become stronger. These shoes should consist of having soles that are flexible and flat, and it is recommended that there is adequate room for the toes to move freely in. If you notice your child’s feet are turning inward or outward, it is advised to schedule an appointment with a podiatrist who can properly assess your child’s feet.

Making sure that your children maintain good foot health is very important as they grow. If you have any questions, contact Dr. Blake Zobell of Utah. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Keeping Children's Feet Healthy

Having healthy feet during childhood can help prevent medical problems later in life, namely in the back and legs. As children grow, their feet require different types of care. Here are some things to consider...

Although babies do not walk yet, it is still very important to take care of their feet.

Avoid putting tight shoes or socks on his or her feet.

Allow the baby to stretch and kick his or her feet to feel comfortable.

As a toddler, kids are now on the move and begin to develop differently. At this age, toddlers are getting a feel for walking, so don’t be alarmed if your toddler is unsteady or ‘walks funny’. 

As your child gets older, it is important to teach them how to take care of their feet.

Show them proper hygiene to prevent infections such as fungus.

Be watchful for any pain or injury.

Have all injuries checked by a doctor as soon as possible.

Comfortable, protective shoes should always be worn, especially at play.

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.

Many people enjoy the ease of wearing flip-flops. They are a simple shoe, easy to wear, and designed in a variety of colors. Despite their popularity, there are foot conditions that can develop from wearing this type of shoe. Ligaments and tendons may slowly pull out of alignment, and a bunion can form. Additionally, if there is little or no arch support, this may trigger the onset of heel pain, which could be indicative of plantar fasciitis or heel spurs. Many flip-flops are constructed of a porous material, and this can be the perfect area for fungus to grow. This can lead to athlete’s foot and toenail fungus. If flip-flops are frequently worn, hammertoe can develop as a result of the toes grasping the shoe to stay on the foot. If you would like additional information about the consequences of wearing flip flops, please consult with a podiatrist.

Flip-flops are not always the best choice of footwear. If you have any concerns about your feet or ankles, contact Dr. Blake Zobell from Utah. Our doctor will assist you with all of your foot and ankle needs.

Flip-Flops and Feet

When the weather starts warming up, people enjoy wearing flip-flops.  Flip-flops are comfortable, stylish, and easy to slip on and off; they're perfect for any summer beach goer.  However, these shoes can cause harm to the feet.

How Can Flip-Flops Affect Me Long-Term?

• Ankle problems
• Hip problems
• Lower back problems
• Pain in the balls of the feet
• Problems with foot arches
• Changes in the way you walk

Are There Injuries Associated with Flip-Flops?

Yes.  Since flip-flops are relatively weak and do not provide the same amount of support as sneakers, people who wear flip-flops regularly are more susceptible to injuries. On top of that, the open nature of the shoe makes your feet more prone to other problems, such as cuts and even infections.  Common injuries and ailments include:

• Sprained ankles
• Blisters
• Infections
• Cuts and Scrapes

I like Wearing Flip-Flops. Are There Safe Alternatives?

When buying flip-flops, try to find ones that have sturdy soles and that are made of high-quality materials that will support for your feet.  These flip-flops will cost more but will also last longer as a result.

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.

The plantar fascia is known as the tendon on the sole of the foot that connects the heel to the toes. If this should become inflamed as a result of an injury or overuse, a condition that is referred to plantar fasciitis may develop. The pain is typically felt in the arch or heel area of the foot, and walking may be difficult. There are several stretches that can be performed which can relieve a portion of the pain. These include calf stretches which can be accomplished by standing on a step and dropping one heel at a time so a stretch can be felt. Rolling your heel on a round object can aid in loosening the foot muscles. Additionally, it helps the foot to stretch when the toes are pointed and flexed. If you suffer from plantar fasciitis, it is strongly suggested that you schedule a consultation with a podiatrist who can properly treat this condition.

Plantar fasciitis can be very painful and inconvenient. If you are experiencing heel pain or symptoms of plantar fasciitis, contact Dr. Blake Zobell  from Utah. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

What Is Plantar Fasciitis?

Plantar fasciitis is the inflammation of the thick band of tissue that runs along the bottom of your foot, known as the plantar fascia, and causes mild to severe heel pain.

What Causes Plantar Fasciitis?

• Excessive running
• Non-supportive shoes
• Overpronation
• Repeated stretching and tearing of the plantar fascia

How Can It Be Treated?

• Conservative measures – anti-inflammatories, ice packs, stretching exercises, physical therapy, orthotic devices
• Shockwave therapy – sound waves are sent to the affected area to facilitate healing and are usually used for chronic cases of plantar fasciitis
• Surgery – usually only used as a last resort when all else fails. The plantar fascia can be surgically detached from the heel

While very treatable, plantar fasciitis is definitely not something that should be ignored. Especially in severe cases, speaking to your doctor right away is highly recommended to avoid complications and severe heel pain. Your podiatrist can work with you to provide the appropriate treatment options tailored to your condition.

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.

If you notice a bump on the side of your pinky toe, you may have developed a corn. It may come from wearing shoes that do not fit correctly and may rub against that part of the foot. Additionally, corns may appear on other areas of the foot, including the sole.  A soft corn may develop in between the toes, and this may be a result of the toes constantly rubbing together. Some patients may feel corns beginning to form if they stand or walk for extended periods of time. Preventing corns may be easily achieved, and this may be accomplished by wearing shoes that fit correctly. An important consideration is to make sure there is adequate room for the toes to move about in. If you have a corn, it is suggested to speak to a podiatrist who can properly treat this condition.

Corns can make walking very painful and should be treated immediately. If you have questions regarding your feet and ankles, contact Dr. Blake Zobell of Utah. Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.

Corns: What Are They? And How Do You Get Rid of Them?
Corns are thickened areas on the skin that can become painful. They are caused by excessive pressure and friction on the skin. Corns press into the deeper layers of the skin and are usually round in shape.

Ways to Prevent Corns
There are many ways to get rid of painful corns such as:

• Wearing properly fitting shoes that have been measured by a professional
• Wearing shoes that are not sharply pointed or have high heels
• Wearing only shoes that offer support

Treating Corns

Although most corns slowly disappear when the friction or pressure stops, this isn’t always the case. Consult with your podiatrist to determine the best treatment option for your case of corns.

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.

There are many conditions that can cause discomfort in the heel, but one of the most common is heel spurs. A small calcium deposit forms and can eventually extend from your heel bone to your arch. Symptoms associated with heel spurs are pain, inflammation, and swelling at the front of your heel. The heel might also feel warm, and over time, a small protrusion could be visible. Some heel spurs can go unnoticed and only become apparent on an X-ray. Heel spurs develop over time, so they will not suddenly appear. Distinguishing heel spurs from other conditions that cause heel pain can be hard to do on your own, so if you are experiencing heel pain then it is suggested that you speak with a podiatrist who can properly diagnosis you.

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.