You should always take care of your feet to make sure they stay at their best. If you are looking for ways to practice proper foot care, you should start with washing your feet every day in warm water. When you are finished washing your feet, you should carefully dry them and make sure the spaces between your toes are dry as well. Additionally, you should check your feet every day to see if there are any sores, blisters, or cuts on your feet. Trimming your toenails is another important step in foot care. When you cut your nails, be sure to cut them straight across instead of in a rounded shape. If you find it difficult to trim your nails or need guidance on how to properly care for your feet, an appointment with your podiatrist can help.

Everyday foot care is very important to prevent infection and other foot ailments. If you need your feet checked, contact Dr. Blake Zobell from Utah. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Everyday Foot Care

Often, people take care of their bodies, face and hair more so than they do for their feet. But the feet are a very important aspect of our bodies, and one that we should pay more attention to. Without our feet, we would not be able to perform most daily tasks.

It is best to check your feet regularly to make sure there are no new bruises or cuts that you may not have noticed before. For dry feet, moisturizer can easily be a remedy and can be applied as often as necessary to the affected areas. Wearing shoes that fit well can also help you maintain good foot health, as well as making it easier to walk and do daily activities without the stress or pain of ill-fitting shoes, high heels, or even flip flops. Wearing clean socks with closed shoes is important to ensure that sweat and bacteria do not accumulate within the shoe. Clean socks help to prevent Athlete’s foot, fungi problems, bad odors, and can absorb sweat.

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.

A small mass of skin that develops between the toes or on the pinky toe is generally referred to as a corn. If you have a corn you may experience severe pain, which typically happens when shoes that are worn do not fit correctly. Corns develop as a result of the pressure that a tight fitting shoe may create, causing the nerves to react with extreme pain. The color appears to be white, yellow or gray, and the consistency is typically hard and dense. Corns commonly develop as a result of constant friction against the skin, which often comes from poorly fitting shoes. Additionally, it's recommended that high heels are avoided, because the toes need adequate room to move. A consultation with podiatrist is suggested for proper treatment options and additional information about corns.

If you have any concerns 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 can be described as areas of the skin that have thickened to the point of becoming painful or irritating. They are often layers and layers of the skin that have become dry and rough, and are normally smaller than calluses.

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

• Well-fitting socks
• Comfortable shoes that are not tight around your foot
• Shoes that offer support

Treating Corns
Treatment of corns involves removing the dead skin that has built up in the specific area of the foot. Consult with Our doctor 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.

Typically, blisters on the feet are caused by repeated friction, commonly due to wearing poorly fitting shoes. Occasionally, there may be other conditions present such as hammertoes or bunions, which may alter the structure of the foot. Blisters can be avoided by choosing shoes with a wide area for the toes, in addition to checking the lining of the shoe, confirming that the seams are not raised. This ailment is more likely to develop if the feet are moist, which typically softens the skin. This may cause the skin to tear, providing the right environment for blisters to form. If you discover that you have a blister, it may be beneficial to cover it with a bandage in addition to eliminating any friction by wearing shoes that fit correctly. Typically, it’s not recommended to pop a blister, because this may lead to infection. If you have blisters on your feet, please consider scheduling a consultation with a podiatrist for a proper evaluation and treatment options.

Blisters are prone to making everyday activities extremely uncomfortable. If your feet are hurting, contact Dr. Blake Zobell of Utah. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Foot Blisters

Foot blisters develop as a result of constantly wearing tight or ill-fitting footwear. This happens due to the constant rubbing from the shoe, which can often lead to pain.

What Are Foot Blisters?

A foot blister is a small fluid-filled pocket that forms on the upper-most layer of the skin. Blisters are filled with clear fluid and can lead to blood drainage or pus if the area becomes infected.

How Do Blisters Form?

Blisters on the feet are often the result of constant friction of skin and material, usually by shoe rubbing. Walking in sandals, boots, or shoes that don’t fit properly for long periods of time can result in a blister. Having consistent foot moisture and humidity can easily lead to blister formation.

Prevention & Treatment

It is important to properly care for the affected area in order to prevent infection and ease the pain. Do not lance the blister and use a Band-Aid to provide pain relief. Also, be sure to keep your feet dry and wear proper fitting shoes. If you see blood or pus in a blister, seek assistance from a podiatrist.

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.

Practicing proper foot care is often overlooked, and this can be particularly true for the population of the elderly. Trimming the nails correctly is essential in preventing infections that may occur, especially in diabetic patients. Additionally, developing ingrown toenails, bunions, or warts may be common among the elderly who are not able to take care of their feet correctly. Proper circulation is vital to the lower extremities, and this may be accomplished by engaging in foot massages, in addition to elevating the feet and soaking them in warm water. Choosing the correct shoes to wear will also help in maintaining proper foot care, and selecting breathable materials will help in preventing fungus from occurring. Please consider scheduling a consultation with a podiatrist if you have questions about how to care for elderly feet.

Proper foot care is something many older adults forget to consider. If you have any concerns about your feet and ankles, contact Dr. Blake Zobell from Utah. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

The Elderly and Their Feet

As we age we start to notice many changes in our body, but the elder population may not notice them right away. Medical conditions may prevent the elderly to take notice of their foot health right away. Poor vision is a lead contributor to not taking action for the elderly.

Common Conditions 

• Neuropathy – can reduce feeling in the feet and can hide many life-threatening medical conditions.
• Reduced flexibility – prevents the ability of proper toenail trimming, and foot cleaning. If left untreated, it may lead to further medical issues.
• Foot sores – amongst the older population can be serious before they are discovered. Some of the problematic conditions they may face are:
• Gouging toenails affecting nearby toe
• Shoes that don’t fit properly
• Pressure sores
• Loss of circulation in legs & feet
• Edema & swelling of feet and ankles

Susceptible Infections

Diabetes and poor circulation can cause general loss of sensitivity over the years, turning a simple cut into a serious issue.

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.

Severe pain is likely to be experienced if you have a broken toe, and it will typically heal within 6 weeks. The toe may be tender, bruised, and swollen, often resulting in difficulty in walking. The treatment for a broken or bruised toe is the same, despite the fact that many people have trouble differentiating between the two. Temporary relief may come from elevating the foot, which generally helps in reducing any pain or swelling associated with this condition. Additionally, choosing to wear shoes that give the toes ample room to move may aid in diminishing any discomfort that may be experienced. If the toe is bent at an unnatural angle indicating a severe break, a consultation with a podiatrist is suggested for ways to properly treat your broken toe.

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.

Foot problems may become more severe if you are a diabetic, and additional care must be taken to avoid complications. There are several techniques that can be practiced for optimum foot care, including checking the feet daily for any cuts or redness, cutting the toenails correctly, and washing and drying thoroughly between the toes. If the skin becomes hardened, you may consider applying a moisturizer on the top and bottom of the feet which will promote softer skin. Choosing to wear shoes that fit well will not only feel comfortable, but will be beneficial in avoiding conditions that may lead to sores and infections. When buying shoes, it’s important to make sure the toes have adequate room to move around, and choosing a shoe with a lower heel may be helpful to avoid falling. It is of vital importance that daily foot inspections be carried out. Any type of wound, especially one that is not healing, must be addressed with immediate attention. A consultation with a podiatrist is advised to learn about the importance of proper diabetic foot care.

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.

If you have a bony area on the side of your big toe, chances are that you may have a bunion.  Typically a progressive disorder, bunions tend to be very painful and result from changes to your foot’s bone structure.  Bunions have many causes, including a foot type that’s inherited or an uneven weight in the tendon, causing instability in the toe joint.  Other problems that can potentially arise from bunions include calluses, arthritis, and difficulty in walking.  Padding the toe or putting it in a splint may be a recommended first step.  Surgery involving a corrective procedure to realign the joint may also be an option; another is repairing the ligaments.  Consult with a podiatrist for a proper diagnosis and appropriate treatment options.

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.

Do your heels hurt after the end of the day? You may be suffering from plantar fasciitis, heel pain that is caused by stress on the tissues in the heel. If so, you are not alone. Plenty of people report that they suffer from heel pain on a daily basis. Many times this is caused by improper footwear that offers little-to-no support. Most podiatrists recommend good quality footwear with custom made arch support to help relieve plantar fasciitis. It is important though to see a podiatrist who can check if you are suffering from plantar fasciitis. They can then offer personalized advice and treatment for your heel pain.

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.