Heel pain affects roughly 1 out of every 10 people in the world, particularly runners and those between the ages of 40 and 60. Heel pain generally builds up and worsens over time, and most commonly it is a result of damage to the plantar fascia. The plantar fascia is the band of tissue that runs along the sole of the foot and connects the heel bone to the toes. Any damage, whether it is sudden or reoccurring over time, will cause the plantar fascia to thicken, along with the surrounding tissues and heel bone. This is known as plantar fasciitis. Other less common sources of heel pain include stress fractures, bursitis, wearing of the fat pad under the heel, or a heel spur. If you are suffering from heel pain, it is important to consult with a podiatrist to receive a proper diagnosis. Once the source of the pain is determined, your podiatrist will be able to provide treatment options for your specific condition.

Many people suffer from bouts of heel pain. For more information, contact Dr. Randy Garr of Bigfoot Podiatry. 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 our office located in Provo, UT . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Fungal nail infections, also known as onychomycosis, can cause the nails to become thick, yellow, and crumbly. Fungal nail infections are usually not painful unless they become severe. Small cracks in the nail or the skin surrounding the nail allow for fungi to come into the nail and infect it. Those who have an injury to the nail, are diabetic, or have a weakened immune system, are said to be at a higher risk of developing a fungal nail infection. Fungi often thrive in warm, moist environments, such as locker rooms and public pools, and the fungi tend to spread to others while in these areas. Because antifungal medication or removal of the nail may be necessary to get rid of the infection fully, those who are experiencing a fungal nail infection should consult a podiatrist.

If left untreated, toenail fungus may spread to other toenails, skin, or even fingernails. If you suspect you have toenail fungus it is important to seek treatment right away. For more information about treatment, contact Dr. Randy Garr of Bigfoot Podiatry. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Symptoms

• Warped or oddly shaped nails
• Yellowish nails
• Loose/separated nail
• Buildup of bits and pieces of nail fragments under the nail
• Brittle, broken, thickened nail

Treatment

If self-care strategies and over-the-counter medications does not help your fungus, your podiatrist may give you a prescription drug instead. Even if you find relief from your toenail fungus symptoms, you may experience a repeat infection in the future.

Prevention

In order to prevent getting toenail fungus in the future, you should always make sure to wash your feet with soap and water. After washing, it is important to dry your feet thoroughly especially in between the toes. When trimming your toenails, be sure to trim straight across instead of in a rounded shape. It is crucial not to cover up discolored nails with nail polish because that will prevent your nail from being able to “breathe”.

In some cases, surgical procedure may be needed to remove the toenail fungus. Consult with your podiatrist about the best treatment options for your case of toenail fungus.  

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in Provo, UT . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Patients who have developed blisters on their feet are often aware of how uncomfortable they can be. Blisters can cause difficulty walking, running, or completing daily activities. Blisters are defined as the body’s natural defense response to protect skin that has become damaged from excess friction. It can be beneficial to wear socks and shoes that fit properly, as this may help to reduce existing friction. Additionally, it may help to remove shoes while resting, which can give the feet the opportunity to dry off. Mild relief may be found when a protective pad is worn over the blister, as this may prevent premature draining. If you have a blister on your foot, it suggested that you speak with a podiatrist who can provide you with proper treatment.

Blisters are prone to making everyday activities extremely uncomfortable. If your feet are hurting, contact Dr. Randy Garr of Bigfoot Podiatry. 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 our office located in Provo, UT . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

The medical condition that is known as cracked heels can develop for a variety of reasons. These can include walking barefoot, standing for extended periods of time throughout the day, or from wearing shoes that have an open back. Additionally, there are medical causes that may significantly contribute to the onset of cracked heels. These can consist of vitamin deficiencies, thyroid disorder, and psoriasis. The symptoms that are often associated with this ailment are pain, red skin, itchiness and inflammation. If you have developed cracked heels, it is suggested that you confer with a podiatrist who can recommend treatment techniques.

If the skin on your feet starts to crack, you may want to see a podiatrist to find treatment. If you have any concerns, contact Dr. Randy Garr from Bigfoot Podiatry. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Cracked Heels

It is important to moisturize your cracked heels in order to prevent pain, bleeding, and infection. The reason cracked heels form is because the skin on the foot is too dry to support the immense pressure placed on them. When the foot expands, the dry skin on the foot begins to split.

Ways to Help Heal Them

• Invest in a good foot cream
• Try Using Petroleum Jelly
• Ease up on Soaps
• Drink Plenty of Water

Ways to Prevent Cracked Heels

• Moisturize After Showering
• Skip a Shower
• Keep Shower Water Lukewarm
• Don’t Scrub Your Feet

If you are unsure how to proceed in treating cracked heels, seek guidance from a podiatrist. Your doctor will help you with any questions or information you may need. 

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in Provo, UT . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

The metatarsal bones are the foot bones that connect the toes to the ankles, and stress fractures occur as small breaks in the bones due to repeated stress. Those who have increased their activity level, put pressure on the feet, or have a bone condition are at a higher risk for developing a stress fracture. Generally, the pain from a metatarsal stress fracture starts over a wide area of the foot during activity, but goes away with rest. Left untreated, the pain will be present all of the time. If you are experiencing this kind of pain, it is important to consult with a podiatrist. X-rays or a bone scan may be needed to make a proper diagnosis, and orthotics or a cast may be necessary. A podiatrist will also be able to help determine when it is safe to go back to physical activity. 

Stress fractures occur when there is a tiny crack within a bone. To learn more, contact Dr. Randy Garr from Bigfoot Podiatry. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain free and on your feet.

How Are They Caused?

Stress fractures are the result of repetitive force being placed on the bone. Since the lower leg and feet often carry most of the body’s weight, stress fractures are likely to occur in these areas. If you rush into a new exercise, you are more likely to develop a stress fracture since you are starting too much, too soon.  Pain resulting from stress fractures may go unnoticed at first, however it may start to worsen over time.

Risk Factors

• Gender – They are more commonly found in women compared to men.
• Foot Problems – People with unusual arches in their feet are more likely to develop stress fractures.
• Certain Sports – Dancers, gymnasts, tennis players, runners, and basketball players are more likely to develop stress fractures.
• Lack of Nutrients – A lack of vitamin D and calcium may weaken the bones and make you more prone to stress fractures
• Weak Bones – Osteoporosis can weaken the bones therefore resulting in stress fractures

Stress fractures do not always heal properly, so it is important that you seek help from a podiatrist if you suspect you may have one. Ignoring your stress fracture may cause it to worsen, and you may develop chronic pain as well as additional fractures.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in Provo, UT . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.