Ingrown toenail surgery is a common procedure performed to alleviate the pain and discomfort of a toenail growing into the surrounding skin. This condition often results in inflammation, redness, and swelling, making it difficult to walk. The surgery typically involves removing the portion of the toenail that is embedded in the skin, which can provide immediate relief. In some cases, the podiatric surgeon may also remove a small section of the nail matrix to prevent recurrence. The procedure is usually performed under local anesthesia, allowing patients to remain awake but pain-free during the operation. After surgery, proper wound care is necessary to promote healing and prevent infection. If you have an infected ingrown toenail, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can determine if this type of foot surgery is right for you.

Foot surgery is sometimes necessary to treat a foot ailment. To learn more, contact Dr. Randy Garr of Bigfoot Podiatry. 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 our office located in Provo, UT . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Experiencing persistent pain in a broken toe even after a year can be frustrating and concerning. Several factors may contribute to this ongoing discomfort. One common cause is a delayed healing process, which can occur due to insufficient blood supply or inadequate immobilization during recovery. Misdiagnosis can also play a significant role, as an associated injury may hinder proper healing. Additionally, nerve damage is another possibility, as trauma to the toe can affect nearby nerves, leading to chronic pain or sensitivity. Lastly, post-traumatic arthritis may develop as a result of the initial injury, causing inflammation and stiffness in the joint. If you have broken your toe and are experiencing lingering pain, it is suggested that you confer with a podiatrist who can check the diagnosis, offer advanced treatment, and monitor your foot health.

Broken toes may cause a lot of pain and should be treated as soon as possible. If you have any concerns about your feet, contact Dr. Randy Garr from Bigfoot Podiatry. Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.

What Is a Broken Toe?

A broken toe occurs when one or more of the toe bones of the foot are broken after an injury. Injuries such as stubbing your toe or dropping a heavy object on it may cause a toe fracture.

Symptoms of a Broken Toe

• Swelling
• Pain (with/without wearing shoes)
• Stiffness
• Nail Injury

Although the injured toe should be monitored daily, it is especially important to have a podiatrist look at your toe if you have severe symptoms. Some of these symptoms include worsening or new pain that is not relieved with medication, sores, redness, or open wounds near the toe.

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.

Nerve damage in the foot can cause significant pain, often due to irritation of the nerves between the bones of the toes, known as interdigital nerves. This condition is commonly linked to neuromas, which are benign growths that often develop between the third and fourth toes. Factors contributing to formation of neuromas include wearing tight or non-supportive footwear, thinning of the protective fat pad at the ball of the foot, and structural abnormalities that put additional pressure on the nerves. Nerve pain in the foot starts with mild aching, tingling, or burning in the toes. However, it can progress to a constant burning sensation that makes it difficult to wear closed-toe shoes. A podiatrist can offer relief by recommending proper footwear, prescribing custom orthotics, or administering injections to reduce inflammation and pain. In more severe cases, surgery may be needed to remove the neuroma. This may provide pain relief but may also cause numbness. If you are experiencing nerve pain in your feet, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for a treatment plan that works best for you. 

Neuropathy

Neuropathy can be a potentially serious condition, especially if it is left undiagnosed. If you have any concerns that you may be experiencing nerve loss in your feet, consult with Dr. Randy Garr from Bigfoot Podiatry. Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment for neuropathy.

What Is Neuropathy?

Neuropathy is a condition that leads to damage to the nerves in the body. Peripheral neuropathy, or neuropathy that affects your peripheral nervous system, usually occurs in the feet. Neuropathy can be triggered by a number of different causes. Such causes include diabetes, infections, cancers, disorders, and toxic substances.

Symptoms of Neuropathy Include:

• Numbness
• Sensation loss
• Prickling and tingling sensations
• Throbbing, freezing, burning pains
• Muscle weakness

Those with diabetes are at serious risk due to being unable to feel an ulcer on their feet. Diabetics usually also suffer from poor blood circulation. This can lead to the wound not healing, infections occurring, and the limb may have to be amputated.

Treatment

To treat neuropathy in the foot, podiatrists will first diagnose the cause of the neuropathy. Figuring out the underlying cause of the neuropathy will allow the podiatrist to prescribe the best treatment, whether it be caused by diabetes, toxic substance exposure, infection, etc. If the nerve has not died, then it’s possible that sensation may be able to return to the foot.

Pain medication may be issued for pain. Electrical nerve stimulation can be used to stimulate nerves. If the neuropathy is caused from pressure on the nerves, then surgery may be necessary.

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.

Measuring your foot size correctly is essential for finding well-fitting shoes and ensuring comfort. Begin by placing a piece of paper on a flat surface against a wall. Stand with your heel on the paper against the wall and your weight evenly distributed. Trace the outline of your foot on the paper, making sure to keep the pen or pencil perpendicular to the paper. Measure the length from the heel to the tip of the longest toe, and record this measurement. To determine the width, measure the widest part of your foot. It is best to measure your feet at the end of the day when they are most swollen. Compare these measurements with a shoe size chart to find your correct size. If you have sustained a foot affliction from wearing shoes that do not fit properly, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can treat various foot ailments, and educate you on how to correctly measure your feet.

Getting the right shoe size is an important part of proper foot health. Seek the assistance of Dr. Randy Garr from Bigfoot Podiatry. Our doctor will provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Getting the Right Shoe Size

There are many people who wear shoes that are the incorrect size, negatively affecting their feet and posture. Selecting the right shoes is not a difficult process, so long as you keep several things in mind when it comes to choosing the right pair.

• When visiting the shoe store, use the tools available to measure your foot.
• Be sure there is ‘wiggle room’. There should be about an inch between your toes and the tip of your shoes.
• Do not always assume you are the same size, as manufacturers run differently.
• Purchase shoes later in the day, as your feet swell as the day progresses.
• If a shoe is not comfortable, it is not suitable. Most shoes can’t be ‘broken in’, and comfort should be the ultimate goal when it comes to choosing the right pair of shoes

As our feet hold our body weight and keep us moving, it is important to treat them right. Picking the right pair of shoes can provide your feet comfort and mobility without pain.

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.

Bunions are bony protrusions that form at the base of the big toe, often causing the tip of the toe to angle toward the other toes. Symptoms typically include pain, swelling, and redness around the joint, which may worsen with prolonged standing or walking. Bunions often develop due to genetic factors, improper footwear, or abnormal foot mechanics. Wearing tight or high-heeled shoes can worsen the condition by putting pressure on the toe joint. Diagnosing bunions usually involves a physical examination and may include X-rays to assess the extent of bone displacement and joint damage. For severe cases, surgical options may be considered to correct the deformity and alleviate pain. If you have symptoms of a bunion, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist who can suggest treatment methods that are right for you.

If you are suffering from bunions, contact Dr. Randy Garr of Bigfoot Podiatry. 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 our office located in Provo, UT . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.