The metatarsal bones connect the toes with the mid-and-hind-foot bones. Because they are weight-bearing bones, they can become overly pressured, which can cause pain or burning in the ball of the foot, or a tingling/numb feeling in the toes. When this occurs, it is known as metatarsalgia.  It is believed that women may be more at risk for developing metatarsalgia, along with those who wear high heels extensively or have a job that requires prolonged standing. Metatarsalgia may also be preceded by bunions or other foot conditions like hammertoes or Morton’s neuroma. If you have pain in the ball of your foot, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist for an exam. If you are diagnosed with metatarsalgia, custom metatarsal orthotics, shoe modifications, and other treatments may be used to help ease the pain you are experiencing.

Foot Pain

Foot pain can be extremely painful and debilitating. If you have a foot pain, consult with Dr. Randy Garr from Bigfoot Podiatry. Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

Causes

Foot pain is a very broad condition that could be caused by one or more ailments. The most common include:

• Bunions
• Hammertoes
• Plantar Fasciitis
• Bone Spurs
• Corns
• Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome
• Ingrown Toenails
• Arthritis (such as Gout, Rheumatoid, and Osteoarthritis)
• Flat Feet
• Injury (from stress fractures, broken toe, foot, ankle, Achilles tendon ruptures, and sprains)
• And more

Diagnosis

To figure out the cause of foot pain, podiatrists utilize several different methods. This can range from simple visual inspections and sensation tests to X-rays and MRI scans. Prior medical history, family medical history, and any recent physical traumatic events will all be taken into consideration for a proper diagnosis.

Treatment

Treatment depends upon the cause of the foot pain. Whether it is resting, staying off the foot, or having surgery; podiatrists have a number of treatment options available for foot 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.

The feet are the foundation of our bodies and while supporting our weight, they are also essential for mobility. Because of this, any foot-related issue should be addressed by a podiatrist. Common foot conditions a podiatrist can help with include athlete’s foot, bunions, hammertoes, corns, ingrown toenails, plantar fasciitis or heel pain, and foot blisters. Athlete’s foot is a contagious fungal infection that thrives between the toes or on the bottom of the feet that results in itching, burning, or scaling of the skin. Bunions are painful bumps that usually develop at the site of the big toe joint and cause the big toe to bend towards the smaller toes. Ingrown toenails occur as the nail grows into the sides of the nail bed. The skin around the affected toenail is typically swollen, red, painful, and can become infected. Plantar fasciitis is the most common cause of heel pain. This is a result of the plantar fascia, which runs along the bottom of the foot and connects the heel bone to the toes, becoming inflamed or torn. Patients who are suffering from any foot-related problem should consult with a podiatrist for a proper diagnosis and treatment. 

If you are experiencing pain in the feet or ankles, don’t join the stubborn majority refusing treatment. Feel free to contact Dr. Randy Garr from Bigfoot Podiatry. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

What Is a Podiatrist?

Someone would seek the care of a podiatrist if they have suffered a foot injury or have common foot ailments such as heal spurs, bunions, arch problems, deformities, ingrown toenails, corns, foot and ankle problems, etc.

Podiatric Treatment

A podiatrist will treat the problematic areas of the feet, ankle or lower leg by prescribing the following:

• Physical therapy
• Drugs
• Orthotic inserts or soles
• Surgery on lower extremity fractures

A common podiatric procedure a podiatrist will use is a scanner or force plate which will allow the podiatrist to know the designs of orthotics. Patients are then told to follow a series of tasks to complete the treatment. The computer will scan the foot a see which areas show weight distribution and pressure points. The podiatrist will read the analysis and then determine which treatment plans are available.

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.

Flip-flops may be the most popular footwear of the summer, but that doesn’t mean that flip-flops are good for your foot health. While they may keep your feet cool, flip-flops can also alter your gait, or walking pattern. When you wear flip-flops, you typically need to scrunch up your toes around the ends of the shoes in order to keep them on. This can stretch the plantar fascia ligament that runs along the bottom of the foot and lead to heel and arch pain and plantar fasciitis. Another thing you might be doing to keep those flip-flops on your feet is walk with shorter strides and turn your ankles inward while you walk. This altered gait can cause long term ankle and hip problems. This summer, if you must wear flip-flops, choose ones made of a sturdier material and wear them infrequently. For more information about the effects of footwear on your feet, 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. Randy Garr from Bigfoot Podiatry. 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 our office located in Provo, UT .  We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

It is important for parents to teach their children how to take care of their feet. Children are often fascinated to learn that each of their feet have twenty-six bones, in addition to several muscles, ligaments, and tendons. They understand their feet can feel good when they are washed and dried every day, and when they wear shoes that fit correctly. Babies' feet will get stronger when they can walk barefoot while indoors, due the toes gripping the floor to maintain balance. When the toenails are trimmed, ingrown toenails may be prevented. This is a condition that can cause severe pain and discomfort, and it can make it difficult for children to run and play. If you would like more information about methods on how to teach children the proper way to care for their feet, please consult with a podiatrist.

The health of a child’s feet is vital to their overall well-being. If you have any questions regarding foot health, contact Dr. Randy Garr of Bigfoot Podiatry. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Tips for Keeping Children's Feet Healthy

• Make sure their shoes fit properly
• Look for any signs of in-toeing or out-toeing
• Check to see if they have Clubfoot (condition that affects your child’s foot and ankle, twisting the heel and toes inward) which is one of the most common nonmajor birth defects.
• Lightly cover your baby’s feet (Tight covers may keep your baby from moving their feet freely, and could prevent normal development)
• Allow your toddler to go shoeless (Shoes can be restricting for a young child’s foot)
• Cut toenails straight across to avoid ingrown toenails
• Keep your child’s foot clean and dry
• Cover cuts and scrapes. Wash any scratches with soap and water and cover them with a bandage until they’ve healed.

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.

There are several reasons why elderly people can be more prone to various foot conditions. As we age some individuals may feel general body weakness or fatigue, difficulty in balancing, and lack of physical activity which may even cause one’s natural gait to become altered. Common foot ailments that older people may suffer from can consist of bunions, corns, calluses, athlete’s foot, and heel pain from loss of the fat pad over time. Additionally, poor circulation can occur, and this can cause the feet to swell or tingle. Other conditions like diabetes can wreak havoc on the feet as wounds that are left unnoticed can lead to amputation in severe cases. It is extremely important to maintain proper foot care among the elderly as problems in the feet can be indicative of larger health issues. Trimming the toenails straight across can be essential in preventing ingrown toenails and wearing shoes that fit properly may help to avoid hammertoe and bunions. Elderly feet should be inspected every day as well as washed and dried thoroughly, especially in between the toes. If you need help with your feet or take care of an elder’s feet, it is strongly suggested that you consult with a podiatrist who can recommend effective remedies and techniques. 

Proper foot care is something many older adults forget to consider. If you have any concerns about your feet and ankles, contact Dr. Randy Garr from Bigfoot Podiatry. 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 our office located in Provo, UT . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.