April 2020

Diabetic patients have been known to deal with various foot conditions. One common foot issue that may develop due to diabetes is poor circulation. When the feet do not receive a proper amount of blood flow, it’s likely neuropathy may develop. Neuropathy impacts the feet by causing them to lose feeling. When a patient loses feeling in their feet, it can become very dangerous, as certain deformities or infections may go unnoticed. It can be beneficial for those dealing with poor circulation of the feet to perform daily checks, making sure to examine the feet thoroughly for any scrapes or cuts to help avoid developing a serious foot condition. For professional advice on treating poor circulation, it’s suggested that you speak with a podiatrist.

Poor circulation is a serious condition and needs immediate medical attention. If you have any concerns with poor circulation in your feet contact Stanley Phillips, DPM of Foot & Ankle Clinics of Utah. Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.

Poor Circulation in the Feet

Poor blood circulation in the feet and legs is can be caused by peripheral artery disease (PAD), which is the result of a buildup of plaque in the arteries.

Plaque buildup or atherosclerosis results from excess calcium and cholesterol in the bloodstream. This can restrict the amount of blood which can flow through the arteries. Poor blood circulation in the feet and legs are sometimes caused by inflammation in the blood vessels, known as vasculitis.

Causes

Lack of oxygen and oxygen from poor blood circulation restricts muscle growth and development. It can also cause:

• Muscle pain, stiffness, or weakness   
• Numbness or cramping in the legs 
• Skin discoloration
• Slower nail & hair growth
• Erectile dysfunction

Those who have diabetes or smoke are at greatest risk for poor circulation, as are those who are over 50. If you have poor circulation in the feet and legs it may be caused by PAD and is important to make changes to your lifestyle in order to reduce risk of getting a heart attack or stroke. Exercise and maintaining a healthy lifestyle will dramatically improve conditions.

As always, see a podiatrist as he or she will assist in finding a regimen that suits you. A podiatrist can also prescribe you any needed medication. 

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

Toenail fungus is a contagious fungal skin infection that can be spread directly or indirectly. It is most commonly spread in warm, moist environments. These locations typically include public swimming pools, communal showers, gyms, and locker rooms. To help prevent obtaining a fungal infection, it may be beneficial to wear appropriate footwear when you are in these locations. Some symptoms of this condition may include discoloration of the affected toenail, thickening of the toenail, and in more severe cases, the toenail may become brittle and begin to break off. In order to safely treat a toenail fungal infection, it’s suggested that you consult with a podiatrist for professional care and advice.

For more information about treatment, contact Stanley Phillips, DPM of Foot & Ankle Clinics of Utah. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Toenail Fungus Treatment

Toenail fungus is a condition that affects many people and can be especially hard to get rid of. Fortunately, there are several methods to go about treating and avoiding it.

Antifungals & Deterrence

Oral antifungal medicine has been shown to be effective in many cases. It is important to consult with a podiatrist to determine the proper regiment for you, or potentially explore other options.

Applying foot powder on the feet and shoes helps keep the feet free of moisture and sweat.

Sandals or open toed shoes – Wearing these will allow air movement and help keep feet dry. They also expose your feet to light, which fungus cannot tolerate. Socks with moisture wicking material also help as well.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our office located in American Fork, UT . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.

You don't need an excuse to have beautiful nails. Step outside without worrying about the appearance of your feet.

A broken foot, or foot fracture, generally occurs as a result of falling, or if a heavy object has dropped on the foot. This is considered to be a common injury, and there are noticeable symptoms that often accompany this type of fracture. These can include severe pain and discomfort, an abnormal foot shape, swelling, and it may be difficult to move your foot. A proper diagnosis is needed in order to confirm a broken foot has occurred. This consists of having an X-ray, CT scan, or MRI taken. At this point, proper treatment can begin, which involves wearing a boot, cast, or splint. Any of these options may be helpful in providing the stability that is needed as the healing process takes place. Moderate relief may be found when the affected foot is elevated, as this may help to reduce existing swelling. If you have broken your foot, please consult with a podiatrist as quickly as possible so they can determine what the best course of treatment is for you.

A broken foot requires immediate medical attention and treatment. If you need your feet checked, contact Stanley Phillips, DPM from Foot & Ankle Clinics of Utah. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Broken Foot Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment

A broken foot is caused by one of the bones in the foot typically breaking when bended, crushed, or stretched beyond its natural capabilities. Usually the location of the fracture indicates how the break occurred, whether it was through an object, fall, or any other type of injury. 

Common Symptoms of Broken Feet:

• Bruising
• Pain
• Redness
• Swelling
• Blue in color
• Numbness
• Cold
• Misshapen
• Cuts
• Deformities

Those that suspect they have a broken foot shoot seek urgent medical attention where a medical professional could diagnose the severity.

Treatment for broken bones varies depending on the cause, severity and location. Some will require the use of splints, casts or crutches while others could even involve surgery to repair the broken bones. Personal care includes the use of ice and keeping the foot stabilized and elevated.

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

Hammertoe is a common foot condition among people worldwide, and it is considered to be a deformity. It occurs as a result of shortened tendons in the joints of the middle toe. These are tissues that link the bone to the muscle, and may cause the affected toe to bend at the joint, and resemble a hammer. There are several reasons why this condition may occur. These can include genetic factors, or from wearing shoes that do not have adequate room for the toes to move freely in. Additionally, there may be existing medical conditions that can consist of high arches, or certain types of arthritis which can precede the onset of hammertoe. It may help to change the type of shoes that are worn, and many patients choose to have surgery performed that can permanently straighten the toe. If you have developed hammertoe, it is strongly suggested that you are under the care of a podiatrist who can properly treat this ailment.

Hammertoes can be a painful condition to live with. For more information, contact Stanley Phillips, DPM of Foot & Ankle Clinics of Utah. Our doctor will answer any of your foot- and ankle-related questions.

Hammertoe

Hammertoe is a foot deformity that occurs due to an imbalance in the muscles, tendons, or ligaments that normally hold the toe straight. It can be caused by the type of shoes you wear, your foot structure, trauma, and certain disease processes.

Symptoms

• Painful and/or difficult toe movement
• Swelling
• Joint stiffness
• Calluses/Corns
• Physical deformity

Risk Factors

• Age – The risk of hammertoe increases with age
• Sex – Women are more likely to have hammertoe compared to men
• Toe Length – You are more likely to develop hammertoe if your second toe is longer than your big toe
• Certain Diseases – Arthritis and diabetes may make you more likely to develop hammertoe

Treatment

If you have hammertoe, you should change into a more comfortable shoe that provides enough room for your toes. Exercises such as picking up marbles may strengthen and stretch your toe muscles. Nevertheless, it is important to seek assistance from a podiatrist in order to determine the severity of your hammertoe and see which treatment option will work best for you.

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