March 2021

The bones that are located in the feet can be affected by stress fractures. Stress fractures are  hairline fractures that can gradually develop from overuse. They can form as a result of a sudden change in footwear, running on uneven surfaces, or suddenly increasing the intensity in running and jumping activities. Common symptoms that many patients experience can include tenderness surrounding the injured area, in addition to severe pain when the activity is completed. Mild relief can be found when the affected foot is elevated, and this may help to increase circulation to the heart. If you feel you have endured a stress fracture in your foot, it is advised that you seek the counsel of a podiatrist who can properly diagnose and treat stress fractures.

Activities where too much pressure is put on the feet can cause stress fractures. To learn more, contact Stanley Phillips, DPM from Foot & Ankle Clinics of Utah. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep your pain free and on your feet.

Dealing with Stress Fractures of the Foot and Ankle

Stress fractures occur in the foot and ankle when muscles in these areas weaken from too much or too little use.  The feet and ankles then lose support when walking or running from the impact of the ground. Since there is no protection, the bones receive the full impact of each step. Stress on the feet can cause cracks to form in the bones, thus creating stress fractures.

What Are Stress Fractures?

Stress fractures occur frequently in individuals whose daily activities cause great impact on the feet and ankles. Stress factors are most common among:

• Runners                                  
• People affected with Osteoporosis
• Tennis or basketball players
• Gymnasts
• High impact workouts

Symptoms

Pain from the fractures occur in the area of the fractures and can be constant or intermittent. It will often cause sharp or dull pain with swelling and tenderness. Engaging in any kind of activity which involves high impact will aggravate pain.

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.

Having flat feet, defined as feet that do not have a visible arch in the sole while standing, can sometimes cause foot problems to arise. While many people have flat feet and do not experience any negative effects, others may find that they have foot pain, fatigue easily, or have an abnormal walking pattern. Fortunately, there are steps you can take to make living with flat feet more comfortable. Over the counter and custom orthotic inserts can be worn in the shoes to provide more cushioning and support to your flat feet as you go about your daily activities. Stretching and strengthening the feet with simple foot exercises can also help to reduce pain and discomfort. For more information about flat feet, please consult with a podiatrist.

Flatfoot is a condition many people suffer from. If you have flat feet, contact Stanley Phillips, DPM from Foot & Ankle Clinics of Utah. Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.

What Are Flat Feet?

Flatfoot is a condition in which the arch of the foot is depressed and the sole of the foot is almost completely in contact with the ground. About 20-30% of the population generally has flat feet because their arches never formed during growth.

Conditions & Problems:

Having flat feet makes it difficult to run or walk because of the stress placed on the ankles.

Alignment – The general alignment of your legs can be disrupted, because the ankles move inward which can cause major discomfort.

Knees – If you have complications with your knees, flat feet can be a contributor to arthritis in that area.  

Symptoms

• Pain around the heel or arch area
• Trouble standing on the tip toe
• Swelling around the inside of the ankle
• Flat look to one or both feet
• Having your shoes feel uneven when worn

Treatment

If you are experiencing pain and stress on the foot you may weaken the posterior tibial tendon, which runs around the inside of the ankle. 

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.

Custom orthotics, or shoe inserts, should be periodically replaced. Orthotics must fit properly to give you the best results. Protect your feet and ankles!

When you are experiencing foot pain, any relief is welcome. Pre-made shoe inserts (foot orthotics) purchased at the drug store can alleviate discomfort for some people. There are also custom-made foot orthotics which go a step further. A podiatrist first determines the cause of your foot pain, and creates either a 3D model or takes an impression of your actual feet. Then, a customized foot orthotic is created to fit you and treat the specific nature of your pain. These made-to-order orthotics can benefit patients with conditions such as plantar fasciitis, bunions, high arches and various forms of arthritis. If you are experiencing pain in one or both of your feet, don’t suffer in silence. It is suggested that you call a podiatrist to see if foot orthotics can improve your quality of life.

If you are having discomfort in your feet and would like to try orthotics, 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.

What Are Orthotics?

Orthotics are inserts you can place into your shoes to help with a variety of foot problems such as flat feet or foot pain. Orthotics provide relief and comfort for minor foot and heel pain but can’t correct serious biomechanical problems in your feet.

Over-the-Counter Inserts

Orthotics come in a wide variety of over-the-counter inserts that are used to treat foot pain, heel pain, and minor problems. For example, arch supports can be inserted into your shoes to help correct overarched or flat feet, while gel insoles are often used because they provide comfort and relief from foot and heel pain by alleviating pressure.

Prescription Orthotics

If over-the-counter inserts don’t work for you or if you have a more severe foot concern, it is possible to have your podiatrist prescribe custom orthotics. These high-quality inserts are designed to treat problems such as abnormal motion, plantar fasciitis, and severe forms of heel pain. They can even be used to help patients suffering from diabetes by treating foot ulcers and painful calluses and are usually molded to your feet individually, which allows them to provide full support and comfort.

If you are experiencing minor to severe foot or heel pain, it’s recommended to speak with your podiatrist about the possibilities of using orthotics. A podiatrist can determine which type of orthotic is right for you and allow you to take the first steps towards being pain-free.

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

When it comes to foot problems, children are susceptible to many of the same conditions as adults. Problems on the skin of the feet, such as plantar warts, athlete’s foot, ingrown toenails, calluses, and blisters are all common in children. Foot and ankle pain, caused by conditions such as plantar fasciitis, a stress fracture, or having flat feet, is also common in children. Being active or playing certain sports can increase the risk of foot and ankle injuries, including sprained ankles and Sever’s disease. For more information about pediatric foot problems, please consult with a podiatrist.

Making sure that your children maintain good foot health is very important as they grow. If you have any questions, 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.

Keeping Children's Feet Healthy

Having healthy feet during childhood can help prevent medical problems later in life, namely in the back and legs. As children grow, their feet require different types of care. Here are some things to consider...

Although babies do not walk yet, it is still very important to take care of their feet.

Avoid putting tight shoes or socks on his or her feet.

Allow the baby to stretch and kick his or her feet to feel comfortable.

As a toddler, kids are now on the move and begin to develop differently. At this age, toddlers are getting a feel for walking, so don’t be alarmed if your toddler is unsteady or ‘walks funny’. 

As your child gets older, it is important to teach them how to take care of their feet.

Show them proper hygiene to prevent infections such as fungus.

Be watchful for any pain or injury.

Have all injuries checked by a doctor as soon as possible.

Comfortable, protective shoes should always be worn, especially at play.

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.

People with diabetes may be at an increased risk of developing various joint problems, including osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis and Charcot foot. Diabetes can cause a decrease in sensation in the lower limbs, make the ligaments of the feet more lax, and increase joint instability. These factors, coupled with small, repetitive, poorly-healing trauma to the joints, can lead to joint damage. Elevated blood sugar levels can also cause molecular and structural changes to the cartilage in the joints, exacerbating the problem. If you have diabetes and notice problems with the joints in your feet, it is recommended that you consult with a podiatrist.

When dealing with systemic disease of the feet, it is extremely important to check the affected areas routinely so that any additional problems are caught quickly.  If you have any concerns about your feet and ankles contact Stanley Phillips, DPM from Foot & Ankle Clinics of Utah. Our doctor will assist you with all of your podiatric needs.

Systemic Diseases of the Feet

Systemic diseases affect the whole body, and symptoms usually are displayed in the feet. This condition can make a patient’s ability to walk unbearable.  Systemic diseases include gout, diabetes mellitus, neurological disorders, and arthritis.

Gout – is caused by an excess of uric acid in the body. Common symptoms include pain, inflammation, and redness at the metatarsal/phalangeal joint of the base big toe. Gout can be treated by NSAIDs to relieve pain and inflammation, and other drugs that lower the acid levels in the body.

Diabetes mellitus – is an increase in the level of blood sugar that the body cannot counteract with its own insulin. Failure to produce enough insulin is a factor in Diabetes.

Diabetes of the Feet

Diabetic Neuropathy – may lead to damaged nerves and affect the feet through numbness and loss of sensation.

Peripheral Vascular Disease – can restrict the blood flow to the feet, and often times lead to amputation of the feet. 

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.