Conditions of the Foot
Your feet carry you through life. They’re your foundation, absorbing daily wear and tear while supporting your entire body.
At Summit Orthopaedics, we understand how important healthy feet are to your overall well-being. Whether you’re dealing with discomfort from daily activities or a more complex condition, we’re here to help restore your mobility and quality of life.
The Structure and Importance of Healthy Feet
Each foot is a marvel of engineering, made up of 26 bones, 33 joints, and over 100 muscles, tendons, and ligaments. This intricate structure provides balance, mobility, and support for your entire body. However, with so much complexity comes vulnerability. Daily activities like walking, standing, and even wearing ill-fitting shoes can cause stress that leads to pain and long-term conditions.
Whether you’re experiencing slight discomfort or intense pain, our team can help you find relief.
Common Foot Conditions
We treat a wide variety of foot ailments at Summit Orthopaedics. The most common include:
Bunions
A bunion is a bony bump that forms on the side of the foot near the big toe. Bunions are typically caused by foot structure, preexisting medical conditions, or repetitive stress. They can cause pain, swelling, and difficulty finding comfortable footwear. Bunions often worsen over time without intervention.
Ingrown toenails
An ingrown toenail occurs when part of the nail grows into the surrounding skin, leading to redness, inflammation, and tenderness. Individuals who improperly trim their nails or practice repetitive motions, such as kicking a soccer ball, are most susceptible. Left untreated, ingrown toenails can result in infection.
Hammertoes
This condition causes one or more toes to bend abnormally at the middle joint. Hammertoes are often the result of foot structure, trauma, or walking around in poorly fitting shoes. They can make walking uncomfortable and limit your ability to move around without pain.
Plantar fasciitis
This common cause of heel pain occurs when the band of tissue connecting your heel to your toes becomes inflamed. It’s often worse in the morning or after prolonged periods of rest. People who spend a significant amount of time on their feet, whether recreationally or for work, are most at risk for this condition.
Arthritis
Arthritis in the foot and ankle can lead to pain, stiffness, and swelling, significantly impacting your ability to move comfortably. This condition is a natural result of aging, traumatic injuries, and the overuse of joints. Though arthritis can not be cured or reversed, there are many ways to manage the pain and limit its effect on your life.
Symptoms and When to Seek Orthopaedic Care
Foot pain is not something to ignore. Here are some key symptoms that indicate it’s time to consult an orthopaedic specialist:
- Difficulty walking or bearing weight
- Numbness, tingling, or a burning sensation in your foot
- Persistent or worsening pain in your foot, ankle, or toes
- Swelling that doesn’t go away after rest
- Visible deformities such as bunions or hammertoes
If you notice any of these symptoms, seek care immediately. Early intervention can prevent symptoms from worsening and help you avoid invasive procedures.
Treatment Options for Foot Conditions
At Summit Orthopaedics, we offer a range of treatments, from conservative measures to advanced surgical interventions.
Non-surgical treatments
For many conditions, non-surgical approaches are highly effective. We often recommend giving these a try before we resort to surgery. These options include:
- Inserts or orthotics: Custom-made devices to support and cushion your feet
- Physical therapy: Targeted exercises to the improve strength, flexibility, and function of your foot
- Lifestyle changes: Modifying activities or wearing supportive footwear to reduce strain
- Injections: Can significantly reduce inflammation and pain for certain conditions
Surgical treatments
In cases where surgery is necessary, our skilled orthopaedic surgeons provide advanced procedures to correct deformities, repair injuries, or replace damaged joints. Whether you need bunion surgery, hammertoe correction, or more complex interventions, you can trust that you’re in expert hands. We will walk you through the surgery process step by step.
Foot Care Tips
Preventive care is essential for maintaining healthy feet. Here are some practical tips:
Choose the right shoes
You know the saying that ‘beauty is pain’? Well, that doesn’t have to be the case. Fortunately, there are plenty of comfortable and stylish options on the market. Opt for footwear with proper arch support, cushioning, and a roomy toe box. Avoid high heels or overly tight shoes for extended periods.
Stretch regularly
Simple stretches like toe curls, ankle rolls, and calf stretches can improve flexibility and reduce strain in your feet.
Practice good foot hygiene
Wash and dry your feet thoroughly, trim your toenails straight across, and moisturize to prevent cracking.
Monitor your feet
Check for any sudden changes like redness, swelling, or deformities, and address issues promptly.
Why Choose Summit Orthopaedics?
At Summit Orthopaedics, we are dedicated to providing exceptional care to help you live pain-free. Here’s what sets us apart:
- Highly experienced team: Our board-certified physicians bring decades of expertise in orthopaedic care. Dr. Van Dyke is the only orthopaedic surgeon and fellowship-trained foot/ankle specialist in the area. His deep knowledge and specific skills set him apart from other surgeons in Idaho Falls.
- Personalized care: We believe in treating the whole person, not just the condition. At Summit Orthopaeics, we’re known for our patient-focused approach.
- Advanced treatment options: We offer cutting-edge procedures and technology to deliver the best possible outcomes.
Foot Replacement Surgery and Other Treatments in Idaho Falls
If you’re ready to take the first step toward better foot health, our team at Summit Orthopaedics is here for you. From preventive care to advanced surgical solutions, we’ll provide you with the treatment and guidance you need. Contact us today, and let us help you get back on your feet.