Chronic plantar fasciitis occurs when the plantar fascia, the thick band of tissue along the bottom of the foot, remains inflamed for longer than six months. It typically causes persistent heel pain, especially with the first steps in the morning or after long periods of rest. Diagnosis involves a physical examination where a podiatrist checks for tenderness along the heel and arch, as well as assessing range of motion and foot structure. Imaging tests like ultrasounds or MRI scans may be used to rule out other conditions. Risk factors include having flat feet or high arches, obesity, occupations that require prolonged standing, and repetitive impact activities like running. Plantar fasciitis can be painful and may cause difficulty in completing daily activities. If you have this condition, it is suggested that you are under the care of a podiatrist who can offer effective treatment solutions.

Plantar fasciitis can be very painful and inconvenient. If you are experiencing heel pain or symptoms of plantar fasciitis, contact one of our doctors  from Coral Desert Foot & Ankle. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

What Is Plantar Fasciitis?

Plantar fasciitis is the inflammation of the thick band of tissue that runs along the bottom of your foot, known as the plantar fascia, and causes mild to severe heel pain.

What Causes Plantar Fasciitis?

• Excessive running
• Non-supportive shoes
• Overpronation
• Repeated stretching and tearing of the plantar fascia

How Can It Be Treated?

• Conservative measures – anti-inflammatories, ice packs, stretching exercises, physical therapy, orthotic devices
• Shockwave therapy – sound waves are sent to the affected area to facilitate healing and are usually used for chronic cases of plantar fasciitis
• Surgery – usually only used as a last resort when all else fails. The plantar fascia can be surgically detached from the heel

While very treatable, plantar fasciitis is definitely not something that should be ignored. Especially in severe cases, speaking to your doctor right away is highly recommended to avoid complications and severe heel pain. Your podiatrist can work with you to provide the appropriate treatment options tailored to your condition.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact one of our offices located in St. George and Kanab, UT, and Mesquite, NV . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Morton's neuroma is a painful condition involving the thickening of tissue surrounding one of the nerves leading to the toes, most commonly between the third and fourth toes. This irritation causes nerve compression, often resulting in a sharp, burning pain in the ball of the foot, as well as numbness or tingling in the toes. The condition can be triggered by repetitive stress, improper footwear, or foot deformities like flat feet or high arches. Wearing tight shoes or high heels can place added pressure on the forefoot, increasing the risk of developing this condition. Athletes who engage in high-impact sports may also be more vulnerable. If you have pain in this part of your foot, it is suggested that you promptly contact a podiatrist who can provide an accurate diagnosis and treatment.

Morton’s neuroma is a very uncomfortable condition to live with. If you think you have Morton’s neuroma, contact one of our doctors of Coral Desert Foot & Ankle. Our doctors will attend to all of your foot care needs and answer any of your related questions.  

Morton’s Neuroma

Morton's neuroma is a painful foot condition that commonly affects the areas between the second and third or third and fourth toe, although other areas of the foot are also susceptible. Morton’s neuroma is caused by an inflamed nerve in the foot that is being squeezed and aggravated by surrounding bones.

What Increases the Chances of Having Morton’s Neuroma?

• Ill-fitting high heels or shoes that add pressure to the toe or foot
• Jogging, running or any sport that involves constant impact to the foot
• Flat feet, bunions, and any other foot deformities

Morton’s neuroma is a very treatable condition. Orthotics and shoe inserts can often be used to alleviate the pain on the forefront of the feet. In more severe cases, corticosteroids can also be prescribed. In order to figure out the best treatment for your neuroma, it’s recommended to seek the care of a podiatrist who can diagnose your condition and provide different treatment options.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact one of our offices located in St. George and Kanab, UT, and Mesquite, NV . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Your feet are constantly sending messages to your brain, about temperature, pain, and pressure, until one day, they do not. Foot neuropathy occurs when nerve damage disrupts these signals, leading to numbness, tingling, burning pain, or even a complete loss of sensation. For some, it starts subtly, like pins and needles that come and go. For others, it is sharp, electric-like pain that worsens at night. Diabetes is a major cause, but injuries, infections, chemotherapy, and even vitamin deficiencies can trigger nerve damage. The danger in this is that without feeling pain, small cuts or pressure sores can go unnoticed, leading to serious complications. There is no quick fix, but early intervention helps slow progression. Managing underlying conditions, improving circulation, and using protective footwear can reduce discomfort. If your feet feel different than they used to, it is suggested that you see a podiatrist for evaluation and appropriate treatment.

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 one of our doctors from Coral Desert Foot & Ankle. Our doctors 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 one of our offices located in St. George and Kanab, UT, and Mesquite, NV . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Gout is a painful form of arthritis that is more common in men than in women, and several factors contribute to this difference. Men tend to have higher levels of uric acid in their blood, which can form crystals in the joints, leading to inflammation and pain. The joints in the big toe are often affected, possibly causing debilitating pain.  Additionally, men are more likely to engage in behaviors that increase the risk of gout, such as consuming large amounts of red meat, alcohol, and sugary beverages. These factors can trigger elevated uric acid levels, especially in the presence of other risk factors like obesity or a family history of the condition. Hormonal differences also play a role, as women’s higher levels of estrogen help to excrete uric acid more efficiently, reducing their risk. If you have pain in your big toe, it is suggested that you visit a podiatrist who can accurately diagnose the cause and offer effective relief options.

Gout is a painful condition that can be treated. If you are seeking treatment, contact one of our doctors from Coral Desert Foot & Ankle. Our doctors will treat your foot and ankle needs.

What Is Gout?

Gout is a form of arthritis that is characterized by sudden, severe attacks of pain, redness, and tenderness in the joints. The condition usually affects the joint at the base of the big toe. A gout attack can occur at any random time, such as the middle of the night while you are asleep.

Symptoms

• Intense Joint Pain - Usually around the large joint of your big toe, and it most severe within the first four to twelve hours
• Lingering Discomfort - Joint discomfort may last from a few days to a few weeks
• Inflammation and Redness -Affected joints may become swollen, tender, warm and red
• Limited Range of Motion - May experience a decrease in joint mobility

Risk Factors

• Genetics - If family members have gout, you’re more likely to have it
• Medications - Diuretic medications can raise uric acid levels
• Gender/Age - Gout is more common in men until the age of 60. It is believed that estrogen protects women until that point
• Diet - Eating red meat and shellfish increases your risk
• Alcohol - Having more than two alcoholic drinks per day increases your risk
• Obesity - Obese people are at a higher risk for gout

Prior to visiting your podiatrist to receive treatment for gout, there are a few things you should do beforehand. If you have gout you should write down your symptoms--including when they started and how often you experience them, important medical information you may have, and any questions you may have. Writing down these three things will help your podiatrist in assessing your specific situation so that he or she may provide the best route of treatment for you.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact one of our offices located in St. George and Kanab, UT, and Mesquite, NV . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Bunions are often caused by genetics, abnormal foot structure, or arthritis, leading to the gradual misalignment of the big toe. People with a family history of bunions are more likely to develop them, as genetic factors can influence foot shape. Abnormal foot mechanics, such as flat feet or an imbalance in the way you walk, can put excessive pressure on the toe joint, contributing to bunion formation. Arthritis, particularly osteoarthritis, can also cause joint inflammation, leading to the development of bunions. Symptoms of bunions include pain, swelling, and redness at the base of the big toe. As the tip of the toe angles toward the second toe, it can be difficult to wear shoes and walk comfortably. In severe cases, the condition can cause stiffness or even hammertoe. A podiatrist can diagnose the condition and provide treatment options, including custom orthotics, anti-inflammatory medication, or surgery, if needed. If you have a painful bunion, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist.

If you are suffering from bunions, contact one of our doctors of Coral Desert Foot & Ankle. Our doctors 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 one of our offices located in St. George and Kanab, UT, and Mesquite, NV . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.