Foot arthritis can cause stiffness, aching, and reduced mobility, especially after rest or long periods of standing. Gentle exercises help keep joints moving, support circulation, and maintain strength without increasing stress. Ankle circles are useful for improving range of motion and easing stiffness. Toe stretches, performed by gently pulling the toes back and then curling them downward, help maintain flexibility in the forefoot. Heel raises strengthen the muscles that support the foot and ankle and can improve stability when walking. Rolling the sole of the foot over a small ball or frozen water bottle may also reduce soreness and tension. Exercises should be done slowly and within a comfortable range. A podiatrist can recommend additional specific movements based on the type and severity of arthritis. If you suffer from foot arthritis, it is suggested that you see a podiatrist for a proper diagnosis and treatment.

Exercising your feet regularly with the proper foot wear is a great way to prevent injuries and build strength. If you have any concerns about your feet, contact Landon Bowerbank, DPM from Pioneer Foot and Ankle. our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Exercise for Your Feet

Exercise for your feet can help you gain strength, mobility and flexibility in your feet. They say that strengthening your feet can be just as rewarding as strengthening another part of the body. Your feet are very important, and we often forget about them in our daily tasks. But it is because of our feet that are we able to get going and do what we need to. For those of us fortunate enough to not have any foot problems, it is an important gesture to take care of them to ensure good health in the long run.

Some foot health exercises can include ankle pumps, tip-toeing, toe rises, lifting off the floor doing reps and sets, and flexing the toes. It is best to speak with our doctor to determine an appropriate regimen for your needs. Everyone’s needs and bodies are different, and the activities required to maintain strength in the feet vary from individual to individual. 

Once you get into a routine of doing regular exercise, you may notice a difference in your feet and how strong they may become.

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

Neuropathy is a condition caused by damage to the nerves that transmit signals between the brain, spinal cord, and body. There are several types that affect the feet in different ways. Sensory neuropathy causes numbness, tingling, burning, or pain, often leading to unrecognized injuries. Autonomic neuropathy may affect sweating and skin health, causing dryness or temperature changes. Motor neuropathy results in muscle weakness, cramping, and changes in foot shape that increase pressure points. Additionally, mononeuropathy involves damage to a single nerve, causing localized pain or weakness. Causes may include diabetes, trauma, infections, poor circulation, or nutritional deficiencies. When neuropathy affects the feet, it increases the risk of wounds, balance problems, and infections. If you have symptoms of neuropathy in your feet, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist for a proper diagnosis and 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 Landon Bowerbank, DPM from Pioneer Foot and Ankle. our doctor 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 our office located in Lehi, UT . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

A hammertoe is a deformity in which one of the smaller toes bends downward at the middle joint, creating a curled or hammer-like appearance. This condition often develops gradually due to muscle imbalance, tight footwear, or structural foot changes like bunions. Over time, the toe may become stiff and difficult to straighten. Patients may notice redness, swelling, or corns forming on the top of the bent joint from rubbing against shoes. The toe can feel sore or irritated, especially when walking or wearing narrow shoe styles. In early stages, the deformity may still be flexible, but without treatment it can become rigid and more painful. A podiatrist begins with a detailed examination to determine whether the hammertoe is flexible or fixed and to identify contributing factors. Treatment may include shoe modifications, padding, custom orthotics, and targeted exercises to improve balance and alignment. In more advanced cases, surgical correction may be considered. If you have a hammertoe, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist for proper evaluation and care.

Hammertoe

Hammertoes can be a painful condition to live with. For more information, contact Landon Bowerbank, DPM from Pioneer Foot and Ankle. our doctor will answer any of your foot- and ankle-related questions.

Hammertoe is a foot deformity that affects the joints of the second, third, fourth, or fifth toes of your feet. It is a painful foot condition in which these toes curl and arch up, which can often lead to pain when wearing footwear.

Symptoms

• Pain in the affected toes
• Development of corns or calluses due to friction
• Inflammation
• Redness
• Contracture of the toes

Causes

Genetics – People who are genetically predisposed to hammertoe are often more susceptible

Arthritis – Because arthritis affects the joints in your toes, further deformities stemming from arthritis can occur

Trauma – Direct trauma to the toes could potentially lead to hammertoe

Ill-fitting shoes – Undue pressure on the front of the toes from ill-fitting shoes can potentially lead to the development of hammertoe

Treatment

Orthotics – Custom made inserts can be used to help relieve pressure placed on the toes and therefore relieve some of the pain associated with it

Medications – Oral medications such as anti-inflammatories or NSAIDs could be used to treat the pain and inflammation hammertoes causes. Injections of corticosteroids are also sometimes used

Surgery – In more severe cases where the hammertoes have become more rigid, foot surgery is a potential option

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

Weill Marchesani Syndrome is a rare genetic condition best known for its impact on the eyes, joints, and overall body structure, yet it can also influence foot mechanics in ways that affect mobility and daily comfort. Individuals with this condition often have short, broad hands and feet, along with stiff joints that limit flexibility. When the joints of the feet are less mobile, walking can place extra strain on the arches, heels, and forefoot. Some people develop a flat foot structure or experience difficulty with balance because the feet cannot adapt easily to different surfaces. Tightness in the tendons may contribute to discomfort during activity, while reduced joint motion can lead to early fatigue or altered gait patterns. A podiatrist can help by evaluating foot alignment, identifying pressure points, and recommending supportive footwear or custom orthotics to improve comfort and stability. If you have this rare disease, it is suggested that you get regular foot monitoring by a podiatrist to prevent secondary issues such as calluses, tendon strain, or joint pain.

Some foot conditions may require additional professional care. If you have any concerns, contact Landon Bowerbank, DPM of Pioneer Foot and Ankle. our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Rare Foot Conditions

The majority of foot conditions are common and can be treated by a podiatrist.  Standard diagnostic procedures are generally used to identify specific conditions and treatment can be rendered. A podiatrist also treats rare foot conditions which can be difficult to diagnose and may need extra attention and care. 

There are many rare foot conditions that can affect children. Some of these can include:

• Freiberg’s disease
• Kohler’s disease
• Maffucci syndrome

Freiberg’s disease - This can be seen as a deterioration and flattening of a metatarsal bone that exists in the ball of the foot. It typically affects pre-teen and teenage girls, but can affect anyone at any age. Symptoms that can accompany this can be swelling, stiffness, and the patient may limp. 

Kohler’s disease - This often targets the bone in the arch of the foot and affects younger boys. It can lead to an interruption of the blood supply which ultimately can lead to bone deterioration. The patient may limp or experience tenderness, swelling, and redness.

Maffucci syndrome - This affects the long bones in a child’s foot leading to the development of abnormal bone lesions. They are benign growths and typically develop in early childhood and the bones may be susceptible to breaking. 

A podiatrist can properly diagnose and treat all types of rare foot conditions. If your child is affected by any of these symptoms or conditions, please don’t hesitate to call our office so the correct treatment method can begin.

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