Gout develops when excess uric acid forms crystals in and around a joint. Tophi from gout are firm lumps created by deposits of these crystals beneath the skin or within tissue. They usually appear after gout has remained poorly controlled for a long period of time, especially when attacks happen frequently. Tophi can form near the big toe, ankle, or heel. Some lumps are small and difficult to notice, while others become large enough to change the shape of a joint. Their presence is a sign of advanced gout and possible damage beneath the surface.

Tophi do not always hurt, but they can create foot problems. A lump can press against a shoe and make standing or walking uncomfortable. Larger deposits can limit joint movement, weaken tissue, and damage bone. The skin covering a tophus can become thin or break open, releasing a white, chalk-like material. An open area also raises the risk of infection. Warning signs include increasing redness, warmth, and drainage. Numbness or burning pain can develop when a deposit presses on a nerve. Changes in foot shape can also affect balance and place added pressure on other parts of the foot.

A podiatrist can examine the lumps, review the patient’s history of gout, and check how well the affected joints move. X-rays or other imaging can reveal hidden deposits and show damage to bone or cartilage. The podiatrist can also evaluate pressure points, treat open skin, and recommend fitted shoes or custom orthotics. Surgery is reserved for severe cases involving infection, major joint damage, or pressure on a nerve. Foot examinations help the podiatrist track changes and protect mobility. If you have symptoms of tophi formation from gout, it is suggested that you are under the care of a podiatrist who can help you to manage this serious condition. 

Gout is a foot condition that requires certain treatment and care. If you are seeking treatment, contact Landon Bowerbank, DPM from Pioneer Foot and Ankle. our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.

What Is Gout?

Gout is a type of arthritis caused by a buildup of uric acid in the bloodstream. It often develops in the foot, especially the big toe area, although it can manifest in other parts of the body as well. Gout can make walking and standing very painful and is especially common in diabetics and the obese.

People typically get gout because of a poor diet. Genetic predisposition is also a factor. The children of parents who have had gout frequently have a chance of developing it themselves.

Gout can easily be identified by redness and inflammation of the big toe and the surrounding areas of the foot. Other symptoms include extreme fatigue, joint pain, and running high fevers. Sometimes corticosteroid drugs can be prescribed to treat gout, but the best way to combat this disease is to get more exercise and eat a better diet.

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 broken toe can cause significant pain and make standing or walking difficult. Toe fractures usually result from direct trauma, such as  kicking a hard object or dropping something heavy on the foot. Bruising and swelling can develop soon after the injury. Pain can become worse when pressure is placed on the affected toe. Although many broken toes do not require surgery, proper evaluation is important. The location of the fracture and the position of the broken bone can affect treatment and recovery.

Most toe fractures heal within six to eight weeks, although recovery varies between patients. A broken big toe can require additional support because it plays an important role in balance and walking. Some fractures are treated with buddy strapping, which means securing the injured toe to the neighboring toe for support. Sturdy shoes with a stiff sole and wide toe box can also protect the injured area. Persistent pain, numbness, or changes in circulation can signal a problem that requires prompt evaluation.

A podiatrist can examine an injured toe and determine whether a fracture has occurred. X-rays can show the location and severity of the break and help guide treatment. A podiatrist can provide appropriate support for the toe and recommend protective shoes or a special walking boot for certain fractures. Treatment also focuses on maintaining proper alignment while the bone heals. A podiatrist can also monitor healing and determine when it is safe to return to work, sports, or other demanding activities. Continued pain or difficulty walking after the expected healing period should be evaluated. If you have broken your toe, a it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for effective relief and treatment solutions.

Broken toes may cause a lot of pain and should be treated as soon as possible. If you have any concerns about your feet, contact Landon Bowerbank, DPM from Pioneer Foot and Ankle. our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.

What Is a Broken Toe?

A broken toe occurs when one or more of the toe bones of the foot are broken after an injury. Injuries such as stubbing your toe or dropping a heavy object on it may cause a toe fracture.

Symptoms of a Broken Toe

• Swelling
• Pain (with/without wearing shoes)
• Stiffness
• Nail Injury

Although the injured toe should be monitored daily, it is especially important to have a podiatrist look at your toe if you have severe symptoms. Some of these symptoms include worsening or new pain that is not relieved with medication, sores, redness, or open wounds near the toe.

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

Rucking combines distance walking with the added strain of a weighted backpack. That load changes how the feet absorb force with each step. Pain can develop in the heels, arches, or balls of the feet. Blisters, bruised toenails, and sore ankles can interrupt a ruck. A heavy pack can increase foot pressure and make balance more difficult. Shoes that fit poorly can create rubbing or crowd the toes. Shoes that lack proper support can also stress the arches and joints. Continuing to ruck through foot or ankle pain can turn early irritation into a serious injury.

Some people who ruck develop plantar fasciitis, which is irritation of the strong band along the bottom of the foot. Others experience tendon strain or a stress fracture, which is a small crack caused by repeated force. Warning signs include pain that becomes stronger with activity, swelling, or tenderness in one spot. Numbness, skin color changes, and an inability to bear weight also require prompt attention. A podiatrist can examine the painful area and study how the patient stands and walks. X-rays or other imaging can identify bone or soft-tissue damage. This evaluation matters because blisters, tendon injuries, and stress fractures require different care.

Treatment from a podiatrist depends on the cause and severity of the pain. The podiatrist can protect blisters, reduce pressure on injured areas, and guide a safe return to rucking. Custom orthotics can improve support and distribute the backpack’s load more evenly. The podiatrist can also recommend fitted shoes based on foot shape, terrain, and training demands. For some injuries, a brace or walking boot can protect the foot while it heals. Regular foot checks can detect skin damage and nail problems before they interfere with training. Gradual increases in distance and pack weight can lower strain once the podiatrist approves activity. If you have foot or ankle pain after rucking, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for a diagnosis and appropriate 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.

Webbed toes, medically known as syndactyly, refer to a condition in which two or more toes are joined together by soft tissue. This occurs when toe separation is incomplete during fetal development. The condition can vary in severity and may involve only skin or include other structures like bones, blood vessels, muscles, and nerves. While many cases are harmless, some individuals experience discomfort depending on the degree of fusion and how the toes function during walking or standing.

Symptoms of webbed toes depend on the type and severity of the condition. Some individuals have no pain and only notice the appearance, while others may experience pressure, irritation, or difficulty fitting into shoes. Risk factors are often genetic, as syndactyly can run in families. Down syndrome is a common factor. There are three primary types, including simple, complex, and complicated forms. Simple syndactyly involves only soft tissue, while complex cases include bone involvement, and complicated cases may affect nail structure or alignment.

Proper footwear plays an important role in managing this condition. Shoes with a wide toe box help reduce pressure and allow the toes to rest in a natural position. Tight or narrow shoes can increase friction and lead to irritation or callus formation. In some cases, medical correction may be considered, especially if the condition interferes with function or causes persistent discomfort. Surgical separation is often performed during childhood but may also be an option later in life depending on individual needs.

The key takeaway is that webbed toes are often manageable with the right support and care. Understanding the type and severity helps guide treatment decisions and improve comfort. Early evaluation ensures proper foot development and long-term foot health. If you have webbed toes that are causing discomfort, it is suggested you consult a podiatrist for an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment.

Congenital foot problems require immediate attention to avoid future complications. 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.

Congenital foot problems are deformities affecting the feet, toes, and/or ankles that children are born with. Some of these conditions have a genetic cause while others just happen. Some specific foot ailments that children may be born with include clubfeet, polydactyly/macrodactyly, and cleft foot. There are several other foot anomalies that can occur congenitally. What all of these conditions have in common is that a child may experience difficulty walking or performing everyday activities, as well as trouble finding footwear that fits their foot deformity. Some of these conditions are more serious than others. Consulting with a podiatrist as early as possible will help in properly diagnosing a child’s foot condition while getting the necessary treatment underway.

What are Causes of Congenital Foot Problem?

A congenital foot problem is one that happens to a child at birth. These conditions can be caused by a genetic predisposition, developmental or positional abnormalities during gestation, or with no known cause.

What are Symptoms of Congenital Foot Problems?

Symptoms vary by the congenital condition. Symptoms may consist of the following:

• Clubfoot, where tendons are shortened, bones are shaped differently, and the Achilles tendon is tight, causing the foot to point in and down. It is also possible for the soles of the feet to face each other.
• Polydactyly, which usually consists of a nubbin or small lump of tissue without a bone, a toe that is partially formed but has no joints, or an extra toe.
• Vertical talus, where the talus bone forms in the wrong position causing other bones in the foot to line up improperly, the front of the foot to point up, and the bottom of the foot to stiffen, with no arch, and to curve out.
• Tarsal coalition, when there is an abnormal connection of two or more bones in the foot leading to severe, rigid flatfoot.
• Cleft foot, where there are missing toes, a V-shaped cleft, and other anatomical differences.
• Macrodactyly, when the toes are abnormally large due to overgrowth of the underlying bone or soft tissue.

Treatment and Prevention

While there is nothing one can do to prevent congenital foot problems, raising awareness and receiving neonatal screenings are important. Early detection by taking your child to a podiatrist leads to the best outcome possible.

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.