The Achilles tendon is a band of tissue that connects the calf muscles to the heel bone. It helps move the foot while taking a step, running, or jumping. Despite its strength, the tendon can rupture when it is exposed to sudden, powerful force. Achilles tendon ruptures occur in high-impact sports like football, basketball, and soccer. Athletes in their 30s and 40s can face greater risk because the tendon tissue can weaken with age while they remain active in demanding sports.

An Achilles tendon rupture can happen without warning. A sudden change in direction, awkward landing, or forceful push from the foot can place stress on the tendon. Some people have tissue changes before the injury but experience no previous pain. A rupture can leave the tendon disconnected, reducing the ability of the calf muscle to move the foot. Recovery can be lengthy because the tendon and surrounding tissues need time to heal and regain strength. Treatment can involve surgery or a nonsurgical approach, depending on the injury and the patient's activity goals.

A podiatrist can evaluate Achilles tendon pain or a suspected rupture and determine the extent of the injury. The examination can assess movement, strength, and the connection between the calf and heel. Treatment can protect the injured tendon while it heals and help restore function. A podiatrist can also discuss ways to reduce injury risk, including choosing shoes that provide proper support and are appropriate for the activity. Returning to sports requires careful planning because recovery from a rupture can take many months. If you have injured your Achilles tendon, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for effective relief and treatment solutions. 

Achilles tendon injuries need 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.

What Is the Achilles Tendon?

The Achilles tendon is a tendon that connects the lower leg muscles and calf to the heel of the foot. It is the strongest tendon in the human body and is essential for making movement possible. Because this tendon is such an integral part of the body, any injuries to it can create immense difficulties and should immediately be presented to a doctor.

What Are the Symptoms of an Achilles Tendon Injury?

There are various types of injuries that can affect the Achilles tendon. The two most common injuries are Achilles tendinitis and ruptures of the tendon.

Achilles Tendinitis Symptoms

• Inflammation
• Dull to severe pain
• Increased blood flow to the tendon
• Thickening of the tendon

Rupture Symptoms

• Extreme pain and swelling in the foot
• Total immobility

Treatment and Prevention

Achilles tendon injuries are diagnosed by a thorough physical evaluation, which can include an MRI. Treatment involves rest, physical therapy, and in some cases, surgery. However, various preventative measures can be taken to avoid these injuries, such as:

• Thorough stretching of the tendon before and after exercise
• Strengthening exercises like calf raises, squats, leg curls, leg extensions, leg raises, lunges, and leg presses

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.

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.