An ankle sprain occurs when the ligaments, which are strong bands that connect bones, are stretched or torn after the ankle twists beyond its normal range. There are three main types of ankle sprains based on how the injury happens. The most common is an inversion sprain, where the foot rolls inward and stresses the outer ligaments. An eversion sprain occurs when the foot turns outward, affecting the inner ligaments. A high ankle sprain involves the ligaments above the ankle that connect the lower leg bones. Sprains are also graded by severity. A Grade 1 sprain involves mild stretching with slight pain and swelling. A Grade 2 sprain includes a partial tear, leading to more swelling, bruising, and limited movement. A Grade 3 sprain is a complete tear, often causing severe pain and instability. A podiatrist can assess the injury, order imaging, and guide proper treatment. If you have sprained an ankle, it is suggested that you make an immediate appointment with a podiatrist for help.

Although ankle sprains are common, they aren’t always minor injuries. If you need your ankle injury looked at, 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.

How Does an Ankle Sprain Occur?

Ankle sprains are the result of a tear in the ligaments within the ankle. These injuries may happen when you make a rapid shifting movement while your foot is planted. A less common way to sprain your ankle is when your ankle rolls inward while your foot turns outward.

What Are the Symptoms?

• Pain at the sight of the tear
• Bruising/Swelling
• Ankle area is tender to touch
• In severe cases, may hear/feel something tear
• Skin discoloration

Preventing a Sprain

• Wearing appropriate shoes for the occasion
• Stretching before exercises and sports
• Knowing your limits

Treatment of a Sprain

In many cases, the RICE method (Rest, Ice, Compression, and Elevate) is used to treat ankle sprains. However, you should see a podiatrist to see which treatment option would work best with your injury. In severe cases, surgery may be required.

It is important to ask your doctor about rehab options after you receive treatment for your injury. Stretching, strength training, and balance exercises may help the ankle heal while also preventing further injury.

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.

An ankle fracture is a break in one or more of the bones that form the ankle joint, often caused by twisting injuries, falls, or high-impact activities. These injuries are common in men below fifty, and may occur when the joint is exposed to forces up to five times one’s body weight. Risk factors include sports participation, wearing improper footwear, and poor balance. Symptoms often include pain, swelling, bruising, and difficulty bearing weight. Prompt evaluation is essential to ensure proper healing and to prevent long-term complications. A podiatrist can diagnose the injury, provide appropriate treatment, and guide recovery through supportive care and rehabilitation. If you have symptoms of a broken ankle, it is suggested that you promptly consult a podiatrist who can effectively treat this condition.

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Corns and calluses are thickened areas of skin that develop from repeated pressure or friction. A corn is a small, focused area of hardened skin that often forms on or between toes and may feel painful due to its deeper core. A callus is a larger, flatter area that usually develops on the bottom of the foot, and may feel rough rather than painful. Treatment begins by reducing the source of pressure, which may include wearing better fitting shoes, padding, or custom orthotics. A podiatrist can safely trim thickened skin to relieve discomfort and improve function. In some cases, underlying foot structure or walking patterns need to be addressed to prevent the return of these problems. Avoid cutting these areas at home, as this can lead to injury or infection. If you have persistent thickened skin or pain on your feet, it is suggested that you see a podiatrist for a proper diagnosis and appropriate care.

Corns can make walking very painful and should be treated immediately. If you have questions regarding your feet and ankles, contact Landon Bowerbank, DPM of Pioneer Foot and Ankle. our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.

Corns: What Are They? And How Do You Get Rid of Them?
Corns are thickened areas on the skin that can become painful. They are caused by excessive pressure and friction on the skin. Corns press into the deeper layers of the skin and are usually round in shape.

Ways to Prevent Corns
There are many ways to get rid of painful corns such as:

• Wearing properly fitting shoes that have been measured by a professional
• Wearing shoes that are not sharply pointed or have high heels
• Wearing only shoes that offer support

Treating Corns

Although most corns slowly disappear when the friction or pressure stops, this isn’t always the case. Consult with your podiatrist to determine the best treatment option for your case of corns.

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.

Nail fungus, also known as onychomycosis, is not always caused by the same organism. The three main types of fungi that infect nails are dermatophytes, yeasts, and molds. Dermatophytes are the most common and feed on keratin, the protein that forms the nail. These infections often cause yellow or white discoloration, thickening, and a brittle texture. Yeast infections may lead to redness, swelling around the cuticle, and lifting of the nail plate. Molds are less common but can create dark brown, black, or green discoloration with irregular nail changes. The nail may appear distorted, crumbly, or separated from the nail bed. A podiatrist can evaluate the nail, take a small sample for testing, and determine the exact cause. Treatment may include topical medication, oral antifungal therapy, or careful trimming of damaged nails. If you have nail fungus, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist for a proper diagnosis and treatment.

If left untreated, toenail fungus may spread to other toenails, skin, or even fingernails. If you suspect you have toenail fungus it is important to seek treatment right away. For more information about treatment, 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.

Symptoms

• Warped or oddly shaped nails
• Yellowish nails
• Loose/separated nail
• Buildup of bits and pieces of nail fragments under the nail
• Brittle, broken, thickened nail

Treatment

If self-care strategies and over-the-counter medications does not help your fungus, your podiatrist may give you a prescription drug instead. Even if you find relief from your toenail fungus symptoms, you may experience a repeat infection in the future.

Prevention

In order to prevent getting toenail fungus in the future, you should always make sure to wash your feet with soap and water. After washing, it is important to dry your feet thoroughly especially in between the toes. When trimming your toenails, be sure to trim straight across instead of in a rounded shape. It is crucial not to cover up discolored nails with nail polish because that will prevent your nail from being able to “breathe”.

In some cases, surgical procedure may be needed to remove the toenail fungus. Consult with your podiatrist about the best treatment options for your case of toenail fungus.  

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