Luckily, we are highly skilled in treating a variety of conditions and issues. Whether you have slight discomfort or severe pain, we can provide you with care that allows you to live the lifestyle you want!
These are just some of the conditions, treatments, and services you will find at our podiatric office. Just ask us if you have any questions!
Custom Orthotics
Custom foot orthotics are designed to align the foot and ankle into the most anatomically efficient position. They look similar to insoles, but are biomedical appliances that are custom made to correct your specific foot imbalance. The plastic body of the custom orthotic helps to re-align the foot while you walk. We understand that everyone is different, which is why custom foot orthotics are made just for you.
Sports Medicine
We know how much your foot health can impact your athletic performance, and it is our priority to help get you off of the sidelines and back in the game. Whether you are dealing with a recurring injury or an accident from the big game, we are here to support you through each step of your therapy. Below is a list of some of the most common sports and sports-related injuries we see in our office:
- Martial Arts and Kickboxing: Plantar fasciitis, Achilles tendonitis, sesamoiditis, and ankle sprains. Proper stretching is vital to injury prevention, specifically, a minimum of 15 minutes before beginning exercise.
- Aerobics: With 26 bones in the foot and impact forces reaching up to six times the force of gravity, proper shoes are essential when participating in aerobics. Shoes must provide shock absorption and proper cushioning, as well as stability.
- Team Sports: Baseball, basketball, soccer, football, field hockey, and lacrosse often lead to foot and ankle injuries. Artificial surfaces, improper footwear, and inadequate stretching are recipes for disaster.
FAQ
What is a sports injury?
Sports injuries refer to a number of injuries that commonly occur as a result of physical activity. Although physical activity is essential to good health, certain exercises and movements can cause damage to your bone, joints, and soft tissue. Some common sports injuries of the foot and ankle include:
Ankle sprains
The bones in your ankle are held together by tough bands of tissue called ligaments. Ankle sprains are caused by excessive movements that stretch your ligaments beyond their normal limits. An ankle sprain can cause the ligaments in your ankle to stretch or tear completely. Without proper treatment, you run the risk of repeatedly spraining your ankle. Recurrent ankle sprains can lead to chronic ankle pain and ankle instability.
Stress fractures
A stress fracture is a small, hairline break in your bone. Stress fractures commonly affect weight-bearing areas like your feet and ankles. Stress fractures are caused by putting too much stress on your foot or ankle at one time. Overuse, overtraining, and improper training are the leading causes of stress fractures. Certain foot deformities like flat feet can increase your risk of stress fractures.
Plantar fasciitis
Plantar fasciitis is a condition that causes pain and stiffness in the bottom of your heel. Plantar fasciitis occurs when the tissues in the bottom of your foot endure too much stress and become irritated and inflamed. Factors like age and obesity can increase your risk of plantar fasciitis. The condition is also common among runners and other types of repetitive impact activities.
What are the symptoms of a sports injury?
The symptoms of your condition depend on the type and severity of your sports injury. Common symptoms include:
- Swelling
- Redness
- Bruising
- Limited range of motion
- Inability to bear weight
In many cases, sports injuries are caused by overuse or repetitive movements that stress your soft tissue. If you experience a sports injury, it’s important to reduce your activities to avoid further injury. At Foot & Ankle Institute of Utah, Dr. Clark offers a wide range of treatments to help you achieve a speedy and successful recovery.
How are sports injuries treated?
Before you begin treatment, Dr. Clark performs a thorough examination to properly diagnose your condition. Dr. Clark has extensive experience in biomechanics and gait analysis, ensuring your condition receives the most accurate diagnosis. Depending on your condition, your treatment may include:
- RICE (rest, ice, compression, elevation)
- Over-the-counter pain relievers
- Physical therapy
- Night splints
- Brace
Lapiplasty
Bunion Surgery Has Changed
A common misconception is that a bunion is simply a “bump” that can be “shaved off.” But, bunions are more than a bump – they are complex 3D problems caused by an unstable joint in the middle of the foot. While the majority of bunion surgery is only 2D and fails to address the root cause, Lapiplasty® provides a 3D correction and secures the unstable joint.
Lapiplasty 3D Bunion Correction
While traditional 2D osteotomy surgery merely cuts & shifts the bone to address the cosmetic bump, Lapiplasty® 3D Bunion Correction™ corrects the entire bone in 3D and secures the unstable foundation to get you back on your feet quickly in a walking boot. The Lapiplasty® Procedure has also shown low recurrence; 97% and 99% maintain 3D correction in 13 and 17 months respectively.