Family Medicine
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Interventional Radiology
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Vein CenterBlueRock Foot & Ankle Center
With Dr. Jason Rockwood. NOW SCHEDULING MAY + JUNE 2025
Meet our Foot & Ankle Specialist
Dr. Jason Rockwood DPM
Jason Rockwood, DPM, MS
Introduction
Dr. Jason Rockwood is a board-certified podiatrist with over 20 years of experience, specializing in foot and ankle care at Blue Rock Medicine’s new Foot and Ankle Center. He is dedicated to providing comprehensive care to help patients maintain a healthy and active lifestyle.
Educational Background
Dr. Rockwood earned his DPM from the California College of Podiatric Medicine and holds an MS in Medical Education. His clinical training included prestigious institutions such as Yale New Haven Hospital and Palmetto General Hospital, specializing in foot and ankle trauma and reconstruction.
Professional Experience
Prior to joining Blue Rock Medicine, Dr. Rockwood practiced at Canyon Foot & Ankle in Idaho and successfully led a podiatric practice in New Mexico. He has been involved in educating and training new doctors, enhancing community healthcare.
Specializations and Interests
Dr. Rockwood specializes in deformity correction, lower extremity trauma, and nerve decompression surgery, drawing from his advanced training and extensive research experience. He is passionate about empowering patients through education and is one of the few surgeons offering the Scandinavian Total Ankle Replacement (STAR).
Personal Philosophy
Dr. Rockwood emphasizes patient education and the latest technologies to achieve optimal outcomes. His personal experiences with ankle issues have deepened his empathy and commitment to care.
Personal Life
Dr. Andrew Gibby MD
Dr. Andrew Gibby completed his Interventional Radiology Fellowship training at the Mallinckrodt Radiological Institute at Barnes Jewish Hospital. He completed his radiology residency training at the George Washington University Hospital where he was chief resident, and has written book chapters and numerous research papers. He is credited with helping to create the Gibby-Cvetko Brain Atlas.
Dr. Conrad Gibby MD
Dr. Conrad Gibby completed his fellowship training at Johns Hopkins University. He also trained at Cleveland Clinic and Baylor College of Medicine. He has written numerous research papers. He has a specific interest in functional imaging of the brain, and has presented papers at major medical societies on this topic.
Dr. Thomas Fjeldsted, D.O.
Thomas Fjeldsted, DO graduated in 2016 from Arizona College of Osteopathic Medicine with his medical degree and completed his family medicine residency at Mountain Vista Medical Center in Mesa, AZ in 2019. He is happy to be back in Provo where he completed his undergraduate degree at BYU.
Dr. Fjeldsted chose Family Medicine as a specialty because of the opportunity to address nearly any one of his patient’s needs, whether acute, chronic, or preventive. As a family physician, he works closely with patients and develops a relationship that fosters trust, optimal health, and happiness. His practice philosophy is stay healthy, be happy.
In his free time, Dr. Fjeldsted enjoys spending time with his family, gardening, San Francisco Giants baseball.
Podiatry Services
Sports Injuries
Bunions
Children's Feet
Ball of Foot Pain
Adult-Acquired Flatfoot
Fungal Toenails
Ankle Sprains
Orthotics
Check and improve your cholesterol levels.
Diabetic Foot Care
Ingrown Toenails
Peripheral Neuropathy
Heel Pain
Achilles Tendinitis
Hammertoes
Foot Surgery
Neuromas
Wound Care
Foot Fractures
Sports-Related Injuries
Understanding Sports-Related Injuries
Sports-related injuries of the foot and ankle are common among athletes and active individuals. These injuries can range from mild sprains to severe fractures and can significantly impact your ability to participate in sports and daily activities.
Symptoms
Common symptoms of sports-related injuries include:
- Pain and tenderness in the affected area
- Swelling and bruising
- Limited range of motion
- Instability or a feeling of the joint giving way
- Difficulty bearing weight on the affected foot or ankle
Diagnosis and Treatment
Accurate diagnosis is crucial for effective treatment. At BlueRock Podiatry, we use advanced imaging techniques, including musculoskeletal ultrasound and MRI, to diagnose sports injuries. Treatment plans are tailored to each patient's needs and may
include non-surgical options like physical therapy and bracing, or surgical interventions when necessary.
At BlueRock Podiatry, we use advanced diagnostic tools to accurately diagnose sports-related injuries, including:
- Physical Examination: Assessing the injury through a thorough physical exam.
- Imaging Tests: X-rays, MRI, and CT scans to visualize the extent of the injury.
- Musculoskeletal Ultrasound: Real-time imaging to evaluate soft tissue injuries.
Common Types of Foot and Ankle Injuries
Ankle Sprains
Description: Ankle sprains occur when the ligaments that support the ankle stretch or tear. They are classified into three grades:
- Grade I: Mild stretching and microscopic tearing of the ligament fibers.
- Grade II: Partial tearing of the ligament.
- Grade III: Complete tear of the ligament.
Achilles Tendon Injuries
Plantar Fasciitis
Stress Fractures
Turf Toe
Peroneal Tendon Injuries
Shin Splints
Treatment Options
We offer a comprehensive approach to treating sports-related injuries, including both non-surgical and surgical options:
Non-Surgical Treatments
- Rest and Ice: Reducing activity and applying ice to decrease inflammation.
- Compression and Elevation: Using a compressive wrap and elevating the foot to reduce swelling.
- Physical Therapy: Exercises to strengthen the muscles and improve flexibility.
- Orthotics: Custom shoe inserts to support the foot and improve alignment.
- Bracing: Ankle braces to provide support and prevent further injury.
- Medications: Anti-inflammatory medications to relieve pain and swelling.
- Injections: Corticosteroid injections to reduce inflammation and pain.
Surgical Treatments
In severe cases where non-surgical treatments are not effective, surgery may be necessary to repair or reconstruct damaged tissues. Surgical options include:
- Ligament Repair
- Tendon Repair
- Fracture Fixation
- Arthroscopy
Prevention Tips
To prevent sports-related injuries, consider the following tips:
Heel Pain
Why Does Heel Pain Occur? Heel pain is commonly caused by two main conditions:
plantar fasciitis and infracalcaneal bursitis. It can be due to one of these conditions or a combination of both.
Plantar Fasciitis Plantar fasciitis involves the pulling of structures on the bottom of your heel. One of the reasons why this condition can persist is because the fascia gets reinjured
every morning when you get out of bed. The primary stressor for plantar fasciitis is a tight calf, hence the importance of stretching.
Infracalcaneal Bursitis Infracalcaneal bursitis is caused by pressure, similar to a bruise on the heel. It is not related to the pulling of the fascia. The best treatment is rest and avoiding activities or shoes that cause pain. Preventing reinjury is crucial for recovery, which can be achieved by cushioning the center portion of the heel.
What We Discussed During Your Visit
Ultrasound Examination: We measured the thickness of your fascia using an ultrasound to determine the best treatment approach based on the findings.
Condition Explanation: We talked about how plantar fasciitis and infracalcaneal bursitis contribute to your heel pain.
Identifying the Main Source: During today's visit, we identified the main source of your pain: plantar fasciitis, infracalcaneal bursitis, or a combination of both.
Essential Self-Care Tips To help manage and reduce your heel pain, here are some tips we discussed:
1. Morning Stretch Routine: (For Plantar Fasciitis)
o Calf Stretch with Leg Extended: Stand facing a wall with your hands on the wall for support. Place one leg behind you with the heel on the ground. Keep the back leg straight and bend the front leg, gently stretching the calf of the back leg. Hold for 20-30 seconds.
o Calf Stretch with Leg Bent: From the same starting position, bend the back leg slightly to stretch different muscle fibers. Hold for 20-30 seconds.
2. Daily Activities:
o Wear Supportive Shoes: Ensure your footwear provides good arch supportand cushioning to reduce strain on your heel.
o Gradual Increase in Activity: If you are starting a new physical activity,increase the intensity gradually to avoid overuse injuries.
o Stretching Throughout the Day: If you sit down for more than 5-10 minutes, gently stretch your calf before standing or walking. This doesn’t have to be long, just enough to prepare your calf for movement.
Transitioning Shoes: When switching from high-heeled shoes to flat ones or going barefoot, take a few minutes to stretch your calf to avoid pulling on the fascia.
Managing Plantar Fasciitis The most important step is to stop reinjuring the fascia and support it so it can heal. Here’s how:
Bunions Treatment
Understanding Bunions
A bunion is a bony bump that forms on the joint at the base of your big toe. It occurs when some of the bones in the front part of your foot move out of place, causing the tip of your big toe to get pulled toward the smaller toes and forcing the joint at the base of your big toe to stick out. This can lead to pain and discomfort, especially when wearing shoes.
Symptoms
Common symptoms of bunions include:
- A bulging bump on the outside of the base of your big toe
- Swelling, redness, or soreness around your big toe joint
- Corns or calluses where the first and second toes overlap
- Persistent or intermittent pain
- Restricted movement of your big toe
Causes
Bunions can be caused by:
- Inherited foot type
- Foot injuries
- Deformities present at birth
- Wearing tight, narrow shoes
- Combination of above factors
Treatment Options
At BlueRock Podiatry, we offer a comprehensive approach to treating bunions and related forefoot pain, including both non-surgical and surgical options:
Non-Surgical Treatments
- Footwear Modifications: Wearing shoes with a wide toe box to reduce pressure on the bunion.
- Orthotics: Custom shoe inserts to support the foot and improve alignment.
- Padding and Taping: Protecting the bunion and reducing pain.
- Medications: Anti-inflammatory medications to relieve pain and swelling.
- Physical Therapy: Exercises to strengthen the muscles around the foot and improve flexibility.
Surgical Treatments
In cases where non-surgical treatments are not effective, surgical options may be considered, including:
Traditional Bunionectomy: Removing the swollen tissue around your big toe joint and realigning the bone with combination of different bone cuts (osteotomies) and fixation with plates and screws when necessary.
Lapidus Bunionectomy: A surgical procedure that involves fusing the first metatarsal bone to the medial cuneiform bone to correct the bunion and stabilize the joint. This technique addresses the bunion in all three planes and is particularly effective for severe deformities.
Percutaneous Bunion Procedures: Minimally invasive techniques that involve smaller incisions and less soft tissue disruption. These procedures can reduce recovery time and postoperative pain.
Risks and Benefits of Surgical Options
Lapidus Bunionectomy
Benefits:
- Corrects the bunion in all three planes
- Provides long-term stability
- Reduces the risk of recurrence
Risks:
- Longer recovery time compared to other procedures
- Potential for nonunion or delayed healing
- Possible stiffness in the joint
Percutaneous Bunion Procedures
Benefits:
- Minimally invasive with smaller incisions
- Reduced postoperative pain and swelling
- Faster recovery time
Risks:
- Limited correction for severe deformities
- Potential for incomplete correction
- Risk of nerve damage or infection
Post-Surgical Recovery
Recovering from bunion surgery involves a structured rehabilitation program to ensure optimal healing and restore function. Here’s what you can generally expect for each type of bunionectomy:
Traditional Bunionectomy
Immediate Post-Surgery
- Rest and Elevation: Keep your foot elevated to reduce swelling and promote healing.
- Pain Management: Use prescribed pain medications to manage discomfort.
- Wound Care: Keep the surgical site clean and dry to prevent infection.
First Few Weeks
- Limited Mobility: Use crutches or a walker to avoid putting weight on the affected foot.
- Follow-Up Appointments: Regular visits to your surgeon to monitor healing and remove stitches or dressings.
- Protective Footwear: Wear a surgical boot or cast to protect your foot.
Intermediate Phase
- Gradual Weight-Bearing: Slowly begin to put weight on the foot as advised by your surgeon.
- Physical Therapy: Start gentle exercises to maintain range of motion and prevent stiffness.
Long-Term Recovery
- Full Weight-Bearing: Return to full weight-bearing activities as healing progresses.
- Monitoring for Complications: Watch for signs of infection, swelling, or other complications.
- Final Follow-Up: A final check-up to ensure complete healing and address any remaining concerns.
Lapidus Bunionectomy
Immediate Post-Surgery
- Rest and Elevation: Keep your foot elevated to reduce swelling and promote healing.
- Pain Management: Use prescribed pain medications to manage discomfort.
- Wound Care: Keep the surgical site clean and dry to prevent infection.
First Few Weeks
- Non-Weight-Bearing: Use crutches or a knee scooter to avoid putting weight on the affected foot.
- Follow-Up Appointments: Regular visits to your surgeon to monitor healing and remove stitches or dressings.
- Protective Footwear: Wear a surgical boot or cast to protect your foot.
Intermediate Phase
- Gradual Weight-Bearing: Slowly begin to put weight on the foot as advised by your surgeon.
- Physical Therapy: Start gentle exercises to maintain range of motion and prevent stiffness.
Long-Term Recovery
- Full Weight-Bearing: Return to full weight-bearing activities as healing progresses.
- Monitoring for Complications: Watch for signs of infection, swelling, or other complications.
- Final Follow-Up: A final check-up to ensure complete healing and address any remaining concerns.
Percutaneous Bunionectomy
Immediate Post-Surgery
- Rest and Elevation: Keep your foot elevated to reduce swelling and promote healing.
- Pain Management: Use prescribed pain medications to manage discomfort.
- Wound Care: Keep the surgical site clean and dry to prevent infection.
First Few Weeks
- Limited Mobility: Use crutches or a walker to avoid putting weight on the affected foot.
- Follow-Up Appointments: Regular visits to your surgeon to monitor healing and remove stitches or dressings.
- Protective Footwear: Wear a surgical boot or cast to protect your foot.
Intermediate Phase
- Gradual Weight-Bearing: Slowly begin to put weight on the foot as advised by your surgeon.
- Physical Therapy: Start gentle exercises to maintain range of motion and prevent stiffness.
Long-Term Recovery
- Full Weight-Bearing: Return to full weight-bearing activities as healing progresses.
- Monitoring for Complications: Watch for signs of infection, swelling, or other complications.
- Final Follow-Up: A final check-up to ensure complete healing and address any remaining concerns.
Prevention Tips
To prevent bunions and related forefoot pain, consider the following tips:
- Choose shoes with a wide toe box and good arch support
- Avoid high heels and narrow, pointed shoes
- Maintain a healthy weight to reduce stress on your feet
- Perform regular foot exercises to strengthen the muscles
Ball of Foot Pain
Understanding Ball of Foot Pain
Pelvic Congestive
How is pelvic congestion syndrome treated?
Gonadal vein embolization is a minimally invasive treatment for pelvic congestion syndrome. The goal is to close off faulty veins so they can no longer enlarge with blood, thus relieving pain and symptoms of pelvic congestion syndrome.
Hammertoes
Understanding Hammertoes
Hammertoes are a common foot problem where the toes become bent at the middle joint, causing them to resemble a hammer. This condition can be painful and can make it difficult to wear certain types of shoes and perform everyday activities.
Symptoms
Common symptoms of hammertoes include:
- Pain and discomfort in the affected toes
- Corns or calluses on the top of the toe joint
- Swelling and redness around the toe
- Difficulty moving the affected toe
- Pain when wearing shoes
Causes
Hammertoes can be caused by:
- Footwear Choices: Tight, narrow shoes or high heels that push the toes into a bent position.
- Genetic Factors: Inherited foot structure abnormalities.
- Muscle Imbalance: Weak or tight muscles in the foot.
- Underlying Medical Conditions: Arthritis, diabetes, or nerve damage.
Treatment Options
At BlueRock Podiatry, we offer a comprehensive approach to treating hammertoes, including both non-surgical and surgical options:
Non-Surgical Treatments
- Footwear Modifications: Wearing shoes with a wide toe box to reduce pressure on the toes.
- Orthotics: Custom shoe inserts to support the foot and improve alignment.
- Padding and Taping: Protecting the affected toes and reducing pain.
- Toe Exercises: Exercises to strengthen the muscles around the foot and improve flexibility.
- Splinting and Bracing: Devices that help straighten the toe and reduce friction¹².
- Medications: Anti-inflammatory medications to relieve pain and swelling.
- Shockwave Therapy: Non-invasive treatment to help treat tendons and ligaments².
Surgical Treatments
In cases where non-surgical treatments are not effective, surgical options may be considered, including:
- Soft Tissue Release: Releasing tight tendons and ligaments to allow the toe to move back into its natural position.
- Tendon Transfer: Repositioning tendons to correct the alignment of the toe.
- Bone Realignment: Surgically realigning the bones of the toe to correct the deformity.
- Minimally Invasive Surgery: Techniques that involve smaller incisions and less soft tissue disruption, leading to faster recovery times³.
Risks and Benefits of Surgical Options
Soft Tissue Release and Tendon Transfer
Benefits:
- Corrects the toe alignment
- Reduces pain and discomfort
- Improves foot function
Risks:
- Potential for recurrence
- Risk of infection or nerve damage
- Possible stiffness in the toe
Bone Realignment and Minimally Invasive Surgery
Benefits:
- Provides a more permanent correction
- Minimally invasive options reduce recovery time
- Less postoperative pain and swelling
Risks:
- Risk of incomplete correction
- Potential for infection or nerve damage
- Longer recovery time for traditional bone realignment
Prevention Tips
To prevent hammertoes, consider the following tips:
- Choose shoes with a wide toe box and good arch support
- Avoid high heels and narrow, pointed shoes
- Perform regular foot exercises to strengthen the muscles
- Monitor for any changes in toe alignment and seek early treatment
Why Choose BlueRock Podiatry?
The team at BlueRock Podiatry is dedicated to providing
personalized care for all your foot and ankle needs. With extensive training and experience, we offer the latest treatments and techniques to help you manage hammertoes effectively and improve your quality of life.
MLS Laser Therapy
Manage Pain.
Reduce Inflammation.
Speed Recovery.
What is Laser Therapy?
Laser Therapy is the use of specific wavelengths of light to treat painful and debilitating conditions.
How does it work?
Light energy enters the damaged cells and stimulates inter-cellular activity. This reduces pain in the area and speeds the recovery of the damaged cells. Once the cells recover, the healing process is complete.
What can I expect during a treatment?
MLS Laser Therapy is a painless treatment that lasts an average of 8 minutes. You may experience a comfortable sensation at the point of application.
What can I expect after the treatment?
Most people experience positive results in 1 to 3 treatments, with the average course of treatment being 7 to 10 sessions. Swelling is greatly reduced and there is a rapid relief of pain. Acute conditions usually subside quickly, typically within one phase of treatments, while chronic conditions can be controlled with regular treatments.
The effects of MLS Laser Therapy are cumulative; therefore, expect to see improvement as you proceed through your treatment plan. It is critical that once you start, you complete the course of treatments recommended by your doctor or symptoms are likely to reoccur.
MLS Laser Therapy effectively treats:
- Tendon & ligament injuries
- Sore muscles, muscle strains & tears
- Degenerative joint conditions
- Neurological & general pain & bruising
- Musculoskeletal disorders
- Pre & post-surgical treatment
- Anti-inflammation applications
- Specific neurological conditions
Benefits of MLS Laser Therapy
- Rapid relief of pain
- Strong anti-inflammatory effect
- Timely healing of sprains & strains
- Rapid recovery of the structural integrity of the injured region.
- Rapid resolution of swollen areas
- Immediate improvement of local blood circulation
- Rapid repair of superficial injuries, such as wounds and ulcers.
Bunions
Understanding Bunions
A bunion is a bony bump that forms on the joint at the base of your big toe. It occurs when some of the bones in the front part of your foot move out of place, causing the tip of your big toe to get pulled toward the smaller toes and forcing the joint at the base of your big toe to stick out. This can lead to pain and discomfort, especially when wearing shoes.
Symptoms
Common symptoms of bunions include:
- A bulging bump on the outside of the base of your big toe
- Swelling, redness, or soreness around your big toe joint
- Corns or calluses where the first and second toes overlap
- Persistent or intermittent pain
- Restricted movement of your big toe
Causes
Bunions can be caused by:
- Inherited foot type
- Foot injuries
- Deformities present at birth
- Wearing tight, narrow shoes
- Combination of above factors
Treatment Options
At BlueRock Podiatry, we offer a comprehensive approach to treating bunions and related forefoot pain, including both non-surgical and surgical options:
Non-Surgical Treatments
- Footwear Modifications: Wear shoes with a wide toe box to reduce pressure on the bunion.
- Orthotics: Custom shoe inserts to support the foot and improve alignment.
- Padding and Taping: Protecting the bunion and reducing pain.
- Medications: Anti-inflammatory medications to relieve pain and swelling.
- Physical Therapy: Exercises to strengthen the muscles around the foot and improve flexibility.
Surgical Treatments
In cases where non-surgical treatments are not effective, surgical options may be considered, including:
Traditional Bunionectomy: Removing the swollen tissue around your big toe joint and realigning the bone with combination of different bone cuts (osteotomies) and fixation with plates and screws when necessary.
Lapidus Bunionectomy: A surgical procedure that involves fusing the first metatarsal bone to the medial cuneiform bone to correct the bunion and stabilize the joint. This technique addresses the bunion in all three planes and is particularly effective for severe deformities.
Percutaneous Bunion Procedures: Minimally invasive techniques that involve smaller incisions and less soft tissue disruption. These procedures can reduce recovery time and postoperative pain.
Risks and Benefits of Surgical Options
Lapidus Bunionectomy
Benefits:
- Corrects the bunion in all three planes
- Provides long-term stability
- Reduces the risk of recurrence
Risks:
- Longer recovery time compared to other procedures
- Potential for nonunion or delayed healing
- Possible stiffness in the joint
Percutaneous Bunion Procedures
Benefits:
- Minimally invasive with smaller incisions
- Reduced postoperative pain and swelling
- Faster recovery time
Risks:
- Limited correction for severe deformities
- Potential for incomplete correction
- Risk of nerve damage or infection
Post-Surgical Recovery
Recovering from bunion surgery involves a structured rehabilitation program to ensure optimal healing and restore function. Here’s what you can generally expect for each type of bunionectomy:
Traditional Bunionectomy
Immediate Post-Surgery
- Rest and Elevation: Keep your foot elevated to reduce swelling and promote healing.
- Pain Management: Use prescribed pain medications to manage discomfort.
- Wound Care: Keep the surgical site clean and dry to prevent infection.
First Few Weeks
- Limited Mobility: Use crutches or a walker to avoid putting weight on the affected foot.
- Follow-Up Appointments: Regular visits to your surgeon to monitor healing and remove stitches or dressings.
- Protective Footwear: Wear a surgical boot or cast to protect your foot.
Intermediate Phase
- Gradual Weight-Bearing: Slowly begin to put weight on the foot as advised by your surgeon.
- Physical Therapy: Start gentle exercises to maintain range of motion and prevent stiffness.
Long-Term Recovery
- Full Weight-Bearing: Return to full weight-bearing activities as healing progresses.
- Monitoring for Complications: Watch for signs of infection, swelling, or other complications.
- Final Follow-Up: A final check-up to ensure complete healing and address any remaining concerns.
Lapidus Bunionectomy
Immediate Post-Surgery
- Rest and Elevation: Keep your foot elevated to reduce swelling and promote healing.
- Pain Management: Use prescribed pain medications to manage discomfort.
- Wound Care: Keep the surgical site clean and dry to prevent infection.
First Few Weeks
- Non-Weight-Bearing: Use crutches or a knee scooter to avoid putting weight on the affected foot.
- Follow-Up Appointments: Regular visits to your surgeon to monitor healing and remove stitches or dressings.
- Protective Footwear: Wear a surgical boot or cast to protect your foot.
Intermediate Phase
- Gradual Weight-Bearing: Slowly begin to put weight on the foot as advised by your surgeon.
- Physical Therapy: Start gentle exercises to maintain range of motion and prevent stiffness.
Long-Term Recovery
- Full Weight-Bearing: Return to full weight-bearing activities as healing progresses.
- Monitoring for Complications: Watch for signs of infection, swelling, or other complications.
- Final Follow-Up: A final check-up to ensure complete healing and address any remaining concerns.
Percutaneous Bunionectomy
Immediate Post-Surgery
- Rest and Elevation: Keep your foot elevated to reduce swelling and promote healing.
- Pain Management: Use prescribed pain medications to manage discomfort.
- Wound Care: Keep the surgical site clean and dry to prevent infection.
First Few Weeks
- Limited Mobility: Use crutches or a walker to avoid putting weight on the affected foot.
- Follow-Up Appointments: Regular visits to your surgeon to monitor healing and remove stitches or dressings.
- Protective Footwear: Wear a surgical boot or cast to protect your foot.
Intermediate Phase
- Gradual Weight-Bearing: Slowly begin to put weight on the foot as advised by your surgeon.
- Physical Therapy: Start gentle exercises to maintain range of motion and prevent stiffness.
Long-Term Recovery
- Full Weight-Bearing: Return to full weight-bearing activities as healing progresses.
- Monitoring for Complications: Watch for signs of infection, swelling, or other complications.
- Final Follow-Up: A final check-up to ensure complete healing and address any remaining concerns.
Prevention Tips
To prevent bunions and related forefoot pain, consider the following tips:
- Choose shoes with a wide toe box and good arch support
- Avoid high heels and narrow, pointed shoes
- Maintain a healthy weight to reduce stress on your feet
- Perform regular foot exercises to strengthen the muscles
Why Choose BlueRock Podiatry?
The team at BlueRock Podiatry is dedicated to providing personalized care for all your foot and ankle needs. With extensive training and experience, we offer the latest treatments and techniques to help you manage bunions effectively and improve your quality of life.
Ankle Sprains
Ankle Sprains, Instability, and Peroneal Tendon Injuries
Ankle sprains are common injuries that occur when the ligaments supporting the ankle stretch or tear. Repeated ankle sprains can lead to chronic ankle instability, characterized by a persistent feeling of the ankle giving way.
Symptoms
Common symptoms of ankle sprains and instability include:
- Pain and swelling around the ankle
- Bruising
- Difficulty bearing weight
- A feeling of instability or the ankle giving out
Causes
Ankle sprains and instability can be caused by:
- Sudden twisting or rolling of the ankle
- Previous ankle injuries
- Weakness in the muscles surrounding the ankle
- Loose or overstretched ligaments
Peroneal Tendon Injuries
Peroneal tendon injuries, including tears and split tears, often occur alongside ankle sprains and instability. The peroneal tendons run along the outside of the ankle and help stabilize the foot.
Types of Peroneal Tendon Injuries
- Tendonitis: Inflammation of the tendons due to overuse.
- Tears: Partial or complete tears of the tendons, often resulting from acute trauma or chronic overuse.
- Split Tears: Longitudinal tears in the tendon, commonly seen in the peroneus brevis tendon.
Diagnosis
Accurate diagnosis is crucial for effective treatment. At BlueRock Podiatry, we use a combination of musculoskeletal ultrasound and MRI to diagnose ankle sprains, instability, and peroneal tendon injuries. Ultrasound provides real-time imaging of the tendons and ligaments.
Treatment
Non-Surgical Treatments
- Rest and Ice: Reducing activity and applying ice to decrease inflammation.
- Physical Therapy: Exercises to strengthen the muscles around the ankle and improve stability.
- Bracing: Ankle braces to support the foot and prevent further injury.
- Medications: Anti-inflammatory medications to relieve pain and swelling.
Surgical Treatments
In cases where non-surgical treatments are ineffective, surgery may be necessary to repair damaged ligaments and tendons and stabilize the ankle.
Arthroscopy with Debridement
Arthroscopy with debridement is a minimally invasive surgical procedure that involves using a small camera (arthroscope) to visualize the inside of the ankle joint and remove damaged tissue or bone spurs.
Combined Diagnostic and Therapeutic Debridement
This procedure involves both diagnosing and treating issues within the ankle joint. It allows for a thorough examination and immediate treatment of any identified problems.
Surgical Repair of Peroneal Split Tear
Surgical repair of a peroneal split tear involves identifying and repairing the damaged tendon to restore its function and alleviate pain.
Internal Brace Device for Ankle Stabilization
One advanced surgical option for repairing ankle instability is the use of an internal brace device, such as those from Arthrex. This technique involves augmenting the primary ligament repair with a strong, flexible brace that provides additional support during the healing process.
Work with your doctor to determine which option is best for you!
Why Choose BlueRock Podiatry?
The team at BlueRock Podiatry is dedicated to providing personalized care for all your foot and ankle needs. With extensive training and experience, we offer the latest treatments and techniques to help you recover quickly and return to your active lifestyle.
Contact Us
If you're experiencing symptoms of ankle sprains, instability, or peroneal tendon injuries, don't wait to seek treatment. Contact BlueRock Podiatry today to schedule an appointment and start your journey to recovery.
Children's Feet
Understanding Children's Foot Health:
Common Conditions and Care
Welcome to our comprehensive guide on children's foot health! As parents, it's essential to understand the common foot problems that children may experience as they grow. Healthy feet are crucial for your child's overall development, mobility, and confidence. In this guide, we will explore various foot conditions, their symptoms, causes, and treatment options, ensuring you have the knowledge to support your child's foot health.
Achilles Tendinitis
What is Achilles Tendonitis?
Achilles tendonitis is a common condition that affects the Achilles tendon, the band of tissue that connects your calf muscles to your heel bone. This condition is often caused by overuse or intense strain on the tendon, leading to inflammation and pain.
Symptoms
Common symptoms of Achilles tendonitis include:
- Pain and stiffness along the Achilles tendon, especially in the morning
- Swelling in the back of your heel
- Limited range of motion when flexing your foot
- A feeling of warmth over the affected area
Causes
Achilles tendonitis can be caused by:
- Sudden increase in the intensity or duration of physical activity
- Tight calf muscles
- Bone spurs
- Wearing improper footwear
- Running on hard surfaces
Treatment Options
At BlueRock Podiatry, we offer a comprehensive approach to treating Achilles tendonitis, including both non-surgical and surgical options:
Non-Surgical Treatments
- Rest and Ice: Reducing activity and applying ice to decrease inflammation.
- Physical Therapy: Exercises to strengthen the calf muscles and improve flexibility. Eccentric strengthening exercises, which involve slowly lowering the heel after raising it, are particularly effective.
- Orthotics: Custom shoe inserts to support the foot and reduce strain on the tendon.
- Medications: Anti-inflammatory medications to relieve pain and swelling.
- Extracorporeal Shock Wave Therapy (ESWT): A non-invasive treatment that uses shock waves to stimulate healing in the Achilles tendon.
Surgical Treatments
In cases where non-surgical treatments are not effective, surgery may be necessary to repair the damaged tendon.
Surgical options include:
- Gastrocnemius Recession: This procedure involves lengthening the calf muscles to reduce stress on the Achilles tendon. It is particularly useful for patients with tight calf muscles².
- Debridement and Repair: If the tendon has significant damage, the surgeon may remove the damaged portion and repair the remaining healthy tendon. This procedure can be performed using open surgery or minimally invasive techniques.
- Tendon Transfer: In severe cases, a tendon transfer may be performed to replace the damaged Achilles tendon with another tendon from the foot.
- Minimally Invasive Surgery: Techniques that involve smaller incisions and less soft tissue disruption, leading to faster recovery times.
Risks and Benefits of Surgical Options
Gastrocnemius Recession
Benefits:
- Reduces stress on the Achilles tendon
- Improves flexibility and range of motion
Risks:
- Potential for nerve damage
- Possible infection or complications from anesthesia
Debridement and Repair
Benefits:
- Removes damaged tissue and promotes healing
- Can be performed using minimally invasive techniques
Risks:
- Risk of infection or nerve damage
- Longer recovery time compared to non-surgical treatments
Tendon Transfer
Benefits:
- Provides a durable solution for severe tendon damage
- Restores function and reduces pain
Risks:
- Potential for complications from the donor site
- Longer rehabilitation period
Prevention Tips
To prevent Achilles tendonitis, consider the following tips:
- Gradually increase the intensity of your workouts
- Stretch your calf muscles regularly
- Wear supportive footwear
- Avoid running on hard surfaces
Visit BlueRock Foot & Ankle Today
Visit Blue Rock Podiatry Today
Address
3152 N University Ave, Provo, UT 84604
Suite #120
Phone Number
801-356-0233
Hours
Monday - Friday
9:00am - 5:00pm