Foot Care at University of Utah Health
Life keeps you on your feet. Whether you’re a runner, athlete, or checking off your to-do list, healthy feet are an important part of your day. Our team of foot and ankle specialists are here to help keep you moving. We are part of a team of internationally renowned experts who care for both simple and complex foot problems.
Our team consists of orthopedic foot and ankle surgeons, podiatrists, and highly trained physician assistants.
As part of an academic medical center, we stay on the cutting edge of the latest treatments, therapies, and care for foot and ankle pain. Many of our orthopedic surgeons specialize in treating traumatic foot and ankle injuries.
Why Choose U of U Health for Foot & Ankle Care
What is a Podiatrist?
Podiatry is a medical specialty that focuses on the feet, ankles, and lower legs. Podiatrists at University of Utah Health are medical podiatrists. They do not perform major surgical procedures. A podiatrist can evaluate and treat a variety of common foot problems:
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Generalized foot and ankle pain
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Toenail issues like ingrown toenails and nail fungus
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Diabetic foot problems including infection, ulcers, wound care, and foot care
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Skin disorders like corns and calluses
If you need surgery, our podiatrists will refer you to one of our highly trained orthopedic surgeons with subspecialty training in foot and ankle surgery.
Our Foot & Ankle Surgeons
3 Resulting Health Care Providers
Our Non-surgical Foot & Ankle Specialists
8 Resulting Health Care Providers
Foot and Ankle Pain Symptoms
You can experience foot pain anywhere in your foot. This includes your heel, arch, and toes. You may notice ankle pain or discomfort anywhere in your ankle.
You may experience a variety of symptoms:
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Pain in your foot
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Inability to walk or put weight on your foot or ankle
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Swelling
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Bruising
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Deformity
Chronic foot and ankle injuries may start slowly and get worse over time. If your foot pain gets worse or does not improve with rest and activity changes, schedule an appointment to see one of our specialists.
Orthopaedic Injury Clinic
Our Orthopedic Injury Clinic at University Orthopaedic Center offers extended hours and walk-in availability. If you've injured your foot or ankle less than six weeks ago, come see us. Our providers at the walk-in clinic will treat your injury and can refer you to an orthopedic foot specialist for follow-up care.
Types of Foot Pain
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Achilles tendon rupture is an injury to the thick band of tissue that connects your calf muscles to your heel.
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Arthritis is a loss of joint space that can lead to pain and joint stiffness.
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Bone spurs are growths that can occur from arthritis, prior injury, or chronic overuse.
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Bone fractures are injuries that lead to breaks or small cracks in your bones.
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Bunions are deformities of the bone around your big toe joint. They are very common and only concerning if they cause pain.
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Bursitis is inflammation in the small fluid-filled sacs (bursa) that cushion your joints.
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Peripheral Neuropathy is nerve damage in your feet. Diabetes and certain vitamin deficiencies may cause peripheral neuropathy. In some people, the cause is unknown.
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Flat feet means the arch of your foot collapses while standing.
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Foot deformities can be present from birth or develop later in life from overuse or as a result of an injury. A foot deformity can cause pain, weakness and improper positioning of your ankle, foot, or toes.
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Severe cases of gout in foot is a form of arthritis that can cause sudden and painful inflammation in the joints around your toes and ankle.
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Metatarsalgia is pain and inflammation on the bottom of several toes.
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Osteochondritis dissecans happens when bone and cartilage become loose or unstable.
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Osteomyelitis is a bone infection that leads to pain, redness, and swelling in your foot.
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Plantar fasciitis is inflammation in the thick band of tissue that connects your heel bone to your toes.
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Sprains or ligament ruptures are a type of injury that can occur after your foot or ankle rolls or twists in an awkward way.
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Tarsal tunnel syndrome is a squeezed or compressed nerve along the inside of your ankle.
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Tendonitis is inflammation or irritation of one of the tendons in your feet.
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Tendon ruptures is an injury that causes the tendon to tear either partially or completely.
Diabetic Foot Pain
People with diabetes are at higher risk of nerve damage in their feet. Diabetic neuropathy may make it harder to feel sensations in your feet. This means your feet could get injured or develop sores that you do not feel.
Diabetes can also make it harder for cuts or sores on your feet to heal. If left untreated, these conditions can lead to infections or other complications over time.
Diabetic neuropathy and a lack of feeling in your feet can worsen wounds or injuries quickly. Injuries can also be bigger than they seem. If you have diabetes and have a foot injury, make an appointment with us as soon as possible.
Foot Pain Treatment
Our foot and ankle specialists work with you to create a treatment plan that’s right for you. Treatment depends on your condition and needs. Your care plan may include a combination of treatments:
- Bracing or immobilization—Braces, boots, crutches, and scooters protect your injured foot or ankle. They take any pressure or weight off your foot while it heals.
- Physical therapy—Exercises can improve your range of motion and strengthen the muscles and joints in your foot.
- Injections—Cortisone injections can help relieve your pain.
- Foot and ankle surgery—Open or arthroscopic (minimally invasive) surgery repairs ligaments, tendons, or bones after an injury. It can also correct deformities.
Foot Pain Relief
Try these home remedies for minor injuries or pain:
- Use the RICE method. (Rest, Ice, Compression, Elevation)
- Try NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs), such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen.
- Modify or postpone your activity to avoid worsening your injured foot or ankle.
- Wear a brace or bandage that protects your foot or ankle while it heals.
- Buy proper fitting shoes or orthotic inserts.
Schedule an Appointment with a Foot & Ankle Specialist
You do not need a referral to see a foot and ankle specialist, but your insurance plan may require one. Check with your insurance provider before you call. You can get a referral to see our orthopedic specialists from several providers:
- Your primary care provider
- A provider in the urgent care or emergency room
- A provider at our walk-in Orthopaedic Injury Clinic
When you're ready to schedule, contact our Orthopaedic Services at 801-587-7109 to make an appointment.
