- Warts
- ArthritisThere are two types of arthritis: Osteoarthritis (also called “wear and tear” arthritis,) is the most common, typically brought on by the aging of joints. Cartilage breaks down over time, creating painful sensations and difficulty moving and articulating the joints. Rheumatoid arthritis is the most serious form and can be majorly crippling. In the foot, it is a chronic inflammatory problem affecting the feet and ankles.
- Plantar FasciitisPlantar fasciitis is caused from inflammation of the connective tissue that stretches from the base of the toes to where it attaches to the heel bone. Symptoms include stiffness and tightness in the back of the leg and bunion joint, along with an uneven gait. Heel pain is often the first sign of plantar fasciitis.
- Primary CareThe symptoms of gout and the inflammatory process usually resolve in three to ten days with treatment. If gout symptoms continue despite the initial treatment, or if repeated attacks occur, see your primary care physician for maintenance treatment that may involve daily medication. In cases of repeated episodes, the underlying problem must be addressed, as the buildup of uric acid over time can cause arthritic damage to the joint.
- Smoking CessationDr. Larson was born and raised in Logan, Utah where he attended Sky View High School. Upon graduating he took a two-year sabbatical to serve a mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Days Saints in Thailand. After successfully completing his mission, he returned to Utah State University and graduated with a degree in Public Health Education. Upon graduation, he worked as a Health Education Specialist teaching classes in diabetes, smoking cessation, and disease prevention for the Health Department, and at the same time worked in the Operating Room at Logan Regional hospital as an Anesthesia Tech. He loves teaching and feels that educating patients is crucial in helping them feel better and stay healthier.
- Diabetic Foot CareDiabetic foot care is essential as diabetes can be dangerous to your feet—even a small cut can produce serious consequences. Diabetes may cause nerve damage that takes away the feeling in your feet. Diabetes may also reduce blood flow to the feet, making it harder to heal an injury or resist infection. Because of these problems, you may not notice a foreign object in your shoe. As a result, you could develop a blister or a sore. This could lead to an infection or a nonhealing wound that could put you at risk for an amputation.
- Diabetes Care
- UltrasoundThe staff and physicians at Sole Foot and Ankle are wonderful. I work in a medical office and it is refreshing to find another office with staff that truly love their jobs. The front office is very welcoming from the moment you walk into the door. The back office staff work hard to make you feel comfortable and take time to really listen. Dr. Larson is very personable. He sat with me and explained my x-rays and ultrasound. He took the time to explain my exact issue, how it happened and how to treat it. I am very thankful I found this office and I will be referring all of my patients who have podiatry issues to Dr. Larson. –
- X-Rays
- ChemotherapyThe tendency to accumulate uric acid is often inherited. Other factors that put a person at risk for developing gout include: high blood pressure, diabetes, obesity, surgery, chemotherapy, stress and certain medications and vitamins. For example, the body’s ability to remove uric acid can be negatively affected by taking aspirin, some diuretic medications (“water pills”) and the vitamin niacin (also called nicotinic acid). While gout is more common in men aged 40 to 60 years, it can occur in younger men as well as in women.
- ArthroscopyCompleting his residency at Intermountain Medical Center in Salt Lake City, Utah, Dr. Ray’s training emphasized forefoot and rearfoot reconstruction. He also trained in ankle pathology, trauma, elective reconstruction, arthroscopy, diabetic wound care, limb salvage, and limb deformity correction.
- Wound Care
- BunionsEven though bunions are a common foot deformity, there are misconceptions about them. Many people may unnecessarily suffer the pain of bunions for years before seeking treatment.
- GangreneShoes for patients living with diabetes are made of special protective inserts and soft shoe materials to accommodate for conditions, such as neuropathy (numb feet), poor circulation and foot deformities (bunions, hammertoes, etc.). The shoes decrease the chance of foot sores (ulcers), which can be caused by friction and pressure. This may lead to infection, gangrene or even amputation.
- Arthroscopy
- Ingrown ToenailsCut nails carefully. Cut them straight across and file the edges. Don’t cut nails too short, as this could lead to ingrown toenails. If you have concerns about your nails, consult your doctor.
- CornsWe safely and effectively remove corns in our offices. For more information on corns or to schedule an appointment, don’t hesitate to contact us today at (602) 938-3600 !
- Cyst
- UlcerInfections and ulcers (sores) that do not heal. An ulcer is a sore in the skin that may go all the way to the bone. Because of poor circulation and neuropathy in the feet, cuts or blisters can easily turn into ulcers that become infected and will not heal. This is a common—and serious—complication of diabetes and can lead to a loss of your foot, your leg or your life.
- CallusesAlthough many people consider calluses to be a simple skin problem, it is actually an indicator of bone problems. In the foot, calluses are typically seen on the heels, balls of the feet, and on the outer side of the big toe. Calluses have their own nerves and sacks of fluid that act as cushioning, which can cause pain over time.
- EczemaA rash on the foot can have a variety of causes. It may be a form of eczema, which is usually very itchy. It also may be an allergic reaction to something with which your feet have come into contact, such as materials in your shoe or poison ivy. Another common reason for a foot rash is athlete’s foot, which is caused by a fungal infection. Only by having the rash examined will you be able to get a precise diagnosis. A foot and ankle surgeon will determine the cause of your rash and provide appropriate treatment.
- FungusA fungus is an organism that lives in warm moist areas. Fungus of the toenails is a common problem that can affect people of all ages, although it most commonly affects individuals who are older.
- Rashes
- Sports MedicineDr. Ray is a board-certified podiatric surgeon at Sole Foot & Ankle Specialists in Glendale, AZ. He specializes in various conditions, including sports medicine, arthritis, trauma, fracture care, wound care, tendon pathology, and ruptures. He is particularly interested in deformity corrections, including bunions, hammertoes, flat feet, and coalitions.
- Physical TherapyInitial treatment may consist of rest, ice, elevation and immobilization but may also include nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as ibuprofen, physical therapy and cortisone injection. A foot and ankle surgeon can best determine the cause of the ankle pain and appropriate treatment options.
- Flatfoot Correction
- Heel Pain
- Ankle SprainAnkle pain is often due to an ankle sprain but can also be caused by ankle instability, arthritis, gout, tendonitis, fracture, nerve compression (tarsal tunnel syndrome), infection and poor structural alignment of the leg or foot. Ankle pain can be associated with swelling, stiffness, redness and warmth in the involved area. The pain is often described as an intense dull ache that occurs upon weightbearing and ankle motion.
- Orthotics and Prosthetic Therapy
- General PodiatryThat is why we offer the highest standard of care in podiatry. We seek to make your visit simple, stress-free, and effective! It is our goal to resolve your pain and function issues in a way that allows you to live the life you are accustomed to.
- Achilles Tendonitis
- Ankle InstabilitySymptoms include recurring pain on the outside part of the ankle, ankle instability, difficulty walking on uneven ground, swelling, stiffness, and tenderness.
- Ankle Sprain
- Arthritic Foot CareArthritis is the inflammation of the cartilage and lining of the joints. Although it can present itself at any age, arthritis is primarily found in those over 50.
- Bunions ProblemsBunions are painful bone deformities in the big toe. When the toe is misaligned, the joint in the toe grows larger, creating a protuberance over time. These lumps can cause constant pain from rubbing against shoes, which in turn, irritates the joint resulting in a large bump.
- Calluses
- Diabetic Foot CareA strong advocate of limb salvage, Dr. Ray believes in preventing amputation whenever possible. He is well-practiced in all areas of diabetic foot care, ulcerations, peripheral neuropathy, and Charcot. He implements the latest surgical and non-surgical treatments to help his patients reach their goals and improve their quality of life.
- Flat Feet
- Fungus ToenailsToenail fungus often begins as an infection in the skin called tinea pedis (also known as athlete’s foot ). The fungus often starts under the nail fold at the end of the nail. Over time, it grows underneath the nail and causes changes to its appearance, such as a yellow or brownish discoloration. It can also cause thickening and deformity of the toenail.
- Geriatric Foot CareWe will be happy to assess your specific needs and help you develop a personalized plan and routine for healthy feet. For more information on geriatric foot care or to schedule an appointment, please don’t hesitate to contact us today at (602) 938-3600 !
- HammertoesHammertoe is a contracture (bending) deformity of one or both joints of the second, third, fourth or fifth (little) toes. This abnormal bending can put pressure on the toe when wearing shoes, causing problems to develop.
- Heel SpursHeel pain, especially stabbing heel pain, is most often caused by plantar fasciitis, a condition that is sometimes also called heel spur syndrome when a spur is present. Heel pain may also be due to other causes, such as a stress fracture, tendonitis, arthritis, nerve irritation or, rarely, a cyst.
- Heel Pain
- Ingrown ToenailsTrauma. Sometimes an ingrown toenail is the result of trauma, such as stubbing your toe, having an object fall on your toe or engaging in activities that involve repeated pressure on the toes, such as kicking or running.
- Foot Injuries
- Toenail ProblemsMany people have difficulty with their toenails and need assistance in caring for them. A foot and ankle surgeon can diagnose the cause of toenail problems and can recommend treatments.
- Poor Circulation in Feet
- Foot WartsWarts can be very resistant to treatment and have a tendency to recur. Over-the-counter foot wart treatments are very often ineffective, destroying surrounding tissue and leaving the wart(s) intact.
- Plantar FasciitisPlantar fasciitis is an inflammation of the band of tissue (the plantar fascia) that extends from the heel to the toes. In this condition, the fascia first becomes irritated and then inflamed, resulting in heel pain.
- Podiatric DeformitiesOften, patients with hammertoe have bunions or other foot deformities corrected at the same time. In selecting the procedure or combination of procedures for your particular case, the foot and ankle surgeon will take into consideration the extent of your deformity, the number of toes involved, your age, your activity level and other factors. The length of the recovery period will vary, depending on the procedure or procedures performed.
- Podiatric SurgeryDr. Larson – Thank you so much for doing my foot surgery. Thank you so, so much. You are awesome! You rock!! –