A bunion is a bony bump that forms at the base of the big toe when the joint shifts out of alignment. Bunions can lead to pain, swelling, and difficulty with footwear. Ballet can place significant stress on this area, especially during movements that require standing on the toes or working in tight, structured shoes. The pressure from pointe work and repetitive strain can worsen the deformity over time. Limited space in ballet shoes may also increase friction and discomfort around the joint. Dancers often continue training despite early symptoms, which can lead to increased irritation and progression of the condition. Proper footwear fitting, strength exercises, and early management can help reduce strain. If pain or changes in foot shape develop, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can help manage symptoms, and support long-term foot health while continuing to dance.

If you are suffering from bunions, contact Braden Jenkins, DPM of The Ridge Foot & Ankle Center. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

What Is a Bunion?

A bunion is formed of swollen tissue or an enlargement of boney growth, usually located at the base joint of the toe that connects to the foot. The swelling occurs due to the bones in the big toe shifting inward, which impacts the other toes of the foot. This causes the area around the base of the big toe to become inflamed and painful.

Why Do Bunions Form?

Genetics – Susceptibility to bunions are often hereditary

Stress on the feet – Poorly fitted and uncomfortable footwear that places stress on feet, such as heels, can worsen existing bunions

How Are Bunions Diagnosed?

Podiatrists often perform two tests – blood tests and x-rays – when trying to diagnose bunions, especially in the early stages of development. Blood tests help determine if the foot pain is being caused by something else, such as arthritis, while x-rays provide a clear picture of your bone structure to your provider.

How Are Bunions Treated?

• Refrain from wearing heels or similar shoes that cause discomfort
• Select wider shoes that can provide more comfort and reduce pain
• Anti-inflammatory and pain management drugs
• Orthotics or foot inserts
• Surgery

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in Idaho Falls, ID . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Pain in the ball of the foot, often called metatarsalgia, can result from overuse, high-impact activities, wearing improper footwear, or conditions such as bunions or hammertoes. It may feel like a burning, aching, or sharp sensation that worsens with standing or walking. Simple, targeted exercises can help improve strength and flexibility. Calf raises help support the forefoot and are performed by slowly lifting your heels off the ground, then lowering back down with control. Tiptoe walking is another effective option, encouraging balance and strengthening foot muscles by walking forward on your toes for short distances. A golf ball roll can relieve tension, using gentle pressure to massage the sole by rolling your foot over a golf ball. These exercises may ease discomfort and improve function. If pain continues, it is suggested that you see a podiatrist for evaluation and care, which may include additional suggested exercises.

Exercising your feet regularly with the proper foot wear is a great way to prevent injuries and build strength. If you have any concerns about your feet, contact Braden Jenkins, DPM from The Ridge Foot & Ankle Center. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Exercise for Your Feet

Exercise for your feet can help you gain strength, mobility and flexibility in your feet. They say that strengthening your feet can be just as rewarding as strengthening another part of the body. Your feet are very important, and we often forget about them in our daily tasks. But it is because of our feet that are we able to get going and do what we need to. For those of us fortunate enough to not have any foot problems, it is an important gesture to take care of them to ensure good health in the long run.

Some foot health exercises can include ankle pumps, tip-toeing, toe rises, lifting off the floor doing reps and sets, and flexing the toes. It is best to speak with Our doctor to determine an appropriate regimen for your needs. Everyone’s needs and bodies are different, and the activities required to maintain strength in the feet vary from individual to individual. 

Once you get into a routine of doing regular exercise, you may notice a difference in your feet and how strong they may become.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in Idaho Falls, ID . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Onychomycosis, a fungal infection of the nail that leads to thickening, discoloration, and brittle changes, is being approached with greater accuracy and more individualized care. Evaluation often includes lab testing, such as nail sampling with a microscopic evaluation or culture to confirm fungus before care begins, helping to avoid unnecessary or ineffective medications. Care options have also expanded beyond standard oral medications. Newer topical treatments are designed to better reach the nail bed, improving results for some patients. In certain cases, combining methods may offer better outcomes and lower the chance of recurrence. Daily foot care, keeping nails trimmed, and choosing breathable footwear all support long-term nail health. When nail changes persist or worsen despite home care, it is suggested that you see a podiatrist who can guide you toward the most appropriate next steps.

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 Braden Jenkins, DPM of The Ridge Foot & Ankle Center. 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 Idaho Falls, ID . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Athlete’s foot is a fungal infection that affects the skin of the feet, often starting between the toes. The skin may appear red, flaky, or cracked, and itching or burning sensations can become persistent. In some cases, the area may feel moist or develop small blisters, especially after wearing tight or non-breathable shoes. This condition thrives in warm, damp environments, such as locker rooms, sweaty footwear, or shared surfaces. It can spread easily and may worsen without proper care. A podiatrist can diagnose athlete’s foot through a clinical exam and recommend treatment based on severity. Care may include antifungal medications, improved foot hygiene, and guidance on keeping the feet dry and protected. Early treatment helps prevent the infection from spreading to the nails or other areas. If you have symptoms of athlete’s foot, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist.

Athlete’s foot is an inconvenient condition that can be easily reduced with the proper treatment. If you have any concerns about your feet and ankles, contact Braden Jenkins, DPM from The Ridge Foot & Ankle Center.  Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.

Athlete’s Foot: The Sole Story

Athlete's foot, also known as tinea pedis, can be an extremely contagious foot infection. It is commonly contracted in public changing areas and bathrooms, dormitory style living quarters, around locker rooms and public swimming pools, or anywhere your feet often come into contact with other people.

Solutions to Combat Athlete’s Foot

• Hydrate your feet by using lotion
• Exfoliate
• Buff off nails
• Use of anti-fungal products
• Examine your feet and visit your doctor if any suspicious blisters or cuts develop

Athlete’s foot can cause many irritating symptoms such as dry and flaking skin, itching, and redness. Some more severe symptoms can include bleeding and cracked skin, intense itching and burning, and even pain when walking. In the worst cases, Athlete’s foot can cause blistering as well. Speak to your podiatrist for a better understanding of the different causes of Athlete’s foot, as well as help in determining which treatment options are best for you.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our office located in Idaho Falls, ID . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Persistent heel pain on the bottom of the foot can make walking and standing difficult, over time. When rest, stretching, and other non-surgical treatments do not provide relief, a minimally invasive procedure may be considered. This type of treatment uses small instruments and a camera to view and treat the problem area through tiny openings in the skin. The goal is to release tight tissue and reduce strain on the heel. Because the openings are small, there is often less disruption to surrounding structures and a shorter recovery period compared to traditional surgery. Many patients are able to return to daily activities more quickly with proper guidance. Not every case requires this approach, and careful evaluation is important. If heel pain continues despite treatment, it is suggested that you see a podiatrist to discuss appropriate options and next steps.

Foot surgery is sometimes necessary to treat a foot ailment. To learn more, contact Braden Jenkins, DPM of The Ridge Foot & Ankle Center. Our doctor will assist you with all of your foot and ankle needs.

When Is Surgery Necessary?

Foot and ankle surgery is generally reserved for cases in which less invasive, conservative procedures have failed to alleviate the problem. Some of the cases in which surgery may be necessary include:

• Removing foot deformities like bunions and bone spurs
• Severe arthritis that has caused bone issues
• Cosmetic reconstruction

What Types of Surgery Are There?

The type of surgery you receive will depend on the nature of the problem you have. Some of the possible surgeries include:

• Bunionectomy for painful bunions
• Surgical fusion for realignment of bones
• Neuropathy decompression surgery to treat nerve damage

Benefits of Surgery

Although surgery is usually a last resort, it can provide more complete pain relief compared to non-surgical methods and may allow you to finally resume full activity.

Surgical techniques have also become increasingly sophisticated. Techniques like endoscopic surgery allow for smaller incisions and faster recovery times.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in Idaho Falls, ID . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.