Proud to be voted Best of Greater Idaho Falls 2025 for three years in a row.

Stop Your Toenail Fungus

Have you noticed discoloration of your toenails? Have they become thickened or brittle? If so, you may be experiencing symptoms of a fungal nail infection. For some, having a fungal nail can be embarrassing. Overcome your embarrassment, and get treated.

Ankle Sprains in Volleyball Players

Ankle sprains are a common injury among volleyball players due to sudden jumps, quick lateral movements, and unexpected landings. These movements can stretch or tear the ligaments that support the ankle, causing pain and instability. Symptoms of an ankle sprain include swelling, bruising, tenderness, difficulty bearing weight, and a feeling of the ankle giving way during activity. If left untreated, repeated sprains can lead to chronic instability and long-term joint problems. A podiatrist can evaluate the severity of the sprain, recommend appropriate treatment such as rest or bracing, and provide guidance on proper footwear or supportive devices to prevent future injuries. If you have  ankle pain or instability after volleyball activity, it is suggested that you schedule a visit with a podiatrist to restore stability, reduce pain, and protect your ankle for a safe return to the sport.

Although ankle sprains are common, they aren’t always minor injuries. If you need your ankle injury looked at, 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.

How Does an Ankle Sprain Occur?

Ankle sprains are the result of a tear in the ligaments within the ankle. These injuries may happen when you make a rapid shifting movement while your foot is planted. A less common way to sprain your ankle is when your ankle rolls inward while your foot turns outward.

What Are the Symptoms?

  • Pain at the sight of the tear
  • Bruising/Swelling
  • Ankle area is tender to touch
  • In severe cases, may hear/feel something tear
  • Skin discoloration

Preventing a Sprain

  • Wearing appropriate shoes for the occasion
  • Stretching before exercises and sports
  • Knowing your limits

Treatment of a Sprain

In many cases, the RICE method (Rest, Ice, Compression, and Elevate) is used to treat ankle sprains. However, you should see a podiatrist to see which treatment option would work best with your injury. In severe cases, surgery may be required.

It is important to ask your doctor about rehab options after you receive treatment for your injury. Stretching, strength training, and balance exercises may help the ankle heal while also preventing further injury.

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.

Read more about Ankle Sprains

Shoes for Comfort and Safety of Restaurant Workers

For restaurant workers, choosing the right shoes is essential to maintain comfort, safety, and long-term foot health. Shoes should provide excellent comfort with cushioning in the midsole and supportive insoles that reduce strain on the feet, ankles, and knees during long shifts. Slip resistance is critical to prevent accidents on wet or greasy floors. Durability is also important, as shoes must withstand constant movement, cleaning, and exposure to spills. A well- constructed shoe includes a supportive upper for stability, a comfortable lining to reduce friction, and a resilient insole for added shock absorption. A podiatrist can evaluate foot structure, gait, and work demands to recommend shoes or custom orthotics that improve comfort and prevent pain. If foot fatigue or discomfort is affecting your performance, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can treat various foot and ankle conditions, and guide you on how to choose appropriate work shoes. 

While working on the feet, it is important to take the proper care of them. For more information about working on your feet, contact Braden Jenkins, DPM from The Ridge Foot & Ankle Center. Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.

Working on Your Feet

Standing on your feet for long periods of time can cause stress and pain in your feet. Your whole body may experience change in terms of posture, back pain, bunions, callouses and or plantar warts. There are ways to avoid these conditions with proper foot care, smart choices and correct posture.

Positive Changes

Negative heeled shoe – Choosing this shoe type places the heel slightly lower than the ball of the foot. These are great for overall foot health. Find shoes that fit you correctly.

Go barefoot – Our feet were not designed to be enclosed for all hours of the day. Try to periodically expose your feet to air.

Eliminate Pain

Foot Exercises – Performing simple exercises, incorporating yoga and doing stretches are beneficial. This will allow increased blood flow to the area and muscles of the foot.

Achilles tendon – Stretching the foot out flat on the floor will relax the calf muscles and tendon. These exercises can be performed almost anywhere. Make sure you add these exercises to your daily regimen. 

With a little bit of this information and knowing more about foot health, you will notice changes. Foot stretches and proper footwear will help with pain and prevent further issues.

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.

Read more about How to Handle a Long Work Day on Your Feet

Types of Athlete’s Foot

Athlete’s foot is a common fungal infection that affects the skin of the feet and thrives in warm moist environments. One type of athlete's foot is interdigital athlete’s foot, which develops between the toes causing redness, itching, peeling skin and burning discomfort. Moccasin-type athlete’s foot involves the soles and sides of the feet leading to dry thickened cracked skin that can spread slowly. Vesicular athlete’s foot has fluid-filled blisters often accompanied by intense itching and inflammation. Additionally, ulcerative athlete’s foot is the most severe form and may cause open sores, swelling, pain and secondary bacterial infection. A podiatrist can properly diagnose the specific type and provide targeted treatment. Included are prescription antifungal medication, skin care guidance, and preventive strategies. If you have symptoms of athlete’s foot, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can make a proper diagnosis and provide treatment.

Athlete’s Foot

Athlete’s foot is often an uncomfortable condition to experience. Thankfully, podiatrists specialize in treating athlete’s foot and offer the best treatment options. If you have any questions about athlete’s foot, consult with Braden Jenkins, DPM from The Ridge Foot & Ankle Center. Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality treatment.

What Is Athlete’s Foot?

Tinea pedis, more commonly known as athlete’s foot, is a non-serious and common fungal infection of the foot. Athlete’s foot is contagious and can be contracted by touching someone who has it or infected surfaces. The most common places contaminated by it are public showers, locker rooms, and swimming pools. Once contracted, it grows on feet that are left inside moist, dark, and warm shoes and socks.

Prevention

The most effective ways to prevent athlete’s foot include:

  • Thoroughly washing and drying feet
  • Avoid going barefoot in locker rooms and public showers
  • Using shower shoes in public showers
  • Wearing socks that allow the feet to breathe
  • Changing socks and shoes frequently if you sweat a lot

Symptoms

Athlete’s foot initially occurs as a rash between the toes. However, if left undiagnosed, it can spread to the sides and bottom of the feet, toenails, and if touched by hand, the hands themselves. Symptoms include:

  • Redness
  • Burning
  • Itching
  • Scaly and peeling skin

Diagnosis and Treatment

Diagnosis is quick and easy. Skin samples will be taken and either viewed under a microscope or sent to a lab for testing. Sometimes, a podiatrist can diagnose it based on simply looking at it. Once confirmed, treatment options include oral and topical antifungal medications.

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.

Read more about Athlete's Foot

Foot Pain in Runners and How to Find Relief

Foot pain is common in runners and can affect performance and daily comfort. Frequent causes include plantar fasciitis, which creates sharp heel pain from irritation of the plantar fascia, and metatarsalgia, a condition that leads to aching or burning in the ball of the foot. Injury stress fractures may also develop from repetitive impact and overuse. Simple stretches, such as the seated towel stretch, can help improve flexibility in the arch and calf, reducing strain during runs. A podiatrist can identify the source of pain, recommend supportive footwear, provide custom orthotics, and guide treatments that promote healthy movement. If foot pain is interrupting your training, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can restore comfort and prevent further injury with effective treatment solutions.

All runners should take extra precaution when trying to avoid injury. If you have any concerns about your feet, contact Braden Jenkins, DPM of The Ridge Foot & Ankle Center. Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.

How to Prevent Running Injuries

There are a lot of mistakes a runner can make prior to a workout that can induce injury. A lot of athletes tend to overstretch before running, instead of saving those workouts for a post-run routine. Deep lunges and hand-to-toe hamstring pulls should be performed after a workout instead of during a warmup. Another common mistake is jumping into an intense routine before your body is physically prepared for it. You should try to ease your way into long-distance running instead of forcing yourself to rush into it.

More Tips for Preventing Injury

  • Incorporate Strength Training into Workouts - This will help improve the body’s overall athleticism
  • Improve and Maintain Your Flexibility – Stretching everyday will help improve overall performance
  • “Warm Up” Before Running and “Cool Down” Afterward – A warm up of 5-10 minutes helps get rid of lactic acid in the muscles and prevents delayed muscle soreness
  • Cross-Training is Crucial
  • Wear Proper Running Shoes
  • Have a Formal Gait Analysis – Poor biomechanics can easily cause injury

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.

Read more about Preventing Running Injuries
scroll to top