Dakota Foot and Ankle Clinic

1. As we grow older the size of our feet change. It is important to always select shoes by how they fit and feel and not by the size marked inside the shoe. 2. Make sure there is enough space (3/8” to 1/2”) from your longest toe to the end of shoe when you are STANDING UP. 3. Most people have one foot that is bigger than the other. Always fit your shoe to your larger foot. Be sure to try both shoes on and walk in them to make sure they fit and feel right. 4. Don’t buy shoes that feel too tight and expect them to stretch to fit. They should be comfortable right away. 5. Try on shoes in the afternoon or later part of the day since feet tend to swell and become larger by the end of the day. 6. Bend the front part of the shoe upwards, it should bend in the toe box area. Hold on to the heel and toe box and try to bend the shoe, if the midsole(arch area) bends easily the shoe is excessively flexible and will not offer enough support. Ideally you should not be able to bend the mids...

  1.   You might be able to avoid surgery A Foot specialist will do extensive testing every year to check for nerve damage.  Studies have shown that by visiting a podiatrist at least once a year you might significantly reduce your chances of developing an infection that can lead to amputation.  They will find things that you don’t notice that need to be cared for before they become big problems.  2.   You may have neuropathy Diabetic Neuropathy is nerve damage; the symptoms can range from numbness, tingling, pain and burning of the feet.  When you have numbness you may step on something and not even realize it, then one day wake up and your foot is really swollen and red and you have a fever and realize you have a serious infection.  You head to the emergency room might tell you they have to amputate your leg to save your life! 3 .    Some people don’t understand Some people don’t understand how you can have pain a...

 Introduction: Hallux rigidus is a condition that affects the big toe joint, causing stiffness, pain, and limited motion. However, early detection and intervention can significantly improve outcomes and potentially delay or avoid the need for surgery. This article aims to provide insights into the treatment options available, including both conservative measures and surgical interventions, along with factors influencing the choice of treatment. Treatment Options: Ultrasound Therapy and Physical Therapy: These modalities can offer temporary relief by reducing pain and improving joint mobility. Custom Orthotics: Orthotic devices can optimize foot function and relieve pressure on the big toe joint, promoting better alignment and reducing discomfort. Proper Footwear: Shoes with a wider toe box and stiff soles are recommended to alleviate pressure on the affected joint. High heels should be avoided to prevent exacerbating symptoms. Injection Therapy: Injections, such as corticosteroids ...

  Welcome to Dakota Foot & Ankle's blog, where we believe that knowledge is power when it comes to your health and well-being. As a leading provider of foot and ankle care, we are dedicated to ensuring that our patients are fully informed about their conditions and treatment options. That's why we've curated a comprehensive patient education section right here on our website. When it comes to your health, being informed can make all the difference. That's why we're passionate about providing resources that cover a wide range of foot and ankle-related topics. Whether you're seeking information about common foot conditions, such as plantar fasciitis or bunions, or you're interested in learning about treatment options like orthotics or surgical procedures, our patient education section has you covered. We understand that navigating the world of foot and ankle health can be overwhelming, which is why we've made it our mission to provide clear, accessible...

Do you find yourself experiencing persistent pain in the back of your heel? Does it hinder your daily activities or make walking uncomfortable? If so, you might be grappling with Achilles tendinitis. This condition involves the inflammation of the Achilles tendon, a crucial structure that connects your calf muscles to your heel bone. Understanding Achilles tendinitis, its causes, symptoms, and treatment options is essential for effective management and recovery. What is Achilles Tendinitis? The Achilles tendon is one of the largest and strongest tendons in the human body, enabling activities like walking, running, and jumping. Achilles tendinitis occurs when this tendon becomes inflamed due to overuse or strain. It commonly affects athletes, particularly runners, but can also occur in individuals with sudden increases in physical activity or those who wear improper footwear. Causes of Achilles Tendinitis Several factors can contribute to the development of Achilles tendinitis: Overuse:...

  Introduction: Haglund's Deformity, often referred to as "pump bump," is a bony enlargement on the back of the heel that can cause discomfort and pain. This condition commonly affects individuals who wear high-heeled shoes or tight footwear, leading to irritation and inflammation of the bursa and Achilles tendon. Understanding the causes, symptoms, and effective strategies for treating and preventing Haglund's Deformity is crucial for those seeking relief from this challenging foot ailment. Causes and Symptoms: Haglund's Deformity is primarily caused by repeated friction and pressure on the heel, especially when wearing poorly-fitting shoes. High heels and rigid footwear can contribute to the development of this condition, as they create constant pressure on the back of the heel. Additionally, biomechanical factors such as a high-arched foot or tight Achilles tendon can increase the risk of developing Haglund's Deformity. Common symptoms of Haglund's Defo...

  What are shin splints? In layman’s terms it’s the name athletes used to refer to pain along the shin bone. Medial tibial stress syndrome or medial tibial traction periostitis is an accurate medical description of what we like to call shin splints. Medial tibial stress syndrome is the most common type of shin pain. It is an injury that generally occurs when one increases training too quickly or pushes themselves too hard too soon. Shin splints can also be brought on when the training environment changes. Switching to hard surfaces or running up hills can bring on shin splints. Too much running, sprinting, or jumping are obvious contributors and can increase pain in the shin as well. Shin splints can be treated at home with a few basic applications. Rest when you can. Ice the shin area with cold therapy and a compression wrap. Do this for 10 minutes every hour. As symptoms improve decrease treatment to 3 or 4 times a day. Other possible treatments include getting pro...

With 2018 in full swing, we can expect to see many advertisements from gyms, nutrition supplement stores and department stores head lining “a new year, a new you!” Many people focus their New Year’s resolution on weight loss and improving health. However, foot problems are often overlooked and can be a reason people drop out of their exercise regime. The reality is that exercise and healthy eating can benefit your feet immensely, so being able to continue with your exercise program is important.  Weight loss significantly reduces the stress on the feet reducing chances of bony, tendinous, and ligamentous injuries. Similarly, exercise, as simple as a daily walking routine, can also improve blood flow to the legs and feet. Furthermore, avoiding foods that can cause inflammation, such as sugar and fried foods, can help with reducing general achiness of joints, including those outside of the feet. Let me suggest five New Year’s resolutions to follow, regarding your foot h...

  Haglund’s Deformity is an enlargement on the back of the heel bone.  It often occurs in women that wear pumps and is sometimes called “pump bump.” It is caused by the shape of your foot.  You are more likely to develop Haglund’s Deformity if you have a tight Achilles tendon, high arches, or walk on the outside of your foot.  It is also common in people that wear shoes with a very firm, rigid back. The most common symptom of Haglund’s Deformity is a bump on the back of the heel along with heel pain.  Blisters may also develop. If you are experiencing pain or the bump enlarges, it is best to see Dr. Brian Gale, DPM, FACFAS.  He will be able to evaluate your feet and help determine a treatment plan that is best suited to your needs.  Contact Us at 701-255-3338 today to set up an appointment.

  Purchasing new shoes for your child may seem like a nuisance, especially when they hit growth spurts and are in need of new shoes before the old ones are even worn out. Or perhaps you have one of those kids who has half the sole worn off or a part of the shoe blown out in no time. Though shoes can be pricy, the process of purchasing a shoe should not be a headache. 1. Make sure your child is along during the shopping excursion and gets his/her feet sized. Their feet grow fast and sometimes grow more than a half a size between purchasing the last pair of shoes. 2. Different brands can vary in size, so be sure that they try the shoe on prior to purchasing as one size in one brand may not be appropriate for the next. 3. Purchase age appropriate shoes. A toddler who is just beginning to walk should have a soft soled shoe vs a hard one. Their proprioception or sense of position is highly dependent on them being able to feel the ground which is much more difficult to...