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Phoenix Foot and Ankle Institute Blog View all posts
How to Get to the Bottom of Your Foot Drop Symptoms

How to Get to the Bottom of Your Foot Drop Symptoms
Does the front of your foot drag on the ground, even when you try to lift it? You could be dealing with foot drop, which has many causes and symptoms. Learn more about foot drop and what could be causing your symptoms, along with treatment options.
Mar 1st, 2025
 How Charcot-Marie Tooth Affects Your Balance

 How Charcot-Marie Tooth Affects Your Balance
Charcot-Marie Tooth disease leads to nerve damage in the feet and ankles, often causing issues with walking and balance. Learn more about CMT disease, its effects on your balance, and how to relieve symptoms.
Feb 6th, 2025
Don’t Start the New Year with that Same Old Ankle Pain

Don’t Start the New Year with that Same Old Ankle Pain
2025 is quickly approaching and has the potential to be the best year yet – unless you're starting it off with the same ankle pain you've dealt with for years. Read on to learn how to address ankle pain to start the new year on the right foot.
Jan 14th, 2025
Here’s How to Optimize Post-Operative Mobility

Here’s How to Optimize Post-Operative Mobility
Many people choose foot and ankle surgery because they want to regain mobility, but it takes some time. Keep reading to learn how to get mobile faster after surgery to enhance recovery and get back to the activities you love.
Nov 1st, 2024

Living with CMT: A Guide for Patients and Families
Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease is a real threat when you're living with peripheral neuropathy or diabetes – but how do you cope with it? Read on to learn about CMT, how to live with it, and what treatments help you avoid complications.
Oct 16th, 2024
What’s the Difference Between a Bunion and a Bunionette?

What’s the Difference Between a Bunion and a Bunionette?
Bunions are a foot deformity that affect the big toe joint – but did you know you can also get a bunionette? Keep reading to learn the significant differences between a bunion and a bunionette and how to treat them successfully for foot pain relief.
Sep 10th, 2024
Which Wounds Respond Well to PRP?

Which Wounds Respond Well to PRP?
Wounds come in various shapes, types, and severity, which means treatments may vary – but PRP could help accelerate your recovery, no matter the cause. Read on to learn more about PRP and what kind of wound responds best for optimal recovery.
Jul 1st, 2024
Tips for Clipping Your Nails to Prevent an Ingrown Toenail

Tips for Clipping Your Nails to Prevent an Ingrown Toenail
Ingrown toenails are a painful nuisance that may lead to severe infections if you're not careful. However, you can prevent them entirely by cutting your nails correctly. Read on to learn expert tips on cutting your nails to avoid ingrown problems.
Jun 3rd, 2024
7 Signs You Should See a Doctor About Your Wound

7 Signs You Should See a Doctor About Your Wound
A foot wound may not seem like a big deal unless it shows signs of not healing or infection. Keep reading to learn about seven signs that signal you need to seek a doctor's care for your wound.
Mar 14th, 2024
Shockwave Therapy for Plantar Fasciitis: What to Expect

Shockwave Therapy for Plantar Fasciitis: What to Expect
Heel pain has many causes, with plantar fasciitis being at the forefront of the problem, but what treatments are available? Read on to discover when you need shockwave therapy for plantar fasciitis and what to expect during treatment.
Nov 30th, 2023
Common Runner’s Injuries and How to Prevent Them

Common Runner’s Injuries and How to Prevent Them
Running helps you stay in shape and allows you to leave the house and enjoy nature — unless you suffer an injury. Keep reading to learn about typical runner's injuries and prevention tips to prevent them.
Nov 1st, 2023
Plantar Plate Injury: Knowing the Symptoms and How to Treat It

Plantar Plate Injury: Knowing the Symptoms and How to Treat It
The feet are complex structures composed of various bones and joints. The plantar plate is one of these essential components that you can easily injure. Keep reading to discover the signs of a plantar plate injury and what to do next for pain relief.
Oct 1st, 2023
How Can Hyaluronic Acid Help My Foot and Ankle Pain?

How Can Hyaluronic Acid Help My Foot and Ankle Pain?
Pain in your foot or ankle — primarily due to arthritis — makes it difficult to do anything. Luckily, several treatments can help. Keep reading to discover more about hyaluronic acid injections for chronic foot and ankle pain.
Sep 1st, 2023
Are PRP Injections Helpful for Ankle Pain?

Are PRP Injections Helpful for Ankle Pain?
When ankle pain strikes, it takes hold of your entire life. Persistent ankle pain may be tricky to manage unless you undergo PRP injections. Keep reading to discover how PRP injections can help with chronic ankle discomfort.
Aug 1st, 2023
Avascular Necrosis (AVN) Treatment: What to Expect

Avascular Necrosis (AVN) Treatment: What to Expect
Your bones require constant blood flow to continue to rebuild; when they don't get the proper circulation, you may end up with avascular necrosis. Read on to discover what to expect from treatment when living with avascular necrosis.
Jul 1st, 2023
What is Charcot Foot?

What is Charcot Foot?
Diabetes is a chronic condition that leads to several complications in your feet, including a rare condition called Charcot foot and ankle. Keep reading to learn more about Charcot foot and how to prevent it when living with diabetes.
Jun 1st, 2023
Are Your Shoes Causing Heel Pain?

Are Your Shoes Causing Heel Pain?
Shoes are a critical part of your day, providing your feet with much-needed support — unless they hurt your heels. Keep reading to discover why your shoes are causing heel pain and how you can relieve your discomfort.
May 1st, 2023
The Link Between Your Weight and Plantar Fasciitis

The Link Between Your Weight and Plantar Fasciitis
Plantar fasciitis is a painful condition in your feet — but did you know your weight is a huge factor in this condition? Keep reading to discover how your weight is linked to stress on your plantar fascia and what you can do for relief.
Mar 1st, 2023
Signs It’s Time to Consider an Ankle Replacement

Signs It’s Time to Consider an Ankle Replacement
Ankle pain isn't always severe — until it affects your everyday activities. When other treatments haven't been successful, an ankle replacement might help. Read on to discover what signs signal it's time to consider a total ankle replacement.
Feb 1st, 2023
When to See a Specialist About Your Hammertoes

When to See a Specialist About Your Hammertoes
If you have a hammertoe, the pain in your joint can be unbearable — and forget wearing shoes comfortably. But when should you see a specialist for the affected toes? Read on to find out when to seek treatment for your painful hammertoes.
Jan 1st, 2023
4 Ways to Manage Achilles Tendinitis

4 Ways to Manage Achilles Tendinitis
You don’t realize how much you need your Achilles tendon until it’s inflamed and painful. If you’re experiencing heel pain and stiffness, you may have Achilles tendinitis. Keep reading to discover four crucial ways to manage your pain.
Dec 1st, 2022
Diabetes and Charcot Foot: How Are They Linked?

Diabetes and Charcot Foot: How Are They Linked?
If you have diabetes, you're at risk for significant problems with your feet. Charcot foot is a rare but severe side effect of diabetic neuropathy, sometimes leading to permanent deformity. Keep reading to find out how these conditions are linked.
Nov 1st, 2022
What Is a Peroneal Tendon Tear?

What Is a Peroneal Tendon Tear?
The peroneal tendons are vital in stabilizing your ankle and preventing injuries. Because they’re used a lot, the peroneal tendons can tear, causing pain and other problems. Keep reading to learn more about peroneal tendon tears.
Jun 1st, 2022
Charcot-Marie Tooth Disease: How it Affects the Foot and Ankle

Charcot-Marie Tooth Disease: How it Affects the Foot and Ankle
Peripheral neuropathy isn’t always the result of diabetes; sometimes it’s due to Charcot-Marie Tooth disease, which causes problems in the nerves of your extremities. Keep reading to learn the consequences of this disease on your ankles and feet.
May 1st, 2022
5 Common Signs of Ankle Arthritis

5 Common Signs of Ankle Arthritis
Pain in your ankles can be due to a number of issues, including arthritis. When you have ankle arthritis, it makes small tasks like walking seemingly impossible. Read on to learn what signs signal ankle arthritis, so you can get treatment right away.
Apr 1st, 2022
How to Take Care of Your Flat Feet

How to Take Care of Your Flat Feet
Flat feet can cause you to have pain in both your ankles and knees. This type of deformity doesn’t always lead to problems, but if it does, it can be detrimental. Keep reading to learn how you can take care of your flat feet to avoid issues later on.
Mar 1st, 2022
5 Encouraging Facts About Plantar Fasciitis

5 Encouraging Facts About Plantar Fasciitis
Plantar fasciitis is a painful foot condition that can be debilitating, but it’s not the end of the world. Keep reading to learn more about this condition, and what the outcome and treatments may involve.
Feb 1st, 2022
How Do I Know I Have a Neuroma?

How Do I Know I Have a Neuroma?
When you have pain in your foot, simply walking may seem impossible. A neuroma is one of the causes of pain in your feet, but how do you know that’s what’s causing your pain? Keep reading to learn the signs of a neuroma in your feet.
Jan 1st, 2022
Is Achilles Tendinitis Curable?

Is Achilles Tendinitis Curable?
Have you been feeling a sharp pain behind your heel? If so, achilles tendinitis could be the culprit. This condition can make walking difficult, so it’s important to get treatment. Keep reading to learn how, and if, you can cure this condition.
Dec 1st, 2021
5 Signs of a Diabetes-Related Foot Problems

5 Signs of a Diabetes-Related Foot Problems
If you suffer from diabetes, you might not be aware of all of the problems you could run into. Diabetes affects many different areas of your body, including your feet. Keep reading to learn more about foot problems caused by your diabetes.
Nov 1st, 2021
How is Avascular Necrosis Treated?

How is Avascular Necrosis Treated?
Your bones are vulnerable to a number of conditions, including avascular necrosis. This condition leads to bone death, and can be devastating if not treated. Continue reading to learn more about how this scary condition is successfully treated.
Oct 1st, 2021
What Is an Osteochondral Lesion of the Talus?

What Is an Osteochondral Lesion of the Talus?
Are you having trouble putting weight on your ankle, but you don’t remember an injury? You might be dealing with something known as an osteochondral lesion. Keep reading to learn more about this condition and how you can get relief.
Sep 1st, 2021
What Is an Ankle Fusion, and Is it Right for Me?

What Is an Ankle Fusion, and Is it Right for Me?
Ankle pain isn't a problem you want — especially when treatments aren't relieving the pain. Arthritis could be the culprit, meaning surgery may be around the corner. Keep reading to learn about an ankle fusion, and if it’s the answer to your pain.
Aug 2nd, 2021

What Is a Jones Fracture, and How Is it Treated?
With so many tiny bones, how do you know which bone is fractured and what type of fracture you have? Keep reading to learn about a Jones fracture, and treatments that help you get back on your feet again.
Jul 11th, 2021

Ankle Fracture Treatment and Recovery
A broken bone isn’t what you want to deal with, but unfortunately it happens. So what should you expect when you suddenly break your ankle? Keep reading to learn more about the treatment and recovery time you can expect with a broken ankle.
Jun 8th, 2021

What Is a Hammertoe and What to Look Out For
Do you have a toe that's bothering you because it’s bent downward? The culprit could be a hammertoe, which is a painful nuisance. Read on to learn more about this condition and what you can do to get rid of it for good.
May 17th, 2021

Is PRP Right for Me?
When you’re dealing with ankle pain, you want treatment as soon as possible. But of the many treatments available, not all are reliably successful. Read on to find out more about PRP therapy and if it could be your ticket to less pain.
Apr 9th, 2021

A Guide to the Cavus Foot
Dr. McAlister discusses the trends in op and non-operative treatments for Cavus (high arch) feet.
Mar 16th, 2021

5 Tips for Preventing Ankle Injuries
If there was a way to prevent yourself from getting hurt, you'd want to know, right? This is especially true for your ankles, as they’re easily injured. Keep reading to learn more about how you can prevent ankle injuries on and off the field.
Mar 9th, 2021

Bunion Prevention: Here's What You Need to Know
Do you know anyone who has a bunion? If so, you know how it can affect every activity they do. Bunion deformities also lead to pain — so how can you stop them? Keep reading to learn more about preventing bunions and keeping your feet healthy.
Feb 9th, 2021

Are You a Candidate for Ankle Replacement?
Is your ankle pain limiting your activities on a daily basis? If so, you're probably looking for a treatment to get you back on your feet, and an ankle replacement might do the trick. Read on to find out more about this surgical option.
Jan 13th, 2021

Heel Pain: 5 Common Causes
Pain in any form can really be a nuisance; but when it’s in your foot, it can really cause you problems. Heel pain can limit your mobility, making daily life hard. Keep reading to find out what causes heel pain, and how you can get back on your feet.
Dec 29th, 2020

6 Tips to Reduce Your Chances of Developing Achilles Tendonitis
Have you ever felt throbbing pain in the back of your heel after a long run? Chances are, your achilles tendon is inflamed, causing tendonitis. Don't stop running yet though; keep reading to find out how you can prevent this problem in the future.
Nov 2nd, 2020

Understanding How Regenerative Medicine Works
With so many advances in medicine, it's hard to keep up these days. Regenerative medicine is an up-and-coming treatment for many orthopedic conditions. Keep reading to learn more about this state-of-the-art treatment.
Oct 9th, 2020

How Sports Medicine Can Help Keep You at the Top of Your Game
Whether you’re young or old, sports are a great way to stay in shape and have fun. But when injury strikes, you need a doctor who can get you back in the game. Keep reading to learn more about how sports medicine is helpful in a variety of ways.
Sep 21st, 2020

Breaking News! New Regenerative Medicine Treatments Available
Achilles tendinopathy, plantar fasciitis, posterior tibial tendinosis, peroneal tendinosis, ankle arthritis, and first MTP arthritis can cause significant disability and pain. Come learn more about new regenerative options available today!
Jul 23rd, 2020
PF

Plantar Fasciitis Treatment Makes Waves
Dr. McAlister has brought the latest non-operative treatment in-house. Read more below about the a common sports medicine injury in the foot and ankle.
Jun 22nd, 2020

Recover Like an Athlete @ PFAI
Peri-operative nutrition and support is key. Here is an active way to find out Dr. McAlister's recommended favorites for appropriate bone, tendon, and ligament healing during this stressful experience.
May 25th, 2020
Telemedicine

Center Stage: Telemedicine and Virtual Foot and Ankle Care
Dr. McAlister continues to lead the pack in the Southwest, offering same-day telemedicine visits. This can hasten the appointment time, save patients travel time, and overall less healthcare strain. Read more to learn about telemedicine!
Mar 24th, 2020
Hintegra Total Ankle Replacement

First H3 Total Ankle Replacement in Arizona !
Dr. McAlister is the first fellowship-trained foot and ankle surgeon to implant the renowned H3 (Hintegra H3) total ankle. The Arizona Ankle Arthritis Center is off to a good start in 2020!
Feb 7th, 2020

Opening Soon!!
Phoenix Foot and Ankle Institute is opening its doors to the Scottsdale location on December 9, 2019.
Dec 3rd, 2019
Bunion

New Technology for Bunion Correction Speeds Recovery
Dr. McAlister has recently performed a highly impactful and educational webinar highlighting the advantages of a new procedure for bunion correction. Read more and learn about how bunions form and a how to treat them right the first time.
Oct 10th, 2019