Items filtered by date: October 2024

Chronic ankle instability, or CAI, is a condition where the ankle frequently gives way, often following repeated sprains. It affects those who have had previous ankle injuries, particularly athletes or individuals engaging in high-impact activities. Women, people with hypermobile joints, and those with improper rehabilitation after an initial injury are at higher risk. The causes of CAI are complex and difficult to pinpoint, involving a combination of mechanical instability from loosened ligaments and neuromuscular factors, like impaired balance and body awareness. Repeated injuries can lead to muscle weakness and poor joint control, further contributing to instability. While strength training is often recommended, research on its effectiveness in preventing or treating CAI remains inconclusive. If you have chronic ankle instability, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist for a comprehensive treatment plan.

Ankle pain can be caused by a number of problems and may be potentially serious. If you have ankle pain, consult with one of our podiatrists from Front Range Podiatry. Our doctors will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

Ankle pain is any condition that causes pain in the ankle. Due to the fact that the ankle consists of tendons, muscles, bones, and ligaments, ankle pain can come from a number of different conditions.

Causes

The most common causes of ankle pain include:

• Types of arthritis (rheumatoid, osteoarthritis, and gout)
• Ankle sprains
• Broken ankles
• Achilles tendonitis
• Achilles tendon rupture
• Stress fractures
• Bursitis
• Tarsal tunnel syndrome
• Plantar fasciitis

Symptoms

Symptoms of ankle injury vary based upon the condition. Pain may include general pain and discomfort, swelling, aching, redness, bruising, burning or stabbing sensations, and/or loss of sensation.

Diagnosis

Due to the wide variety of potential causes of ankle pain, podiatrists will utilize a number of different methods to properly diagnose ankle pain. This can include asking for personal and family medical histories and of any recent injuries. Further diagnosis may include sensation tests, a physical examination, and potentially x-rays or other imaging tests.

Treatment

Just as the range of causes varies widely, so do treatments. Some more common treatments are rest, ice packs, keeping pressure off the foot, orthotics and braces, medication for inflammation and pain, and surgery.

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

Foot fractures can occur from trauma, overuse, or accidents, and proper diagnosis is imperative for effective treatment. Symptoms include swelling, bruising, difficulty bearing weight, and intense pain. A podiatrist will diagnose a foot fracture through a physical exam and imaging tests to determine the extent and type of fracture. Treatment depends on the severity and location of the fracture. Minor fractures may heal with rest, in addition to wearing a protective boot or cast. More severe fractures may require immobilization with a cast or even surgery to realign the bones. Timely diagnosis and appropriate treatment are essential to ensure proper healing, prevent complications, and restore mobility. If you have sustained a foot fracture, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for appropriate treatment methods.

A broken foot requires immediate medical attention and treatment. If you need your feet checked, contact one of our podiatrists from Front Range Podiatry. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Broken Foot Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment

A broken foot is caused by one of the bones in the foot typically breaking when bended, crushed, or stretched beyond its natural capabilities. Usually the location of the fracture indicates how the break occurred, whether it was through an object, fall, or any other type of injury. 

Common Symptoms of Broken Feet:

• Bruising
• Pain
• Redness
• Swelling
• Blue in color
• Numbness
• Cold
• Misshapen
• Cuts
• Deformities

Those that suspect they have a broken foot shoot seek urgent medical attention where a medical professional could diagnose the severity.

Treatment for broken bones varies depending on the cause, severity and location. Some will require the use of splints, casts or crutches while others could even involve surgery to repair the broken bones. Personal care includes the use of ice and keeping the foot stabilized and elevated.

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

Pediatric foot alignment deformities are common conditions in growing children and can affect how their feet develop and function. These deformities include flat feet, where the arches do not form properly, or conditions like in-toeing, where the feet turn inward. These issues often arise from the natural development process or genetic factors, and in most cases, children outgrow them without treatment. However, when foot alignment deformities cause pain, difficulty walking, or limit a child’s activities, they may require medical attention from a podiatrist. Treatment options can include stretching exercises and custom orthotics to correct the alignment and relieve discomfort. If you have a child that is complaining or showing foot discomfort, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist to help monitor the condition and determine if any treatment is necessary to support healthy foot development in the growing years.

The health of a child’s feet is vital to their overall well-being. If you have any questions regarding foot health, contact one of our podiatrists of Front Range Podiatry. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Tips for Keeping Children's Feet Healthy

• Make sure their shoes fit properly
• Look for any signs of in-toeing or out-toeing
• Check to see if they have Clubfoot (condition that affects your child’s foot and ankle, twisting the heel and toes inward) which is one of the most common nonmajor birth defects.
• Lightly cover your baby’s feet (Tight covers may keep your baby from moving their feet freely, and could prevent normal development)
• Allow your toddler to go shoeless (Shoes can be restricting for a young child’s foot)
• Cut toenails straight across to avoid ingrown toenails
• Keep your child’s foot clean and dry
• Cover cuts and scrapes. Wash any scratches with soap and water and cover them with a bandage until they’ve healed.

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

Foot pain can present as aching, sharp, or burning sensations in the heel, arch, toes, or ball of the foot. It can be caused by various factors, including wearing poor footwear, overuse, flat feet, high arches, or conditions like plantar fasciitis, bunions, and arthritis. Injuries like sprains or fractures also contribute to foot pain. Foot pain can impact other parts of the body by altering gait and posture, leading to knee, hip, or lower back discomfort. This occurs when the body compensates for pain by shifting weight improperly. To avoid foot pain, the first step is wearing well-fitted, supportive shoes. If your foot pain persists, worsens, or affects your mobility, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist as early intervention can prevent complications and improve overall foot health.

Foot Pain

Foot pain can be extremely painful and debilitating. If you have a foot pain, consult with one of our podiatrists from Front Range Podiatry. Our doctors will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

Causes

Foot pain is a very broad condition that could be caused by one or more ailments. The most common include:

• Bunions
• Hammertoes
• Plantar Fasciitis
• Bone Spurs
• Corns
• Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome
• Ingrown Toenails
• Arthritis (such as Gout, Rheumatoid, and Osteoarthritis)
• Flat Feet
• Injury (from stress fractures, broken toe, foot, ankle, Achilles tendon ruptures, and sprains)
• And more

Diagnosis

To figure out the cause of foot pain, podiatrists utilize several different methods. This can range from simple visual inspections and sensation tests to X-rays and MRI scans. Prior medical history, family medical history, and any recent physical traumatic events will all be taken into consideration for a proper diagnosis.

Treatment

Treatment depends upon the cause of the foot pain. Whether it is resting, staying off the foot, or having surgery; podiatrists have a number of treatment options available for foot pain.

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

Incorporating stretches into your running routine is vital for injury prevention and overall performance. Before running, dynamic stretches such as leg swings and high knees help warm up the muscles and improve flexibility, preparing your body for the activity ahead. Additionally, lunges with a twist can enhance hip mobility and balance. After running, static stretches like hamstring stretches and calf stretches are essential for cooling down and reducing muscle stiffness. Holding each stretch for about 30 seconds helps release tension and aids in recovery. Regularly performing these stretches before and after your runs can reduce the risk of injuries, improve flexibility, and support overall running efficiency. If you have sustained a foot injury from running, it is suggested that you visit a podiatrist who can offer you relief and treatment options, and guide you on the importance of stretching before and after running.

Exercising your feet regularly with the proper foot wear is a great way to prevent injuries. If you have any concerns about your feet, contact one of our podiatrists of Front Range Podiatry. Our doctors will treat your foot and ankle needs.

How to Prevent Running Injuries

Many common running injuries are caused by overuse and overtraining. When the back of the kneecap starts wearing out and starts causing pain in your knee, this is commonly referred to as runner’s knee. Runner’s knee is a decrease in strength in your quadriceps and can occur if you’re not wearing properly fitted or supporting shoes. To prevent runner’s knee, focusing on hip strengthening is a good idea, as well as strengthening your quads to keep the kneecaps aligned.

What Are Some Causes of Running Injuries?
- One cause of a common running injury is called iliotibial band syndrome.
- Plantar fasciitis is also another common injury.
- Stress fractures can occur from overtraining, lack of calcium, or even your running style.

Best Ways to Prevent Running Injuries
- Wear footwear that fits properly and suits your running needs.
- Running shoes are the only protective gear that runners have to safeguard them from injury.
- Make a training schedule. Adding strengthening exercises as well as regular stretching can help keep you strong and limber and can lessen the possibility of injuries.
- Stretching keeps muscles limber; this will help you gain better flexibility.

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