Items filtered by date: March 2024

Athletes often face various challenges in their pursuit of excellence, and flat feet can present an additional hurdle to overcome. Flat feet, or fallen arches, occur when the arch of the foot collapses, causing the entire sole to make contact with the ground. This condition can lead to discomfort, instability, and an increased risk of injury during physical activity. However, many athletes with flat feet have found effective ways to cope and excel in their sports. One important strategy involves wearing supportive footwear with proper arch support and cushioning to help distribute weight evenly and reduce strain on the feet. Additionally, incorporating exercises to strengthen the muscles surrounding the feet and ankles can improve stability and alignment, enhancing overall performance and reducing the risk of injury. Seeking guidance from a podiatrist can also provide valuable insights and personalized recommendations for managing flat feet while pursuing athletic goals. If you have flat feet and participate in sporting activities, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can offer you additional relief strategies.

Flatfoot is a condition many people suffer from. If you have flat feet, contact one of our podiatrists from Front Range Podiatry. Our doctors will treat your foot and ankle needs.

What Are Flat Feet?

Flatfoot is a condition in which the arch of the foot is depressed and the sole of the foot is almost completely in contact with the ground. About 20-30% of the population generally has flat feet because their arches never formed during growth.

Conditions & Problems:

Having flat feet makes it difficult to run or walk because of the stress placed on the ankles.

Alignment – The general alignment of your legs can be disrupted, because the ankles move inward which can cause major discomfort.

Knees – If you have complications with your knees, flat feet can be a contributor to arthritis in that area.  

Symptoms

• Pain around the heel or arch area
• Trouble standing on the tip toe
• Swelling around the inside of the ankle
• Flat look to one or both feet
• Having your shoes feel uneven when worn

Treatment

If you are experiencing pain and stress on the foot you may weaken the posterior tibial tendon, which runs around the inside of the ankle. 

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.

People can injure their feet from falling, and ensuring a safe home environment is important for seniors to maintain independence and prevent falls. Simple modifications and precautions can significantly reduce the risk of falls in the home. Start by removing tripping hazards such as loose rugs, clutter, and electrical cords from pathways. Install handrails and grab bars in key areas such as bathrooms, staircases, and hallways to provide stability and support. Improve lighting throughout the home, especially in dimly lit areas, to enhance visibility and reduce the risk of missteps. Consider adding non-slip mats or strips in the bathroom and shower to prevent slips and falls on wet surfaces. Regularly check and maintain the condition of stairs, handrails, and flooring to address any potential hazards promptly. By implementing these practical falls prevention methods, seniors can create a safer living environment. If you are seeking additional fall prevention techniques, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can provide you with education about protecting the feet from falling.

Preventing falls among the elderly is very important. If you are older and have fallen or fear that you are prone to falling, consult with one of our podiatrists from Front Range Podiatry. Our doctors will assess your condition and provide you with quality advice and care.

Every 11 seconds, an elderly American is being treated in an emergency room for a fall related injury. Falls are the leading cause of head and hip injuries for those 65 and older. Due to decreases in strength, balance, senses, and lack of awareness, elderly persons are very susceptible to falling. Thankfully, there are a number of things older persons can do to prevent falls.

How to Prevent Falls

Some effective methods that older persons can do to prevent falls include:

• Enrolling in strength and balance exercise program to increase balance and strength
• Periodically having your sight and hearing checked
• Discuss any medications you have with a doctor to see if it increases the risk of falling
• Clearing the house of falling hazards and installing devices like grab bars and railings
• Utilizing a walker or cane
• Wearing shoes that provide good support and cushioning
• Talking to family members about falling and increasing awareness

Falling can be a traumatic and embarrassing experience for elderly persons; this can make them less willing to leave the house, and less willing to talk to someone about their fears of falling. Doing such things, however, will increase the likelihood of tripping or losing one’s balance. Knowing the causes of falling and how to prevent them is the best way to mitigate the risk of serious injury.  

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.

A sprained toe, though seemingly minor, can cause significant discomfort and impact daily activities. The most common symptom of a sprained toe is pain, particularly when attempting to move the affected toe or bear weight on it. Swelling and bruising surrounding the injured area are also typical signs, indicating tissue damage and inflammation. In some cases, individuals may experience difficulty walking or bending the toe due to stiffness and restricted movement. Additionally, tenderness to the touch and localized warmth may be present at the site of the sprain. It is essential to pay attention to any changes in sensation or appearance of the toe, as these can indicate the severity of the injury and the need for medical attention. While mild sprains may resolve with rest, compression, and elevation, more severe sprains may require immobilization and pain management to facilitate healing and prevent long-term complications. If you feel you may have sprained your toe, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist for an accurate diagnosis and suggested treatment options.

Toe pain can disrupt your daily activities. If you have any concerns, 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.

What Causes Toe Pain?

Most severe toe pain is caused due to a sports injury, trauma from dropping something heavy on the toe, or bumping into something rigid. Other problems can develop over time for various reasons.

Toe pain can be caused by one or more ailments. The most common include:

• Trauma
• Sports injury
• Wearing shoes that are too tight
• Arthritis
• Gout
• Corns and calluses
• Hammertoe
• Bunions
• Blisters
• Ingrown toenails
• Sprains
• Fractures (broken bones)
• Dislocations

When to See a Podiatrist

• Severe pain
• Persistent pain that lasts more than a week
• Signs of infection
• Continued swelling
• Pain that prevents walking

Diagnosis

In many cases the cause of toe pain is obvious, but in others, a podiatrist may want to use more advanced methods to determine the problem. These 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

Treatments for toe pain and injuries vary and may include shoe inserts, padding, taping, medicines, injections, and in some cases, surgery. If you believe that you have broken a toe, please see a podiatrist as soon as possible.

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