Items filtered by date: April 2024

Foot protection is a critical aspect of workplace safety that often goes overlooked. Whether you work in construction, manufacturing, healthcare, or any other industry, ensuring the safety of your feet is essential for preventing injuries and maintaining productivity. A variety of hazards, including heavy objects, sharp materials, electrical equipment, and slippery surfaces, pose risks to the feet in the workplace. Choosing appropriate footwear, such as steel-toed boots, non-slip shoes, or puncture-resistant soles, can provide vital protection against these dangers. Additionally, proper fitting footwear with sufficient support and cushioning reduces the risk of discomfort, fatigue, and long-term foot problems. By recognizing the importance of foot protection and taking proactive measures, both employers and workers can create safer, more secure work environments. If you have incurred a foot injury while at work, it is suggested that you confer with a podiatrist who can offer effective treatment plans, in addition to providing you with information about foot protection during your workday. 

While working on the feet, it is important to take the proper care of them. For more information about working on your feet, contact one of our podiatrists from Front Range Podiatry. Our doctors 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 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.

Diabetic feet represent a significant concern for individuals living with diabetes, as the condition can lead to various complications affecting foot health. One critical fact about diabetic feet is the increased risk of nerve damage, known as peripheral neuropathy, which can result in reduced sensation and difficulty detecting injuries or ulcers. Additionally, diabetes can impair blood circulation, leading to poor wound healing and an increased susceptibility to infections. Individuals with diabetes are also prone to developing foot ulcers, which, if left untreated, can escalate into serious complications such as gangrene and amputation. Proper foot care and regular inspections are essential for individuals with diabetes to prevent complications. This includes keeping the feet clean and moisturized, wearing comfortable and well-fitting shoes, inspecting the feet daily for cuts or sores, and seeking prompt medical attention for any signs of infection or injury. If you have diabetes, it is strongly suggested that you are under the care of a podiatrist who can help you manage this serious condition.

Diabetic foot care is important in preventing foot ailments such as ulcers. If you are suffering from diabetes or have any other concerns about your feet, 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.

Diabetic Foot Care

Diabetes affects millions of people every year. The condition can damage blood vessels in many parts of the body, especially the feet. Because of this, taking care of your feet is essential if you have diabetes, and having a podiatrist help monitor your foot health is highly recommended.

The Importance of Caring for Your Feet

• Routinely inspect your feet for bruises or sores.
• Wear socks that fit your feet comfortably.
• Wear comfortable shoes that provide adequate support.

Patients with diabetes should have their doctor monitor their blood levels, as blood sugar levels play such a huge role in diabetic care. Monitoring these levels on a regular basis is highly advised.

It is always best to inform your healthcare professional of any concerns you may have regarding your feet, especially for diabetic patients. Early treatment and routine foot examinations are keys to maintaining proper health, especially because severe complications can arise if proper treatment is not applied.

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.

Hammertoe, a common foot deformity, can be attributed to various underlying factors, including rheumatoid arthritis, bunions, and corns. Rheumatoid arthritis, an autoimmune condition characterized by inflammation in the joints, can lead to the weakening of the muscles and ligaments in the toes, causing them to contract and deform over time. Similarly, bunions, bony protrusions that form at the base of the big toe, can exert pressure on adjacent toes, causing them to bend abnormally. Additionally, corns, thickened areas of skin caused by friction or pressure, can also contribute to hammertoe by forcing the toes into a bent position. Over time, these factors can result in the development of hammertoe, characterized by a permanent bend in one or more toes. Understanding the relationship between rheumatoid arthritis, bunions, corns, and hammertoe is important for implementing preventive measures and seeking appropriate treatment to alleviate symptoms and prevent further deformity. If you have developed this foot condition, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can treat hammertoe.

Hammertoes can be a painful condition to live with. For more information, contact one of our podiatrists of Front Range Podiatry. Our doctors will answer any of your foot- and ankle-related questions.

Hammertoe

Hammertoe is a foot deformity that occurs due to an imbalance in the muscles, tendons, or ligaments that normally hold the toe straight. It can be caused by the type of shoes you wear, your foot structure, trauma, and certain disease processes.

Symptoms

• Painful and/or difficult toe movement
• Swelling
• Joint stiffness
• Calluses/Corns
• Physical deformity

Risk Factors

• Age – The risk of hammertoe increases with age
• Sex – Women are more likely to have hammertoe compared to men
• Toe Length – You are more likely to develop hammertoe if your second toe is longer than your big toe
• Certain Diseases – Arthritis and diabetes may make you more likely to develop hammertoe

Treatment

If you have hammertoe, you should change into a more comfortable shoe that provides enough room for your toes. Exercises such as picking up marbles may strengthen and stretch your toe muscles. Nevertheless, it is important to seek assistance from a podiatrist in order to determine the severity of your hammertoe and see which treatment option will work best for you.

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.

Your feet, often overlooked, hold valuable clues about your overall health. They serve as a mirror reflecting various underlying conditions that might otherwise go unnoticed. Paying attention to subtle signs can provide insight into your well-being. For instance, cold feet could indicate poor circulation, while dry, cracked skin might suggest dehydration or a nutrient deficiency. Swelling may signal issues with your heart, kidneys, or lymphatic system. Additionally, changes in toenails, such as discoloration or thickening, may hint at fungal infections or more serious ailments like diabetes or psoriasis. Moreover, persistent foot pain might not just be due to overuse but could signify conditions like plantar fasciitis or arthritis. Therefore, by observing and heeding the messages your feet convey, you can take proactive steps toward maintaining optimal health and addressing potential concerns before they escalate. After all, your feet are more than just the foundation of your body, they are valuable indicators of your overall well-being. If you have foot pain, it is suggested that you visit a podiatrist who may find underlying health issues and offer you specific treatment plans.

When dealing with systemic disease of the feet, it is extremely important to check the affected areas routinely so that any additional problems are caught quickly.  If you have any concerns about your feet and ankles contact one of our podiatrists from Front Range Podiatry. Our doctors will assist you with all of your podiatric needs.

Systemic Diseases of the Feet

Systemic diseases affect the whole body, and symptoms usually are displayed in the feet. This condition can make a patient’s ability to walk unbearable.  Systemic diseases include gout, diabetes mellitus, neurological disorders, and arthritis.

Gout – is caused by an excess of uric acid in the body. Common symptoms include pain, inflammation, and redness at the metatarsal/phalangeal joint of the base big toe. Gout can be treated by NSAIDs to relieve pain and inflammation, and other drugs that lower the acid levels in the body.

Diabetes mellitus – is an increase in the level of blood sugar that the body cannot counteract with its own insulin. Failure to produce enough insulin is a factor in Diabetes.

Diabetes of the Feet

Diabetic Neuropathy – may lead to damaged nerves and affect the feet through numbness and loss of sensation.

Peripheral Vascular Disease – can restrict the blood flow to the feet, and often times lead to amputation of the feet. 

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.

Caring for a diabetic foot wound demands meticulous attention and specialized techniques to promote healing and prevent complications. Begin by gently cleansing the wound with mild soap and lukewarm water, ensuring thorough yet gentle removal of any debris or bacteria. Pat the area dry with a clean towel, taking care not to rub or irritate the skin. Apply a prescribed antibiotic ointment or cream to safeguard against infection, and cover the wound with a sterile dressing or bandage to maintain cleanliness and moisture balance. Monitor the wound closely for any signs of infection, such as increased redness, swelling, warmth, or drainage, and promptly seek medical attention from a podiatrist if such symptoms arise. Refrain from applying adhesive bandages directly to the wound, as they may cause further trauma or hinder healing. It is important to prioritize weight-bearing off the affected foot to alleviate pressure and promote optimal recovery. If you have diabetes, it is strongly suggested that you are under the care of a podiatrist who can properly treat diabetic foot wounds.

Wound care is an important part in dealing with diabetes. If you have diabetes and a foot wound or would like more information about wound care for diabetics, 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.

What Is Wound Care?

Wound care is the practice of taking proper care of a wound. This can range from the smallest to the largest of wounds. While everyone can benefit from proper wound care, it is much more important for diabetics. Diabetics often suffer from poor blood circulation which causes wounds to heal much slower than they would in a non-diabetic. 

What Is the Importance of Wound Care?

While it may not seem apparent with small ulcers on the foot, for diabetics, any size ulcer can become infected. Diabetics often also suffer from neuropathy, or nerve loss. This means they might not even feel when they have an ulcer on their foot. If the wound becomes severely infected, amputation may be necessary. Therefore, it is of the upmost importance to properly care for any and all foot wounds.

How to Care for Wounds

The best way to care for foot wounds is to prevent them. For diabetics, this means daily inspections of the feet for any signs of abnormalities or ulcers. It is also recommended to see a podiatrist several times a year for a foot inspection. If you do have an ulcer, run the wound under water to clear dirt from the wound; then apply antibiotic ointment to the wound and cover with a bandage. Bandages should be changed daily and keeping pressure off the wound is smart. It is advised to see a podiatrist, who can keep an eye on it.

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.