Items filtered by date: June 2024

An infected toe often presents with redness, swelling, and pain, sometimes accompanied by pus or an unpleasant odor. Several factors can lead to this condition. Injuries, such as stubbing your toe or dropping something heavy on it, can create openings for bacteria. Microorganisms, including bacteria and fungi, can infiltrate these wounds or even enter through small cracks in dry skin. Natural toe growth, particularly when nails grow inward, can push into the skin and cause infection. Foot yeast infections, commonly known as athlete's foot, can also escalate into bacterial infections if not treated promptly. Additionally, individuals with diabetes are at a higher risk due to poor circulation and impaired immune response, which can make even minor infections more severe. If your toe has become infected, it is suggested that you promptly visit a podiatrist who can offer you effective treatment solutions.

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.

Obesity significantly increases the risk of developing plantar fasciitis, a painful condition that affects the heel and arch of the foot. Excess body weight places strain on the plantar fascia, the thick tissue band connecting the heel bone to the toes, leading to inflammation and microtears. This pressure not only causes severe pain but can also prolong the healing process. Individuals who are overweight are more likely to experience persistent pain and difficulty with daily activities, such as walking or standing. Extra body weight adds to other factors that contribute to plantar fasciitis, such as poor foot mechanics and inadequate footwear. If you are experiencing symptoms like sharp heel pain, particularly in the morning, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist. This medically trained foot doctor can examine your feet and suggest treatment that may include orthotics, specific exercises, and weight-related lifestyle adjustments.

The more you weigh, the harder your feet must work to support your body. If you’re an obese individual and are concerned 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.

Obesity and Your Feet

People who are overweight are putting more pressure on their ankles, knees, and hips as well as their feet. This unfortunately can lead to variety of different issues.

Problems & Complications Stemming from Obesity

• When the body is overweight, it tries to compensate by changing the way that it moves. An obese person may lean forward and put extra weight on the wrong part of the foot. This puts unnecessary stress on the feet.
• Obese people are also more likely to develop type II diabetes which is a condition that causes a lot of foot problems. People with diabetes often don’t feel the cuts and sores that they may have on their feet, which can lead to more complicated and severe issues.
• Plantar fasciitis is another foot condition that can be caused by obesity. Plantar fasciitis is an inflammation of the tissue along the bottom of the foot, which causes pain and stiffness while walking and climbing stairs.

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.

Ensuring optimal foot health is essential for individuals with diabetes. Through a daily foot care routine, a diabetic individual can significantly reduce the effect of complications, such as peripheral neuropathy and artery disease. Maintaining stable glucose levels helps to preserve nerve and blood vessel health in the feet. Suggestions for diabetic foot care include undergoing an annual review of your feet with a podiatrist who is trained to recognize foot problems related to diabetes. It is also helpful to regularly inspect your feet for signs of redness, pain, swelling, or skin damage, and be vigilant for any changes in sensation. Conduct the touch-the-toes test to assess feeling in your toes, and take notice of sores or cuts in the feet or ankles that do not heal promptly. Prioritize proper toenail care to prevent ingrown nails that can lead to infections. Avoid using corn removing plasters or blades to prevent skin damage, and opt for wearing well-fitting shoes that provide adequate support and protection. By adhering to these measures and seeking help from a podiatrist as needed, diabetic patients can more effectively manage their foot health. If you have diabetes, It is suggested that you include a podiatrist as an active member of your health care team. 

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.

Fashion trends often dictate footwear choices, but some styles can take a toll on foot health, particularly for women. High heels, revered for their elegance and sophistication, are notorious culprits in causing a myriad of foot problems. The elevated heel places excessive pressure on the forefoot, leading to issues like bunions, hammertoes, and neuromas. Moreover, prolonged wear of high heels can shorten the Achilles tendon, contributing to calf tightness and discomfort. The narrow toe box squeezes toes together, increasing the risk of ingrown toenails and corns. Additionally, high heels alter the body's natural alignment, leading to lower back pain and postural imbalances. Despite their allure, high heels can wreak havoc on foot anatomy and function. Opting for footwear with lower heels and adequate arch support can help reduce these risks while still maintaining style. Wearing high heels may cause foot pain, and there are a variety of foot conditions that can develop. If this applies to you, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist who can treat foot ailments from high heel use.

High heels have a history of causing foot and ankle problems. If you have any concerns about your feet or ankles, 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.

Effects of High Heels on the Feet

High heels are popular shoes among women because of their many styles and societal appeal.  Despite this, high heels can still cause many health problems if worn too frequently.

Which Parts of My Body Will Be Affected by High Heels?

• Ankle Joints
• Achilles Tendon – May shorten and stiffen with prolonged wear
• Balls of the Feet
• Knees – Heels cause the knees to bend constantly, creating stress on them
• Back – They decrease the spine’s ability to absorb shock, which may lead to back pain.  The vertebrae of the lower back may compress.

What Kinds of Foot Problems Can Develop from Wearing High Heels?

• Corns
• Calluses
• Hammertoe
• Bunions
• Morton’s Neuroma
• Plantar Fasciitis

How Can I Still Wear High Heels and Maintain Foot Health?

If you want to wear high heeled shoes, make sure that you are not wearing them every day, as this will help prevent long term physical problems.  Try wearing thicker heels as opposed to stilettos to distribute weight more evenly across the feet.  Always make sure you are wearing the proper shoes for the right occasion, such as sneakers for exercising.  If you walk to work, try carrying your heels with you and changing into them once you arrive at work.  Adding inserts to your heels can help cushion your feet and absorb shock. Full foot inserts or metatarsal pads are available. 

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.