Wednesday, 08 May 2024 00:00

Plantar warts are small growths that develop on parts of the feet that bear weight. They're typically found on the bottom of the foot. Don't live with plantar warts, and call us today!

Tuesday, 07 May 2024 00:00

Ensuring the right shoe size is essential for comfort and foot health, especially when shopping online. Fortunately, measuring your shoe size at home is a simple process. Begin by gathering a ruler, a piece of paper, and a pen. Place the paper flat on the ground against a wall. Stand on the paper with your heel touching the wall. Using the pen, mark the longest part of your foot at the tip of your longest toe. Measure the distance from the edge of the paper to the mark in centimeters or inches. Repeat this process for the other foot as foot sizes may differ slightly. Finally, compare the measurements to a shoe size chart provided by shoe manufacturers or online retailers. Remember that shoe sizes may vary between brands, so it is essential to refer to specific sizing guides for accurate measurements. If you are experiencing any type of foot pain associated with the shoes you wear, it is suggested that you speak with a podiatrist who can treat foot conditions and offer additional guidance on how to find the right shoe size.

Getting the right shoe size is an important part of proper foot health. Seek the assistance of Deann Hofer Ogilvie, DPM from Ascend Foot & Ankle Center. Our practitioner will provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Getting the Right Shoe Size

There are many people who wear shoes that are the incorrect size, negatively affecting their feet and posture. Selecting the right shoes is not a difficult process, so long as you keep several things in mind when it comes to choosing the right pair.

  • When visiting the shoe store, use the tools available to measure your foot.
  • Be sure there is ‘wiggle room’. There should be about an inch between your toes and the tip of your shoes.
  • Do not always assume you are the same size, as manufacturers run differently.
  • Purchase shoes later in the day, as your feet swell as the day progresses.
  • If a shoe is not comfortable, it is not suitable. Most shoes can’t be ‘broken in’, and comfort should be the ultimate goal when it comes to choosing the right pair of shoes

As our feet hold our body weight and keep us moving, it is important to treat them right. Picking the right pair of shoes can provide your feet comfort and mobility without pain.

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

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Tuesday, 30 April 2024 00:00

Toe stretches are an often overlooked yet important component of maintaining healthy feet. These simple exercises can help improve flexibility, mobility, and strength in the toes, ultimately enhancing overall foot function and reducing the risk of discomfort and injury. One beneficial toe stretch is the toe spread, where you gently separate your toes and hold for a few seconds, promoting better alignment and circulation. Another effective stretch is the toe curl, which is done by alternately flexing and extending each toe, thereby improving dexterity and range of motion. Additionally, toe scrunches, where you grip a small object with your toes and release, can help strengthen the muscles of the foot and improve balance. Regularly incorporating these toe stretches into your daily routine can help to alleviate tension, relieve foot pain, and prevent common issues, such as bunions, plantar fasciitis, and toe cramps. If you have toe pain and seek additional information about the benefits of stretching the toes, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist.

Stretching the feet is a great way to prevent injuries. If you have any concerns with your feet consult with Deann Hofer Ogilvie, DPM from Ascend Foot & Ankle Center. Our practitioner will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

Stretching the Feet

Stretching the muscles in the foot is an important part in any physical activity. Feet that are tight can lead to less flexibility and make you more prone to injury. One of the most common forms of foot pain, plantar fasciitis, can be stretched out to help ease the pain. Stretching can not only ease pain from plantar fasciitis but also prevent it as well. However, it is important to see a podiatrist first if stretching is right for you. Podiatrists can also recommend other ways to stretch your feet. Once you know whether stretching is right for you, here are some excellent stretches you can do.

  • Using a foam roller or any cylindrical object (a water bottle or soda can will do), roll the object under your foot back and forth. You should also exert pressure on the object. Be sure to do this to both feet for a minute. Do this exercise three times each.
  • Similar to the previous one, take a ball, such as a tennis ball, and roll it under your foot while seated and exert pressure on it.
  • Grab a resistance band or towel and take a seat. If you are using a towel, fold it length wise. Next put either one between the ball of your foot and heel and pull with both hands on each side towards you. Hold this for 15 seconds and then switch feet. Do this three times for each foot.
  • Finally hold your big toe while crossing one leg over the other. Pull the toe towards you and hold for 15 seconds. Once again do this three times per foot.

It is best to go easy when first stretching your foot and work your way up. If your foot starts hurting, stop exercising and ice and rest the foot. It is advised to then see a podiatrist for help.

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

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Tuesday, 23 April 2024 00:00

Preventing falls in elderly individuals is vital for maintaining health, independence, and quality of life. Falling can seriously impact the feet, which can cause difficulty in completing daily tasks. An important step is ensuring the home environment is safe and free from hazards such as loose rugs, cluttered pathways, and slippery floors. Installing handrails and grab bars in key areas like bathrooms and staircases can provide added support and stability. Encouraging regular physical activity, including balance and strength exercises, helps improve muscle tone and coordination, reducing the risk of falls. Ensuring proper footwear with nonskid soles and adequate support further enhances stability and reduces the likelihood of slips or trips. Regular vision and hearing check-ups are essential for maintaining sensory function and awareness of surroundings. Additionally, reviewing medications with healthcare providers to identify any potential side effects or interactions that may contribute to dizziness or instability can help mitigate fall risks. If you would like more information about how to keep your home safe to prevent falling in addition to protecting your feet, it is suggested that you confer with a podiatrist.

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 Deann Hofer Ogilvie, DPM from Ascend Foot & Ankle Center. Our practitioner 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 Lafayette, CO . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

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