Plantar fasciitis is one of the most common causes of heel pain. It affects the plantar fascia, a strong band of tissue that runs along the bottom of the foot and connects the heel bone to the toes. This tissue helps support the arch and absorbs stress during walking. When it becomes irritated or inflamed, pain can develop, especially near the heel. Many people notice sharp discomfort with their first steps after getting out of bed or after sitting for a long period of time. The pain may improve with movement but often returns after standing or walking for extended periods of time. Because heel pain can have several causes, a professional evaluation is important to determine whether plantar fasciitis is responsible for the symptoms.

Several factors may increase the risk of developing plantar fasciitis. These include prolonged standing, repeated stress from physical activity, and foot mechanics that place extra strain on the plantar fascia. Carrying excess body weight may also increase pressure on the feet. Ongoing irritation can make daily activities more difficult and change the way a person walks. This altered movement may place additional stress on the ankle, knee, or hip. A comprehensive podiatry examination helps identify the source of heel pain while evaluating foot structure, movement, and overall function. Early diagnosis allows treatment to begin before symptoms become more persistent or interfere with normal mobility.

A podiatrist specializes in diagnosing and treating plantar fasciitis while evaluating the overall health of the feet. Professional care focuses on relieving heel pain, improving foot function, and reducing stress on the plantar fascia. Treatment is tailored to each patient's symptoms, activity level, and foot structure. Regular follow-up visits also allow recovery to be monitored and treatment plans to be adjusted as needed. If you have consistent heel pain or discomfort on the bottom of your foot, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist for an evaluation and appropriate treatment options.

Plantar fasciitis can be very painful and inconvenient. If you are experiencing heel pain or symptoms of plantar fasciitis, contact Deann Hofer Ogilvie, DPM  from Ascend Foot & Ankle Center. Our practitioner can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

What Is Plantar Fasciitis?

Plantar fasciitis is the inflammation of the thick band of tissue that runs along the bottom of your foot, known as the plantar fascia, and causes mild to severe heel pain.

What Causes Plantar Fasciitis?

• Excessive running
• Non-supportive shoes
• Overpronation
• Repeated stretching and tearing of the plantar fascia

How Can It Be Treated?

• Conservative measures – anti-inflammatories, ice packs, stretching exercises, physical therapy, orthotic devices
• Shockwave therapy – sound waves are sent to the affected area to facilitate healing and are usually used for chronic cases of plantar fasciitis
• Surgery – usually only used as a last resort when all else fails. The plantar fascia can be surgically detached from the heel

While very treatable, plantar fasciitis is definitely not something that should be ignored. Especially in severe cases, speaking to your doctor right away is highly recommended to avoid complications and severe heel pain. Your podiatrist can work with you to provide the appropriate treatment options tailored to your condition.

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.

An ingrown toenail develops when the edge of a toenail grows into the surrounding skin instead of over it. This problem most often affects the big toe and can become increasingly painful if left untreated. Early symptoms include tenderness, swelling, and redness along the edge of the nail. As the nail continues to press into the skin, the area can become warm, inflamed, or at risk of an infection. Walking, exercising, or wearing shoes can become uncomfortable because of the added pressure on the affected toe. Several factors can contribute to ingrown toenails, including improper nail trimming, toe injuries, and naturally curved nails. A professional evaluation is important to confirm the diagnosis and determine the most appropriate treatment before the condition worsens.

Without proper care, an ingrown toenail may continue to irritate the surrounding skin and increase the risk of infection. In some cases, the tissue around the nail becomes swollen and may begin to grow over the nail's edge. Persistent pain can also affect normal walking patterns, placing additional stress on other parts of the foot. Individuals with diabetes or poor circulation may face a greater risk of complications because healing can take longer. A comprehensive podiatry examination helps evaluate the severity of the ingrown toenail while identifying any signs of infection or underlying foot conditions. Early diagnosis allows treatment to begin before the problem becomes more painful or leads to additional complications.

A podiatrist specializes in diagnosing and treating ingrown toenails, while protecting the overall health of the foot. Professional treatment focuses on relieving pain, reducing inflammation, and preventing future complications. Care is tailored to each patient's condition and may include procedures designed to safely correct the problem. Regular podiatry visits also allow ongoing monitoring for patients who are at higher risk of recurring nail problems. If you have persistent toe pain, swelling, or signs of an ingrown toenail, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist for an evaluation and appropriate treatment options.

Ingrown toenails can become painful if they are not treated properly. For more information about ingrown toenails, contact Deann Hofer Ogilvie, DPM of Ascend Foot & Ankle Center. Our practitioner can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Ingrown Toenails

Ingrown toenails occur when a toenail grows sideways into the bed of the nail, causing pain, swelling, and possibly infection.

Causes

• Bacterial infections
• Improper nail cutting such as cutting it too short or not straight across
• Trauma to the toe, such as stubbing, which causes the nail to grow back irregularly
• Ill-fitting shoes that bunch the toes too close together
• Genetic predisposition

Prevention

Wearing proper fitting shoes and using proper cutting techniques will also help decrease your risk of developing ingrown toenails.

Treatment

Ingrown toenails are a very treatable foot condition. In minor cases, soaking the affected area in salt or antibacterial soaps will not only help with the ingrown nail itself, but also help prevent any infections from occurring. In more severe cases, surgery is an option. In either case, speaking to your podiatrist about this condition will help you get a better understanding of specific treatment options that are right for you.

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.

Morton's neuroma affects the tissue surrounding a nerve, most often between the third and fourth toes. Although it is called a neuroma, it is not a tumor. Instead, the tissue around the nerve becomes thickened, placing pressure on the nerve and causing discomfort. Many people describe the sensation as burning, tingling, or numbness in the front of the foot. Others feel as though they are standing on a small pebble or a fold in their sock. Symptoms may become worse while walking or during other weight-bearing activities. Because several foot conditions can produce similar symptoms, a professional evaluation is important to identify the underlying cause and recommend the most appropriate treatment.

Repeated pressure on the forefoot is believed to play a role in the development of Morton's neuroma. Factors such as foot structure, repetitive activities, or irritation of the nerve may contribute to the condition. As the affected tissue becomes thicker, pressure on the nerve can increase and symptoms may become more frequent. Ongoing discomfort may also change the way a person walks, placing additional stress on other areas of the foot. A thorough podiatry evaluation helps determine the location of the nerve irritation and rule out other causes of forefoot pain. Early diagnosis can improve treatment planning and help reduce the risk of worsening symptoms.

A podiatrist specializes in diagnosing and treating Morton's neuroma by evaluating foot structure, walking mechanics, and nerve function. Professional treatment is tailored to each patient's condition and focuses on relieving pressure on the affected nerve while improving overall foot function. Regular follow-up visits allow progress to be monitored and treatment to be adjusted when necessary. Early podiatry care may also help reduce pain and support a more comfortable return to daily activities. If burning pain, tingling, or numbness in your forefoot is affecting your mobility, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist for an evaluation and appropriate treatment options.

Morton’s neuroma is a very uncomfortable condition to live with. If you think you have Morton’s neuroma, contact Deann Hofer Ogilvie, DPM of Ascend Foot & Ankle Center. Our practitioner will attend to all of your foot care needs and answer any of your related questions.  

Morton’s Neuroma

Morton's neuroma is a painful foot condition that commonly affects the areas between the second and third or third and fourth toe, although other areas of the foot are also susceptible. Morton’s neuroma is caused by an inflamed nerve in the foot that is being squeezed and aggravated by surrounding bones.

What Increases the Chances of Having Morton’s Neuroma?

• Ill-fitting high heels or shoes that add pressure to the toe or foot
• Jogging, running or any sport that involves constant impact to the foot
• Flat feet, bunions, and any other foot deformities

Morton’s neuroma is a very treatable condition. Orthotics and shoe inserts can often be used to alleviate the pain on the forefront of the feet. In more severe cases, corticosteroids can also be prescribed. In order to figure out the best treatment for your neuroma, it’s recommended to seek the care of a podiatrist who can diagnose your condition and provide different treatment options.

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.

Exercise plays an important role in protecting older adults from falls and helping them stay active and independent. Regular movement improves muscle strength, balance, and flexibility, making it easier to walk with confidence and react to uneven ground. Many older adults benefit from a routine that combines endurance activities, strength training, and balance exercises. Walking, swimming, and cycling help build endurance. Light resistance exercises improve muscle strength. Balance activities, like tai chi and standing on one foot, help reduce the risk of falling. Stretching also keeps muscles and joints moving comfortably, making everyday activities easier and safer.

Good foot health is another important part of falls protection. Painful feet, numbness, poor circulation, and foot deformities can affect balance and make walking less stable. Wearing shoes that fit well and provide proper support can improve stability and reduce slipping. Shoes should match the activity being performed and provide enough room for the toes. A podiatrist examines the feet, checks for changes in sensation, and evaluates how patients walk. This examination helps identify problems that increase the risk of falling. A podiatrist also recommends custom orthotics when appropriate to improve balance and relieve pressure on painful areas. Regular foot exams help detect changes before they become more serious.

Exercise is most effective when it becomes part of a regular routine. Adults age 65 and older benefit from at least 150 minutes of moderate physical activity each week. Strength exercises should be completed at least twice each week. Balance and flexibility exercises should also be performed regularly. Staying active supports better mobility, greater confidence, and a lower risk of falls. Healthy feet make exercise safer and more comfortable, allowing people to continue enjoying daily activities. Early attention to foot problems helps prevent mobility challenges that could increase fall risk. If you have injured your foot or ankle while falling, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for diagnosis and appropriate treatment.

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.