If an individual wants to pursue a career in medicine and eventually become a doctor, that individual must typically undergo a rigorous course of study to obtain a degree in medicine. There are doctors of all kinds, and depending on which kind of doctor someone wants to become, they will have to pursue a specialized, specific degree. People that want to become podiatrists, for example, must pursue the degree of Doctor of Podiatric Medicine. This credential is commonly shortened to simply DPM. Podiatrists are very helpful and useful medical professionals that can help you identify and treat a wide range of problems that might be affecting your feet. For example, the DPM might be able to help you treat a case of plantar fasciitis, plantar warts, or toenail fungus, among other things. Schedule an appointment with a podiatrist today for more information. 

If you are experiencing pain in the feet or ankles, don’t join the stubborn majority refusing treatment. Feel free to 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 a Podiatrist?

Someone would seek the care of a podiatrist if they have suffered a foot injury or have common foot ailments such as heal spurs, bunions, arch problems, deformities, ingrown toenails, corns, foot and ankle problems, etc.

Podiatric Treatment

A podiatrist will treat the problematic areas of the feet, ankle or lower leg by prescribing the following:

• Physical therapy
• Drugs
• Orthotic inserts or soles
• Surgery on lower extremity fractures

A common podiatric procedure a podiatrist will use is a scanner or force plate which will allow the podiatrist to know the designs of orthotics. Patients are then told to follow a series of tasks to complete the treatment. The computer will scan the foot a see which areas show weight distribution and pressure points. The podiatrist will read the analysis and then determine which treatment plans are available.

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.

Patients who have the foot condition known as plantar fasciitis generally cannot ignore the pain that accompanies it. This condition happens when the plantar fascia becomes inflamed, and the heel and calf are affected. The plantar fascia is the band of tissue that connects the heel to the toes and is found on the sole of the foot. Plantar fasciitis develops when the plantar fascia becomes inflamed, and this can happen for various reasons. Standing on hard surfaces for most of the day can contribute to getting plantar fasciitis, in addition to wearing shoes that do not fit correctly. Plantar fasciitis may hinder the ability to accomplish daily tasks and may worsen if prompt medical treatment is not received. Mild relief may be found when specific heel stretches are frequently performed. This is done by standing on a step while lowering one heel at a time until a gentle stretch is felt. If you are afflicted with plantar fasciitis, it is strongly advised that you are under the care of a podiatrist who can offer you the correct 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.

The foot condition known as cuboid syndrome is considered to be a partial dislocation of the cuboid bone. It is one of seven tarsal bones that are above the ankle on the outside of the foot, and it may move out of alignment between the heel and cuboid bone. This foot condition can occur after an ankle sprain has happened, or excess pressure for other reasons may cause cuboid syndrome. Additionally, weakened foot muscles may literally buckle under exertion, possibly causing this syndrome to occur. Many patients choose to have their cuboid bone manipulated back into alignment, or to have their foot taped to hold the bone in place. The foot can become stronger when specific exercises and stretches are performed, which may help to prevent future bouts with cuboid syndrome. If you have developed this condition, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist as quickly as possible who can begin the correct treatment method for you.

Cuboid syndrome, also known as cuboid subluxation, occurs when the joints and ligaments near the cuboid bone in the foot become torn. If you have cuboid syndrome, 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.

Cuboid syndrome is a common cause of lateral foot pain, which is pain on the outside of the foot. The condition may happen suddenly due to an ankle sprain, or it may develop slowly overtime from repetitive tension through the bone and surrounding structures.

Causes

The most common causes of cuboid syndrome include:

• Injury – The most common cause of this ailment is an ankle sprain.
• Repetitive Strain – Tension placed through the peroneus longus muscle from repetitive activities such as jumping and running may cause excessive traction on the bone causing it to sublux.
• Altered Foot Biomechanics – Most people suffering from cuboid subluxation have flat feet.

Symptoms

A common symptom of cuboid syndrome is pain along the outside of the foot which can be felt in the ankle and toes. This pain may create walking difficulties and may cause those with the condition to walk with a limp.

Diagnosis

Diagnosis of cuboid syndrome is often difficult, and it is often misdiagnosed. X-rays, MRIs and CT scans often fail to properly show the cuboid subluxation. Although there isn’t a specific test used to diagnose cuboid syndrome, your podiatrist will usually check if pain is felt while pressing firmly on the cuboid bone of your foot.

Treatment

Just as the range of causes varies widely, so do treatments. Some more common treatments are ice therapy, rest, exercise, taping, and orthotics.

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.

The ankles are incredibly critical parts of the human body. Not only do they connect the feet to the lower leg, they enable the foot to move upward and downward. Sometimes, individuals will notice that the ankles can crack and pop. The medical term for this phenomenon is crepitus. When an individual’s ankle pops and it does not cause pain, there is a good chance that the popping is merely caused by the release of gas from the joints. Alternatively, the popping could be a result of tendons rubbing over the ankle. However, when an individual’s ankle pops and causes the individual pain, then this potentially could be indicative of a more serious problem. In this case, it is always best to schedule an appointment with a podiatrist who can help you identify and treat the problem. Contact a podiatrist today for more information.

Ankle pain can have many different causes and the pain may potentially be serious. If you have ankle pain, 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.

Ankle pain is any condition that causes pain in the ankle. Due to the fact that the ankle consists of tendons, muscles, bones, and ligaments, ankle pain can come from a number of different conditions.

Causes

The most common causes of ankle pain include:

• Types of arthritis (rheumatoid, osteoarthritis, and gout)
• Ankle sprains
• Broken ankles
• Achilles tendinitis
• Achilles tendon rupture
• Stress fractures
• Tarsal tunnel syndrome
• Plantar fasciitis

Symptoms

Symptoms of ankle injury vary based upon the condition. Pain may include general pain and discomfort, swelling, aching, redness, bruising, burning or stabbing sensations, and/or loss of sensation.

Diagnosis

Due to the wide variety of potential causes of ankle pain, podiatrists will utilize a number of different methods to properly diagnose ankle pain. This can include asking for personal and family medical histories and of any recent injuries. Further diagnosis may include sensation tests, a physical examination, and potentially x-rays or other imaging tests.

Treatment

Just as the range of causes varies widely, so do treatments. Some more common treatments are rest, ice packs, keeping pressure off the foot, orthotics and braces, medication for inflammation and pain, and surgery.

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