For runners, black toenails and toenail loss can be distressing issues that affect comfort and performance. Fortunately, there are proactive steps you can take to maintain strong and healthy toenails while pursuing your passion for running. It all starts with choosing the right footwear. Opt for running shoes that provide ample toe room, ensuring your toenails aren't cramped or subjected to undue pressure. Moisture management plays an important role; keeping your feet dry and utilizing moisture-wicking socks can prevent nail softening and potential damage. Be diligent about lacing your shoes securely to prevent your feet from shifting forward and affecting the front of the shoe. Additionally, consider a gradual approach to increasing training intensity to minimize the repetitive stress on your toenails. By following these proactive measures, you can safeguard your toenails from becoming bruised or falling off. If you have problems with your toenails as a result of running, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist for expert guidance and care. 

All runners should take extra precaution when trying to avoid injury. If you have any concerns about your feet, contact Deann Hofer Ogilvie, DPM of Ascend Foot & Ankle Center. Our practitioner will treat your foot and ankle needs.

How to Prevent Running Injuries

There are a lot of mistakes a runner can make prior to a workout that can induce injury. A lot of athletes tend to overstretch before running, instead of saving those workouts for a post-run routine. Deep lunges and hand-to-toe hamstring pulls should be performed after a workout instead of during a warmup. Another common mistake is jumping into an intense routine before your body is physically prepared for it. You should try to ease your way into long-distance running instead of forcing yourself to rush into it.

More Tips for Preventing Injury

• Incorporate Strength Training into Workouts - This will help improve the body’s overall athleticism
• Improve and Maintain Your Flexibility – Stretching everyday will help improve overall performance
• “Warm Up” Before Running and “Cool Down” Afterward – A warm up of 5-10 minutes helps get rid of lactic acid in the muscles and prevents delayed muscle soreness
• Cross-Training is Crucial
• Wear Proper Running Shoes
• Have a Formal Gait Analysis – Poor biomechanics can easily cause 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.

MLS laser therapy is an innovative method for treating pain. The concentration of lasers that are used, stimulate the body’s own healing process. The wavelengths may be able to replace surgery or medication, or they can help people recover quickly after surgery. This form of therapy has been known to help with arthritis, sprains, and inflammation. If you have Achilles tendonitis, plantar fasciitis, or another foot injury, MLS laser therapy could be a solution. For some patients, this therapy is the only treatment they use, claiming that a series of appointments keeps their pain manageable. For people with arthritis, this could help ease the long-term effects of the ailment. The lasers do not burn or hurt the skin, with most patients only feeling a slight warming sensation at the site of the treatment. If you have a foot or ankle condition that you believe may improve with MLS laser therapy, be sure to contact a podiatrist.

MLS Laser Therapy is a successful alternative for treating any pain you may be experiencing related to certain podiatric conditions.  If you are interested in MLS Laser Therapy, 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.

MLS Laser Therapy

Multiwave Locked System (MLS) Laser Therapy is a patented, FDA-cleared technology that helps relieve pain and inflammation from a number of podiatric conditions, including:

• Heel Pain
• Plantar Fasciitis
• Sports Injuries
• Wounds
• Achilles Tendonitis
• Arthritis
• Neuropathy
• Neuromas

MLS Laser Therapy is an ideal alternative to surgery and prescription medication, as it has no negative side effects and encourages accelerated healing. Among its many clinical benefits, MLS Laser Therapy also:

• Reduces swelling due to bruising or inflammation
• Blocks pain
• Reduces formation of scar tissue
• Improves nerve function

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.

Ankle pain is a prevalent issue that can disrupt daily life and mobility and strike anyone, from athletes to sedentary individuals. To effectively manage and alleviate ankle pain, it's essential to understand the various underlying causes. Ankle sprains, strains, and fractures can often result from sports-related accidents, falls, or missteps. These injuries can damage ligaments, tendons, or bones, leading to pain and swelling. Common sources of ankle pain include osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis, and may lead to chronic ankle pain due to joint inflammation and deterioration. Additionally, nerve compression syndromes, such as tarsal tunnel syndrome, can result in ankle pain, numbness, and tingling sensations. Identifying the specific cause of ankle pain is crucial in establishing effective treatment. A suitable approach for relief may include rest, medications, and in severe cases, surgical intervention. If you have ankle pain, it is suggested that you consult with a podiatrist who can effectively diagnose the cause and guide you toward the treatment that is right for you.

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.

Cracked heels are a common foot ailment, and can cause severe pain while walking. Severely cracked heels are known as heel fissures and can occur when the skin on the heels becomes excessively dry, causing them to lose their elasticity. The various causes can range from dehydration and prolonged standing to wearing open-backed footwear that fails to provide proper support. Symptoms often include visible cracks, itching, redness, and discomfort. Fortunately, there are effective relief methods available. Regular moisturization, especially with thick creams containing urea, can help to keep the skin supple. Pumice stone exfoliation and gentle scrubbing can remove dead skin, aiding in prevention. In severe cases, professional help from a podiatrist may be needed, including applying prescription creams or ointments that can help accelerate healing. Cracked heels demand attention, but with care and consistent treatment, soft, pain-free feet are well within reach. If you have developed cracked heels, it is suggested that you speak with a podiatrist who can help you manage this condition.

Cracked heels are unsightly and can cause further damage to your shoes and feet. If you have any concerns, 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.

Cracked Heels

Cracked heels appear unappealing and can make it harder for you walk around in sandals. Aside from looking unpleasant, cracked heels can also tear stockings, socks, and wear out your shoes. There are several methods to help restore a cracked heel and prevent further damage.

How Do You Get Them?

Dry skin is the number one culprit in creating cracked heels. Many athletes, walkers, joggers, and even swimmers suffer from cracked heels. Age and skin oil production play a role to getting cracked heels as well.

Promote Healing

Over the counter medicines can help, especially for those that need instant relief or who suffer from chronic dry feet.

Wear Socks – Wearing socks with medicated creams helps lock in moisture.

Moisturizers – Applying both day and night will help alleviate dryness which causes cracking.

Pumice Stones – These exfoliate and remove dead skin, which allows for smoother moisturizer application and better absorption into the skin. 

Change in Diet

Eating healthy with a well-balanced diet will give the skin a fresh and radiant look. Your body responds to the kinds of food you ingest. Omega-3 fatty acids and zinc supplements can also revitalize skin tissue.

Most importantly, seek professional help if unsure how to proceed in treating cracked heels. A podiatrist will help you with any questions or information needed. 

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.