Plantar heel pain refers to discomfort at the bottom of the heel that can make standing or walking difficult. Common causes include plantar fasciitis and calcaneal spur syndrome, which is also known as a heel spur. This pain often develops gradually and may worsen with the first steps in the morning or after long periods of rest. Diagnosis involves a physical exam along with imaging such as X rays or CT scans to identify the underlying cause. A podiatrist can design a customized treatment plan that may include stretching exercises, custom orthotics, footwear recommendations, and advanced therapies for pain relief and healing. Heel pain can be debilitating, and may limit your mobility. If this applies to you, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can provide expert advice and appropriate treatment solutions.

Many people suffer from bouts of heel pain. For more information, 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.

Causes of Heel Pain

Heel pain is often associated with plantar fasciitis. The plantar fascia is a band of tissues that extends along the bottom of the foot. A rip or tear in this ligament can cause inflammation of the tissue.

Achilles tendonitis is another cause of heel pain. Inflammation of the Achilles tendon will cause pain from fractures and muscle tearing. Lack of flexibility is also another symptom.

Heel spurs are another cause of pain. When the tissues of the plantar fascia undergo a great deal of stress, it can lead to ligament separation from the heel bone, causing heel spurs.

Why Might Heel Pain Occur?

• Wearing ill-fitting shoes                
• Wearing non-supportive shoes
• Weight change           
• Excessive running

Treatments

Heel pain should be treated as soon as possible for immediate results. Keeping your feet in a stress-free environment will help. If you suffer from Achilles tendonitis or plantar fasciitis, applying ice will reduce the swelling. Stretching before an exercise like running will help the muscles. Using all these tips will help make heel pain a condition of the past.

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 ankle fracture is a break in one or more of the bones that make up the ankle joint, often caused by sudden force or twisting. In frail adults, it can occur from a simple fall or awkward turn, while in younger individuals, it is often the result of high energy trauma ,such as sports injuries or accidents. Symptoms include pain, swelling, bruising, and difficulty bearing weight. A podiatrist can diagnose the severity through imaging, provide proper immobilization, and guide rehabilitation to restore strength and function. For an expert diagnosis and personalized treatment, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can offer effective treatment solutions.

Broken ankles need immediate treatment. If you are seeking treatment, 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. 

Broken Ankles
A broken ankle is experienced when a person fractures their tibia or fibula in the lower leg and ankle area. Both of these bones are attached at the bottom of the leg and combine to form what we know to be our ankle.

When a physician is referring to a break of the ankle, he or she is usually referring to a break in the area where the tibia and fibula are joined to create our ankle joint. Ankles are more prone to fractures because the ankle is an area that suffers a lot of pressure and stress. There are some obvious signs when a person experiences a fractured ankle, and the following symptoms may be present.

Symptoms of a Fractured Ankle

• Excessive pain when the area is touched or when any pressure is placed on the ankle
• Swelling around the area
• Bruising of the area
• Area appears to be deformed

If you suspect an ankle fracture, it is recommended to seek treatment as soon as possible. The sooner you have your podiatrist diagnose the fracture, the quicker you’ll be on the way towards recovery.

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 occurs when the edge of the toenail grows into the surrounding skin, most often affecting the big toe. Common causes include improper nail trimming, wearing tight footwear, injury, or genetic factors. Symptoms may begin with mild tenderness and progress to redness, swelling, pain, and sometimes infection with pus or drainage. The toe may feel warm and sore to the touch, making walking or wearing shoes uncomfortable. Infections can worsen without treatment, especially for individuals with diabetes or poor circulation. A podiatrist can diagnose an ingrown toenail through a simple exam and determine the best course of treatment. Conservative care may involve lifting the nail edge, or prescribing antibiotics if infection is present. In more severe or recurring cases, a minor in-office procedure can remove part or all of the affected nail. It is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist if you experience ongoing pain, swelling, or signs of infection related to your toenail.

Ingrown toenails may initially present themselves as a minor discomfort, but they may progress into an infection in the skin without proper treatment. 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 are caused when the corner or side of a toenail grows into the soft flesh surrounding it. They often result in redness, swelling, pain, and in some cases, infection. This condition typically affects the big toe and may recur if it is not treated properly.

Causes

• Improper toenail trimming
• Genetics
• Improper shoe fitting
• Injury from pedicures or nail picking
• Abnormal gait
• Poor hygiene

You are more likely to develop an ingrown toenail if you are obese, have diabetes, arthritis, or have any fungal infection in your nails. Additionally, people who have foot or toe deformities are at a higher risk of developing an ingrown toenail.

Symptoms

Some symptoms of ingrown toenails are redness, swelling, and pain. In rare cases, there may be a yellowish drainage coming from the nail.

Treatment

Ignoring an ingrown toenail can have serious complications. Infections of the nail border can progress to a deeper soft-tissue infection, which can then turn into a bone infection. You should always speak with your podiatrist if you suspect you have an ingrown toenail, especially if you have diabetes or poor circulation.

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.

Tennis demands quick direction changes, sudden stops, and powerful bursts of speed. All of these things place heavy stress on the legs and feet. Common lower extremity injuries include ankle sprains, Achilles tendon strain, plantar fasciitis, and stress fractures in the foot or shin. Overuse, wearing poor footwear, or inadequate warm-up routines can increase the likelihood of these conditions. Symptoms such as pain, swelling, or instability should never be ignored, as continuing to play can worsen the damage. Early evaluation by a podiatrist helps determine the exact cause and create a recovery plan tailored to each athlete. Treatment often combines rest, targeted exercises, and supportive orthotics to restore stability and prevent re-injury. Proper conditioning, stretching, and wearing well-fitted tennis shoes can go a long way toward keeping players healthy and on the court. If you enjoy playing tennis and have sustained a foot or ankle injury, it is suggested that you see a podiatrist for an evaluation and appropriate treatment.

Sports related foot and ankle injuries require proper treatment before players can go back to their regular routines. For more information, 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.

Sports Related Foot and Ankle Injuries

Foot and ankle injuries are a common occurrence when it comes to athletes of any sport. While many athletes dismiss the initial aches and pains, the truth is that ignoring potential foot and ankle injuries can lead to serious problems. As athletes continue to place pressure and strain the area further, a mild injury can turn into something as serious as a rupture and may lead to a permanent disability. There are many factors that contribute to sports related foot and ankle injuries, which include failure to warm up properly, not providing support or wearing bad footwear. Common injuries and conditions athletes face, including:

• Plantar Fasciitis
• Achilles Tendinitis
• Achilles Tendon Rupture
• Ankle Sprains

Sports related injuries are commonly treated using the RICE method. This includes rest, applying ice to the injured area, compression and elevating the ankle. More serious sprains and injuries may require surgery, which could include arthroscopic and reconstructive surgery. Rehabilitation and therapy may also be required in order to get any recovering athlete to become fully functional again. Any unusual aches and pains an athlete sustains must be evaluated by a licensed, reputable medical professional.

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