Ankle sprains are common injuries that occur when the ligaments in the ankle are stretched or torn, often due to an awkward twist or roll of the foot. Common causes include sports activities, uneven terrain, or walking on unstable surfaces. Symptoms typically include pain, swelling, bruising, and difficulty moving the ankle. To avoid ankle sprains, it is important to strengthen and stretch the calf muscles and surrounding areas. Regular exercises to improve flexibility and balance can help stabilize the ankle joint and prevent sudden twists. Wearing supportive footwear that fits well and provides adequate arch support is also key in reducing the risk of injury. Additionally, warming up before physical activity and avoiding walking on uneven surfaces can help to prevent sprains. A podiatrist can offer personalized advice on strengthening exercises, footwear choices, and other strategies to protect the ankle. If you are have sprained your ankle, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist.

Ankle sprains are common but need immediate attention. If you need your feet checked, 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.

How Does an Ankle Sprain Occur?

Ankle sprains take place when the ligaments in your ankle are torn or stretched beyond their limits. There are multiple ways that the ankle can become injured, including twisting or rolling over onto your ankle, putting undue stress on it, or causing trauma to the ankle itself.

What Are the Symptoms?

• Mild to moderate bruising
• Limited mobility
• Swelling
• Discoloration of the skin (depending on severity)

Preventing a Sprain

• Wearing appropriate shoes for the occasion
• Stretching before exercises and sports
• Knowing your limits

Treatment of a Sprain

Treatment of a sprain depends on the severity.  Many times, people are told to rest and remain off their feet completely, while others are given an air cast. If the sprain is very severe, surgery may be required.

If you have suffered an ankle sprain previously, you may want to consider additional support such as a brace and regular exercises to strengthen the ankle.

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.

A broken toe can cause significant pain and difficulty walking. Symptoms include swelling, bruising, and tenderness at the site of the break, along with pain in moving the toe or bearing weight. In some cases, the toe may appear crooked or out of alignment. The most common causes of a broken toe are direct trauma, such as stubbing the toe, dropping a heavy object on it, or sports-related injuries. High-impact activities and wearing improper footwear can also increase the risk. A podiatrist can diagnose a broken toe through a physical exam and X-rays. Treatment typically involves rest or buddy taping the broken toe to a neighboring toe for support. In more severe cases, a splint or surgical intervention may be needed to realign the bones and ensure proper healing. If you have a broken toe, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist.

Broken toes may cause a lot of pain and should be treated as soon as possible. If you have any concerns about your feet, contact Deann Hofer Ogilvie, DPM from Ascend Foot & Ankle Center. Our practitioner will treat your foot and ankle needs.

What Is a Broken Toe?

A broken toe occurs when one or more of the toe bones of the foot are broken after an injury. Injuries such as stubbing your toe or dropping a heavy object on it may cause a toe fracture.

Symptoms of a Broken Toe

• Swelling
• Pain (with/without wearing shoes)
• Stiffness
• Nail Injury

Although the injured toe should be monitored daily, it is especially important to have a podiatrist look at your toe if you have severe symptoms. Some of these symptoms include worsening or new pain that is not relieved with medication, sores, redness, or open wounds near the toe.

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.

Plantar warts are small, rough growths that appear on the soles of the feet, caused by the human papillomavirus, known as HPV. These warts are contagious and can spread through direct contact or by walking barefoot in public places like swimming pools and locker rooms. People with weakened immune systems, such as those with diabetes, HIV, or undergoing chemotherapy, are more likely to develop plantar warts. The virus thrives in warm, moist environments, making feet particularly vulnerable. Plantar warts can be painful, especially when pressure is applied while walking, and may appear with tiny black dots at their center, which are blood vessels. While treatments like salicylic acid can help, they often take time and may not work for deeper or larger warts. A podiatrist can offer a proper diagnosis and suggest effective treatment for plantar warts. Treatment options include cryotherapy, laser therapy, or minor surgical removal for faster, more lasting results. If you have a plantar warts, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist.

Plantar warts can be very uncomfortable. If you need your feet checked, contact Deann Hofer Ogilvie, DPM from Ascend Foot & Ankle Center. Our practitioner will assist you with all of your foot and ankle needs.

About Plantar Warts

Plantar warts are the result of HPV, or human papillomavirus, getting into open wounds on the feet. They are mostly found on the heels or balls of the feet.

While plantar warts are generally harmless, those experiencing excessive pain or those suffering from diabetes or a compromised immune system require immediate medical care. Plantar warts are easily diagnosed, usually through scraping off a bit of rough skin or by getting a biopsy.

Symptoms

• Lesions on the bottom of your feet, usually rough and grainy
• Hard or thick callused spots
• Wart seeds, which are small clotted blood vessels that look like little black spots
• Pain, discomfort, or tenderness of your feet when walking or standing

Treatment

• Freezing
• Electric tool removal
• Laser Treatment
• Topical Creams (prescription only)
• Over-the-counter medications

To help prevent developing plantar warts, avoid walking barefoot over abrasive surfaces that can cause cuts or wounds for HPV to get into. Avoiding direct contact with other warts, as well as not picking or rubbing existing warts, can help prevent the further spread of plantar warts. However, if you think you have developed plantar warts, speak to your podiatrist. He or she can diagnose the warts on your feet and recommend the appropriate 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.

Foot and ankle pain can range from mild discomfort to a serious issue that disrupts daily life. Persistent or worsening foot pain should not be ignored, as it may indicate conditions like arthritis, tendon injuries, or even nerve damage. For example, arthritis in the foot or ankle often causes stiffness and swelling, which limits mobility and affects daily activities. Tendon injuries or conditions like acquired flatfoot can result in pain on the inside of the foot or ankle, often becoming worse with activity. Another common concern is heel pain, stemming from a heel spur, which is a calcium deposit that can irritate nearby tissues. Pain in the big toe can severely affect the way you walk, leading to harmful gait and posture changes. A podiatrist is skilled in diagnosing and managing foot, toe, and ankle-related conditions. Treatment solutions may include custom orthotics, injections, or, when necessary, surgery. If you have foot, toe, or ankle pain, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for an exam and diagnosis.

Foot Pain

Foot pain can be extremely painful and debilitating. If you have a foot 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.

Causes

Foot pain is a very broad condition that could be caused by one or more ailments. The most common include:

• Bunions
• Hammertoes
• Plantar Fasciitis
• Bone Spurs
• Corns
• Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome
• Ingrown Toenails
• Arthritis (such as Gout, Rheumatoid, and Osteoarthritis)
• Flat Feet
• Injury (from stress fractures, broken toe, foot, ankle, Achilles tendon ruptures, and sprains)
• And more

Diagnosis

To figure out the cause of foot pain, podiatrists utilize several different methods. This can range from simple visual inspections and sensation tests to X-rays and MRI scans. Prior medical history, family medical history, and any recent physical traumatic events will all be taken into consideration for a proper diagnosis.

Treatment

Treatment depends upon the cause of the foot pain. Whether it is resting, staying off the foot, or having surgery; podiatrists have a number of treatment options available for foot 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.