Items filtered by date: December 2024

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 and ankle 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.

A broken foot can cause pain, swelling, bruising, and difficulty walking. The symptoms often worsen with movement or pressure on the affected foot. There are different types of fractures that can occur in the foot. A metatarsal shaft fracture involves a break along the length of one of the five long bones in the foot. A proximal 5th metatarsal fracture affects the base of the bone on the outer side of the foot, often resulting from twisting or rolling the ankle. A 5th metatarsal tuberosity avulsion occurs when a small piece of bone is pulled away by a tendon or ligament, typically from sudden force. Additionally, a Jones fracture, which involves a break at the base of the 5th metatarsal, can be more difficult to treat due to poor blood supply. If you have broken your foot, it is suggested that you promptly consult a podiatrist who can determine the type of fracture it is, and guide you toward effective treatment strategies.

A broken foot requires immediate medical attention and treatment. 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.

Broken Foot Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment

A broken foot is caused by one of the bones in the foot typically breaking when bended, crushed, or stretched beyond its natural capabilities. Usually the location of the fracture indicates how the break occurred, whether it was through an object, fall, or any other type of injury. 

Common Symptoms of Broken Feet:

• Bruising
• Pain
• Redness
• Swelling
• Blue in color
• Numbness
• Cold
• Misshapen
• Cuts
• Deformities

Those that suspect they have a broken foot shoot seek urgent medical attention where a medical professional could diagnose the severity.

Treatment for broken bones varies depending on the cause, severity and location. Some will require the use of splints, casts or crutches while others could even involve surgery to repair the broken bones. Personal care includes the use of ice and keeping the foot stabilized and elevated.

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 and ankle needs.

In high school sports, basketball, soccer, and track are among the top activities causing foot injuries. Basketball involves sudden stops, jumps, and pivots, leading to sprained ankles, stress fractures, and plantar fasciitis. Soccer players, constantly changing direction and coming into contact with other players, are prone to ankle sprains, toe injuries, and heel pain. In track and field, high-impact running, jumping, and repeated pressure on the feet often result in stress fractures, shin splints, and Achilles tendinitis. Injuries happen from overuse, poor conditioning, inadequate footwear, or sudden, intense movements. Prevention includes wearing proper footwear for the sport, warming up effectively, and gradually building strength and flexibility in the feet and ankles. If a foot or ankle injury occurs in your teen child, it is suggested that you visit a podiatrist for an accurate diagnosis and structured treatment plan.

Ankle and foot injuries are common among athletes and in many sports. They can be caused by several problems and may be potentially serious. If you are feeling pain or think you were injured in a sporting event or when exercising, 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.

Common Injuries

The most common injuries that occur in sporting activities include:

• Achilles Tendonitis
• Achilles Tendon Rupture
• Ankle Sprains
• Broken Foot
• Plantar Fasciitis
• Stress Fractures
• Turf Toe

Symptoms

Symptoms vary depending upon the injury and in some cases, there may be no symptoms at all. However, in most cases, some form of symptom is experienced. Pain, aching, burning, bruising, tenderness, tightness or stiffness, sensation loss, difficulty moving, and swelling are the most common symptoms.

Treatment

Just as symptoms vary depending upon the injury, so do treatment options. A common treatment method is known as the RICE method. This method involves rest, applying ice, compression and elevating the afflicted foot or ankle. If the injury appears to be more serious, surgery might be required, such as arthroscopic or reconstructive surgery. Lastly, rehabilitation or therapy might be needed to gain full functionality in the afflicted area. Any discomfort experienced by an athlete must be evaluated by a licensed, reputable medical professional.  

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.

Blisters on the feet occur when fluid accumulates between layers of skin, often as a response to friction or pressure. Repeated rubbing from poorly fitting shoes or intense activity can irritate the skin, leading to the formation of these protective fluid-filled sacs. Blisters on the feet may also arise from burns, extreme cold, or medical conditions like eczema or diabetic neuropathy. Depending on the cause, blisters can be painfu, making walking difficult. It is not recommended to pop blisters yourself as this may lead to infection, which may require medical attention. A podiatrist can safely assess and treat foot blisters, especially those that are recurring or linked to underlying health issues. This foot doctor can drain the blister under sterile conditions, recommend footwear modifications, and address infections as needed. Professional care also reduces the risk of complications, such as worsening pain or more serious infections. If you have a problematic foot blister, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for safe treatment.

Blisters may appear as a single bubble or in a cluster. They can cause a lot of pain and may be filled with pus, blood, or watery serum. If your feet are hurting, 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.

Foot Blisters

Foot blisters are often the result of friction. This happens due to the constant rubbing from shoes, which can lead to pain.

What Are Foot Blisters?

A foot blister is a small fluid-filled pocket that forms on the upper-most layer of the skin. Blisters are filled with clear fluid and can lead to blood drainage or pus if the area becomes infected.

Symptoms

(Blister symptoms may vary depending on what is causing them)

• Bubble of skin filled with fluid
• Redness
• Moderate to severe pain
• Itching

Prevention & Treatment

In order to prevent blisters, you should be sure to wear comfortable shoes with socks that cushion your feet and absorb sweat. Breaking a blister open may increase your chances of developing an infection. However, if your blister breaks, you should wash the area with soap and water immediately and then apply a bandage to the affected area. If your blisters cause severe pain it is important that you call your podiatrist right away.

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.