Exercise plays an important role in protecting older adults from falls and helping them stay active and independent. Regular movement improves muscle strength, balance, and flexibility, making it easier to walk with confidence and react to uneven ground. Many older adults benefit from a routine that combines endurance activities, strength training, and balance exercises. Walking, swimming, and cycling help build endurance. Light resistance exercises improve muscle strength. Balance activities, like tai chi and standing on one foot, help reduce the risk of falling. Stretching also keeps muscles and joints moving comfortably, making everyday activities easier and safer.

Good foot health is another important part of falls protection. Painful feet, numbness, poor circulation, and foot deformities can affect balance and make walking less stable. Wearing shoes that fit well and provide proper support can improve stability and reduce slipping. Shoes should match the activity being performed and provide enough room for the toes. A podiatrist examines the feet, checks for changes in sensation, and evaluates how patients walk. This examination helps identify problems that increase the risk of falling. A podiatrist also recommends custom orthotics when appropriate to improve balance and relieve pressure on painful areas. Regular foot exams help detect changes before they become more serious.

Exercise is most effective when it becomes part of a regular routine. Adults age 65 and older benefit from at least 150 minutes of moderate physical activity each week. Strength exercises should be completed at least twice each week. Balance and flexibility exercises should also be performed regularly. Staying active supports better mobility, greater confidence, and a lower risk of falls. Healthy feet make exercise safer and more comfortable, allowing people to continue enjoying daily activities. Early attention to foot problems helps prevent mobility challenges that could increase fall risk. If you have injured your foot or ankle while falling, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for diagnosis and appropriate treatment.

Preventing falls among the elderly is very important. If you are older and have fallen or fear that you are prone to falling, consult with Deann Hofer Ogilvie, DPM from Ascend Foot & Ankle Center. Our practitioner will assess your condition and provide you with quality advice and care.

Every 11 seconds, an elderly American is being treated in an emergency room for a fall related injury. Falls are the leading cause of head and hip injuries for those 65 and older. Due to decreases in strength, balance, senses, and lack of awareness, elderly persons are very susceptible to falling. Thankfully, there are a number of things older persons can do to prevent falls.

How to Prevent Falls

Some effective methods that older persons can do to prevent falls include:

• Enrolling in strength and balance exercise program to increase balance and strength
• Periodically having your sight and hearing checked
• Discuss any medications you have with a doctor to see if it increases the risk of falling
• Clearing the house of falling hazards and installing devices like grab bars and railings
• Utilizing a walker or cane
• Wearing shoes that provide good support and cushioning
• Talking to family members about falling and increasing awareness

Falling can be a traumatic and embarrassing experience for elderly persons; this can make them less willing to leave the house, and less willing to talk to someone about their fears of falling. Doing such things, however, will increase the likelihood of tripping or losing one’s balance. Knowing the causes of falling and how to prevent them is the best way to mitigate the risk of serious 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.

High heels can create a polished look, but they also place extra stress on the feet. As heel height increases, more body weight shifts toward the front of the foot. This added pressure affects the toes and the ball of the foot with every step. A narrow toe box squeezes the toes together, making normal movement more difficult. High heels that lack proper support also reduce stability and increase strain on muscles and joints. This raises the risk of bunions, corns, and calluses, along with increasing the chances of an ankle sprain. Some people notice burning, numbness, or swelling after long periods of standing or while walking in high heels.

Choosing high heels carefully helps reduce stress on the feet without giving up style. A proper fit is one of the most important features. High heels that are too tight or too loose increase pressure and friction. Open-toe styles provide extra room for the toes and reduce crowding. Lower heels place less weight on the front of the foot than very high styles. A wider heel also improves balance and spreads weight more evenly. A less dramatic slope from heel to toe places less strain on the foot and ankle. Small design changes can make high heels more comfortable while helping protect the feet.

When foot pain continues from wearing high heels, a podiatrist can identify the cause and recommend the most effective treatment. An examination can determine whether pain comes from irritated joints, strained soft tissues, or changes in foot structure. Treatment includes custom orthotics, padding to reduce pressure, and care for corns or calluses. A podiatrist also treats bunions, hammertoes, and other problems before they become more severe. If you have foot pain after wearing high heels, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for effective relief tips and guidance on choosing high heels suited to your needs.

High heels have a history of causing foot and ankle problems. If you have any concerns about your feet or ankles, 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.

Effects of High Heels on the Feet

High heels are popular shoes among women because of their many styles and societal appeal.  Despite this, high heels can still cause many health problems if worn too frequently.

Which Parts of My Body Will Be Affected by High Heels?

• Ankle Joints
• Achilles Tendon – May shorten and stiffen with prolonged wear
• Balls of the Feet
• Knees – Heels cause the knees to bend constantly, creating stress on them
• Back – They decrease the spine’s ability to absorb shock, which may lead to back pain.  The vertebrae of the lower back may compress.

What Kinds of Foot Problems Can Develop from Wearing High Heels?

• Corns
• Calluses
• Hammertoe
• Bunions
• Morton’s Neuroma
• Plantar Fasciitis

How Can I Still Wear High Heels and Maintain Foot Health?

If you want to wear high heeled shoes, make sure that you are not wearing them every day, as this will help prevent long term physical problems.  Try wearing thicker heels as opposed to stilettos to distribute weight more evenly across the feet.  Always make sure you are wearing the proper shoes for the right occasion, such as sneakers for exercising.  If you walk to work, try carrying your heels with you and changing into them once you arrive at work.  Adding inserts to your heels can help cushion your feet and absorb shock. Full foot inserts or metatarsal pads 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.

Blisters develop when repeated friction or pressure causes the upper layers of the skin to separate. The space between the layers fills with fluid, creating a small pocket that protects the damaged skin underneath. Blisters frequently appear on the heels, toes, or the balls of the feet. Wearing shoes that are too tight or shoes that lack proper support can increase friction and lead to blister formation. Long periods of activity, moisture, and foot deformities also can increase the risk. Symptoms include a raised area filled with clear fluid, tenderness, and pain while walking. Some blisters can break open, leaving the skin exposed and increasing the chance of infection. Patients with diabetes or poor circulation should receive prompt evaluation because even a small blister can become a serious foot problem.

A podiatrist performs a thorough examination to determine the cause of the blister and whether signs of infection are present. The evaluation includes checking the size and location of the blister, the condition of the surrounding skin, and the overall health of the foot. The podiatrist also looks for foot conditions, like bunions or hammertoes, that increase pressure and friction. Identifying the underlying cause is important because blisters are likely to return when the source of the problem is not corrected. Patients with repeated blisters can benefit from a complete foot evaluation to improve comfort and reduce future injuries.

Treatment focuses on protecting the skin while reducing pressure on the affected area. A podiatrist can safely drain a large or painful blister when necessary while preserving the healthy skin that covers it. Care also includes custom orthotics that improve foot alignment and distribute pressure more evenly. The podiatrist can recommend shoes that fit properly and provide good support to reduce friction while walking. Patients with infected blisters or deeper skin injuries receive prompt treatment to protect foot health and prevent complications. If you have symptoms of blisters, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for diagnosis and 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.

Clubfoot is a congenital foot deformity that is present at birth and affects the position and structure of a baby’s foot. In this condition, the foot appears twisted downward and inward, which can make it difficult for the sole to rest flat on the ground. Clubfoot can affect one or both feet and varies in severity. It is not caused by how the baby is positioned in the womb, but rather by abnormalities in the muscles, tendons, and bones that develop before birth. Early diagnosis is important because timely treatment can significantly improve long-term function and mobility.

The symptoms of clubfoot are often visible immediately after birth. The foot may appear smaller than normal, with the heel turned inward and the arch exaggerated. The calf muscles on the affected side may also be underdeveloped. While clubfoot itself is not painful in infants, it can lead to discomfort and difficulty walking if left untreated. As a child grows, untreated clubfoot may result in abnormal walking patterns, limited range of motion, and pressure-related skin issues.

The exact cause of clubfoot is not always known, but several risk factors have been identified. Genetics can play a role, especially if there is a family history of the condition. Environmental factors during pregnancy may also contribute. Clubfoot develops as the tendons connecting the muscles to the bones are shorter and tighter than normal, which pulls the foot into an abnormal position. Boys are more commonly affected than girls, and the condition may occur alongside other developmental concerns.

Treatment typically begins shortly after birth and often includes gentle stretching, casting, and bracing to gradually correct the foot’s position. In some cases, minor surgical procedures may be needed to release tight tendons. Early intervention leads to the best outcomes and helps children achieve normal or near normal mobility. If your child has been born with clubfoot, it is suggested that you include a podiatrist on your healthcare team who can contribute to achieving optimum results.

Congenital foot problems require immediate attention to avoid future complications. If you have any concerns, 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.

Congenital foot problems are deformities affecting the feet, toes, and/or ankles that children are born with. Some of these conditions have a genetic cause while others just happen. Some specific foot ailments that children may be born with include clubfeet, polydactyly/macrodactyly, and cleft foot. There are several other foot anomalies that can occur congenitally. What all of these conditions have in common is that a child may experience difficulty walking or performing everyday activities, as well as trouble finding footwear that fits their foot deformity. Some of these conditions are more serious than others. Consulting with a podiatrist as early as possible will help in properly diagnosing a child’s foot condition while getting the necessary treatment underway.

What are Causes of Congenital Foot Problem?

A congenital foot problem is one that happens to a child at birth. These conditions can be caused by a genetic predisposition, developmental or positional abnormalities during gestation, or with no known cause.

What are Symptoms of Congenital Foot Problems?

Symptoms vary by the congenital condition. Symptoms may consist of the following:

• Clubfoot, where tendons are shortened, bones are shaped differently, and the Achilles tendon is tight, causing the foot to point in and down. It is also possible for the soles of the feet to face each other.
• Polydactyly, which usually consists of a nubbin or small lump of tissue without a bone, a toe that is partially formed but has no joints, or an extra toe.
• Vertical talus, where the talus bone forms in the wrong position causing other bones in the foot to line up improperly, the front of the foot to point up, and the bottom of the foot to stiffen, with no arch, and to curve out.
• Tarsal coalition, when there is an abnormal connection of two or more bones in the foot leading to severe, rigid flatfoot.
• Cleft foot, where there are missing toes, a V-shaped cleft, and other anatomical differences.
• Macrodactyly, when the toes are abnormally large due to overgrowth of the underlying bone or soft tissue.

Treatment and Prevention

While there is nothing one can do to prevent congenital foot problems, raising awareness and receiving neonatal screenings are important. Early detection by taking your child to a podiatrist leads to the best outcome possible.

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.