Items filtered by date: March 2025

Dancers place significant strain on the Achilles tendon due to repetitive movements, jumps, and intense footwork. This can lead to inflammation, microtears, or even more severe injuries if not properly managed. Overuse, inadequate warm-ups, and wearing improper footwear increase the risk of injury. Strengthening the calf muscles and improving flexibility through targeted exercises can help reduce strain on the tendon. Proper technique, gradual intensity progression, and sufficient rest between training sessions are essential for injury prevention. Supportive footwear and using appropriate dance surfaces can also minimize stress on the Achilles tendon. Paying attention to early signs of discomfort, such as stiffness or pain, allows for timely intervention. If you have sustained an Achilles tendon injury from dancing, it is suggested that you promptly contact a podiatrist who can offer effective treatment solutions and prevention tips.

Achilles tendon injuries need 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.

What Is the Achilles Tendon?

The Achilles tendon is a tendon that connects the lower leg muscles and calf to the heel of the foot. It is the strongest tendon in the human body and is essential for making movement possible. Because this tendon is such an integral part of the body, any injuries to it can create immense difficulties and should immediately be presented to a doctor.

What Are the Symptoms of an Achilles Tendon Injury?

There are various types of injuries that can affect the Achilles tendon. The two most common injuries are Achilles tendinitis and ruptures of the tendon.

Achilles Tendinitis Symptoms

• Inflammation
• Dull to severe pain
• Increased blood flow to the tendon
• Thickening of the tendon

Rupture Symptoms

• Extreme pain and swelling in the foot
• Total immobility

Treatment and Prevention

Achilles tendon injuries are diagnosed by a thorough physical evaluation, which can include an MRI. Treatment involves rest, physical therapy, and in some cases, surgery. However, various preventative measures can be taken to avoid these injuries, such as:

• Thorough stretching of the tendon before and after exercise
• Strengthening exercises like calf raises, squats, leg curls, leg extensions, leg raises, lunges, and leg presses

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 become a common concern during winter due to several factors that contribute to dryness and skin damage. Indoor heating systems create a dry environment that reduces moisture in the skin, leading to increased roughness and cracks. Many individuals also neglect proper hydration during colder months, which can cause the skin to become less supple and more prone to fissures. Wearing hard-soled shoes without adequate cushioning places excessive pressure on the heels, further aggravating the problem. Additionally, nutritional deficiencies, particularly a lack of essential vitamins and minerals such as vitamin E, zinc, and omega fatty acids, can weaken the skin barrier and impair healing. Cracked heels can be painful, causing difficulty in completing daily activities. If you have developed this condition, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can offer effective treatment remedies, which may include prescription medicine.

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.

Your feet do the hard work of carrying you everywhere, yet they are often ignored until there is a problem. Do you want feet that are both healthy and attractive? It takes more than an occasional pedicure. Everyday foot care is a must. First, moisture matters, but in moderation. Dry heels lead to cracks, while sweaty feet invite fungus. Use a good foot cream daily, but skip between the toes to prevent infections. Secondly, trim your toenails with care. Cutting toenails too short or rounding the edges increases the risk of painful ingrown nails. Trim straight across and file gently for a smooth finish. Third, shoes shape your feet over time. Wearing tight, unsupportive footwear can lead to bunions, corns, and calluses. Choose shoes that fit well and support your arch. If you have ongoing foot pain, persistent skin issues, or nail concerns, it is suggested that you see a podiatrist for appropriate treatment.

Everyday foot care is very important to prevent infection and other foot ailments. 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.

Everyday Foot Care

Often, people take care of their bodies, face and hair more so than they do for their feet. But the feet are a very important aspect of our bodies, and one that we should pay more attention to. Without our feet, we would not be able to perform most daily tasks.

It is best to check your feet regularly to make sure there are no new bruises or cuts that you may not have noticed before. For dry feet, moisturizer can easily be a remedy and can be applied as often as necessary to the affected areas. Wearing shoes that fit well can also help you maintain good foot health, as well as making it easier to walk and do daily activities without the stress or pain of ill-fitting shoes, high heels, or even flip flops. Wearing clean socks with closed shoes is important to ensure that sweat and bacteria do not accumulate within the shoe. Clean socks help to prevent Athlete’s foot, fungi problems, bad odors, and can absorb sweat.

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.

Sever's disease, also known as calcaneal apophysitis, is a common cause of heel pain in growing children and adolescents, especially those involved in sports. It occurs when the growth plate in the heel, called the calcaneal apophysis, becomes inflamed due to repetitive stress. The condition typically affects children between the ages of eight and 14. Risk factors for Sever's disease include frequent physical activity, particularly high-impact sports like running, soccer, and basketball. Overuse, tight calf muscles, and growth spurts can increase the likelihood of developing this condition. Symptoms include heel pain, tenderness, and swelling, often worse during or after physical activity. Children may also limp or have difficulty walking comfortably. If your active child has heel pain, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist who can accurately diagnose and treat what may be going on.

Sever's disease often occurs in children and teens. If your child is experiencing foot or ankle pain, see Deann Hofer Ogilvie, DPM from Ascend Foot & Ankle Center. Our practitioner can treat your child’s foot and ankle needs.

Sever’s Disease

Sever’s disease is also known as calcaneal apophysitis, which is a medical condition that causes heel pain I none or both feet. The disease is known to affect children between the ages of 8 and 14.

Sever’s disease occurs when part of the child’s heel known as the growth plate (calcaneal epiphysis) is attached to the Achilles tendon. This area can suffer injury when the muscles and tendons of the growing foot do not keep pace with bone growth. Therefore, the constant pain which one experiences at the back of the heel will make the child unable to put any weight on the heel. The child is then forced to walk on their toes.

Symptoms

Acute pain – Pain associated with Sever’s disease is usually felt in the heel when the child engages in physical activity such as walking, jumping and or running.

Highly active – Children who are very active are among the most susceptible in experiencing Sever’s disease, because of the stress and tension placed on their feet.

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 injuries.