Podiatry, a branch of medicine dedicated to the study, diagnosis, and treatment of disorders related to the foot, ankle, and lower extremities, plays a pivotal role in maintaining overall health and mobility. Podiatrists, also known as foot doctors, undergo extensive training to specialize in the intricate structure and function of the feet and ankles. Their expertise encompasses a wide range of conditions, including bunions, plantar fasciitis, ingrown toenails, heel spurs, and diabetic foot complications. Podiatrists employ various diagnostic techniques such as physical examinations, imaging studies, and biomechanical assessments to evaluate foot problems accurately. Treatment modalities may include conservative measures like orthotics, custom footwear, and medication, as well as surgical interventions for more severe conditions. Additionally, podiatrists play a vital role in preventive care, educating patients about proper foot hygiene, footwear choices, and injury prevention strategies. By addressing foot-related issues comprehensively, podiatrists help enhance the quality of life, promote mobility, and prevent debilitating complications associated with foot disorders. If you have foot or ankle discomfort or are interested in learning more about the field of podiatry, it is suggested that you speak to this type of doctor who can provide you with the care and the knowledge you are seeking.

If you are dealing with pain in your feet and ankles, you may want to seek help from a podiatrist. Feel free to 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.

What Is a Podiatrist?

A podiatrist is a doctor of podiatric medicine who diagnoses and treats conditions of the foot, ankle, and related structures of the leg. Your podiatrist may specialize in a certain field such as sports medicine, wound care, pediatrics, and diabetic care. Podiatrists have the ability to become board certified through training, clinical experience, and then taking an exam.

What Do Podiatrists Do?

On a daily basis, a podiatrist may perform the following activities:

• Diagnose foot ailments such as ulcers, tumors, fractures, etc.
• Use innovative methods to treat conditions
• Use corrective orthotics, casts, and strappings to correct deformities
• Correct walking patterns and balance
• Provide individual consultations to patients

It is very important that you take care of your feet. It’s easy to take having healthy feet for granted, however foot problems tend to be among the most common health conditions. Podiatrists can help diagnose and treat a variety of feet related conditions, so it is crucial that you visit one if you need assistance.

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.

Understanding the risk factors for ankle sprains and strains is important to avoid injury. Poor athletic conditioning, characterized by a lack of regular ankle strengthening exercises, increases susceptibility to ankle sprains during strenuous activities. Muscle and ligament fatigue, especially when pushing through exhaustion towards the end of vigorous activities, further heightens the risk. Skipping warm-up sessions before physical activity leaves muscles and ligaments tight, while decreasing flexibility and increasing vulnerability to injury. Excess weight places additional stress on the joints, amplifying the likelihood of sprains during movements like walking, running, or jumping. Gender and age also play significant roles, with females over 30 and males aged 15 to 24 showing higher susceptibility to ankle sprains. Wearing high heels in uneven terrain, and wearing low-topped shoes during sports like basketball, further increases the risk of injury. Through proper conditioning, warm-up routines, weight management, and appropriate footwear selection, the risk of ankle sprains decreases. For personalized guidance and strategies for minimizing ankle sprain risk, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist. 

Although ankle sprains are common, they aren’t always minor injuries. If you need your ankle injury looked at, 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 are the result of a tear in the ligaments within the ankle. These injuries may happen when you make a rapid shifting movement while your foot is planted. A less common way to sprain your ankle is when your ankle rolls inward while your foot turns outward.

What Are the Symptoms?

• Pain at the sight of the tear
• Bruising/Swelling
• Ankle area is tender to touch
• In severe cases, may hear/feel something tear
• Skin discoloration

Preventing a Sprain

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

Treatment of a Sprain

In many cases, the RICE method (Rest, Ice, Compression, and Elevate) is used to treat ankle sprains. However, you should see a podiatrist to see which treatment option would work best with your injury. In severe cases, surgery may be required.

It is important to ask your doctor about rehab options after you receive treatment for your injury. Stretching, strength training, and balance exercises may help the ankle heal while also preventing further 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, while fashionable, can lead to various foot problems due to their design and the way they alter the natural mechanics of walking. One common issue is the development of bunions, where the pressure and narrow toe box of high heels force the big toe to bend outward, causing a painful bony bump to form. Additionally, wearing high heels regularly can shorten the Achilles tendon and calf muscles, leading to stiffness and discomfort when walking in flat shoes. High heels also increase pressure on the ball of the foot, potentially causing metatarsalgia, a painful condition characterized by inflammation and discomfort in the ball of the foot. Furthermore, the instability caused by high heels can contribute to ankle sprains and instability over time. To mitigate these issues, it is important to limit high heel wear, opt for lower, wider heels when possible, and incorporate foot-strengthening exercises into your routine to counteract the negative effects of high heels on foot health. If you wear high heels and have developed specific foot conditions, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can effectively treat any foot ailment that has arisen, and offer other footwear choices.

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 and ankle needs.

Children and teens can experience ingrown toenails, a painful condition caused by the edge of a toenail growing into the surrounding skin. Signs of ingrown toenails can include toe pain, redness and pus emerging from the edge of the toenail, and tenderness while walking. Common causes of ingrown toenails in children include improper toenail trimming that leads to sharp edges which can penetrate the skin, or wearing tight shoes that puts pressure on the toes. Additionally, trauma to the toe, such as stubbing or dropping something on it, can lead to ingrown toenails. It is important for parents and caregivers to be mindful of how they trim their child's nails to prevent ingrown toenails and the infections they can cause. If a child experiences persistent discomfort or ingrown toenails that keep coming back, it is suggested you make an appointment with a podiatrist, who can help address the issue and prevent further complications.

Finding a properly-fitting shoe is important in reducing injuries and preventing foot problems. For more information about treatment, contact Deann Hofer Ogilvie, DPM from Ascend Foot & Ankle Center. Our practitioner will treat your foot and ankle needs.

Proper Shoe Fitting

A common concern when it comes to foot health, having properly fitted shoes can help prevent injuries to the foot. Out feet affect our posture and gait, which in turn affects the biomechanics and overall bodily structure. With 33 joints, 26 bones, and over 100 ligaments, the potential for serious injury is much greater than one realizes. Although the feet cease growth in adulthood, they still change shape as they mature. Here are some factors to consider when it comes to investing in proper fitting shoes:

• Be sure the shoes fit correctly right away
• Ensure the ball of your foot fits comfortably in the widest portion of the shoes
• Even though they may look fashionable, improper fitting shoes can either create adverse conditions or exacerbate existing ones you may already have
• Walk along a carpeted surface to ensure the shoes comfortably fit during normal activity

Keeping in mind how shoes fit the biomechanics of your body, properly-fitting shoes are vitally important. Fortunately, it is not difficult to acquire footwear that fits correctly. Be sure to wear shoes that support the overall structure of your body. Do your feet a favor and invest in several pairs of well-fitted shoes today.

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.

A broken toe, a common injury often overlooked, presents a set of distinct symptoms that warrant attention for prompt diagnosis and care. Persistent pain, swelling, and bruising around the affected toe are primary indicators of a fracture. The injured toe may appear misaligned or take on an unusual shape, signaling structural damage. Limited range of motion and difficulty bearing weight on the foot are common challenges experienced with a broken toe. In some cases, a noticeable snapping or popping sound may accompany the injury, indicating the moment of impact or trauma. If you suspect a broken toe, it is essential to seek medical attention for a thorough examination and possibly imaging studies, such as X-rays. Understanding and recognizing these symptoms can expedite the healing process, ensuring proper care and preventing complications associated with untreated broken toes. If you have broken your toe, it is suggested that you confer with a podiatrist who can confirm the diagnosis and offer correct treatment options.

A broken toe can be very painful and lead to complications if not properly fixed. 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 to Know About a Broken Toe

Although most people try to avoid foot trauma such as banging, stubbing, or dropping heavy objects on their feet, the unfortunate fact is that it is a common occurrence. Given the fact that toes are positioned in front of the feet, they typically sustain the brunt of such trauma. When trauma occurs to a toe, the result can be a painful break (fracture).

Symptoms of a Broken Toe

• Throbbing pain
• Swelling
• Bruising on the skin and toenail
• The inability to move the toe
• Toe appears crooked or disfigured
• Tingling or numbness in the toe

Generally, it is best to stay off of the injured toe with the affected foot elevated.

Severe toe fractures may be treated with a splint, cast, and in some cases, minor surgery. Due to its position and the pressure it endures with daily activity, future complications can occur if the big toe is not properly treated.

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.