A chronic autoimmune condition that causes hardening and tightening of the skin and connective tissues, affects the feet and impairs mobility. This condition, called progressive systemic sclerosis, can lead to painful joints, stiffness, and reduced foot functionality, making daily activities challenging. Risk factors include female gender, age between 30 and 50, and a family history of autoimmune disorders. Other symptoms include Raynaud's phenomenon, skin changes, and gastrointestinal difficulties. Relief is often achieved by improving foot functionality through exercises, wearing  proper footwear, orthotics, and targeted therapies. A podiatrist can assess structural changes, recommend customized treatments, and monitor foot health to reduce pain and improve mobility. If you have symptoms of this condition, it is suggested that you seek care from a  podiatrist who can offer you a proper diagnosis and appropriate care.

Some foot conditions may require additional professional care. 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.

Rare Foot Conditions

The majority of foot conditions are common and can be treated by a podiatrist.  Standard diagnostic procedures are generally used to identify specific conditions and treatment can be rendered. A podiatrist also treats rare foot conditions which can be difficult to diagnose and may need extra attention and care. 

There are many rare foot conditions that can affect children. Some of these can include:

• Freiberg’s disease
• Kohler’s disease
• Maffucci syndrome

Freiberg’s disease - This can be seen as a deterioration and flattening of a metatarsal bone that exists in the ball of the foot. It typically affects pre-teen and teenage girls, but can affect anyone at any age. Symptoms that can accompany this can be swelling, stiffness, and the patient may limp. 

Kohler’s disease - This often targets the bone in the arch of the foot and affects younger boys. It can lead to an interruption of the blood supply which ultimately can lead to bone deterioration. The patient may limp or experience tenderness, swelling, and redness.

Maffucci syndrome - This affects the long bones in a child’s foot leading to the development of abnormal bone lesions. They are benign growths and typically develop in early childhood and the bones may be susceptible to breaking. 

A podiatrist can properly diagnose and treat all types of rare foot conditions. If your child is affected by any of these symptoms or conditions, please don’t hesitate to call our office so the correct treatment method can begin.

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.

Peripheral artery disease, or PAD, is a condition in which narrowed arteries reduce blood flow to the limbs, especially the feet and legs. It is often caused by plaque buildup that limits circulation. Symptoms include leg pain while walking, cold feet, slow-healing wounds, and skin changes. Risk factors include increasing age, genetic predisposition, smoking, limited physical activity, and chronic stress. Reduced blood flow can lead to serious complications, if left untreated. A podiatrist can identify early signs, monitor circulation, and provide care to protect foot health and prevent tissue damage. If you have symptoms of PAD that affect your feet, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can offer effective relief and management tips.

Peripheral artery disease can pose a serious risk to your health. It can increase the risk of stroke and heart attack. If you have symptoms of peripheral artery disease, 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.

Peripheral artery disease (PAD) is when arteries are constricted due to plaque (fatty deposits) build-up. This results in less blood flow to the legs and other extremities. The main cause of PAD is atherosclerosis, in which plaque builds up in the arteries.

Symptoms

Symptoms of PAD include:

• Claudication (leg pain from walking)
• Numbness in legs
• Decrease in growth of leg hair and toenails
• Paleness of the skin
• Erectile dysfunction
• Sores and wounds on legs and feet that won’t heal
• Coldness in one leg

It is important to note that a majority of individuals never show any symptoms of PAD.

Diagnosis

While PAD occurs in the legs and arteries, Podiatrists can diagnose PAD. Podiatrists utilize a test called an ankle-brachial index (ABI). An ABI test compares blood pressure in your arm to you ankle to see if any abnormality occurs. Ultrasound and imaging devices may also be used.

Treatment

Fortunately, lifestyle changes such as maintaining a healthy diet, exercising, managing cholesterol and blood sugar levels, and quitting smoking, can all treat PAD. Medications that prevent clots from occurring can be prescribed. Finally, in some cases, surgery may be recommended.

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.

Scleroderma is a chronic autoimmune connective tissue disorder in which the body produces excess collagen, leading to thickening and tightening of the skin and underlying tissues. When this condition affects the feet it may cause stiffness, reduced flexibility, and changes in circulation that influence comfort during walking. Symptoms include tight skin, joint discomfort, swelling, and sensitivity to cold temperatures. Many individuals also experience Raynaud's phenomenon, a circulation-related condition in which the toes change color and become painful when exposed to cold or stress. Causes involve immune system dysfunction and genetic susceptibility. Risk factors may include family history and autoimmune disease patterns. A podiatrist can help manage foot symptoms and improve comfort. If foot pain or circulation concerns develop, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can help you to manage this condition.

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.

Seed corns are tiny, round areas of thickened skin that form on the bottom of the foot due to repeated pressure and friction. The name seed corn refers to small, well-defined spots that often appear in clusters. They are commonly linked to dry skin, tight shoes, and foot deformities like bunions or hammertoes, which change how weight is distributed across the sole. Unlike calluses, which are usually larger and spread out, seed corns stay small and circular. They can also resemble plantar warts, but warts often interrupt normal skin lines and may contain small dark dots. Seed corns can become painful when located on weight-bearing areas like the ball of the foot. A podiatrist can carefully examine the lesion, confirm the diagnosis, safely reduce thickened skin, and address underlying pressure points with footwear guidance or custom orthotics. If you have a painful corn on your foot, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist for an exam, diagnosis, and treatment.

Corns can make walking very painful and should be treated immediately. If you have questions regarding your feet and ankles, contact Deann Hofer Ogilvie, DPM of Ascend Foot & Ankle Center. Our practitioner will treat your foot and ankle needs.

Corns: What Are They? And How Do You Get Rid of Them?
Corns are thickened areas on the skin that can become painful. They are caused by excessive pressure and friction on the skin. Corns press into the deeper layers of the skin and are usually round in shape.

Ways to Prevent Corns
There are many ways to get rid of painful corns such as:

• Wearing properly fitting shoes that have been measured by a professional
• Wearing shoes that are not sharply pointed or have high heels
• Wearing only shoes that offer support

Treating Corns

Although most corns slowly disappear when the friction or pressure stops, this isn’t always the case. Consult with your podiatrist to determine the best treatment option for your case of corns.

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.