Ankle pain can result from a variety of conditions that affect the bones, ligaments, and tendons supporting the joint. Sprains are one of the leading causes of ankle pain. They occur when ligaments supporting the joint are stretched or torn, due to sudden twisting or rolling of the ankle. Tendon inflammation, often linked to overuse or sports activities, may also cause persistent ankle discomfort. Arthritis, including osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, or post-traumatic arthritis, can gradually wear down the joint and produce stiffness and swelling. Fractures of the tibia, fibula, or talus bones are another source, usually accompanied by severe pain, bruising, and difficulty bearing weight. A podiatrist can evaluate the specific cause of your ankle pain, order diagnostic imaging to confirm, and recommend treatment that may range from immobilization to surgery. If you are experiencing ankle pain, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist for an exam, diagnosis, and treatment.

Ankle pain can have many different causes and the pain may potentially be serious. If you have ankle 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.

Ankle pain is any condition that causes pain in the ankle. Due to the fact that the ankle consists of tendons, muscles, bones, and ligaments, ankle pain can come from a number of different conditions.

Causes

The most common causes of ankle pain include:

• Types of arthritis (rheumatoid, osteoarthritis, and gout)
• Ankle sprains
• Broken ankles
• Achilles tendinitis
• Achilles tendon rupture
• Stress fractures
• Tarsal tunnel syndrome
• Plantar fasciitis

Symptoms

Symptoms of ankle injury vary based upon the condition. Pain may include general pain and discomfort, swelling, aching, redness, bruising, burning or stabbing sensations, and/or loss of sensation.

Diagnosis

Due to the wide variety of potential causes of ankle pain, podiatrists will utilize a number of different methods to properly diagnose ankle pain. This can include asking for personal and family medical histories and of any recent injuries. Further diagnosis may include sensation tests, a physical examination, and potentially x-rays or other imaging tests.

Treatment

Just as the range of causes varies widely, so do treatments. Some more common treatments are rest, ice packs, keeping pressure off the foot, orthotics and braces, medication for inflammation and pain, and surgery.

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.

Diabetic neuropathy is a condition that occurs when high blood sugar levels damage the nerves, most commonly in the feet and legs. Causes include prolonged uncontrolled diabetes, poor circulation, and nerve inflammation. Symptoms may involve tingling, burning, numbness, or sharp pain that can worsen at night. Risk factors include duration of diabetes, high blood pressure, smoking, and being overweight. This condition increases the chance of foot injuries, ulcers, and infections because loss of sensation makes it harder to notice problems early. A podiatrist can help by monitoring foot health, treating complications, and providing guidance on protective care. If you have diabetes and have symptoms of foot neuropathy, it is strongly suggested that you are under the care of a podiatrist who can help you to find relief, and manage this serious condition.

Neuropathy

Neuropathy can be a potentially serious condition, especially if it is left undiagnosed. If you have any concerns that you may be experiencing nerve loss in your feet, 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 for neuropathy.

What Is Neuropathy?

Neuropathy is a condition that leads to damage to the nerves in the body. Peripheral neuropathy, or neuropathy that affects your peripheral nervous system, usually occurs in the feet. Neuropathy can be triggered by a number of different causes. Such causes include diabetes, infections, cancers, disorders, and toxic substances.

Symptoms of Neuropathy Include:

• Numbness
• Sensation loss
• Prickling and tingling sensations
• Throbbing, freezing, burning pains
• Muscle weakness

Those with diabetes are at serious risk due to being unable to feel an ulcer on their feet. Diabetics usually also suffer from poor blood circulation. This can lead to the wound not healing, infections occurring, and the limb may have to be amputated.

Treatment

To treat neuropathy in the foot, podiatrists will first diagnose the cause of the neuropathy. Figuring out the underlying cause of the neuropathy will allow the podiatrist to prescribe the best treatment, whether it be caused by diabetes, toxic substance exposure, infection, etc. If the nerve has not died, then it’s possible that sensation may be able to return to the foot.

Pain medication may be issued for pain. Electrical nerve stimulation can be used to stimulate nerves. If the neuropathy is caused from pressure on the nerves, then surgery may be necessary.

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.

Falls are a leading cause of workplace injuries and can have serious consequences, especially for the feet and ankles. Injuries from falls may include fractures, sprains, and long-term joint problems that affect mobility and quality of life. Preventing falls involves using proper safety equipment, maintaining clean and dry work areas, wearing slip resistant footwear, and following established safety protocols. A podiatrist can evaluate and treat foot and ankle injuries resulting from falls, provide guidance on supportive footwear, and recommend strategies to restore strength and balance. If you have endured a foot or ankle injury from falling, it is suggested that you promptly consult a podiatrist who can provide an accurate diagnosis and 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.

Foot corns are areas of thickened skin that develop when pressure or friction is repeatedly applied to certain parts of the feet. They often result from wearing shoes that are too tight, high heeled, or poorly fitted, which places excess pressure on the toes or soles. Corns can cause discomfort, pain, and difficulty walking, if not addressed. Prevention includes wearing properly fitted shoes with cushioned soles and protective padding to reduce friction. A podiatrist can safely remove corns, recommend orthotics, and guide you on proper footwear choices to stop them from returning. If you have a painful corn, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can offer effective relief and treatment solutions.

If you have any concerns 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 can be described as areas of the skin that have thickened to the point of becoming painful or irritating. They are often layers and layers of the skin that have become dry and rough, and are normally smaller than calluses.

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

• Well-fitting socks
• Comfortable shoes that are not tight around your foot
• Shoes that offer support

Treating Corns
Treatment of corns involves removing the dead skin that has built up in the specific area of the foot. Consult with Our practitioner 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.

Plantar fasciitis is a common cause of heel pain that can make daily movement difficult. Gentle yoga poses can stretch and strengthen the feet to ease discomfort and promote healing. The upward salute lengthens the body while stretching the arches, and is done by standing up straight, pressing the heels into the ground, and raising your arms above your head. Chair pose builds strength in the legs and feet. This is done by turning your palms to face back, followed by sitting down as if you are sitting in a chair. High lunge, also known as Warrior I, improves flexibility in the calves and Achilles tendon, reducing strain on the plantar fascia. This is practiced by standing with one leg bent at the knee, while straightening the other in back, and raising both hands above your head. Such exercises can be a complement to professional treatment offered by a podiatrist in achieving long-term relief. If you are struggling with heel pain, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can diagnose and treat symptoms of plantar fasciitis.

Why Stretching Is Important for Your Feet

Stretching the feet is a great way to prevent injuries. If you have any concerns with your feet 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.

Stretching the Feet

Stretching the muscles in the foot is an important part in any physical activity. Feet that are tight can lead to less flexibility and make you more prone to injury. One of the most common forms of foot pain, plantar fasciitis, can be stretched out to help ease the pain. Stretching can not only ease pain from plantar fasciitis but also prevent it as well. However, it is important to see a podiatrist first to determine if stretching is right for you. Podiatrists can also recommend other ways to stretch your feet. Once you know whether stretching is right for you, here are some excellent stretches you can do.

• Using a foam roller or any cylindrical object (a water bottle or soda can will do), roll the object under your foot back and forth. You should also exert pressure on the object. Be sure to do this to both feet for a minute. Do this exercise three times each.
• Similar to the previous exercise, take a ball, such as a tennis ball, and roll it under your foot while seated and exert pressure on it.
• Grab a resistance band or towel and take a seat. If you are using a towel, fold it length wise. Next put either one between the ball of your foot and heel and pull with both hands on each side towards you. Hold this for 15 seconds and then switch feet. Do this three times for each foot.
• Finally hold your big toe while crossing one leg over the other. Pull the toe towards you and hold for 15 seconds. Once again do this three times per foot.

It is best to go easy when first stretching your foot and work your way up. If your foot starts hurting, stop exercising to ice and rest the foot. It is advised that you then see a podiatrist for help.

If you have any questions please contact our office located in Lafayette, CO . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.