We Answer Your Top Questions About Podiatry and Physical Therapy

Podiatry Associates NurseHave questions about bunion removal, orthotics and more?

When you live in constant pain, you have questions about what causes your pain and how you can get the relief you crave. Get the answers you need from our podiatrists and physical therapists.

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  • Can orthotics help with my child's flat feet?


    Child's Flat FeetSometimes children with flat feet have no problems at all. They can run and play and never have any pain. When this is the case, flat feet in children do not need to be treated; however, if your child is experiencing discomfort, custom orthotics are a great solution! These devices fit inside your child’s shoes and secretly provide the support his or her arches need. They are made to the exact specifications of your child’s feet and customized to correct any biomechanical issues that can occur when an arch is not present.

    Essentially, custom orthotics will hold your child’s foot in proper position and distribute weight more evenly to help counteract the lack of arch, thus alleviating flat foot pain. Often used to manage flat feet in adults and even teens, orthotics can absolutely help with kids’ flat feet, too!

    So, if your child is having difficulties, by all means, come see us! You can schedule an appointment online or by dialing (303) 805-5156. We can design a pair of custom orthotics and get your child back to running and playing without pain before you know it!

  • Why won’t my heel pain go away?

    heel painIf your heel makes you holler in pain with every step, clearly daily activities can be hindered, much less any sports or hobbies you enjoy. Knowing what’s behind your hurting heel is key to treating the problem and easing discomfort. Though there are many culprits, the most common causes of persistent heel pain result from overuse.

    Stress placed on your feet over and over again, such as in the case of activities that involve a lot of running and jumping, can lead to tiny tears in the plantar fascia – the band of tissues beneath your foot that connects your toes to your heel. This causes the band to become irritated and inflamed resulting in persistent heel pain, especially with the first steps in the morning.

    Achilles tendinitis is another common overuse injury that results in heel pain that won’t go away. Your Achilles tendon attaches to your heel bone, so when the tendon is tight or becomes inflamed from repeated stress, guess what hurts – your heel! 

    Rest, ice, stretches, and orthotics can all help. Call us to find out more by dialing (303) 805-5156. 

  • Should fungal nail laser treatment be done by a doctor?

    Laser Nail TreatmentWhile there are numerous nail clinics in the area that offer laser treatment for fungal nails, the people administering these treatments do not have the medical background and expertise of a foot doctor. You wouldn’t trust a plumber to do your electrical work, so why would you trust anyone other than a podiatrist to care for your feet?

    At Podiatry Associates, Inc., you will receive laser treatments for toenail fungus in a sterile, medical environment, performed by a certified podiatrist. You can also feel comfortable and confident in knowing that these treatments are performed with the very latest in laser technology.

    Our expert staff is happy to answer any questions you have and will be here to help from start to finish, and beyond! We will thoroughly explain the procedure and make sure you understand what to expect, then continue to provide you with all the care you need to not only keep nails clear and fungus-free, but your feet healthy and strong.

    If you are considering laser treatment for fungal nails, don’t go to just anyone. Our team of trained and certified podiatrists who will provide you with the expert care you deserve. Just call (303) 805-5156 to make an appointment, or schedule one online.

  • What can I do to fix my crooked toes?

    Crooked toesBefore you can go about fixing a crooked toe, you must first determine what’s behind its abnormal bend. If your big toe is slanting toward the others and the joint is pushing outward, you have a bunion. If the joints of your toes are jutting upward and forcing the tips down, you likely have claw or hammertoes. All of these conditions can also cause toes to overlap, and all will worsen without treatment. So, to fix crooked toes without having to resort to surgery, you must act fast and be persistent.

    • First, make a switch in footwear to ensure plenty of toe room so as not to accentuate the problem.
    • Use specially-designed pads to protect against added pressure.
    • Slip orthotics into your shoes to redistribute pressure away from the problem area, as well as to provide added cushion.
    • Try taping the crooked toe to its neighbor to hold it in proper position. There are also splints that can be worn to hold toes straight as well.
    • Finally, there are exercises and stretches that can help to strengthen toes and enable them to stay flexible.
    If these techniques don’t seem to help, you may need to consider surgical intervention. Procedures will depend upon the reason for your toe’s misalignment, among other factors. To have your crooked toe assessed and make a plan to get it fixed, call for an appointment by dialing (303) 805-5156.

  • Is my bunion caused by my shoes?

    Bunion examinationWhile your shoes can definitely exacerbate bunions, they do not actually cause them. Instead, you very well may have inherited some unlucky genes from your family, making you prone to developing the painful bump. Abnormal foot structure (such as having no arch) and poor biomechanics (the way in which you step) can both lead to the misalignment of the big toe joint and the formation of a bunion. Bunion development can also be attributed to previous injuries or conditions, like arthritis.

    Though not completely to blame for your bunion, your choice in footwear does indeed have an impact. Shoes that are too tight and narrow or that have a high heel squish toes and put pressure on the big toe joint, worsening the bony protrusion. This can cause redness, swelling and pain.

    Orthotics and shoes with a low heel and wide toe box will go a long way toward slowing the progression of the problem and easing symptoms. Find out more by calling us at (303) 805-5156.

  • How can I keep my bunion from hurting?

     

    Painful bunionThe bulging boney protrusion of a bunion can certainly get in the way of walking and simply wearing shoes, much less enjoying your favorite activities. When bunion pain interferes with your daily life, try these tips to ease discomfort:
    • Make sure your shoes offer plenty of room for your toes. A wide and deep toe box is best.
    • Use moleskin or gel pads for a protective layer against your shoe to cut down on friction and pressure.
    • Slip orthotics in your shoes to help redistribute pressure away from the area.
    • Use splints to keep your toe in correct alignment.
    • Try stretches or sign up for a yoga class to ease your bunion pain away.
    • Avoid participating in high-impact activities too often. Break them up with less stress-provoking options like biking and swimming.
    Call our team at (303) 805-5156 if you have any questions or would like to discuss other options to keep your bunions from hurting. Also, you check out our Facebook or pages for more tips to treat your bunion. You don’t have to let bunion pain stop you from enjoying a full and active life!

  • Can I get rid of a bunion on my own?

    Painful bunionsUnfortunately, you cannot simply get rid of a bunion yourself. The only way to banish the painful bump is by way of a surgical procedure. There are, however, things you can do to slow the progression of the problem and ease painful symptoms.

    Choosing shoes with wide and deep toe boxes, low heels, and made of materials that offer a little give to accommodate the bump, will go a long way toward reducing discomfort. Stretching your big toe, using bunion pads, and wearing splints that hold the toe in proper position can all help as well. You can also try taping your toe in to place, or slipping orthotics into your shoes. If your bunion is red, swollen, and painful like they can often be, take a load off, ice the area, and relieve inflammation with medication.

    If these methods fail to bring you relief, then you might want to consider the only true way to get rid of a bunion, and that’s surgery. Call our doctors to discuss your options by dialing (303) 805-5156.

  • What foot stretches should I do for my job?

    Jobs that keep you on your feetWhether done before you head to work, or on your break, foot stretches can help working feet stay limber and strong. Try simply raising up and down on your toes to strengthen muscles, or flexing your feet then pointing your toes. Face a wall with hands pressed against it and legs extended behind you, then press your heels to the floor to stretch your calf muscle, bending your knee slightly to stretch your Achilles. Ankle rotations are great for keeping joints healthy, too.

    Make sure if your job requires standing for long periods of time that you take breaks to give your feet a rest, and invest in supportive comfortable shoes. One last thing—remember, when you get home from work, there’s nothing like a nice foot massage!

    For more tips to make sure your working feet get the TLC they need, give us a call at (303) 805-5156.

  • What does dry needling treat?

    Dry Needling is a type of physical therapyDry needling is a physical therapy treatment designed to stimulate particular points in your muscles to improve pain and function issues. Typically it relieves muscle pain and tension as well as helps restore range of motion to the treated areas. This often includes common musculoskeletal issues in the shoulders, heels, hips, and back. Normally this method is used in conjunction with other types of therapy, so it can help supplement them and add its unique benefits to your other treatments.

    Dry needling uses a very thin needle that gets inserted under the skin and into specific “trigger points.” These trigger points are tight bands of skeletal muscle tissue in a larger group of muscles. Often these points are tender when you press on the muscle group with your fingers. The needle stimulates the tightened part of the muscle, helping it handle pain and function better. It’s always best to work with an experienced physical therapist you trust before considering this method for your pain relief. Let our teams at Castle Pines Physical Therapy and Cherry Creek Physical Therapy help you determine if this method could right for your needs. Contact our Colorado office online or by calling (303) 805-5156.

  • Will my toenail fungus come back?

    Can fungus return?Toenail fungus can certainly come back if you are not careful. Even once you’ve eliminated the infection entirely, if the conditions are right, re-exposure to the pathogen can cause a brand new infection. This is particularly likely if you don’t eliminate the residual fungus in your shoes, or you walk barefoot in high risk areas. When you have a fungal nail infection and wear shoes, some of the pathogen can transfer to the inside of your footwear. The damp, enclosed conditions can allow it to continue to fester and grow. Certain location, like pools, public restrooms, locker rooms, and saunas also provide great environments for the infection to spread, so walking barefoot there can put your feet and nails back into contact with the fungus.

    The only way to keep the infection from coming back is to take preventative measures now, before a problem arises. Our team at Podiatry Associates, P.C. can help you with this, as well as getting rid of the problem in the first place. Contact our offices in Castle Pines, Parker, Aurora and Cherry Creek, CO, for information or an appointment today. Call (303) 805-5156 or use our online forms to reach us.