Skin and Toenail Care FAQs

There is much debate about this topic in the medical literature.  There are certain genetic traits that can lead to abnormal biomechanics of the lower extremities.  In other words, joint hypermobility or ligament laxity can lead to abnormal motion through the foot and can potentially lead to a bunion deformity. Whether you have inherited these risk factors or not, any bunion formation will be aggravated by poor shoe choice. Always make sure your shoes leave enough room for your toes to move freely. If you are at risk for developing bunions, consider checking out if a custom orthotic could help head off a painful problem that could limit your activities. Contact Podiatry Associates, P.C. in Castle Pines, Cherry Creek, or Parker, CO by calling 303-805-5156 and let us help fit you with custom inserts designed just for you.

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Yes! Now this doesn’t mean every individual who wears cowboy boots will develop a bunion. However, it does mean that restrictive tight shoes (primarily those with a narrow toe box), can contribute to either the development of a bunion or irritation of a present bunion.

If you are someone who solely wears cowboy boots, it might be time to add some shoes with a wider toe box to your closet. Athletic shoes are a great choice. While this option may not suite your fashion standards, it will certainly help reduce the pain you suffer from a bunion. A less optimal style are cowboy boots with a wider toe box, but we all know the selection is very limited.

Whether your bunion formed or is irritated by cowboy boots, find help at Castle Pines and Cherry Creek Physical Therapy. Don’t let a bunion get the best of you and your cowboy boots! Call our office at 303-805-5156 to schedule an appointment.


 

 

Tarsal tunnel syndrome is the painful pinching or compression of an important nerve that runs down the leg, behind the bump on the inside of your ankle, and to the underside of your foot. Many things can trap and pinch this nerve, including previous injuries to the ankle. Sometimes this condition can result in ankle or heel pain, which may lead to an inaccurate diagnosis of the problem.

Treating plantar fasciitis when you have tarsal tunnel will not help your heel feel better! At Podiatry Associates, P.C. we work hard to make the correct diagnosis before starting your treatment so that we do not waste your time. Making your pain go away quickly is a top priority. Using cutting-edge diagnostic imaging and techniques, our doctors will work with you to determine the best path forward for healing.

Contact our office for an appointment or more information to take care of your lower limb discomfort. You can reach our Castle Pines, Cherry Creek and Parker offices by calling (303) 805-5156 or visiting the online contact page.

Does this scenario sound familiar to you?  If so, we’re glad you’re asking this question. You might not be doing your body a service if you start your running season with such an intense workout.  A majority of sports medicine injuries occur from either not properly preparing for your sporting activity or excessively training.  Even the best athletes, after a period of rest or inactivity, have to slowly and gradually return to their peak level of fitness.

If injuries do occur, seek help from a foot and ankle sports medicine specialist trained in biomechanics of the lower extremities. This expert help will allow you to return to your desired activity much faster. Call Podiatry Associates, PC at 303-805-5156 to schedule an appointment with one of our podiatrists today. We can help you get back into your running routine!

We have seen bunions in children as early as 4-5 years of age, but they can form at any age. The earlier the age of onset of this type of bump, the more severe the deformity may become, and the more aggressive treatment may need to be. A bunion usually develops slowly over time, and people often ignore the early symptoms. However, this is the best time to come in and have us look at them, because the earlier treatment begins, the better the outcomes are. Custom-made orthotics can help to slow down the worsening of these deformities. This conservative remedy redistributes the weight more evenly over the foot and provides cushioning where it is needed to prevent pain.

If you notice a bump starting to form on the inside of your child’s big toe (or your own), it’s time to call Podiatry Associates, P.C. in Castle Pines, Cherry Creek, or Parker, CO at 303-805-5156 and set up an appointment. We want to help your feet stay healthy and mobile!

Wearing high heels does not cause bunions. If you don’t have the genetics to develop one, a particular shoe will not cause a bunion. However, if you have a bump on the side of your foot, these shoe styles can really cause it to hurt. They force your feet into an unnatural angle and put more pressure on the big toe joint, aggravating its tendency to move into the wrong position. If you must wear heels, it is best to stick to those that are around two inches high or less.

The same principles apply to boots, by the way. Make sure they have lower heels and plenty of room for your toes, plus room for the socks you will wear with them. If you need help finding shoes or boots that fit, contact Podiatry Associates, P.C. in Castle Pines, Cherry Creek in Denver, and Parker, CO by calling 303-805-5156 today.

Wear a shoe that does not rub on the bunion. This usually requires a style that is a little larger and wider in the front. Shoes with seams on the inside of the big toe area are not a good choice, either, because they will rub and usually cause the bunion to hurt. It is possible that a softer shoe, one that gives a little at the sides, will be easier to wear than a stiff, leather shoe.

Sometimes it is difficult to find shoes that do not cause pain, but padding a bunion only makes it worse. Without treatment, however, the problem will only increase until intervention by a podiatrist is necessary. If the pain is more than you want to put up with, call Podiatry Associates, P.C. in Castle Pines, Cherry Creek in Denver, and Parker, CO today at 303-805-5156 and find relief! 

When the temperature starts to rise all of us begin to venture outdoors and crave the beautiful Spring and Summer days in Colorado. Everyone starts making plans to go to the pool, parks, festivals, and sporting events. However, it is important to be cautious about the health of the skin on your feet.

In Colorado, our altitude puts us closer to the sun. This means that the strength of the sun may be a little bit more severe in our neck of the woods, making it extra critical that you protect yourself from harmful solar radiation. Your feet are no exception to this rule.

Melanoma is a malignant type of cancer that mostly effects the skin. This includes the skin on your feet. It is the biggest cause of skin cancer-related deaths and should be taken very seriously. A less-aggressive skin cancer, basal cell carcinoma, is also a risk from sun exposure.

If you notice any of the following, it is important that you contact a podiatrist at Podiatry Associates to look at your feet:

Pigment changes

Odd shapes or sizes on your feet

Unusual spotting on your feet

These could all be signs of skin cancer. Before you go outdoors, it is important to apply a generous layer of sunscreen on your body and feet.

For more help, contact one of our podiatrists at 303-805-5156 to schedule an appointment at our Castle Pines, Cherry Creek, or Parker, CO locations. We will discuss with you the right solution to keep your feet healthy and comfortable so that you can continue to enjoy your favorite outdoor activities in Colorado, pain free.