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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  • What will happen if I ignore my heel pain?

    Heel painIf you don’t treat your heel pain early in its onset, it is much harder to resolve. The affected tissues become chronically inflamed and don’t respond as well to treatment. When you seek a remedy right away, we can usually cure heel pain with appropriate shoe choices, stretching, and custom orthotics. If you do put off getting help, however, don’t fret. Conservative treatments can still resolve your discomfort, though it may take longer and be more involved. Very rarely does anyone need surgery for heel pain—more than 95% of patients with the problem are healed using noninvasive measures.

    Don’t wait to have your heel pain resolved. Contact Podiatry Associates, P.C. for an appointment or more information on how to take care of your feet. You can reach our Castle Pines, Cherry Creek, and Parker locations by visiting our online contact page or calling (303) 805-5156.

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  • What is causing the pain at the back of my heel?

    Pain in the heelPain at the back of the heel could be caused by Achilles tendinitis. This condition is the irritation and inflammation of the large tendon that allows your foot to move up and down. This is generally an overuse injury, but it can also be caused by a bony spur growing on the back of your heel. These spurs develop when the heel is under a lot of tension. They then rub against the tendon, irritating it and causing the pain. The doctors need to see exactly what is causing the problem to be able to treat it properly, so X-rays are very important in making this diagnosis. At Podiatry Associates, P.C., we have state-of-the-art imaging technology that can helps us to determine what is causing your pain. If you’re struggling with back of the heel discomfort, don’t ignore it. Achilles tendinitis doesn’t get better without treatment. Contact us at our offices in Castle Pines and Parker for an appointment or more information by calling (303) 805-5156 or by visiting the online contact page.

  • How can I ease the pain in my elbow?

    Tennis playerTendinitis in the elbow is common in tennis players and golfers, as well as anyone who performs repetitive movements with their arms. Tendinitis occurs at the elbow when muscles at that joint are overworked and are not given the opportunity to completely heal. Decreased mobility and strength at any point throughout the upper extremity (shoulder included) can contribute to over-stressing the muscles at the elbow.

    A physical therapist will complete an evaluation of your entire upper extremity in order to determine the exact cause of your elbow tendinitis. At Castle Pines Physical Therapy, a physical therapist will tailor a treatment plan to your body's specific needs. This plan will help to create more mobility and flexibility as well as to strengthen weak muscle groups.

    Contact our office at 303-805-5156 to schedule appointment. Before your first therapy visit, be sure to ice your elbow to help with inflammation at the tendons. This will also ease the pain you are experiencing. Let us help you get back to the activities you love!

     

  • How can I avoid pulling hamstrings?

    StretchingYour hamstrings can be "pulling" or strained for a variety of reasons including a limitation in hamstring flexibility.  It is important to maintain adequate length of the hamstrings as well as other surrounding muscles such as your glutes, IT bands, and hip flexors.  A physical therapist can instruct you to perform specific stretches to lengthen tight muscles as well as ensure you are stretching properly and maintaining your stretches for an appropriate length of time.

    In addition, your hamstrings can be strained due to over-compensation.  You could be over-using your hamstrings because other muscles that are weak. This causes you to put extra stress and strain on that muscle group.  A physical therapist will perform a full evaluation to find out what exactly is causing you to over-compensate with your hamstrings, as well as formulate a stretching and strengthening program that is tailored specifically to you and your body's specific needs.

    Call us today at 303-805-5156 to make an appointment with one of our highly skilled physical therapists at Castle Pines Physical Therapy. or Cherry Creek Physical Therapy in Denver CO. 

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  • Am I suffering from a high-ankle sprain?

    High ankle sprainA high ankle sprain involves your anterior tibiofibular ligament and can be very painful. While this is not the most common ankle sprain seen it is definitely a common contender with individuals who are active and participate in contact sports.

    Treatment for a high-ankle sprain initially consists of R.I.C.E. (Rest. Ice. Compression. Elevation). But once the initial inflammation subsides, it is important to seek the help of a physical therapist for optimal recovery.

    Ligamentous injuries, such as a high-ankle sprain, take longer to recover than bone injuries such as a fracture. That makes early physical therapy intervention that much more important. Call Castle Pine Physical Therapy at 303-805-5156 today and set up a consultation. Jennifer is ready to work with you to get your ankle back in shape!

  • Are bunions hereditary?

    Bunions and high heelsThere 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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  • Are all bunion procedures painful?

    BunionsThe amount of postoperative pain and discomfort depends on the type of procedure performed as well as the extent of the deformity that is being corrected. Simply removing part of the protrusion may not involve a lot of pain. The more displaced the toe is, though, the more difficult it is to get things lined up properly again. Cutting and realigning bones is a more complicated surgery and your recovery may be more painful.

    At Podiatry Associates, PC we strive to correct your bunion deformity with the appropriate procedure that will provide the most ideal results and the least amount of pain. Call 303-805-5156 to set up a consultation at our Castle Pines, Cherry Creek in Denver, or Parker, CO location, and we will help you determine the right course for you.

  • Is there a connection between cowboy boots and bunions?

    Cowboy bootYes! 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.


     

     

  • How can physical therapy help with my bunion?

    BunionsBunions typically develop secondary to both genetic and mechanical problems. Bunions are more likely to develop in feet with low arches, lax ligaments, and little support. Though a physical therapist cannot structurally change your foot type, they can help with how your foot and walking mechanics affect your toe. Your physical therapist will provide you with stretches and exercises to balance your muscles, correct your motion, and normalize how force is distributed through your foot. A physical therapist can also help decrease pain and inflammation present at the toe as well as make footwear and orthotic recommendations.

    Over time and without treatment, bunion pain will only worsen. Don’t allow this deformity to impact each step that you take. Help is available at Castle Pines and Cherry Creek Physical Therapy. Our team will help you get back to your normal routine through effective, conservative treatments. Don’t wait! Call 303-805-5156 today to schedule a visit.

  • When can I return to sports after I have sustained an injury?

    SportsIt always seems as though you hear on the news that an athlete has sustained an injury and then in no time they are back on the field! It is important to keep in mind that professional athletes are typically in excellent condition physically. Being in excellent physical condition can decrease how severe an injury is, and it can also expedite injury recovery. Athletes also receive treatment for their injury immediately. Whenever an athlete goes down on the field, a medical team rushes to them immediately. Many patients tend to "wait for it to go away on its own," and this delays the healing process. Professional athletes are also dedicated to their recovery process, and they work extremely hard at rehabilitating their injury.

    Remember, each individual is different! Returning to sports depends on the type of injury, the severity of the injury, age, physical condition of the individual who sustained the injury, how quickly the individual began treatment, what the treatment consisted of, how committed the patient is to their rehabilitation, and the patient’s attitude and beliefs towards recovery! While that might sound overwhelming, at Castle Pines and Cherry Creek Physical Therapy you’ll find a team of experts ready to walk you through the recovery process. Dial 303-805-5156 to schedule an evaluation.

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