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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  • Is physical therapy helpful for minor and chronic pain?

    Some people feel silly coming into physical therapy for minor pain, but you shouldn’t. Chances are your pain will progress from a minor acute condition to a major chronic condition if left alone. This can make your rehabilitation a longer process. Addressing minor pain can help you avoid complications and the harder treatments later on. However, if you’re already battling chronic pain, don’t give up and accept that as part of your life. Now is the time to seek out the proper treatment you need, and eliminate the discomfort from your life as much as possible.

    Appointments with our physical therapists are one-on-one and work to both relieve your symptoms and correct the source of the pain. Contact Castle Pines and Cherry Creek Physical Therapy today for an appointment or more information about how we can help you with your discomfort. Call (303) 805-5156, or visit the online contact page to reach us.

  • What could cause one shoulder to sit higher than the other?

    Shoulder examEveryone looks in the mirror, but have you ever really looked at your shoulders? When one shoulder appears to sit higher than the other when you see your reflection, you could have developed a scapular instability. This is a condition where your scapula sits in an abnormal position. Even if this condition is not painful now, you may begin to develop pain the longer your scapula sits incorrectly. Eventually this could lead to further injuries, such as biceps tendinitis. To determine the best path forward for treatment, you will need to have your shoulders examined and the severity of your condition assessed.

    Don’t wait for your misaligned shoulders to lead to complications—contact Castle Pines Physical Therapy or Cherry Creek Physical Therapy for more information or a one-on-one appointment with our expert physical therapy staff. Call (303) 805-5156, or visit the online contact page to reach us.

  • Should I get help for shoulder pain?

    Shoulder painPlenty of people struggle with shoulder pain, but don’t seek help because they can still function normally. You shouldn’t wait too long to have the problem checked out, however. Shoulder injuries can start out as a basic nagging pain, but quickly transition to severe pain the longer the underlying source of the condition goes untreated. Addressing the problem before it has a chance to deteriorate also makes it easier to treat, so it’s more likely to heal quickly. The longer you wait, the more involved the remedy will be.

    If you’re concerned about your shoulder, contact the experts at Castle Pines Physical Therapy or Cherry Creek Physical Therapy. We treat problems that are still small, as well as the ones that have developed into chronic issues. Contact our office today to schedule an appointment, or request more information by calling (303) 805-5156 or visiting the online contact page.

  • What is tarsal tunnel syndrome?

    Tarsal tunnel syndromeTarsal 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.

  • What is a podiatrist?

    A podiatrist is a foot doctorA podiatrist is a specialist for the feet and ankles. Your lower limbs are more complicated than you might think. Between them both, they contain a quarter of all the bones in your body, dozens of muscle pairs, tendons, ligaments, veins, and nerves, not to mention fatty cushioning and your skin. Your foot must be strong and stable enough to hold your entire bodyweight when you stand, and an even greater force when you walk or run. They must also be flexible and moveable enough to adjust to the surfaces underneath you and your movements. Numerous systemic diseases—like diabetes and peripheral artery disease—have side effects that involve your feet. 

    Podiatrists spend 4 years of medical school specializing in the lower limbs. Then they attend a residency program where they receive additional training in surgery. There is no other medical provider that has more knowledge about the feet than podiatrists. If you’re looking for an experienced doctor to treat discomfort or weakness in your lower limbs, contact Podiatry Associates, P.C. in Castle Pines, Cherry Creek in Denver and Parker for an appointment or more information. You can reach us by calling (303) 805-5156 or visiting the website contact page.

  • What type of orthotic do I need?

    OrthoticsThe type of orthotic you need depends on the problem being treated. There are two different types of prescription orthotics: functional and accommodative. Functional orthotics are made to control abnormal function. They are used to treat structural deformities, which can cause problems like tendonitis and plantar fasciitis. Accommodative orthotics provide a soft cushion to protect boney areas. This type is especially important for people with diabetes or nerve disorders, since rubbing on those hard prominences can lead to open sores.

    It is important to have your orthotics custom made by an experienced professional so that they are comfortable, fit in the majority of the shoes that you wear, and manage your condition. One size does not fit all. If orthotics are hard or prefabricated, they can actually cause pain because they press into your foot instead of supporting it. Contact the experts at Podiatry Associates, P.C. for all your orthotic needs. Visit our online contact page, or call us at (303) 805-5156 for an appointment or more information.

  • What is calcaneal apophysitis?

    Happy childrenCalcaneal apophysitis, or Sever’s disease, is one of the most common causes of heel pain in children. Although it sounds intimidating and serious, it is a frequent issue among athletic, growing children. The heel bone grows faster than the connective tissues attached to it. This can lead to an uncomfortable tightening in the Achilles tendon, which pulls on the back of the heel. The growth plate there then becomes inflamed and painful. Regular activity like sports also aggravates the problem. The good news is that your child will eventually grow out of the condition. To handle the pain now, however, he or she will need treatment.

    Our goal for your child is to allow them to continue their sporting events without pain. We will provide the most accurate diagnosis possible and design the best treatment plan for your child to relieve symptoms and stay active. Contact Podiatry Associates, P.C. in Castle Pines, Cherry Creek and Parker for an appointment or more information to take care of your child’s feet. Call (303) 805-5156, or visit the website contact page to reach us.

  • How can I get back into running?

    Getting back on the pathDoes 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!

  • Are my new shoes causing my foot pain?

    Shoes can cause foot problemsOften times high-end running shoes are developed and manufactured to accommodate a particular foot structure or foot type.  Depending on your foot type, it is possible that the shoes may be causing irritation to your feet.  However, more commonly when new training shoes are purchased there is a tendency to increase your workout duration or intensity.  It may not be the shoe that needs adjusting, but rather your training technique or workout regimen.

    As foot and ankle specialists, the physicians at Podiatry Associate, PC can help provide shoe gear and activity recommendations. Contact our office today at 303-805-5156 to schedule an appointment at our Parker, Cherry Creek or Castle Pines location.

  • Where can I get orthotics that fit?

    The doctors right here at Podiatry Associates, P.C. make custom molded orthotics that fit into your current footwear—even your dress shoes. We know that if you never wear your orthotics, they can’t help you. That is why we are very careful in customizing devices that will fit into the majority of the shoes you wear.

    When you come in for an appointment, the doctors will take a plaster mold of your foot in its neutral position. This is the position of your foot before you stand on it. This allows the doctor to see and measure your foot before it settles into a bad biomechanical position by being placed on the floor. Then they use the mold to fashion the prescription insert.

     Custom orthotics can cure pain in your feet, knees, hips, and lower back by providing the biomechanical support that you need for your skeletal structure. If you need new orthotics, contact Podiatry Associates, P.C. in Castle Pines, Cherry Creek and Parker for an appointment or more information. You can reach us by visiting the online contact page or by calling (303) 805-5156.