Skin and Toenail Care FAQs

Podiatry Associates NurseWhen 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 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!

  • What is a hammertoe?

    How you get a hammertoeA hammertoe is a common, minor toe deformity that affects one of your small digits. The middle joint of a small toe gets stuck in a cramped, bent position, so your digit looks somewhat like a hammer. This happens because of an imbalance between the muscles and tendons that keep your toe straight. One of the connectors tightens or shortens, keeping the joint stuck in a bent position. Often this happens because tight, poorly fitting shoes either cramp your digits or put pressure on your forefoot and strain the tendons attached to your toes. Other problems like arthritis, injuries, and even bunion deformities can contribute to this condition.

    As a result of the bent joint, wearing certain shoes may be painful for you. You’re more likely to develop calluses and have toe pain. Normally hammertoes are simple to treat using non-invasive, conservative methods. If those methods fail, however, a simple hammertoe surgery can correct the problem at the source and eliminate your pain. Let Podiatry Associates, P.C. help you take care of any toe troubles today. Just use our website or call (303) 805-5156 to contact our offices in Castle Pines, Denver, Aurora and Parker, CO.

  • What are the most common endurance sports injuries?

    Injuries common to distance runnersEndurance sports take their toll on the body over time, which can create a number of common injuries. Some of the most common endurance sports injuries include Achilles tendinitis, plantar fasciitis, patellofemoral pain syndrome, iliotibial (IT) band syndrome, and stress fractures.

    • Achilles tendinitis is a problem with irritation, thickening, and stiffening in the Achilles from repetitive pressures on your feet.
    • Plantar fasciitis is an overuse injury that creates heel pain from repetitive hard impacts.
    • Patellofemoral pain is discomfort under your knee cap, which develops over time as your knee gets strained by hard impacts, jumping, or poor technique.
    • IT band syndrome is an issue with inflammation on the inside of your knee from the stabilizing band there rubbing against your bones.
    • Stress fractures are painful cracks in your bones from repetitive hard impacts.

    All of these injuries are common to endurance sports. This is because your lower limbs are performing the same motion over and over again, aggravating the tissues, or they’re absorb many hard impacts and strain over time. All of these conditions are very treatable. Our team at Podiatry Associates, P.C. will help you start treatment right away. Make an appointment by calling our Castle Pines, Cherry Creek, Aurora or Parker, CO, offices at (303) 805-5156.

  • Can custom orthotics be made for any type of shoe?

    Custom orthotics for different types of shoesYes, custom orthotics can be made for specific types of shoes. Most of these inserts are designed to fit many types of daily footwear, though, so you may not need special pairs. You can simply slip out your orthotics and switch them to the shoes or even sandals you plan to wear next. Other orthotics, however, can be made for specific shoe styles and purposes. Running orthotics are designed to help control and support your feet as you run, so they would be made to fit your athletic footwear. Other pairs can be designed to fit into dress shoes, and in some cases, even heels.

    The best plan is to discuss your orthotics with specialists like our team at Podiatry Associates, P.C. about when and how you will use your orthotic inserts. If you want or need custom inserts for a particular pair of shoes, like dress shoes, but your ordinary ones do not fit, we may be able to help you with a specially designed pair. Other people, however, may not need this accommodation. Make an appointment at our Parker, Castle Pines, and Cherry Creek, CO, offices today to discover what is best for your feet. You can reach us by calling (303) 805-5156 or through our web request forms.

  • What can I do about foot pain during pregnancy?

    Foot pain during pregnancyUnfortunately, foot pain during pregnancy is very common because of the extra weight on your lower limbs and certain hormones that relax ligaments throughout your body. The good news is that you can do plenty to relieve this discomfort. Make sure you wear shoes that have arch support and cushioning under your soles to handle the extra pressure. You might need to get slightly larger footwear, too. As various ligaments relax, the extra weight can flatten out your foot, making it slightly longer and wider.

    When your feet swell, prop them up so they are at least parallel to the ground. Although it seems contradictory, drink plenty of fluids. Being dehydrated makes swelling much worse. Avoid wearing socks or shoes that squeeze or restrict your circulation. Little exercises that improve circulation can help as well. Exercise is also a remedy for cramping feet. If you’re struggling with foot pain during pregnancy, know you can get help. Podiatry Associates, P.C. in Parker, Cherry Creek, and Castle Pines, CO, wants to make sure you stay comfortable throughout your pregnancy. Use our online forms or call (303) 805-5156 to reach us for an appointment.

  • Does pregnancy affect your feet?

    Pregnancy and your feetPregnancy absolutely affects your feet in several ways, which may or may not cause some level of discomfort for expectant mothers. Natural weight gain from carrying your bundle of joy can put extra pressure on your lower limbs. This can contribute to sore feet and heel pain from the extra stress on your connective tissues. The extra weight can actually make your feet larger, too—the pressure slightly flattens your natural arch, making your lower limbs longer and possibly wider. You may notice an increase in overpronation as a result as well, which may make you more prone to arch and heel pain problems.

    The pressure can also contribute to other side effects like swelling, spider veins, and muscle cramping. The key is to keep an eye on any changes in your lower limbs and, if they don’t improve with a little home care, have them checked and treated. Pregnancy changes don’t have to include foot pain. Our team at Podiatry Associates, P.C. wants to make sure you stay pain-free while carrying your bundle of joy. Make an appointment at our Cherry Creek, Parker, or Castle Pines, CO, locations by calling (303) 805-5156.

  • How can I treat my swollen feet?

    Compression socks can help stop swellingTreating swelling feet involves both addressing the symptoms and the underlying cause. Mild edema usually goes away on its own, or with simple treatment, like elevation or compression. Elevation means keeping your feet at least parallel to the ground. Compression involves wearing special stockings or a wrap bandage around your lower limb. Exercising and adjusting positions can help with swelling as well. Try to exercise regularly, and avoid sitting or standing without change for extended periods of time. Massaging the swollen tissues may also improve the problem.

    Serious edema that results from diseases, allergic reactions, or other conditions may need medications and more intensive treatments to address the problem. Underlying health problems like heart conditions or circulatory problems will need to be managed to truly eliminate the edema. If you’re struggling at all with swelling feet or ankles, let our team at Podiatry Associates, P.C. help you identify the source and alleviate the discomfort. Make an appointment at our Castle Pines, Parker, or Cherry Creek, CO offices online. You can also call (303) 805-5156.

  • What is causing my feet to be swollen?

    Swollen footMany things can cause swelling feet. Some culprits are harmless, while others are serious health concerns. Spending too much time sitting or standing can both cause fluid to pool in your lower limbs. Being overweight or obese increases your odds for swollen feet as well. Pregnancy is another common culprit. Normally this is simply because of the extra pressure on your feet and ankles, but occasionally it can be a sign of preeclampsia, which is a pregnancy complication. Swelling often follows a lower limb injury, too, like a sprain or a fracture.

    There are more serious reasons feet sometimes swell. Weakened veins in your lower limbs leave you prone to it. An ineffective lymphatic system, which pumps away excess fluids in your tissues, may be an underlying problem as well. In rarer cases, it could be a dangerous issue with organs. Cirrhosis of the liver, kidney disease or damage, and congestive heart failure can all cause lower limb swelling—though they are generally accompanied by other symptoms. Let Podiatry Associates, P.C. help you identify the cause of your swollen feet. Call (303) 805-5156 or use our website to make an appointment at our Cherry Creek, Parker, or Castle Pines offices.