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Posts for category: Foot Care

By Colorado Foot and Ankle
July 07, 2020
Category: Foot Care
Tags: Heel Pain  

Don’t let heel pain be the boss of you.

Heel pain can be a real nuisance. You thought you were going to take a beautiful hike around Colorado Springs, but your foot had different plans. Heel pain is one of the most common symptoms that bring people into the podiatric practice of Dr. Eric Gessner, Dr. Bryan Groth and Dr. Jacob Fassman. Here are some steps you can take to help tackle your heel pain,

Pain Relievers

Sure, medication won’t fix your inflamed plantar fascia, but it can temporarily alleviate the pain so you can feel more comfortable. Try an over-the-counter pain reliever such as ibuprofen or naproxen, which can help manage both pain and swelling. If the pain is too intense or isn’t responding to OTC pain relievers, then it’s time to talk to one of our Colorado Springs foot doctors to find out ways to manage your heel pain.

Foot Exercises

While you should stay off your feet and avoid any exercises and activities that could exacerbate your condition, there are still certain stretching and strengthening exercises that your foot doctor may recommend doing. These exercises can promote better mobility and stability in the feet, which reducing pain and stiffness. In some cases, your doctor may recommend physical therapy to help strengthen and retrain the tendons, low leg muscles and plantar fascia to prevent this problem in the future.

Bracing

In some cases, your podiatrist may suggest wearing a night splint or bracing the foot to help stretch and lengthen the plantar fasciitis while you sleep. This can provide the foot with support while also reducing any pain and stiffness that you may feel first thing in the morning.

We are pleased to announce that Colorado Foot and Ankle has opened another office location in Colorado Springs to help address everything from your heel pain and bunion problems to ingrown toenails and diabetic feet. We are practicing all CDC guidelines and disinfecting protocols to provide you with safe, reliable medical care. To schedule an appointment call us at (719) 475-8080.

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By Colorado Foot and Ankle
June 25, 2020
Category: Foot Care
Tags: Podiatrist  
PodiatristAre you wondering whether you should be turning to a podiatrist for care?
 
We don’t often think about the health of our feet until they start to cause us problems. Once foot pain, swelling and other problems set in, it is most likely a good time to visit a podiatrist to find out what’s going on. While minor pain and swelling may be alleviated through rest and home care, you should visit a podiatrist if you are dealing with:
  • Ingrown toenails
  • Chronic heel pain
  • A broken foot or ankle
  • Numbness, tingling or loss of sensation in the feet
  • Severe pain
  • Difficulty bearing weight on a foot or ankle
  • A visible foot deformity
  • Signs of infection (e.g. redness; swelling; fever)
  • An ulcer or open wound
Need to come in for an evaluation? If so, here’s what to expect when you come into our podiatrist’s office for care,
 
We’ll go through your medical history
 
It’s important to understand your current health status as well as any conditions that could cause further problems for your feet and ankles. For example, patients with diabetes are more at risk for foot-related complications; therefore, it’s important to know all the details of your medical history so we can provide you with more effective care.
 
We will examine your foot
 
Next, we will perform a thorough physical examination of the affected foot and ankle. We will look for everything from visible deformities such as bunion and hammertoes, to issues with blood flow or changes in the color of your skin. A physical exam of your feet and ankles can tell us a lot about what might be going on.
 
We will determine if imaging tests are needing
 
Sometimes a physical examination is all that’s needed to be able to determine what’s going on. This is often the case with outward problems such as ingrown toenails or fungal infections; however, problems that affect the bones, ligaments and muscles of the foot may require imaging tests such as MRIs or X-rays to make a proper diagnosis.
 
We will map out a treatment plan
 
Once we’ve determined the cause of your symptoms, we can create your individualized treatment plan. The treatment options we recommend will depend on the type and severity of your condition. Acute and minor conditions will heal with rest and proper home care while more severe or chronic conditions may require long-term maintenance, therapies and medication. This is something that our podiatrist can discuss with you at length during your appointment.
 
If you are looking for someone to provide you with specialized foot and ankle care then a podiatrist is the right doctor for you.
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By Colorado Foot and Ankle
May 28, 2020
Category: Foot Care
Tags: Toenail Fungus  
Onychomycosis is the technical term for toenail fungus. It’s when fungus gets under the nail and causes an infection. You’ll notice that the nail changes color and starts emitting an odor. If left untreated, the infection can spread to the other toes and even the fingers. The best thing to do is to schedule an appointment with your local podiatrist. 
 
What Causes Toenail Fungus?
Your feet are vulnerable to fungi and bacteria due to their location on the body. This is especially true if you go barefoot in damp areas like locker rooms, showers, and swimming pools. Your feet come in direct contact with these pathogens. An injury to the nail bed also opens your body up to infection. Even the smallest cut provides an opening for bacteria. Other possible risk factors include pre-existing medical conditions like immune-deficiency, diabetes, circulatory problems, and other chronic illnesses. 
 
Podiatry Treatment for Toenail Fungus
Schedule an appointment with your podiatrist right away when you notice differences in the appearance of your toenail. This includes any thickening, discoloration, or deformity. Your podiatrist will first need to make a diagnosis before treatment starts. This is done through a simple lab test. 
 
The first line of treatment includes oral and topical antifungal. Topical antifungal medication or cream is applied directly to the nail. Oral antifungal is taken just like regular medication. These are also more effective. You will take the oral antifungal for approximately three months.
 
For severe cases, patients require surgery. That’s why it’s so important to seek treatment from your foot doctor right away. They can help you before it gets to this point. Otherwise, your podiatrist performs a temporary removal of the nail. This gives your doctor space to evenly apply the topical antifungal.  
 
Toenails that don’t respond to any treatment need permanent nail removal. This eliminates the fungal infection while getting rid of the damaged nail.
 
At-Home Solutions for Toenail Fungus
There are a few things you can do at home to help treat your toenail fungus. A strict cleaning regime can relieve mild infections. Patients have found success in filing off the white marks and then applying over-the-counter antifungal agents. These do not stop infections from coming back, which is why we encourage patients to seek treatment from a medical professional.
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By Colorado Foot and Ankle
April 29, 2020
Category: Foot Care
Tags: Shoes   Injuries  
The Right ShoesExercise is an important aspect of keeping our bodies healthy and happy. That’s why it’s so important to wear the correct shoes for certain activities. Whether you’re an athlete, workout buff, or enjoy walking and hiking, you need the proper footwear. It makes the difference between enjoying your favorite activities and sitting out with an avoidable injury. Talk to your podiatrist to have your feet evaluated for your future workout needs.
 
Essential Equipment
All exercise involves your feet, ankles, and knees. Placing pressure on them puts you at risk for strains, sprains, and wear-and-tear injuries. Find shoes made specifically for the activity you engage in while also providing a good fit. They should accommodate your body and activity level. 
 
Pay attention to the wear on your older shoes. The soles show where you need more support in the future. The right shoe also feels good from the start. Don’t believe the sentiment that a shoe needs to be broken in. This is not true and creates ongoing problems. 
 
Matching Your Shoe to Your Sport
Different types of exercise affect your feet in different ways. Your shoes need to support the high-risk areas. 
  • Running requires shoes with shock absorption. Your feet take on a lot of pressure and friction. Cushioning your shoes in the correct areas keeps you from feeling the pain. 
  • Traction is important in sports that need quick changes in direction and sprinting, like basketball. Traction should never be too high or low. The right shoes keep you from slipping on the floor while letting you move and pivot.
  • Ankle support is a must. It limits the side-to-side movement that knocks your ankle out of alignment. This kind of support keeps ankle sprains at bay. For sports like basketball, hockey, skiing, and skating, make sure that your shoes aren’t too high. Otherwise, they will dig into your Achilles tendon. You can also wear soft ankle braces.
  • Arch support varies for everyone. Your podiatrist can test your foot to determine your gait. Depending on the results, your podiatrist can recommend orthotics or special shoe inserts.
Remember to Replace Your Old Shoes
Pay attention to the state of your shoes to understand when to replace them. When the condition starts to decline, especially the arch support and sole, it’s time to go shopping. Start looking for a replacement when they become uncomfortable and wear differently. You don’t have to wear shoes for a long time for them to wear out either. If you are participating in sports or activity on an almost daily basis, your shoes are bound to wear out quickly. 
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By Colorado Foot and Ankle
April 23, 2020
Category: Foot Care
Tags: plantar warts  

Plantar warts are tiny growths that typically form on the heels and other portions of the feet that usually bear weight. This pressure might likewise cause warts to form inward under the callus, which is a thick, rough skin layer. HPV causes plantar warts, and it can enter the body via small breaks or cuts on the bottom part of the feet.

That being said, most cases of plantar warts are not serious health issues and often go away with home treatments. However, those who have diabetes, are immuno-compromised or have recurring plantar warts despite diligent home treatments, should visit their podiatrist here at the Colorado Foot and Ankle Clinic.

During a consultation at one of our offices in Briargate Parkway or Pikes Peak Ave, Colorado Springs, Dr. Eric Gessner, Dr. Bryan Groth, or Dr. Jacob Fassman, will examine your plantar warts and take into account your specific circumstances to recommend the most suitable treatment options for you.

How Do I Know If I Have Plantar Warts?

Symptoms of plantar warts include the following:

  • Tiny, grainy, and rough lesions or growths at the foot’s bottom part, typically on your heel’s forefoot and base of your toes
  • Thickened, hard skin covering a defined spot where the plantar warts have formed inward
  • Lesions that intrude on the normal ridges and lines on the foot’s bottom part
  • Black pinpoints that look like tiny seeds, which are clotted blood vessels
  • Tenderness or pain when standing or walking

How Do I Prevent Plantar Wart?

To minimize your risk of developing plantar warts, do the following precautions:

  • Keep your feet dry and clean.
  • Change your socks daily.
  • Avoid contact with warts, even your own, and always wash your hands thoroughly after you’re touched a wart.
  • Never scratch or pick at warts.
  • Don’t walk barefoot in locker rooms and around swimming pools.
  • Never use the same nail clipper, pumice stone, or emery board on your wart-free skin that you use on your warts.

When Should I See My Podiatrist?

Visit your podiatrist in our Briargate Parkway or Pikes Peak Ave, Colorado Springs, locations to get your plantar warts examined if:

  • Your warts become painful, bleed, or has changed color or appearance
  • You have tried wart medications, but your warts recur, multiply, or persist
  • Your warts are affecting your daily activities
  • You’re not 100% certain whether or not your lesions are plantar warts
  • Your feet have reduced sensation
  • You’re a diabetic
  • You have a compromised immune system due to an immune system disorder like AIDS or are taking immunosuppressants

Need Help With Your Plantar Warts? Call Us

Dial (719) 475-8080 to reach Colorado Foot and Ankle and schedule your appointment with Dr. Eric Gessner, Dr. Bryan Groth, or Dr. Jacob Fassman, in our Pikes Peak Ave or Briargate Parkway, Colorado Springs, locations.

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