Items filtered by date: May 2025

Plantar fasciitis accounts for about 80 percent of all heel pain cases and affects roughly 10 percent of the population. It occurs when the plantar fascia, a thick band of tissue running along the bottom of the foot, becomes inflamed due to overuse, wearing poor footwear, tight calf muscles, or high-impact activities. Symptoms include sharp, stabbing heel pain, especially with the first steps in the morning or after long periods of rest. The heel may feel tender to the touch, and the pain often worsens after prolonged standing or walking. A podiatrist can diagnose plantar fasciitis through a physical exam and possibly imaging. Treatment includes stretching exercises, custom orthotics, night splints, anti-inflammatory medications, and corticosteroid injections. In more severe or chronic cases, advanced options like surgery may be recommended. If you have ongoing heel pain, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist who can accurately diagnose and treat plantar fasciitis.

Plantar fasciitis is a common foot condition that is often caused by a strain injury. If you are experiencing heel pain or symptoms of plantar fasciitis, contact one of our podiatrists from Front Range Podiatry. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

What Is Plantar Fasciitis?

Plantar fasciitis is one of the most common causes of heel pain. The plantar fascia is a ligament that connects your heel to the front of your foot. When this ligament becomes inflamed, plantar fasciitis is the result. If you have plantar fasciitis you will have a stabbing pain that usually occurs with your first steps in the morning. As the day progresses and you walk around more, this pain will start to disappear, but it will return after long periods of standing or sitting.

What Causes Plantar Fasciitis?

• Excessive running
• Having high arches in your feet
• Other foot issues such as flat feet
• Pregnancy (due to the sudden weight gain)
• Being on your feet very often

There are some risk factors that may make you more likely to develop plantar fasciitis compared to others. The condition most commonly affects adults between the ages of 40 and 60. It also tends to affect people who are obese because the extra pounds result in extra stress being placed on the plantar fascia.

Prevention

• Take good care of your feet – Wear shoes that have good arch support and heel cushioning.
• Maintain a healthy weight
• If you are a runner, alternate running with other sports that won’t cause heel pain

There are a variety of treatment options available for plantar fasciitis along with the pain that accompanies it. Additionally, physical therapy is a very important component in the treatment process. It is important that you meet with your podiatrist to determine which treatment option is best for you.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in Littleton, CO . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Wearing high heels may look stylish, but it can often lead to painful foot blisters. Blisters form when friction causes the layers of skin to separate, trapping fluid in between. High heels, especially those that are tight or have pointed toes, increase pressure and rubbing on certain areas of the foot, particularly the toes, heels, and balls of the feet. Symptoms include redness, tenderness, and the development of fluid-filled bumps that can make walking uncomfortable or painful. If the blister bursts, the exposed skin can sting and may be at risk for infection. A podiatrist can treat painful or infected blisters safely and recommend ways to prevent them in the future. Treatment options include padding, blister dressings, proper wound care, and advice on shoe fit and foot hygiene. Custom orthotics or cushioned inserts can also reduce pressure in problem areas. If you frequently develop foot blisters, or, if they have become infected, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment to see a podiatrist.

High heels have a history of causing foot and ankle problems. If you have any concerns about your feet or ankles, contact one of our podiatrists from Front Range Podiatry. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Effects of High Heels on the Feet

High heels are popular shoes among women because of their many styles and societal appeal.  Despite this, high heels can still cause many health problems if worn too frequently.

Which Parts of My Body Will Be Affected by High Heels?

• Ankle Joints
• Achilles Tendon – May shorten and stiffen with prolonged wear
• Balls of the Feet
• Knees – Heels cause the knees to bend constantly, creating stress on them
• Back – They decrease the spine’s ability to absorb shock, which may lead to back pain.  The vertebrae of the lower back may compress.

What Kinds of Foot Problems Can Develop from Wearing High Heels?

• Corns
• Calluses
• Hammertoe
• Bunions
• Morton’s Neuroma
• Plantar Fasciitis

How Can I Still Wear High Heels and Maintain Foot Health?

If you want to wear high heeled shoes, make sure that you are not wearing them every day, as this will help prevent long term physical problems.  Try wearing thicker heels as opposed to stilettos to distribute weight more evenly across the feet.  Always make sure you are wearing the proper shoes for the right occasion, such as sneakers for exercising.  If you walk to work, try carrying your heels with you and changing into them once you arrive at work.  Adding inserts to your heels can help cushion your feet and absorb shock. Full foot inserts or metatarsal pads are available. 

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our office located in Littleton, CO . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Playing pickleball can be a fun and active way to stay fit, but protecting your Achilles tendon is essential to avoid injury. One of the most effective ways to safeguard this area is by staying limber through regular stretching, which helps maintain flexibility and reduces strain. Begin each session with a proper warm-up to gradually prepare your muscles and tendons for movement. Move at a slow and steady pace, especially if you are new to the sport or returning after a break. Wearing shoes that provide good support and cushioning can prevent undue stress on your heel and Achilles tendon. Additionally, eating right by maintaining a balanced diet supports tendon health and recovery. If you have sustained an Achilles tendon injury while playing pickleball, it is suggested that you promptly contact a podiatrist who can treat this condition as quickly as possible, allowing you to return to play.

Ankle and foot injuries are common among athletes and in many sports. They can be caused by several problems and may be potentially serious. If you are feeling pain or think you were injured in a sporting event or when exercising, consult with one of our podiatrists from Front Range Podiatry. Our doctors will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

Common Injuries

The most common injuries that occur in sporting activities include:

• Achilles Tendonitis
• Achilles Tendon Rupture
• Ankle Sprains
• Broken Foot
• Plantar Fasciitis
• Stress Fractures
• Turf Toe

Symptoms

Symptoms vary depending upon the injury and in some cases, there may be no symptoms at all. However, in most cases, some form of symptom is experienced. Pain, aching, burning, bruising, tenderness, tightness or stiffness, sensation loss, difficulty moving, and swelling are the most common symptoms.

Treatment

Just as symptoms vary depending upon the injury, so do treatment options. A common treatment method is known as the RICE method. This method involves rest, applying ice, compression and elevating the afflicted foot or ankle. If the injury appears to be more serious, surgery might be required, such as arthroscopic or reconstructive surgery. Lastly, rehabilitation or therapy might be needed to gain full functionality in the afflicted area. Any discomfort experienced by an athlete must be evaluated by a licensed, reputable medical professional.  

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in Littleton, CO . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Bunions and bunionettes are bony bumps that form at the base of the big toe and little toe, respectively. These deformities can be caused by genetics, wearing improper footwear, foot structure, or repetitive stress, such as the pressure from running. Over time, the joints become misaligned as the top of the toe pushes inward, resulting in discomfort. Symptoms may include swelling, redness, pain while walking or running, and visible bumps at the toe joints. Runners may feel a sharp pain or ache during activity, as repeated impact and tight shoes can increase pressure on the bunion. A podiatrist can assess your foot structure, gait, and running habits to recommend treatment. Options may include custom orthotics, footwear changes, padding, or targeted exercises to relieve pain and slow progression. In more severe cases, surgery may be considered. If you have a bunion or bunionette, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment to see a podiatrist.

If you are suffering from bunion pain, contact one of our podiatrists of Front Range Podiatry. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

What Is a Bunion?

Bunions are painful bony bumps that usually develop on the inside of the foot at the joint of the big toe. As the deformity increases over time, it may become painful to walk and wear shoes. Women are more likely to exacerbate existing bunions since they often wear tight, narrow shoes that shift their toes together. Bunion pain can be relieved by wearing wider shoes with enough room for the toes.

Causes

• Genetics – some people inherit feet that are more prone to bunion development
• Inflammatory Conditions - rheumatoid arthritis and polio may cause bunion development

Symptoms

• Redness and inflammation
• Pain and tenderness
• Callus or corns on the bump
• Restricted motion in the big toe

In order to diagnose your bunion, your podiatrist may ask about your medical history, symptoms, and general health. Your doctor might also order an x-ray to take a closer look at your feet. Nonsurgical treatment options include orthotics, padding, icing, changes in footwear, and medication. If nonsurgical treatments don’t alleviate your bunion pain, surgery may be necessary.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in Littleton, CO . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.