Field Notes From Our Foot & Ankle Clinic
The TMFA Journal · Vol. 1
Plain-English answers to the questions our patients actually ask — written by Dr. Valenti and Dr. Litherland. Browse by what's bothering you, or skim the index below.
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Conditions
foot health & prevention
athlete & Active health
patient education
treatments & procedures
Gout vs. Bunions: How to Tell the Difference (and Why It Matters)
Both gout and bunions cause big toe pain, but they're different conditions with different treatments. Learn how to tell them apart from Colorado podiatrists.
Foot Exercises and Care for Older Adults: Staying Steady at Every Age
Simple foot exercises to maintain strength, balance, and mobility as you age. Plus essential geriatric foot care tips from Boulder & Wheat Ridge podiatrists.
Webbed Toes (Syndactyly): Causes, Implications, and Treatment Options
Webbed toes — medically known as syndactyly — affect approximately 1 in 2,000 births. Learn the causes, types, and when treatment is recommended.
Toe Pain Relief: Exercises for Cramps, Stubbed Toes, and Everyday Foot Strength
Effective foot exercises for toe cramps, stubbed toes, and overall foot strength. Learn when toe pain is serious and when to see a podiatrist in Boulder or Wheat Ridge.
Foot and Ankle Fractures: Broken Ankles, Broken Toes, and What to Do
Broken ankles and broken toes share symptoms but require different treatment. Learn types of fractures, recovery, and when to see a podiatrist.
Swollen Feet and Ankles: Common Causes and When to Be Concerned
Swollen feet can signal anything from prolonged standing to serious medical conditions. Learn the common causes and when swelling means it's time to see a podiatrist.
Arch Support and Running Shoes: A Complete Guide for Active Coloradans
How to choose running shoes that match your arch type, when to replace them, and how to know when custom orthotics are the better answer.
Achilles Tendon Pain in Runners: Tendonitis Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment
Achilles tendon pain is one of the most common running injuries. Learn the causes, symptoms, and treatment options from podiatrists who treat Boulder runners.
Early-Onset Gout: Symptoms, Management, and What's Behind the Rising Rates
Gout is increasingly affecting younger adults. Learn the symptoms, triggers, and modern management options for this painful inflammatory arthritis.
Burning Foot Pain: Common Causes and What to Do About It
Burning foot pain has many possible causes — from neuropathy to nerve compression to circulation issues. Learn what may be behind it and when to seek care.
Flat Feet (Fallen Arches): When Pes Planus Becomes a Problem
Flat feet affect millions of people. Learn when fallen arches need treatment, the difference between flexible and rigid flat feet, and your options.
Sesamoiditis: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment of Big Toe Sesamoid Pain
Sesamoiditis causes pain under the big toe joint. Learn the causes, how it differs from a sesamoid fracture, and treatment options for runners and dancers.
Plantar Warts: Symptoms, Risks, and Treatment Options
Plantar warts are caused by HPV and grow on the bottom of the foot. Learn how to recognize them, treatment options, and how to prevent spread.
Corns and Calluses: Types, Causes, and Treatment Options
Corns and calluses are caused by friction, but they come in surprising varieties. Learn about hard corns, soft corns, seed corns, and treatment options.
Foot and Ankle Surgery: When It's the Right Choice and What to Expect
Foot and ankle surgery has come a long way. Learn when surgical treatment is the right choice, common procedures, and what recovery actually looks like.
What Is Edema? Understanding Foot and Ankle Swelling
Edema is fluid buildup in tissues, often visible in the feet and ankles. Learn the types, causes, and when foot swelling needs medical attention.
Hammertoes and Claw Toes: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment
Hammertoes and claw toes are progressive toe deformities. Learn the differences, what causes them, and treatment options from conservative care to surgery.
Toenail Fungus: Treatment Options, Contagion Risks, and Prevention
Toenail fungus is stubborn, but treatable. Learn how it spreads, treatment options from topicals to laser, and prevention strategies that actually work.
Congenital Foot Problems: Conditions Children Are Born With
Some foot conditions are present at birth. Learn about clubfoot, polydactyly, vertical talus, tarsal coalition, and other congenital foot conditions.
Bunion Treatment Options: From Conservative Care to Lapiplasty® Surgery
Bunion treatment ranges from orthotics and footwear changes to advanced Lapiplasty surgery. Learn which approach fits your situation.