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 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.
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.
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.
Morton's Neuroma: Why That Burning Pain in the Ball of Your Foot Won't Go Away
Morton's neuroma causes burning, tingling, or shooting pain in the ball of the foot. Learn the causes, symptoms, and treatment options.
Misdiagnosed Foot Pain: Cuboid Syndrome and Outer Foot Pain Causes
Pain on the outside of the foot is often misdiagnosed. Learn the most common causes — including cuboid syndrome — and how Boulder podiatrists diagnose it correctly.
Bunion Causes and Symptoms: Why They Form and How to Recognize Them
Bunions develop slowly over years. Learn the causes, recognize the early symptoms, and understand when professional evaluation makes a difference.
Plantar Fibromatosis (Ledderhose Disease): Multiple Foot Arch Nodules
Plantar fibromatosis (Ledderhose disease) involves multiple nodules in the foot's plantar fascia. Learn the causes, symptoms, and treatment options.
Arthritic Foot Care: Managing Foot and Ankle Arthritis
Foot and ankle arthritis affects millions. Learn the types, symptoms, and treatment options that maintain mobility and reduce pain.
Plantar Fibroma: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment of Foot Arch Nodules
A plantar fibroma is a benign nodule in the arch of the foot. Learn what causes them, when treatment is needed, and your options from Colorado podiatrists.
Heel Pain Decoded: Plantar Fasciitis, Heel Spurs, Bursitis, Heel Bruises, and More
Heel pain has many causes — plantar fasciitis, heel spurs, bursitis, fissures, fascia ruptures, and more. Learn the differences and when to see a podiatrist.