Items filtered by date: October 2022

Friday, 28 October 2022 00:00

Reminder: When Was the Last Time...?

Custom orthotics, or shoe inserts, should be periodically replaced. Orthotics must fit properly to give you the best results. Protect your feet and ankles!

Tuesday, 25 October 2022 00:00

How Do I Know if I Have Cuboid Syndrome?

Cuboid syndrome or cuboid subluxation is a condition that comes from trauma or injury to the calcaneocuboid joint and surrounding ligaments. It is a common injury among athletes and dancers. The cuboid bone provides stability to the outer side of the midfoot and helps distribute the weight of the body across the foot to help with walking comfortably. With cuboid syndrome, the foot is painful, red, and occasionally, it is hard to move. Cuboid syndrome can be hard to diagnose because it has symptoms that can be related to different types of foot injuries. This condition can usually be diagnosed through physical exams where the foot is manipulated to try and bring on the symptoms of cuboid syndrome. If the results of these tests indicate cuboid syndrome, the podiatrist will possibly relocate the cuboid bone back into place or instruct the sufferer to refrain from putting weight on the affected foot and rest it to give the cuboid bone time to heal. If you have pain in the midfoot area, consult with a podiatrist who can properly diagnose the condition and provide the best treatment for you.

Cuboid syndrome, also known as cuboid subluxation, occurs when the joints and ligaments near the cuboid bone in the foot become torn. If you have cuboid syndrome, consult with the foot specialists from Table Mountain Foot and Ankle. Our doctors will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

Cuboid syndrome is a common cause of lateral foot pain, which is pain on the outside of the foot. The condition may happen suddenly due to an ankle sprain, or it may develop slowly overtime from repetitive tension through the bone and surrounding structures.

Causes

The most common causes of cuboid syndrome include:

  • Injury – The most common cause of this ailment is an ankle sprain.
  • Repetitive Strain – Tension placed through the peroneus longus muscle from repetitive activities such as jumping and running may cause excessive traction on the bone causing it to sublux.
  • Altered Foot Biomechanics – Most people suffering from cuboid subluxation have flat feet.

Symptoms

A common symptom of cuboid syndrome is pain along the outside of the foot which can be felt in the ankle and toes. This pain may create walking difficulties and may cause those with the condition to walk with a limp.

Diagnosis

Diagnosis of cuboid syndrome is often difficult, and it is often misdiagnosed. X-rays, MRIs and CT scans often fail to properly show the cuboid subluxation. Although there isn’t a specific test used to diagnose cuboid syndrome, your podiatrist will usually check if pain is felt while pressing firmly on the cuboid bone of your foot.

Treatment

Just as the range of causes varies widely, so do treatments. Some more common treatments are ice therapy, rest, exercise, taping, and orthotics.

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

 

Read more about All About Cuboid Syndrome
Tuesday, 18 October 2022 00:00

Athlete’s Foot in the Laundry

Athlete’s foot is a specific kind of foot condition that is spread by a fungus and causes a scaly rash, especially between the toes. To prevent or mitigate the spread of the fungal infection, an individual might consider being particularly careful with how they handle their laundry. This is because spores can often spread from clothes to clothes. First, someone might try separating infected clothes from non-infected clothes. For example, if someone in the household has been exposed to athlete’s foot, one might separate that person’s clothes into a bin to be washed separately from the other clothes. When the infected batch of laundry is washed, one could use hot water for the infected laundry because cold water does not eliminate the fungus. The goal is to prevent the fungus from spreading to other materials in the wash. Contact a podiatrist today to learn more about preventing the spread of athlete’s foot.

Athlete’s foot is an inconvenient condition that can be easily reduced with the proper treatment. If you have any concerns about your feet and ankles, contact the foot specialists from Table Mountain Foot and Ankle.  Our doctors will treat your foot and ankle needs.

Athlete’s Foot: The Sole Story

Athlete's foot, also known as tinea pedis, can be an extremely contagious foot infection. It is commonly contracted in public changing areas and bathrooms, dormitory style living quarters, around locker rooms and public swimming pools, or anywhere your feet often come into contact with other people.

Solutions to Combat Athlete’s Foot

  • Hydrate your feet by using lotion
  • Exfoliate
  • Buff off nails
  • Use of anti-fungal products
  • Examine your feet and visit your doctor if any suspicious blisters or cuts develop

Athlete’s foot can cause many irritating symptoms such as dry and flaking skin, itching, and redness. Some more severe symptoms can include bleeding and cracked skin, intense itching and burning, and even pain when walking. In the worst cases, Athlete’s foot can cause blistering as well. Speak to your podiatrist for a better understanding of the different causes of Athlete’s foot, as well as help in determining which treatment options are best for you.

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

Read more about Athlete’s Foot
Tuesday, 11 October 2022 00:00

How Is a Broken Foot Diagnosed?

There is no mistaking a broken foot when it happens. It produces immediate pain and may be accompanied by bruising and swelling. This can be the result of a fall, or if a heavy object drops on the foot. Prompt medical attention is suggested, and it is difficult or impossible to walk on it. In severe fractures, the bone can protrude through the skin, and appear displaced. Having an X-ray taken is the most successful method to obtain a proper diagnosis, and this can help to determine the extent of the break. In some cases, a CT scan or MRI may also be used in addition to an X-ray, which may help to confirm the diagnosis. The majority of patients wear a boot or cast on the affected foot, and this is effective in stabilizing the foot as the healing process begins. Additionally, it is beneficial to elevate the broken foot as often as possible, which may reduce any existing swelling. If you have broken your foot, please contact a podiatrist who can begin the correct treatment for a broken foot. 

A broken foot requires immediate medical attention and treatment. If you need your feet checked, contact the foot specialists from Table Mountain Foot and Ankle. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Broken Foot Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment

A broken foot is caused by one of the bones in the foot typically breaking when bended, crushed, or stretched beyond its natural capabilities. Usually the location of the fracture indicates how the break occurred, whether it was through an object, fall, or any other type of injury. 

Common Symptoms of Broken Feet:

  • Bruising
  • Pain
  • Redness
  • Swelling
  • Blue in color
  • Numbness
  • Cold
  • Misshapen
  • Cuts
  • Deformities

Those that suspect they have a broken foot shoot seek urgent medical attention where a medical professional could diagnose the severity.

Treatment for broken bones varies depending on the cause, severity and location. Some will require the use of splints, casts or crutches while others could even involve surgery to repair the broken bones. Personal care includes the use of ice and keeping the foot stabilized and elevated.

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

Read more about Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment for a Broken Foot
Tuesday, 04 October 2022 00:00

Two Categories of Orthotics

Orthotics are insoles that fit into the shoe. Custom-made orthotics are specifically designed to the individual patient and foot condition and can be a successful method in reducing or eliminating foot pain. Wearing orthotics may help to restore ankle function, in addition to correcting foot deformities, such as flat feet. Many patients who have bunions, hammertoes, arthritis, or diabetes may benefit from wearing orthotics as part of their treatment plan. There are two types of orthotics, rigid and accommodative. The latter type is flexible and cushioned, while plastic materials are used to construct rigid orthotics. The process of having custom-made orthotics begins by having a mold made of the patient’s feet, while considering their footwear needs. If you have a foot condition that may be helped by wearing orthotics, please contact a podiatrist who can determine if this is the best decision for you. 

If you are having discomfort in your feet and would like to try orthotics, contact the foot specialists from Table Mountain Foot and Ankle. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

What Are Orthotics?

Orthotics are inserts you can place into your shoes to help with a variety of foot problems such as flat feet or foot pain. Orthotics provide relief and comfort for minor foot and heel pain but can’t correct serious biomechanical problems in your feet.

Over-the-Counter Inserts

Orthotics come in a wide variety of over-the-counter inserts that are used to treat foot pain, heel pain, and minor problems. For example, arch supports can be inserted into your shoes to help correct overarched or flat feet, while gel insoles are often used because they provide comfort and relief from foot and heel pain by alleviating pressure.

Prescription Orthotics

If over-the-counter inserts don’t work for you or if you have a more severe foot concern, it is possible to have your podiatrist prescribe custom orthotics. These high-quality inserts are designed to treat problems such as abnormal motion, plantar fasciitis, and severe forms of heel pain. They can even be used to help patients suffering from diabetes by treating foot ulcers and painful calluses and are usually molded to your feet individually, which allows them to provide full support and comfort.

If you are experiencing minor to severe foot or heel pain, it’s recommended to speak with your podiatrist about the possibilities of using orthotics. A podiatrist can determine which type of orthotic is right for you and allow you to take the first steps towards being pain-free.

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

Read more about Ankle Foot Orthotics for Athletes

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