We Answer Your Top Questions About Podiatry and Physical Therapy
Have questions about bunion removal, orthotics and more?
When you live in constant pain, you have questions about what causes your pain and how you can get the relief you crave. Get the answers you need from our podiatrists and physical therapists.
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What causes shin splints?
A few other things may contribute to shin splints. Biomechanical issues can add to the stress on your lower limbs. Poorly-fitted or worn out shoes may stress your feet, too. The problem is, since shin splints are a result of overworking your lower limbs, they won’t get better unless you address them. Our team at Podiatry Associates, P.C. can help you get the care your shins need. Make an appointment at our Castle Pines, Cherry Crek, or Parker, CO, offices through our website. You can also call (303) 805-5156.The specific causes of shin splints can vary slightly; however, anything that causes your lower limbs to become overworked can contribute to the condition. Generally this is the result of repetitive stress from running or other sports. The constant, repeated hard impacts wear out your feet, so they can’t absorb shock efficiently any more. Your shins end up absorbing the pounding instead. This creates uncomfortable inflammation in the soft tissues beside your shin bone, as well as even in the shins themselves.
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What foods should I avoid if I have gout?
Certain foods can contribute to a gout attack, so eating less of them—or cutting them from your diet altogether—can help prevent a painful gout flare-up. The uric acid that causes the painful problem comes from breaking down purines in foods. Some foods are high in these purines, while others are much lower. Avoiding the high-purine foods can help you control the condition and prevent repeat attacks.
Here are common high-purine foods to limit or avoid: meat, fatty fish, shellfish, saturated fats, alcohol, and high-fructose corn syrup. Try cutting back on the animal proteins you consume and supplementing your protein intake with plant-based foods, like legumes and beans. Stick to low-fat dairy products to limit your saturated fats. Drink water instead of alcohol, soda, or even fruit juices with added sugar. Also, eat more vegetables, whole grains, and regular fruits. If you’d like help establishing a gout-safe diet, contact us at Podiatry Associates, P.C. We’ll help you make a plan to manage your condition. Call (303) 805-5156 or use our online form to make an appointment with us.
Photo Credit: CC0 Public Domain via Pixabay.com
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Should I buy walking shoes for walking?
No. We recommend that you buy a trail running shoe when you walk for exercise. These shoes provide biomechanical control plus the cushion needed for shock absorption. We recommend the following brands for your trail running shoe: Brooks, Saucony, and New Balance.
Call our office to schedule an appointment at 303-805-5156, or stop by our Castle Pines location to see our great selection of podiatrist approved shoes today.
Photo Credit: Dabambic via Pixabay.com
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Should my work out shoes be tight-fitting?
No. You should have plenty of room in your workout shoes. Buy your shoes about one size larger than your regular daily dress shoes. You should not feel your toes hit the end or top of your workout shoes. Call our office at 303-805-5156 to schedule an appointment at our Parker or Castle Pines location. Let one of our podiatrists help you choose the shoe that is right for you.
photo credit: PublicDomainPictures
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What is a podiatrist?
A podiatrist is a specialist for the feet and ankles. Your lower limbs are more complicated than you might think. Between them both, they contain a quarter of all the bones in your body, dozens of muscle pairs, tendons, ligaments, veins, and nerves, not to mention fatty cushioning and your skin. Your foot must be strong and stable enough to hold your entire bodyweight when you stand, and an even greater force when you walk or run. They must also be flexible and moveable enough to adjust to the surfaces underneath you and your movements. Numerous systemic diseases—like diabetes and peripheral artery disease—have side effects that involve your feet.
Podiatrists spend 4 years of medical school specializing in the lower limbs. Then they attend a residency program where they receive additional training in surgery. There is no other medical provider that has more knowledge about the feet than podiatrists. If you’re looking for an experienced doctor to treat discomfort or weakness in your lower limbs, contact Podiatry Associates, P.C. in Castle Pines, Cherry Creek in Denver and Parker for an appointment or more information. You can reach us by calling (303) 805-5156 or visiting the website contact page.
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Are my new shoes causing my foot pain?
Often times high-end running shoes are developed and manufactured to accommodate a particular foot structure or foot type. Depending on your foot type, it is possible that the shoes may be causing irritation to your feet. However, more commonly when new training shoes are purchased there is a tendency to increase your workout duration or intensity. It may not be the shoe that needs adjusting, but rather your training technique or workout regimen.
As foot and ankle specialists, the physicians at Podiatry Associate, PC can help provide shoe gear and activity recommendations. Contact our office today at 303-805-5156 to schedule an appointment at our Parker, Cherry Creek or Castle Pines location.
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Where can I get orthotics that fit?
The doctors right here at Podiatry Associates, P.C. make custom molded orthotics that fit into your current footwear—even your dress shoes. We know that if you never wear your orthotics, they can’t help you. That is why we are very careful in customizing devices that will fit into the majority of the shoes you wear.
When you come in for an appointment, the doctors will take a plaster mold of your foot in its neutral position. This is the position of your foot before you stand on it. This allows the doctor to see and measure your foot before it settles into a bad biomechanical position by being placed on the floor. Then they use the mold to fashion the prescription insert.
Custom orthotics can cure pain in your feet, knees, hips, and lower back by providing the biomechanical support that you need for your skeletal structure. If you need new orthotics, contact Podiatry Associates, P.C. in Castle Pines, Cherry Creek and Parker for an appointment or more information. You can reach us by visiting the online contact page or by calling (303) 805-5156.
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Do you offer high heel orthotics?
You’re not alone in your search for high heel orthotics. Many women, including our podiatrist Dr. O, love the look of high heels but hate the pain and deformities they cause on women’s feet.
When your friend told you that orthotics could help treat your bunion deformity, she was right. Many people have what is called first metatarsophalangeal joint (MTPJ). This is a long term that basically describes the compressed joint in your foot when you try to move. When people experience this joint pain, they subconsciously try to correct it, which in turn can create a bunion.
With orthotics, you get more functional control over your MTPJ, which can restore range of motion in your joints while you walk, and help you get back to a normal gait. The custom orthotics we make at Podiatry Associates also reduce the amount of compression force your foot endures.
Although orthotics are helpful in treating foot deformities such as bunions, we understand how important it is to look as great as you feel. That’s why we offer custom high heel orthotics at Castle Pines and Cherry Creek. Stop by and check out some of the types of shoes we offer and talk to a podiatrist so that you can get the treatment you need while still looking amazing!