A bunion is a bony bump that forms at the base of the big toe when it shifts inward and the joint becomes misaligned. A bunion can develop due to wearing improper footwear, aging, genetics, and structural foot imbalances. Symptoms include pain, swelling, redness, and difficulty wearing certain shoes. Risk factors include tight or narrow footwear, prolonged standing, and inherited foot structure. Bunion surgery may be necessary when conservative treatments no longer relieve pain or when the deformity interferes with daily activities. Recovery typically takes several weeks and involves rest, limited weight-bearing, and a gradual return to normal movement. If you have a bunion that is causing pain or discomfort, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can determine if foot surgery is right for you.

Foot surgery is sometimes necessary to treat a foot ailment. To learn more, contact Keleigh Muxlow, DPM of Colorado. Our doctor will assist you with all of your foot and ankle needs.

When Is Surgery Necessary?

Foot and ankle surgery is generally reserved for cases in which less invasive, conservative procedures have failed to alleviate the problem. Some of the cases in which surgery may be necessary include:

• Removing foot deformities like bunions and bone spurs
• Severe arthritis that has caused bone issues
• Cosmetic reconstruction

What Types of Surgery Are There?

The type of surgery you receive will depend on the nature of the problem you have. Some of the possible surgeries include:

• Bunionectomy for painful bunions
• Surgical fusion for realignment of bones
• Neuropathy decompression surgery to treat nerve damage

Benefits of Surgery

Although surgery is usually a last resort, it can provide more complete pain relief compared to non-surgical methods and may allow you to finally resume full activity.

Surgical techniques have also become increasingly sophisticated. Techniques like endoscopic surgery allow for smaller incisions and faster recovery times.

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.

A hammertoe is a deformity in which one of the smaller toes bends downward at the middle joint, creating a curled or claw-like appearance. Over time, the toe may become stiff and difficult to straighten. Hammertoe can develop from muscle imbalance,  wearing improper footwear, or arthritis. Symptoms include pain while  walking, irritation from shoe pressure, and the formation of corns or calluses on the top of the toe or at the tip. The affected toe may look raised at the joint with redness or thickened skin from friction. A podiatrist can evaluate the flexibility of the toe and determine the severity of the deformity. Early treatment includes padding, footwear changes, and custom orthotics to relieve pressure and improve alignment. Targeted exercises may help maintain flexibility in milder cases. When the deformity becomes rigid or painful, surgery may be considered to realign the toe. If you have a hammertoe, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for appropriate treatment solutions.

Hammertoes can be a painful condition to live with. For more information, contact Keleigh Muxlow, DPM of Colorado. Our doctor will answer any of your foot- and ankle-related questions.

Hammertoe

Hammertoe is a foot deformity that occurs due to an imbalance in the muscles, tendons, or ligaments that normally hold the toe straight. It can be caused by the type of shoes you wear, your foot structure, trauma, and certain disease processes.

Symptoms

• Painful and/or difficult toe movement
• Swelling
• Joint stiffness
• Calluses/Corns
• Physical deformity

Risk Factors

• Age – The risk of hammertoe increases with age
• Sex – Women are more likely to have hammertoe compared to men
• Toe Length – You are more likely to develop hammertoe if your second toe is longer than your big toe
• Certain Diseases – Arthritis and diabetes may make you more likely to develop hammertoe

Treatment

If you have hammertoe, you should change into a more comfortable shoe that provides enough room for your toes. Exercises such as picking up marbles may strengthen and stretch your toe muscles. Nevertheless, it is important to seek assistance from a podiatrist in order to determine the severity of your hammertoe and see which treatment option will work 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.

Ankle pain refers to discomfort in the joint formed by the tibia, fibula, and talus bones, which work together to support movement and balance. Pain can result from injuries to any of these bones, or the ligaments and cartilage between them. Common causes include awkward turning, twisting, or rolling of the ankle, as well as repetitive strain from overuse. This condition is especially common among athletes and active individuals. Risk factors include wearing improper footwear, uneven surfaces, and poor conditioning. Symptoms may include swelling, stiffness, bruising, and difficulty walking. A podiatrist can diagnose the source of pain, provide targeted treatment, and recommend supportive footwear or orthotics. Early care can prevent further injury and restore mobility. If you have ankle pain, it is suggested that you promptly consult a podiatrist who can determine what the cause is, and offer appropriate relief and treatment solutions.

Ankle pain can have many different causes and the pain may potentially be serious. If you have ankle pain, consult with Keleigh Muxlow, DPM from Colorado. Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

Ankle pain is any condition that causes pain in the ankle. Due to the fact that the ankle consists of tendons, muscles, bones, and ligaments, ankle pain can come from a number of different conditions.

Causes

The most common causes of ankle pain include:

• Types of arthritis (rheumatoid, osteoarthritis, and gout)
• Ankle sprains
• Broken ankles
• Achilles tendinitis
• Achilles tendon rupture
• Stress fractures
• Tarsal tunnel syndrome
• Plantar fasciitis

Symptoms

Symptoms of ankle injury vary based upon the condition. Pain may include general pain and discomfort, swelling, aching, redness, bruising, burning or stabbing sensations, and/or loss of sensation.

Diagnosis

Due to the wide variety of potential causes of ankle pain, podiatrists will utilize a number of different methods to properly diagnose ankle pain. This can include asking for personal and family medical histories and of any recent injuries. Further diagnosis may include sensation tests, a physical examination, and potentially x-rays or other imaging tests.

Treatment

Just as the range of causes varies widely, so do treatments. Some more common treatments are rest, ice packs, keeping pressure off the foot, orthotics and braces, medication for inflammation and pain, and surgery.

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

Foot stress fractures are small cracks in the bones of the foot caused by repetitive stress or overuse, rather than a single traumatic event. Common symptoms include localized pain that worsens with activity, swelling, tenderness, and bruising. They often result from high-impact activities, sudden increases in exercise intensity, or improper footwear. Risk factors include osteoporosis, poor nutrition, improper training techniques, and repetitive athletic activity. Prevention can involve adjusting training routines, wearing supportive shoes, and shortening stride length to reduce impact on the bones. A podiatrist can diagnose stress fractures with imaging, formulate a treatment plan, prescribe orthotics, and offer guidance to safely return to activity. If you have symptoms of a foot stress fracture, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can confirm the problem and offer appropriate treatment solutions.

Stress fractures occur when there is a tiny crack within a bone. To learn more, contact Keleigh Muxlow, DPM from Colorado. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain free and on your feet.

How Are They Caused?

Stress fractures are the result of repetitive force being placed on the bone. Since the lower leg and feet often carry most of the body’s weight, stress fractures are likely to occur in these areas. If you rush into a new exercise, you are more likely to develop a stress fracture since you are starting too much, too soon.  Pain resulting from stress fractures may go unnoticed at first, however it may start to worsen over time.

Risk Factors

• Gender – They are more commonly found in women compared to men.
• Foot Problems – People with unusual arches in their feet are more likely to develop stress fractures.
• Certain Sports – Dancers, gymnasts, tennis players, runners, and basketball players are more likely to develop stress fractures.
• Lack of Nutrients – A lack of vitamin D and calcium may weaken the bones and make you more prone to stress fractures
• Weak Bones – Osteoporosis can weaken the bones therefore resulting in stress fractures

Stress fractures do not always heal properly, so it is important that you seek help from a podiatrist if you suspect you may have one. Ignoring your stress fracture may cause it to worsen, and you may develop chronic pain as well as additional fractures.

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