podiatry – Anderson Podiatry Center

Five things to do before you visit the podiatrist for bunion pain!

Posted on May 19, 2022June 30, 2025 by admin

Bunions are one of the most common foot deformities that cause terrible inconvenience to daily life. In this blog, we will share with you some conservative at-home treatments for bunion pain relief, before having to opt for surgery. Did you know bunions tend to be more common for women than men? Many people suffer because of wearing shoes that place pressure on the bunion bump. Although tight-fitting dress shoes have been thought to be a cause it is thought the be from other factors. Pregnancy because of increased ligamentous laxity and women may inherit the foot mechanics that lead to the problem. At our Fort Collins clinical location we have seen a number of patients with bunion issues and helped relieve their pain.

What is a bunion?

A bunion, also known as hallux abducto valgus, is the misalignment of the great toe. As part of the deformity, the great toe begins to deviate towards the second two, and this is followed by an increased enlargement of the first metatarsal at the base of the joint. The first metatarsal bone then starts to shift away from the second metatarsal bone, causing serious misalignment. This is responsible for most of the swelling in the big toe knuckle.

What causes bunions?

It is a popular notion that shoe gear is the primary reason one develops a bunion. However, most foot specialists agree that improper foot mechanics from inherited foot type plays a larger role. In fact, it has been noted in some cultures such as tribes in Africa and New Guinea, that shoes are rarely worn, yet bunions are still present within the populations. You may hear, “My mom had bunions and now I do too!”, as a pretty common phrase that goes around.

Why do bunions hurt?

Misalignments will create a large prominence by the great toe joint, thus making the foot wider and more difficult to fit into shoes. The great toe may also rub against the second toe, causing severe and continuous pain.

Treatments for bunion pain: At-home remedies to try

Wider shoes – You may consider getting wider shoes. Women may need to limit their styles and duration of time in dressy shoes. It is best to avoid pointed, narrow shoes, or high heels for long periods of time.
Padding – Various pads can also be used inside the shoes to protect the bunion bump from rubbing the shoe.
Toe splints – You may also try toe splints that straighten the toe when they are worn.
Over-the-counter arch supports – These may support the great toe joint area and give some relief.
Ibuprofen and icing –Using an ice pack or an anti-inflammatory medicine such as Ibuprofen may offer temporary relief from bunion discomfort. They assist in immediately reducing pain and inflammation.

What your podiatrist may do for bunion pain relief

Orthotics

Many podiatrists will use orthotics on a conservative basis, especially if the bunion is in its early stage – as patients are more likely to get bunion pain relief this way. The orthotics can help stabilize and support the great toe joint and redistribute weight more evenly. They may also biomechanically slow down the progression of the deformity.

Podiatrists have training in biomechanics and believe in placing the foot in what is called its “neutral point non-weight bearing” position. This means we place the foot where it should be, not where it is when bearing weight. A digital scan is used to capture this foot position. The patient will get a very precisely made orthotic that will have the potential to provide maximum benefit.

Scanning of the foot to get a digital 3-D model of a patient’s foot at our Fort Collins and Broomfield clinic to address common foot problems like bunions.

Surgery

Failure after trying conservative treatments may need surgery for bunion pain relief. Surgery does have a high success rate and the recovery time can vary depending on the type of correction that is needed. One advantage of not waiting too long to have bunion correction surgery is that more severe bunions can require techniques that leave you non-weight bearing for a longer period of time. Most bunion surgeries, however, will allow you to be back in lace-up shoes in three to four weeks.

In most promising scenarios, patients are able to bear weight on the foot in the first week. Several surgical techniques we follow involve removal of the bony prominence and then shifting the first metatarsal bone that is out of alignment so that it is back in its original position. This corrects the deformity and narrows the foot making shoe selection easier.

Patient Testimonial Video of how Susan’s Bunions were fixed!

How to know if surgery is right for you?

The decision for surgery is a very personal one. Each patient may have different goals in their mind. You may want to discuss your options with our team of specialists before you pick your treatment plan. Our staff and podiatrists will be available should you need any assistance regarding your foot and ankle health.
Suffering from bunion pain is definitely not worth it and it is important to consider a consultation with our podiatrists to see what’s right for you.

by Dr. Anderson

Why you need to know about Charcot foot if you’re a diabetic!

Posted on April 6, 2022 by admin

Diabetes is a common problem that is affecting more people worldwide and Charcot foot is associated with the diabetic foot. It may be one of the most overlooked problems for not only the patients but healthcare providers in the diabetic population. Charcot foot can result in foot deformities which can be debilitating from a functional standpoint but also put you more at risk of amputation. It has been estimated that two percent of diabetics have a Charcot foot. The percentage is low but the risk of not knowing about it can put you at risk as early diagnosis and intervention are important. So, what is a Charcot foot, and what causes it?

Description

A Charcot foot can result in the breakdown of the foot. There may be multiple fractures that occur primarily in the midfoot region. The result can be a foot that becomes very flat. So flat that it may be referred to as a rocker-bottom foot. This means there is no arch but instead where the arch used to be there can be boney prominences associated with the deformity. This causes excessive pressure on the soft tissues and skin and eventual risk of callouses which can then ulcerate and lead to infection. So how did this come about? What can increase your risk? It can be from poor control of your diabetes, a broken bone, or an injury to the foot and ankle To understand how you get a Charcot foot and why this puts you at risk we need to discuss diabetes and its effect on the nervous system and the arterial system.

Nervous system

It is common for people with diabetes to have neuropathy. Approximately 50-70 percent of diabetics have this condition. This will cause burning tingling and numbness in the foot. The numbness is what puts the diabetic foot at risk because of what we refer to as a protective sensation. If you have numbness, you may not feel what normally would have been a painful callous for instance. The callous then breaks the skin down and this leads to an infection. What is happening in the Charcot foot is the damage to the nerve’s effects blood flow to the foot. The damage to the nerves may occur in the autonomic nervous system which regulates blood flow. When the nerves are damaged the small nerve branches that regulate blood flow by constricting blood flow no longer work and the arteries dilate. This causes an increased amount of blood in the foot. This then results in the diminishment of calcium in the bone and the bones of the foot become weaker and fractures occur. The bones and joints that support the foot collapse causing various deformities which are referred to as a Charcot foot. Circulatory system

Circulatory system

The arterial blood flow that takes blood from the heart down to the foot is affected in the diabetic state. When it occurs, it’s referred to as arteriosclerosis and tends to involve the smaller arteries in the lower legs and into the foot.

What are the symptoms of a Charcot foot?

The primary symptoms can be a hot red swollen foot. A Charcot foot is commonly misdiagnosed as being infected or a gouty attack. Both of these can also cause redness and warmth in the foot. Because of neuropathy being present the patient may experience little to no pain and that’s what makes this dangerous.

How is Diabetic Charcot Foot diagnosed?

Often a diagnosis is arrived at by exclusion of other problems such as infection or gout. X-rays are also important as fractures may be seen and evidence of flattening of the arch. The foot that is affected may begin to have a flatter appearance compared to the opposite foot.

What are the treatments options for someone with Diabetic Charcot Foot?

When diagnosed early it’s important to have the patient immobilized and be non-weight bearing to reduce the breakdown of the foot. Because the foot may have small fractures and the stability has been compromised casting the foot and remaining non-weight bearing is the standard treatment. This will lessen the amount of deformity that occurs and protect the fractures from getting worse. With proper treatment, the number of foot deformities that occur can be greatly reduced. The amount of time for casting may vary but can be a minimum of two months or more in many cases.

Special shoes and orthotics. Conservative treatment may include orthotics or custom shoes to reduce pressure on soft tissues from the boney pressure points

Surgery – If the Charcot foot is not diagnosed and no treatment is done or it is treated but not early enough then surgery may be necessary to reconstruct the foot. These surgeries are among the most challenging foot procedures and require immobilization and non-weight bearing.

What you need to know – If you are diabetic and your foot feels warm or looks red, think Charcot foot as it may not be an infection! Both can appear the same.

So even though the chances of you getting a Charcot foot are very rare, it’s important that you remember the points covered in this blog. If you or someone you know is diabetic please seek medical attention if you suspect these symptoms as it can help to lessen the chance of amputation.

The three things you need to know about diabetic foot amputation

Posted on March 17, 2022July 12, 2025 by admin

What you can learn and do to prevent diabetic foot amputation

Whenever you hear the word diabetes, you may have heard of someone you know of who has lost a foot or limb because of their diabetic state. In this blog, I will break down what you need to know into three basic categories. You will also learn about what you can do on a regular basis if you are diabetic to reduce the risk. The good news is even though the risk is still present, the overall risk of amputations has gone down in recent years because of medical advancements especially in wound care.

The three conditions that can cause an amputation in a diabetic person are:

Foot deformities
Arterial disease
Neuropathy

Foot deformities are a major cause for concern

Any foot deformity that can lead to pressure on the skin, when shoe gear is worn, can put you at risk. Problems such as a bunion (also known as a deformity by the big toe joint) can create a prominence that can rub against a shoe. Another example would be a hammertoe, which could cause excessive rubbing against a shoe. When this happens, the skin may break down or a callus/corn may form which eventually leads to an opening in the skin.

If you also have diabetic neuropathy, you could lose your ability to sense or feel; this allows the problem to become more severe before you’re aware of it. So, what can be done?

Wear shoes that fit well and don’t cause irritations on the skin
Check your feet daily
Be evaluated by a podiatrist for conservative, or, some situations surgical options

Arterial disease is riskier than you think

Peripheral artery disease or PAD can also make it riskier for an amputation. Diabetics tend to be more at risk of having peripheral artery disease and it tends to present lower in the leg and into the foot and ankle area rather than higher up the leg. It can become challenging for doctors to conduct procedures that can improve circulation in these smaller blood vessels when they become blocked. Obviously, without adequate blood flow to the foot, the potential for healing may be limited.

What can you do to help yourself in this situation

Avoid smoking as this will increase the risk many fold.
Have your circulation evaluated as it is important to be educated about the potential risk you may have.
Regular exercise can help maintain good circulation.
Avoid sugars and carbohydrates: Good diabetic control is the need of the hour, as this helps with the risk. Avoid anything that comes in a package (such as processed foods). These foods often are high in sugar and carbohydrates. Finally avoid all soft drinks or juice as many contain fructose.

Neuropathy is in fact, reversible

Diabetic neuropathy occurs in 50-70 percent of diabetics. For many, neuropathy is the most important consideration to take when risks such as diabetic ulcers and limb loss are attached. The symptoms that you will experience with neuropathy are: burning, tingling and numbness in the feet. It is the numbness and inability to feel that becomes quite problematic to daily life. The good news is that for many, the lack of sensation can be restored.

If you have heard that diabetic neuropathy is irreversible, it is simply not true!

Our award-winning research refutes this statement. More studies are also supporting the concept of nerve decompression surgery. In the diabetic state, a sugar molecule called Sorbitol is absorbed into your nerves and attracts water to the nerves, making them swell. This increase in size creates compression in areas where nerves pass through nerve tunnels. This then damages the nerves and creates neuropathy symptoms. Reducing compression can restore more normal nerve function.

To be more informed on this topic, you can refer to two research papers on our website, that show objectively that nerve function can be improved, and that this can ultimately lead to decreased amputation risk. Here are some more measures that you can take:

Make sure you have good control of your diabetes.
Be evaluated by a peripheral nerve surgeon – Potentially you could have your neuropathy reversed by surgical means.
Visual inspection- Make it a habit to visually inspect your feet daily for problematic issues. Things you should be looking for include:
- Blisters
- Cracks
- Sores
- Redness
- Thick calluses
- Ingrown Nails
- Plantar warts
- Warm spots

Along with controlling your blood sugars, remember the three potential problem areas – foot deformities, arterial disease and neuropathy. If you would like to know more about what we can do to help with your foot and ankle concerns, or your neuropathy please reach out to us.

Listen to Mary’s testimonial where she talks about her recovery from surgery that involved reversing diabetic neuropathy.

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Can Flat Feet Cause Ankle Pain and Swelling?

Posted on March 3, 2022July 12, 2025 by admin

Flatfeet, commonly referred to as Pes Valgus or Pes Planus, is a condition with varying degrees of physical issues. If the condition is severe, there may be a minimal arch, and the arch may be touching the walking surface. The term pronation is often used to describe the motion of the foot rolling inward as the arch flattens with weight bearing. A flatfoot can be a congenitally acquired flatfoot from birth, or it can be an adult-acquired flatfoot. In children, it’s important to understand that a flatfoot is not normal, and assuming the child will grow out of it can lead to complications. In many situations, treatment may be needed to reduce the progression or correct the deformity. A foot specialist will be able to evaluate the child to see if, for their age group, the foot is normal. Ankle pain and swelling, as well as flat feet ankle pain, may also be associated with a flatfoot. In the adult population, hypertension may also be a cause of ankle swelling unrelated to flatfeet.

Causes of a Flat Foot

Inherited
Laxity of ligament
Overweight
Tight Achilles tendon
Rheumatoid arthritis

Symptoms of Flat Feet Ankle Pain

Some may not have any symptoms associated with their flatfeet. This can be an issue in children and young adults because over time the condition may progress and cause symptoms at a later age. When symptoms are present, they can include pain in the arch or heel area. There may also be pain in the achilles tendon. In later years patients may have symptoms caused by overuse of a tendon called the posterior tibial tendon. This tendon is on the inside of the ankle joint area. Swelling around the ankle may also be present with this condition. If left untreated it can result in chronic tendonitis with the potential for the tendon to eventually rupture. This is commonly referred to as posterior tibial dysfunction. Over a lifetime the possibility of pain and swelling in the ankle can occur because of arthritis from the additional stress placed on the joint by the flat foot. Anti-inflammatories may help with this condition on a temporary basis. Because the foot is the foundation of the body the improper biomechanics of a flatfoot can have significant impact throughout the body. This can result in pain at the knees, hips and back and shin splints in the leg.

Treatments- What you can do

Stretching – If the flatfoot is related to a tight Achilles tendon stretching exercises that focus on this may be helpful.
Shoegear -Be sure to wear more supportive shoes. If you’re a runner or walker make sure to ask for a shoe that has more motion control.
Foot exercises – There is some resent evidence that foot exercises may be useful. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31590069/
Lose weight – Losing weight is obviously helpful but for most it is not the primary cause of the flatfoot.
Medication – treatment may include medication for hypertension or anti-inflammatories for arthritis.

What the foot specialist can do?

Orthotics’ For many the use of custom-made orthotics is a vital part of the treatment. In children they are used to slow down the progression of the flatfoot and in adults when symptoms related to flatfeet occur, they are a common recommendation.
Physical therapy – may be helpful if symptoms arise from the flatfoot
Surgery – This could include surgery to correct the flatfoot in the adult or pediatric foot. Also surgery to repair tendons that have been damaged from many years of overuse because of the additional stress from the flatfoot.
Ankle scope surgery – Small incision may be made to then perform a minimally invasive procedure to clean out the inflamed and damaged ankle joint resulting from the trauma brought on by the flatfoot.
Restorative medicine – in recent years this has been a common minimally invasive procedure to avoid surgery on damaged joints such as the ankle joint or to repair tendons that normally would have required surgery.

If you think you have flatfeet or your child, does early intervention is important. It’s very important for children and young people to get the opinion of a foot specialist. Avoiding treatment in the formative years may result in more severe issues with your knee, hip, back, or foot problems in the adult. And don’t forget if your ankles are painful and swollen, it may be from your flatfeet.

Listen to what Orin has to say about restorative medicine!

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Reconstructive foot and ankle surgery may have better options. Read this!

Posted on February 23, 2022June 30, 2025 by admin

Put your best foot forward after reconstructive foot and ankle surgery

The purpose of reconstructive foot and ankle surgery is to restore normal function to the foot and ankle. It may also be needed to eliminate a painful condition and in some situations improve the cosmetics of the foot or ankle. Reconstructive foot and ankle surgery can be for soft tissues problems, structure problems and some conditions may be treated with minimally invasive techniques.

Soft tissue problems

Soft tissue foot reconstructive surgeries may include treatment for ganglions and fibromas. Ganglions can originate from a tendon sheath or from joint capsule. In some cases, the doctor may be able to aspirate the fluid out with a needle in an office setting but if the problem returns or the ganglion is large surgical excision may be the treatment of choice. This can help with the pain and cosmetically improve the look of the foot or ankle.

A fibroma may occur on the bottom of the foot is known as Ledderhose disease or plantar fibromatosis. Seldom is surgery to remove the mass necessary but in most cases the use of an injection with a specific enzyme to dissolve the growth can be very successful.

Warts can also be very unsightly and painful. In the past treatment options have included, excision, use of chemicals that destroy the wart or freezing. These are all destructive in nature, however, with the advancement of technology the use of microwave energy with the SWIFT® device is used. It is the preferred option because it helps the body’s immune system have a more aggressive response to the wart virus. The patients’ own immune system eliminates the wart! Treatment with the SWIFT® device is in the office and allows the patient to walk immediately with no down time.

Structural problems

The most common foot reconstructive surgeries may include bunions and hammertoes. Bunions usually require the use of pins, bone screws or plates to correct the alignment of the boney structure. View our patient testimonial from Kari on bunion surgery completed for both feet!

Hammertoe procedures may need a minimally invasive technique requiring a small incision to release a tendon that has become too tight or removal of a boney segment from the toe or fusion of one of the digital joints may be needed in more severe cases.

Hallux rigidus is also a painful foot complaint that results in a great toe joint that is stiffer and arthritic. Surgery may be needed to remove the unsightly boney growth from the top of the great toe joint and reposition the joint with the use of pins or bone screws. The result is pain-free motion and elimination of the bump. Flatfoot surgery may also be needed for a flatfoot that has been acquired as a birth defect or has progressed over a lifetime. Flatfoot reconstructive surgery may be as simple as using an implant in a joint beneath the ankle joint to block flattening of the arch or may involve procedures that require tendon lengthening’s with the use of bone grafts and even bone fusions in some situations. These procedures may require more recovery time.

Minimally invasive procedures

A very common complaint is heel pain. This is referred to as plantar fasciitis. When conservative measures fail two small incisions on either side of the heel are made and a scope is then inserted into the foot so that the fascial tissue can be released. This allows the fascia to be lengthened reducing its excessive pulling from the heel bone. Small incisions may also be used to help with ankle surgery. A scope is placed into the joint and the surgeon then then repair the damage if the joint is arthritic or has inflammatory tissue. Both procedures may require minimal recovery time with the patient ambulating soon after surgery.

Joint denervation surgery – Avoiding ankle replacement surgery!

This involves the blocking of pain signals to the brain by the resection of one or more nerve branches through small incisions just above the ankle joint. The nerves have no motor function therefore there is no resulting weakness after the procedure. Many of our patients are choosing this before considering procedures such as ankle replacement surgeries.

Yes, surgery may require significant recovery time. However, the good news is that with technology and surgical innovation you may have less recovery time needed than in the past. If you would like help considering all the options that are now available, please allow us to guide you through the decision process. You may be surprised that your condition can be addressed with minimally invasive technique or by non-surgical means.

Listen to how Steve avoided the layup and risks of joint fusion in this testimonial video.

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No More Icky Fungal Nails! Consider Laser Toenail Treatment

Posted on February 10, 2022July 1, 2025 by admin

Toenail fungus is one of the most common foot complaints. For many it can be very embarrassing with yellow discoloration of the nails. The nails may also become thickened, crumbly and even painful and difficult to trim. At Anderson Podiatry center we have the most experience as we were the first to bring laser fungal nail treatment to the Rocky Mountain area.

Other treatment options may include.

Topicals

If you’ve tried these chances are you were very frustrated. Most patients, we treat have had multiple attempts using topicals for nail infection treatment with little or no success

Oral antifungals

Another option is the use of the oral medication Lamisil. However, it has liver toxicity so many patients are reluctant to use it and we seldom recommend it for this reason.

Laser nail treatment

This laser nail treatment is the option most of our patients prefer. Lasers destroy the toenail infection because it’s able to penetrate the nail bed where topicals just can’t penetrate. The heat created by the laser is what destroys the infection. The laser light pulses rapidly so there is little to no pain and no side effects. You can return to regular activities immediately.

Is laser toenail treatment effective? Here are some studies to back up its effectiveness.

Studies to back up high cure rates.

The following clinical studies show support and toenail laser treatments are approved for use by the Food and Drug Administration. Here are some clinical trials /studies to show laser nail fungus treatment is effective.

A 2016 study by the FDA found that patients who received laser treatment displayed clear nails at three months and six months after treatment.
A 2019 study published in the journal American Family Physician by the American Association of Family Physicians found that after 180 days of toenail laser treatment, patients had a 30% cure rate and a 91% improvement in symptoms. This study also concluded that laser treatment is more effective for the treatment of toenail fungus than both over-the-counter and prescription topical and oral antifungal medications.
In 2018, the journal Lasers in Medical Science published a study about the success rate of laser nail treatment. These researchers reported a success rate of 83.7% among the patient population, who had infections that affected at least two-thirds of the nail.

So how does laser therapy work?

The laser nail treatment is painless although you may feel some warmth as the treatment is performed and if you do the technician will simply move the laser to another area of the nail. Also, if the nail is thickened it will be ground down, so it is much thinner allowing the laser to penetrate better. Thinning the nail is painless and patients appreciate the improved appearance after it is done. Many will start to see clearing of the nail which usually starts at the base as soon as 4-5 months. At 9 months you can expect to have maximum effect from a treatment as this is how long it takes for a nail to grow. The number of treatments that are needed can vary and your doctor will help you determine this.

Why choose Anderson Podiatry Center for laser toenail treatment?

We were the originators of this treatment option in the Rocky Mountain area. I think you’ll discover that our staff is well trained and yes, they are passionate about improving the looks of your nails. Please consider this option to maximize the chances of eliminating your icky toenails. We have two convenient locations when looking for ‘nail laser treatment near me’. Watch our patient testimonials and information videos on laser nail fungus treatment on youtube.

View Patient Testimonial

Laser Nail Treatment Device by PinPointe

Restless Legs Syndrome Has To Do With The Brain Right? Wrong! No It’s In The Legs Where You Feel It.

Posted on December 17, 2021June 30, 2025 by admin

Many of you have been led to believe that restless legs may have to do with dopamine a neurotransmitter in the brain, or your iron levels or magnesium levels. Yes this may have a role however from my experience, the experiences of my patients along with my research point another direction, THE LEGS! Yes where your symptoms are located and where the cause is are the same. For many the nerve tunnels in the lower extremity have become to tight. The symptoms of restlessness, cramping, jerking and creepy crawley sensations then begin.

For many that first learn this its like the lights turned on. Common comments are,

“this makes so much sense” and “I knew there had to be an answer”

Have you ever wondered why few doctors do a full examination of the nerves in the lower extremity.

Often your diagnosed with Restless legs by the symptoms you share with your doctor as that is the standard of care. You may be surprised to find how little research has been done evaluating the nerves in your legs regarding your Restless legs. Currently we have one peer reviewed study to back up what I’m saying. A second study with more rigorous data will soon be submitted for publication. When everyone’s searching for metabolic problems as the issue I’m saying consider it to be a mechanical issue from compression of nerve tunnels. This has been shown to be the root cause. You may also be wondering why is a podiatrist opening the door to this new pathway. I suspect most of what you read about restless legs is coming from the Neurologists. Why aren’t they talking about this? Most doctors have been poorly trained in the evaluation and treatment of the peripheral nerves in the lower extremity so the pathway to this discovery you may find interesting. Like so many revolutionary changes it took people on the outside looking in and saying “have we ever considered this?” Its an area of medicine that’s been ignored and it’s time that you consider the peripheral nerve tunnels in your legs as the problem.

To learn more you may want to consider reading my Amazon best seller book , A Perfect Nights Sleep. Also consider visiting my website, reviewing my research paper, or consider giving us a call .

Five Stages of Peripheral Neuropathy and How to Cure the Nerve Damage

Posted on December 14, 2021July 1, 2025 by admin

Have you heard these comments regarding peripheral neuropathy?

“The nerve fibers have disintegrated so they are permanently damaged, it’s irreversible.” “There is no cure.” Listening to this, you walk away from whichever doctor told you this and you say to yourself “Oh well, I guess the nerve damage is permanent and there is nothing I can do to change that.” Typically, if your neuropathy is severe, you may walk away from this healthcare encounter with a prescription of Lyrica, Gabapentin, or a Narcotic. In this blog we talk about your treatment options and the different stages of peripheral neuropathy.

Challenging what conventional medicine is telling you because it is false! It’s not true!

Aside from treatments aimed at reducing carbohydrate and sugar intake in your diet or looking at vitamin deficiencies; current medical treatment involves two options, however, there is a third option that very few of you hear about.

Option 1 -The problem is metabolic.

It may be from diabetes or if one is prediabetic. It could be from an autoimmune disease, alcoholism, thyroid condition, or an unknown cause. Therefore, the nerves are damaged and just don’t work well.

Option 2 – The problem starts in the back.

So the back needs to be addressed. Maybe, you see a chiropractor, get injections in your back, go through surgery on your back, or use nerve stimulators or pain pumps in your back.

Option 3 – The problem is mechanical and it is in the foot and legs.

To understand this option, we must look elsewhere at the upper extremities, hands, and arms. When burning, tingling and numbness occur, doctors are trained to consider nerve tunnels such as the carpel tunnel. They are looking for a mechanical problem. Could there be a tight nerve tunnel that is compressing the nerve, and if so surgery to open the nerve tunnel would be considered. This may occur in both diabetic and non-diabetic neuropathy. Our research provides objective evidence of this. (Ref, Anderson ¹, Yamasaki ²) The nerves can be damaged from metabolic processes but there’s another solution to fix the problem. Very few doctors have been trained to evaluate and treat nerve pathways in the lower extremities. So, surgical treatment must be considered in the five stages to save lives and limbs, especially when one has a diabetic condition. It may even have a positive effect on blood vessels. In the diabetic state, it is known that because of high sugar levels, the body produces a sugar by-product called sorbitol. This sugar will reside in the nerve tissue and will attract water to the nerve causing swelling. Now with a larger nerve, the nerve tunnels that the nerve branches pass through become tighter. (Ref D Lee; D Dauphinée, J. Jakobsen ³, J. Jakobsen ⁴. With this information in mind, it is ideal to consider surgical decompression to relieve pressure on the nerve.

So here are the stages of peripheral neuropathy and what to do

First Stage – In this stage of peripheral neuropathy, the symptoms of burning tingling, and numbness may be very inconsistent and sporadic. The intensity of the burning, tingling, and numbness in the feet or the legs comes and goes. At this stage, looking at the possibility of being prediabetic is important, and nutritional modifications may have a significant impact

Second Stage – The symptoms will now be getting more intense and frequent. Patients are more concerned and may be more likely to seek treatments. At this stage, nutrition considerations are still useful and consultation with a peripheral nerve specialist should be considered to address surgical or non-surgical options.

Third Stage – This is when the symptoms will peak. At this stage, the symptoms may be 24/7 and it may become difficult to sleep comfortably, and walking may be more difficult because of the pain. Many patients may consider medication such as Gabapentin or Lyrica or even pain medication or narcotics. At this stage, nutritional options will have less impact and the option for surgical decompression should be considered. When symptoms are the worst, surgery may be more impactful.

Fourth Stage – In this stage, the severity of the pain and burning may decrease, and walking may now be affected by numbness and weakness. With balance and reflexes being affected, concerns about using a cane or walker are common. In diabetics, the risk of an amputation starts to go up. At this stage, nutritional options do not help that much, and surgical options may still be considered. Now the risk of amputation in the diabetic becomes more real.

Fifth Stage – At the final stage, the nerve is very damaged and there is little pain. The feet will be number and weaker. Walking becomes more challenging and in diabetics, the risk of amputation is more common. This is the stage of peripheral neuropathy where amputations are most likely to occur. Surgery may still be entertained, but it may not be as effective as if it had been performed in stage three or four.

In summary, consider the following when dealing with different stages peripheral neuropathy

Get treatment early to know if you have neuropathy in early stages one and two. Addressing it nutritionally may also have more impact. For most types of neuropathies, you should be evaluated for nerve compression by stages two or three. Especially in diabetics, at the stage where you’re contemplating medication, nerve decompression surgery should be considered. Rather than being medicated through the most painful stages of peripheral neuropathy, patients may want to consider the surgical option of treatment to maximize potential reversal of nerve damage. Waiting till stages four or five may limit the potential improvement gained by surgical decompression. By addressing stages two and three the potential to avoid amputation, limb loss, and possible death could be reduced in diabetics. In summary, as more patients are learning about nerve compression in the lower extremity, the health risks can be eliminated especially in those suffering from diabetic neuropathy.

Anderson JC, Nickerson DS, Tracy BL, Paxton RJ, Yamasaki DS. Acute Improvement in Intraoperative EMG Following Common Fibular Nerve Decompression in Patients with Symptomatic Diabetic Sensorimotor Peripheral Neuropathy: 1. EMG Results. J Neurol Surg A Cent Eur Neurosurg. 2017 Sep;78(5):419-430. doi: 10.1055/s-0036-1593958. Epub 2016 Dec 30. PMID: 28038479. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28038479/
Yamasaki DS, Nickerson DS, Anderson JC. Acute Improvement in Intraoperative EMG During Common Fibular Nerve Decompression in Patients with Symptomatic Diabetic Sensorimotor Peripheral Neuropathy: EMG and Clinical Attribute Interrelations. J Neurol Surg A Cent Eur Neurosurg. 2020 Nov;81(6):484-494. doi: 10.1055/s-0040-1701619. Epub 2020 May 26. PMID: 32455446. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32455446/
Lee, D., & Dauphinée Damien M. (2005, September 1). Morphological and functional changes in the diabetic peripheral nerve using diagnostic ultrasound and neurosensory testing to select candidates for nerve decompression. Journal of the American Podiatric Medical Association. https://meridian.allenpress.com/japma/article-abstract/95/5/433/156230/Morphological-and-Functional-Changes-in-the
Jakobsen, J. (1978, February 1). Peripheral nerves in early experimental diabetes – diabetologia. SpringerLink. https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/BF01263449

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Stages of Peripheral Neuropathy

What is neuropathy and what are its symptoms?
Neuropathy, also known as peripheral neuropathy, involves damage or dysfunction of the peripheral nerves, leading to symptoms like numbness, tingling, burning sensations, and pain typically in the hands and feet.
What causes neuropathy?
Various factors can cause neuropathy including diabetes, chemotherapy, certain infections, and physical injuries. Each type has its own specific causes and risk factors.
Are there different types of neuropathy?
Yes, there are more than 100 types of peripheral neuropathy, each characterized by the specific nerve types involved and the symptoms presented.
How is neuropathy treated?
While there is no cure for neuropathy, treatments are available that focus on managing symptoms and underlying conditions. These can include medications, physical therapy, and in certain cases, surgical options like nerve decompression surgery.
What are the long-term impacts of neuropathy?
Neuropathy can be a chronic condition with symptoms that vary in severity. Long-term impacts might include persistent pain, increased sensitivity to touch, and potential mobility issues due to muscle weakness or coordination problems.

Do feet get bigger as we age?

Posted on October 21, 2021 by admin

What can cause your feet to get bigger and what can you do about it?

Why Are Your Feet Getting Bigger?

You may have noticed, especially as you’re getting older, that your feet are getting bigger. The shoes that used to fit you no longer are adequate and you find yourself shopping for shoes that may be wider or longer. Why is this? There are multiple reasons but for this blog, I’ve narrowed it down to five.

Mileage on your feet

The mileage of walking all your life or running on your feet has a lot to do with this. The simple act of the thousands of steps we take daily has an impact. With each step two to three times your body weight comes down on your feet. The ligaments that hold and maintain the arch tend to get stretched over time and this will allow the arch to flatten and possibly the foot to get wider.

Obesity

Having additional weight on your feet can also contribute to them becoming bigger. With additional weight, the foot may splay apart and widen and the ligaments that support the arch get stretched so the foot lengthens. It’s also been noted that the average shoe size for men and women has increased from years ago and this may be due to increased obesity in the general population. So, a size 13 shoe for a man may be closer to an average size now than it was years ago.

Foot Deformities

Foot deformities are also something that may be impacting you. For example, a bunion deformity, where there’s a bump by the big toe joint and the first toe may be deviating towards the second toe will make your foot wider. Also, on the opposite side of the foot, you may have what’s referred to as a bunionette or tailor’s bunion. This will cause a prominence on the outer side of the foot by the small toe. If these deformities progress over your lifetime it’s going to make your foot wider.

Diseases That You May Have

This would include people that have rheumatoid arthritis or maybe diabetes where the foot might break down and lead to a longer or wider foot. The joints and ligaments of the foot can be negatively affected by both of these.

Pregnancy

With pregnancy, the body releases a hormone called relaxin. Relaxin aids in relaxing the birth canal in preparation for the delivery. This can also cause the ligaments in the foot to become more flexible and can cause the arch to flatten and the foot to get wider. Also, the weight gain associated with pregnancy can contribute.

What Can Be Done to Correct This?

More support for your feet

One of the most basic things would be to use arch supports or custom-made orthotics that you can get from a podiatrist. By doing this, it creates more support for the foot and there may be less impact of your body weight on the foot that would lead to the foot lengthening or getting wider. You may also consider wearing shoes that are more supportive.

Control your weight

Weight gain has a big impact on how flat your feet may get. The larger your body, the more impact that this will have on the progression of a longer and wider foot. Anything that helps you to maintain your weight is a good idea.

So don’t be surprised as you get older if your feet are getting bigger. There’s really nothing to worry about as this is a normal part of aging, but do consider the suggestions in this blog that may slow down the progression.

On the radio with Dr. James Anderson

Posted on August 12, 2021June 30, 2025 by admin

Hear from your local podiatrist Dr. James Anderson in this candid interview on 93.5 Oldies radio.

In this candid interview with Dr. James Anderson, your local foot doctor talks about his decision to become a podiatrist. The importance of feet in daily life and the high success rate drove Dr. Anderson to choose podiatry as his line of work. Anderson Podiatry Center has two locations, in Fort Collins and Broomfield, which provides patients easy access.

With 40 years of being in business, Anderson Podiatry Center has a great reputation and a lot of experience in various foot ailments. From the most common ailments of plantar facilities to the latest in regenerative medicine using stem cells, Anderson Podiatry provides full-service foot care.

Dr. Anderson is known across North America for his published work and book on Restless Leg Syndrome by opening nerve tunnels or nerve decompression.