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What Are Bunions and How To Treat Your Big Toe Pain

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Big toe pain can make you dread putting on your favorite shoes or boots am I right? Matt felt that way too but not anymore!

Matt called our office with fairly advanced big toe pain which had progressed to the point that walking was painful and running and sports were getting harder and harder to participate in enjoyably. His big toe pointed towards his second toe and he had a bump on his big toe joint, both of which are classic signs of a bunion. He like many were looking for a solution to end his pain and get back to the activities he enjoys.

Matt, like many other patients we’ve seen, felt discouraged because his feet ached to the point of distraction and caused downright pain!

Does walking or running hurt? Take look at your bare foot. Does your big toe point in toward your second toe? Does your big toe hurt to the point you’d classify it as big toe pain? Is there a bump on your big toe joint? If so, you might have a bunion.

Just What is a Bunion?

A bunion is a misalignment of the big toe joint. This misalignment causes the big toe to point outwards and rotate towards the smaller toes, and appears as an enlargement at the base of the big toe. Similarly, if you have a sizeable bump at the base of your little toe you may have a bunionette.

What are the Symptoms of a Bunion?

Some symptoms of bunions and bunionettes include:

  • Inflammation and redness in the enlarged joint
  • Irritation or tenderness
  • Inflammation in a small fluid-filled sac adjacent to the joint
  • Swelling
  • Localized arthritis in the joint (typically occurs during later stages of the deformity)
  • Chronic pain in the enlarged joint and toe

One of the worst effects of bunions is a decrease in activity level. Bunions can make you hesitate to be active, especially if you are in pain. With bunions it’s often impossible to run or go on long walks, and if you can walk, you have to slow down or alter how you walk to relieve some of the pain. This can cause additional problems from ‘favoring’ the painful bump.

What Causes a Bunion?

Although the precise cause of bunions is unknown, there are certain factors that contribute to them:

  1. Inherited Genetic Factors: Though shoes can play a role in aggravating this deformity, the majority of bunions are a result of biomechanics, or inherited foot types. We also know that bunions are 10 times more likely to affect women than men.
  2. Abnormal Biomechanics: Instability in the joint and muscle imbalance can create bunions.
  3. Trauma: Though uncommon, some sprains, fractures, and nerve injuries have led to the development of bunions.
  4. Neuromuscular Disorders: Certain disorders, such as polio, though rare, have had a correlation with the occurrence of bunions.
  5. Limb-leg discrepancies: When one leg is longer than the other the longer leg tends to grow the bunion.

Bunions can make you dread putting on your shoes, limit what shoes you can wear, and greatly decrease your activity level. Yes, wearing loose and supportive shoes or taking certain medications like ibuprofen can help alleviate the symptoms, but those are only short term solutions.

How Do You Treat Bunions?

Though your symptoms may stay the same, it is vital to understand that bunions are progressive and will worsen over time! Also the longer you wait to treat them the more difficult or extensive the repair needs to be.

The good news is that there are long term solutions to treating bunions with big toe joint pain treatment:

1. Orthotics

We create custom orthotics here in our office. We take a three-dimensional scan of your actual foot and create the orthotic based on exactly what your foot needs. These correct the bio-mechanical imbalances in your feet and create a ‘neutral ‘ stance that takes the pressure off your big toe joint and relieves big toe pain.

2. Corrective Surgery

Surgery is a very successful procedure for treating bunions, and it is the best way to correct this deformity, relieve pain, and improve foot function. People tend to have a misconception about how much down time they will have after bunion surgery. But the great news is, in just three to four weeks after surgery, you can be back to your regular shoes again!

Don’t let bunions on your foot control any longer.

Call us today at our Fort Collins location (970) 484-4620, Broomfield location (720) 259-5053 or use our online scheduling system to book your appointment.

2 New Important Studies to Know About for People Suffering with Diabetic Neuropathy

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I’ve been a member, including past president and board member, of the Association of Extremity Nerve Surgeons for a long time. I routinely attend meetings and lectures and train nerve surgeons, and I recently attended their annual meeting. These meetings are important to me, but they are also important to some of you and ptrain nerve surgeonseople that you know, because some of the research we do provides us with new information that helps people with diabetic foot problems, including the risk of amputation.

Many diabetics suffer from neuropathy. They struggle with the typical diabetic symptoms as well as the burning, tingling, numbness and pain also associated with this disease, which leads to an increased risk of amputation.

What if you or someone that you know with diabetic neuropathy could reduce or eliminate the symptoms? What if something could be done to restore more normal nerve function? The risk of amputation in diabetics would be greatly reduced.

At the meeting I attended an important thing happened: two new studies regarding diabetics and neuropathy were discussed. One of the two studies was one that I have recently completed, and the other study was completed by Dr. Zhang from Shanghai, China.

Dr. Zhang’s study showed an improvement in lower extremity nerve function for patients he had performed surgical decompression surgery on (opening of the nerve tunnels), which is similar to carpal tunnel surgery done in the hand. His EMG studies showed improvement of the patients nerve function that lasted months and even years after having the procedure performed.association of extremity nerve surgeons conference

My study showed intraoperative improvement via EMG in nerve function within minutes of opening these nerve tunnels. This explains why many patients have immediate dramatic improvements in their symptoms, and can even feel their feet again.

The data from both studies demonstrates how quickly nerves can repair and that the effects are long term. These study results are supported clinically by other surgeons who also perform these procedures, and it supports what our patients are saying as well.

It is our desire to change the narrative, to change the thought of conventional medicine. Between our two studies we have a good scientific foundation that proves how much diabetic patients can be helped.

So next time you’re thinking about treatments for diabetic neuropathy for yourself or someone you know, ask yourself this question: are drugs, with their unwanted and often dangerous side effects, the best answer?

We continue to do surgical decompression surgery for patients suffering from diabetic and non-diabetic neuropathy. We have a large volume of scientific data that shows improvement in various nerves after surgery. So next time you or anyone you know says there’s nothing that can be done, or you hear the Lyrica ads on TV or are considering using Neurontin to help with your neuropathy pain, remember these studies. The real hope of relief from neuropathy pain and numbness is now clinically supported and available to help those in need.  We are truly on the forefront of a treatment shift in dealing with this debilitating disease.

Our study will be published shortly and I will be sure to highlight the results with you. I enjoyed meeting and sharing our research with a surgeon so far away who is also trying to help to change how medicine treats such a dreaded problem. We hope to collaborate and present our findings more in the future, both here and in China and other parts of the world.

Ankle Sprains: What You Need to Know

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sports ankle sprain

 

Sports ankle sprain treatment: Getting back on your feet faster

When it’s back to school time, we’re also back to fall or spring sports, gym class, and recess. Summer is also often a time for additional sports activities or neighborhood pickup games.  With any physical activity comes the risk of sports related injuries, especially those involved in high-impact sports like basketball, soccer, and tennis. The most common of these is ankle sprains, which in my opinion is usually not treated appropriately. We’ve all heard the advice of “rest it for a few days” or “just wear a brace and get back out there.” Or my personal favorite “just rub some dirt on it.” Whether you’re a weekend warrior or a professional athlete, an ankle sprain can quickly sideline you from your favorite activities. But fear not, with the right treatment and rehabilitation plan, you can bounce back stronger than ever. Now the problem with this advice is that most sprained ankles do feel better after a few days, but that doesn’t mean they are healed.

 

types of ankle sprains anderson podiatry center treatments

Understanding sports ankle sprains

Before diving into ankle sprain treatment options, let’s briefly revisit what happens during a sports ankle sprain. Ankle sprains occur when the ligaments that support the ankle stretch or tear, usually due to a sudden twist or turn of the foot. In sports, this often happens during rapid changes in direction, jumps, or collisions with other players.

The most frequent type of “rolled ankle” sprain involves rupturing one of the three ligaments that connects the outside of your ankle to the outside of your foot. If you continue activity as usual on this injury, the torn ends of that ligament continue to move and deteriorate until the normal strong ligament is basically gone. This will not cause much of an issue for normal activity, but can result in a chronic weak point in ankle motion that will cause the ankle to “give out” if the foot is planted in a certain position. It can also cause more severe injuries down the road.

Immediate ankle sprain care

If you’ve recently suffered a sports ankle sprain, immediate care is crucial to minimize swelling and pain. Remember the R.I.C.E. protocol:

  • Rest: Avoid putting weight on the injured ankle to prevent further damage.
  • Ice: Apply ice packs to the affected area for 15-20 minutes every few hours to reduce swelling.
  • Compression: Use a compression bandage to support the ankle and limit swelling.
  • Elevation: Keep your ankle elevated above heart level whenever possible to reduce swelling.

Professional evaluation

After the initial injury, it’s essential to seek professional medical evaluation, especially if you suspect a severe sprain or if the pain and swelling persist. Your podiatrist will perform a thorough examination, which may include imaging tests like X-rays or MRI scans to assess the extent of the injury.

Ankle sprain treatment options

When I am treating a recent ankle sprain I will first immobilize the ankle at 90 degrees for two weeks or more depending on its severity. This is typically done using a walking boot. This allows you to remove the boot for sleeping and to ice the ankle regularly. You will also be given instructions on therapy involving gentle moving of the ankle to prevent stiffness. After two weeks the boot comes off and more active physical therapy begins, usually lasting an additional two to three weeks before full activity can be resumed. Here are some common treatment options for sports ankle sprains that we would provide:

  • Immobilization: In severe cases, a brace, splint, or walking boot may be necessary to immobilize the ankle and allow the ligaments to heal properly.
  • Physical Therapy: A structured physical therapy program can help strengthen the muscles around the ankle, improve range of motion, and restore stability.
  • Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs): Over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen or naproxen can help reduce pain and inflammation.
  • Bracing and Taping: Wearing ankle braces or undergoing athletic taping techniques can provide additional support and stability during sports activities.
  • Gradual Return to Activity: It’s essential to gradually reintroduce physical activity once your ankle has healed to avoid re-injury. Your podiatrist or physical therapist can provide guidance on when it’s safe to return to sports and how to prevent future ankle sprains.

Preventive measures

While some ankle sprains are inevitable, there are steps you can take to reduce your risk of injury:

  • Warm-Up and Stretching: Always warm up before engaging in physical activity, and incorporate dynamic stretching exercises to prepare your muscles and ligaments.
  • Proper Footwear: Invest in supportive athletic shoes designed for your specific sport and replace them regularly to ensure optimal cushioning and stability.
  • Strength and Balance Training: Incorporate exercises that target the muscles around the ankle, such as calf raises, ankle circles, and single-leg balance drills, to improve stability and reduce the risk of sprains.

Conclusion

Now, a month or more out of sports activities sounds like a lot, but considering the lifelong pain and instability that can be associated with an under-treated ankle injury, it’s more than worth it. Don’t let a sports ankle sprain keep you on the sidelines for longer than necessary. With prompt and proper treatment, along with preventive measures and rehabilitation, you can get back to doing what you love with confidence and strength. So, if anyone has questions or concerns about a recent or past injury please make an appointment with us and we can talk about how to get you back in the ol’ ball game.

Dr. Anderson is considered one of the top podiatrists or foot doctor in the Fort Collins, Colorado region with over 6000+ subscribers on youtube and thousands of facebook followers it makes sense to consult with him.

The Truth About Frustrating Toenail Fungus

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During my time in this practice I have heard toenail fungus described in many different ways, and none of them are nice.  Gross, icky, thick, brittle, deformed, disfigured, discolored nails are one of the most common foot issues that we see.  In most cases this is caused by a fungal infection of the toenails.  Studies have estimated that up to 20-25% of the general population is affected by this ailment, and possibly up to 35% of diabetics.

Fortunately, in most cases this infection doesn’t cause any other health issues, and remains confined to the toes.  For those that have this infection the main complaint is cosmetic. In some cases, however, the infected nails can lead to chronic pain due to nail thickening, or even chronic ingrown nails.

Over the years there have been many treatments attempted for this with most of them having rather dismal results.  There are more over the counter topical treatments for this then I care to count, and even more “home remedies.”  Unfortunately, these types of treatments rarely lead to much improvement in appearance, and even more rarely cure the infection.

Over the counter medication for the treatment of athlete’s foot has also been shown to have little effect. Treating this infection with oral antifungal medication has been shown to have better results than with topicals, but overall the cure rates with this medication have been disappointing.

A more recent advancement in treatment has been with laser therapy. We have been treating nail fungus with the PinPoint laser system for six years and have been very pleased with the results! This treatment involves direct laser therapy of the nails, which heats underneath the nail to a temperature that kills the fungus but does not burn or harm your toe.

For most people this procedure involves 3-4 treatments which are spaced out every three months or so. However, the toenails take up to a year to fully grow out the infected nail and replace it with healthy nail. The treatment also involves regular use of topical anti-fungals to keep your skin as free from infection as possible.

So, if you are currently wearing sockFrustrated with Toenail Funguss to the beach because you are embarrassed by your toenails, this treatment might be for you.  Please feel free to contact our office with any questions or to schedule an appointment to have your nails evaluated.  By this time next year, you may be able to ditch the socks and let your little piggies out to play again.

5 Most Common FAQ’s from Patients

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If you suffer from any type of foot or ankle ailment chances are someone out there has experienced the exact same or very similar complaint as you have. Feet and ankle issues are extremely common, which makes sense considering the average person walks around 5,900 steps a day, or much more if they live an active lifestyle.

Because we rely on our feet so much, any type of injury can be extremely debilitating and frustrating, especially if you don’t know where to get help, or are afraid to get it. Sometimes what you really need to have peace of mind about receiving treatment are just answers to your questions, which is why Dr. Anderson of Anderson Podiatry Center put together a list of the most common questions he receives from his patients.

Here are the answers to the five most common questions Dr. Anderson gets asked:

  1. Do I have to give up this activity for the rest of my life?

“My response to this has always been we will go through a full conservative regimen and move to surgery as necessary before we tell someone to discontinue in an activity that is beneficial for their health. Commitment to the postoperative course is compensated by a lifetime of being able to return to that activity.”

  1. Will the deformity return if I have it fixed surgically?

The fear that the deformity will just return even if it is surgically removed is a main reason many choose to not even try it. However, this is definitely not always the case, and if you put in the time and effort to find the right doctor, you could get rid of that loathsome deformity for good. Dr. Anderson supports this as well, he says, “This depends on the quality of surgeon you choose, and the commitment you make to appropriate shoe choice and insole choice in the years following surgery.”

  1. Will my insurance cover this?

“Any out-of-pocket costs will be covered by our front office personnel and you need to understand how your deductible and co-pay’s work. You need to take responsibility for understanding the ways in which your insurance works.”

Calling your insurance company can seem very daunting, but with just one phone call you can find out exactly what your insurance will and will not cover. You could be delaying life-changing treatment that your insurance might cover!

  1. When I can return to activity?

“The answer is always very specific to your problem. By returning too quickly you will lose out on the sacrifice from that activity that you have already undergone.”

Because the answer to this common question is so specific to your individual problem, it is absolutely paramount that you see a podiatrist to get an accurate answer.

  1. How much time will I need off from work?

“Sometimes it is in your best interest to use short-term disability rather than burn all your vacation days and sick days. We as a clinic are available to help you fill out the paperwork and answer the questions with regards to short-term disability.”

This question is also very case-by-case, so see a podiatrist to get a better estimate of exactly how much recovery time you need.

Don’t let your fears of the unknown keep you from getting life changing help! See a podiatrist today to finally get all your questions answered.

APC Office Visit

Could Your Hip and Back Pain be Caused by Your Feet?

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hip-knee-pain-apc

Do you suffer with inexplicable pain in your back, hips, or knees? Does a good run leave you with shin splints? Believe it or not, the culprit could be an entirely different body part: your feet. Flat feet are a rather devious condition that can cause a myriad of seemingly unrelated symptoms, distracting you from the real source of the problem.

So what exactly are flat feet? No, we’re not talking about flat, orange duck feet. Flat feet are when your feet are hyperpronated; in other words, your arches appear to be flattened and lower to the ground. What this means for your body is that as you walk, your feet are rolling inward, which creates excess motion and improper support.

With each step, you put a force of almost 5 times your body weight on each foot! So if your foot isn’t properly absorbing that pressure, you better believe the rest of your body is taking the hit. Your legs have to pick up the slack from your feet as well as work harder with the extra rolling movement each step requires.

So your muscles are working harder to lift your foot—hello shin splints. Your Achilles tendon that runs up the back of your leg also takes on a bigger work-load, which may cause tendonitis. And worse yet, if left untreated, flat feet can even lead to arthritis!

Many people don’t even know they have flat feet. They may have the misleading symptoms listed above, or sometimes even no symptoms at all! So how can you know if you’re a victim of it? Try this little experiment: Get your bare foot wet and make a print on your sidewalk. Does the imprint show your entire foot, rather than the normal curved-in footprint? If so, then you probably have flat feet.

Also, you can quiz yourself with the following questions that are indicative of flat feet:

  1. Do your feet get tired easily?
  2. Do you have pain in the arch of your foot or lower leg?
  3. Do your feet or legs feel week after you walk or run?
  4. Do the insides of the soles of your feet swell?
  5. Is it hard for you to stand up on your toes?
  6. Are you experiencing back, hip, or knee pain that can’t be otherwise explained?

If you answered yes to any of these questions, you may very well be flat footed. Fortunately, this is not an incurable ailment! There are various treatments that can help you.

Custom orthotics might be your ticket, or in more severe cases, corrective orthopedic surgery could be just what you need. Remember that even if your flat footedness doesn’t ail you too much at this point, it will very likely progressively worsen with time.

Our highly trained specialists here at Anderson Podiatry Center can offer you the precise treatment you need. Our goal is to not simply relieve your symptoms, but to address the true cause of your flat foot condition and provide long-term relief. So get your running shoes out! They’ve missed you! Come visit your podiatrist in Fort Collins or Broomfield for further consultation.

Your Feet Can Cause Leg And Back Pain

What We Believe: Anderson Podiatry Center for Foot Nerve Pain Treatment

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chronic nerve pain center anderson podiatry

I’d like to take a few moments to explain our philosophy at our foot nerve pain treatment center. Many of you know generally what a podiatrist does. We work on feet and ankles. But why a center for nerve pain? Why would you come to us for this?

At Anderson Podiatry Center, our approach to patient care focuses on addressing the root cause of your issues, not just alleviating the symptoms. Whether you’re dealing with restless legs, neuropathy, or chronic nerve pain resulting from trauma, we are committed to providing effective and lasting solutions for your nerve-related problems. By identifying and treating the underlying causes, we aim to not only relieve your immediate discomfort but also offer you the opportunity for long-term resolution. Our dedicated team of specialists works tirelessly to reverse the symptoms you’re experiencing and enhance your overall quality of life, ensuring that you can enjoy improved health and mobility. With our patient-centered approach, you can trust us to deliver comprehensive care that prioritizes your well-being and helps you achieve a better, pain-free future.

Patients can be divided into two groups based upon their current belief systems, or what they have been told about their neuropathy. These beliefs are very important to take the time to consider.

  1. The belief or of those who don’t come to our foot nerve pain treatment center are:
  • that the nerve symptoms below your knee probably originate from your back, so we can’t help you.
  • that the drugs you’re taking are helping your nerves and you’re fine with continuing down that pathway, so we can’t help you.
  • that it’s good enough to allow the drugs to mute your symptoms and you aren’t worried what this could progress to, so you won’t need our help.
  • that your nerves are just diseased from the diabetes, restless legs, or chemotherapy, and that’s just the way it is.

If you do have these belief, I’m sorry but we will be of no help. But I urge you to challenge these beliefs or what you may have been told.

nerve pain monitoring anderson podiatry center

Who does come to us? People who believe there’s got to be a better way. People who don’t like to take no for an answer when it comes to improving their nerve health and general wellbeing. We attract people to the center who most fit our beliefs. Some travel a great distance from many states away to hear what we have to say.

  1. The belief of those who do come to our Nerve Pain Center follow the same beliefs as we do; they don’t simply accept their condition, but they question:
  • Why do I have to be on drugs?
  • Why am I being told it’s because of my back?
  • Why am I told I just have to live with it?
  • Why am I told its not reversible?

Many of the people who find us feel more secure to know that we have a research team that tracks our outcomes. To disrupt and revise the standard way you’ve been treated and to back our outcomes with research is who we are, it is our mission and purpose!

Please check our website to learn more about our alternatives to these common beliefs about neuropathy. You may be very glad you did. Some of the topics that we have explained in fine detail are:

So in summary, I have one more question: what do you BELIEVE?

Find the answers you are looking for, by a call, email or chat. With our own foot nerve pain treatment center, we are one of the highest rated foot and ankle clinics in the tri-state area of Colorado, Wyoming and Cheyenne. International patients have also trusted us to find a cure and management path to a better way of live. Two convenient locations in Fort Collins and Broomfield.

Call us today at our Fort Collins location (970) 484-4620, Broomfield location (720) 259-5053 or use our online scheduling system to book your appointment.

A Day in the Life of a Podiatrist

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Get to know Doctor Anderson by reading a little about his average day on the job!

Dr. James Anderson, DPM.

“My Wednesday starts early as it’s my surgery day. Surgeries begin at 7 am and may end at 5 pm on a busy day. So, today being Wednesday saw me out the door grabbing a handful of nuts and blueberries for my breakfast. I grabbed some coffee with butter and cinnamon, a daily habit of mine, and started my day.

My first patient had traveled all the way from eastern Nebraska, and as with most of my patients this day was a nerve surgery case. He was a very nice Nebraska farmer with diabetes suffering from severe neuropatDr. James Anderson, DPMhy. I had six surgeries with only a five-minute break between surgeries to celebrate Rhonda’s birthday (Rhonda has been our recovery room nurse for 10 years and she is absolutely the best! Patients and staff love her.)

So, after opening her card and getting a box with her favorite perfume, it was back to work.  Another staff member, Jeanne, was excited to hear that she would be acknowledged in a research paper getting published on the intraoperative nerve monitoring we do. She helps set up the monitoring equipment and assists me in surgery.

The highlight of the day
was the last case. A 14-year-old from Nebraska who had been in a bad car accident 2 years ago. She had severe nerve pain in her foot and weakness, drop foot, in her   leg as it was trapped beneath the seat of the car in a rollover accident. After seeing multiple doctors, they had almost given up hope until they learned about what we do. The nerve monitoring we did in surgery to see how well we improved the function of the nerves that had been damaged in the accident were showing us amazing improvement of nerve function!  I’m very optimistic for her, and feel confident she and her mom can avoid a life of medication for her chronic pain condition, which is the goal they had.

I did end my day a little later than I had thought I would. I was expecting to catch up on things, but only had time to meet with my two research assistants. We recently submitted a paper for publication on restless legs, and reviewed three more studies that we will be starting on. They are young and bright and are a huge asset to me. It’s a real challenge to see patients, run a business, and then do research, so I am blessed to have them.

Lastly, I joined in late on a conference call with our CEO Eric, and my wife, COO Adriann, in regards to new opportunities for our surgery center.

Finally, out of the office by 6:15; that’s early! I even had time at home to watch some TV, answer emails, and jump on the elliptical machine. Oh, yes, and wash some clothes. That’s my day!”

We are proud of what we do and the doctors we represent! Contact us today to talk to any of our doctors one-on-one!

Ankle Problems: Why It’s Important You Don’t Ignore Them

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With all the wear and tear we put our bodies through it’s no wonder we go to bed sore at night. We often get so accustomed to these persistent aches and pains that we just live with them. It’s normal to have foot pain and ankle pain after a long day of work, right? Sometimes, yes.

Minor aches and pains at the end of the day, especially if you live an active lifestyle, are typically nothing more than a tired body that needs rest, but don’t let these minor aches and pains you are used to feeling make you ignore more serious issues that require treatment.

Some of the most common foot problems that are ignored are in the ankle. People frequently excuse genuine ankle issues to simple daily wear and tear, so they don’t seek treatments that can help. Three common problems that shouldn’t be ignored include:

  1. Ankle Instability– If you sprain your ankle regularly, have stiff or swollen ankles, or have trouble walking across uneven ground, (especially in high heels) then you may actual suffer from ankle instability.
  2. Ankle Pain– If your ankle seems to always be in pain, tender to touch, swollen, or unstable, this could be a signal to a larger problem, such as arthritis, a fracture, or an inflamed tendon.
  3. Ankle Sprain– Spraining an ankle is a very common injury that often heals on its own with proper rest and care, but when it won’t heal is when there is concern. If your ankle sprain is not healing, is swollen, bruised, painful, and difficult to walk on, then you need to get it looked at. Serious ankle sprains when untreated can develop into long-term problems.

Ankle instability, pain, and sprains can put a huge damper on your active lifestyle. If you experience any or all of the above, the below treatment options may be what you need:

  • AmnioFix Therapy– this new, regenerative medical product enhances healing, reduces scar tissue formation, reduces inflammation, and may be just what your ankle needs to heal.
  • Custom orthotics– doctor-fitted orthotics made from the mold of your actual foot offer huge benefits to your feet and ankles.
  • Casting– casting a mold of your foot is typically done when making custom orthotics, and allows a podiatrist to see the exact condition of your ankle, so they can treat it correctly.
  • Physical therapy- some ankle injuries require physical therapy, especially if they go ignored and cause more permanent damage.
  • Braces or supports– these may not sound ideal, but if they ease your pain, prevent further injury, or fix current problems they are worth it.
  • Arthroscopic surgery– this minimally invasive joint surgery can help fix many common ankle injuries.
  • MLS Laser Therapy– this laser therapy is an exciting new treatment for a wide range of injuries and conditions that cause pain, including ankle problems.

If you have chronic ankle problems don’t ignore them! We are here to help you keep active! Call us today!

Don't Ignore Ankle Problems

3 Essential Books for Understanding and Living with Neuropathy

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Your legs and feet are one of the most important parts of our body; they carry you everywhere you go. So, naturally, leg and feet issues can greatly disrupt your daily life. This is sadly the case for the many people who suffer from neuropathy– or nerve pain. Neuropathy is painful, frustrating, and debilitating, and with all the information out there it can be overwhelming finding good, accurate sources of information, but it doesn’t have to be.

First of all, you might have neuropathy and not even know it. Some symptoms to look for with neuropathy include muscle weakness, twitching, tingling, burning, loss of balance, numbness, prickling sensations, and/or nerve pain in your legs or feet. Neuropathy can be caused by diabetes, injury, infections, certain cancers, and alcohol, and it is progressive and will worsen over time.

To help you correctly live with and understand your neuropathy we have found three essential books to read:

  1. Sugar Crush: How to Reduce Inflammation, Reverse Nerve Damage, and Reclaim Good Health– by Richard Jacoby, DPM

Even though this book is not solely on neuropathy, it is still an excellent resource for those who suffer from it. Sugar Crush was written by a leading peripheral nerve surgeon. In it he explains why sugar and carbohydrates are harmful to the body’s nerves, and how eliminating them may help mitigate or even reverse nerve damage.

He goes on to describe how a diet high in sugar, processed carbohydrates, and wheat compresses and damages the peripheral nerves of the body. This leads to pain, numbness, and tinging in hands and feet. Sound familiar? These are the same symptoms as neuropathy, which is why this book is a great resource for you!

  1. Coping with Peripheral Neuropathy: How to handle stress, disability, anxiety, fatigue, depression, pain, and relationships– by Scott Berman, MD CIDP

Unfortunately, living with chronic pain and a debilitating disease affects much more than just your physical body. It affects your emotions, causes other problems such as anxiety and depression, and often affects those around you as well.

However, keep in mind that although this book may help you cope with the chronic pain you currently live with, you might not always have to. Just as Sugar Crush discusses, there are possible treatments that may reverse neuropathy symptoms and help stop chronic pain.

  1. Mindfulness Meditation for Pain Relief: Guided Practices for Reclaiming Your Body and Your Life– by Jon Kabat-Zinn

Those who suffer from neuropathy often complain of chronic pain as well. If you live a life shaped by pain, you understand the physical and emotional sufferings that usually accompany it. In this book you can learn how to rely on meditation, rather than solely medication, to ease your pain. Often neuropathy patients complain about all the medications they have to take that don’t always work, and almost always come with unwanted side effects. Here is a great alternative.

According to customer reviews, this book offers meditation techniques for beginners, so anyone can use it and find relief, while also discovering new freedom and improved quality of life. However, same with the above book mentioned, remember that there are treatments for neuropathy that have been able to reverse symptoms for many patients, enabling them to live pain free.

These books are very helpful for living with neuropathy, but they are not your only source of information. Speak to a podiatrist to learn all about your disease, and more importantly how you may be able to reverse your symptoms with promising treatment options.

Understanding and Living with Neuropathy