Foot Conditions — Foot & Ankle Blog

Preparing Your Feet for Ski Season: Exercises and Stretches to Prevent Injury

The crisp mountain air and fresh powder are calling, but before you hit the slopes, it’s essential to prepare your feet and ankles for the challenges of skiing. Dr. John Paul Elton, a leading foot and ankle specialist at Vail-Summit Orthopaedics & Neurosurgery, provides valuable tips on exercises and stretches to reduce the risk of common foot and ankle injuries like an ankle sprain skiing. By strengthening your feet and focusing on flexibility, you can minimize discomfort such as when the bottom of feet hurt skiing or your arches hurt in ski boots.

Foot ConditionsGuest UserDecember 1, 2024Foot Injuries

Common Foot and Ankle Injuries in Cross-Country Skiers

Winter sports bring exhilarating experiences, but they also come with the risk of specific injuries, especially for cross-country skiers. Nordic skiing demands endurance, precision, and balance, placing unique strains on the feet and ankles. Dr. John Paul Elton, a renowned foot and ankle specialist at Vail-Summit Orthopaedics & Neurosurgery (VSON), shares his insights into the most common injuries faced by cross-country skiers and tips on preventing and managing them for a safe and enjoyable season.

Foot ConditionsGuest UserNovember 1, 2024Foot Injuries

Understanding Flat Feet and Treatment Options

Flat feet, also known as pes planus, happens when the arches of the feet collapse, causing the entire sole of the foot to make contact with the ground. While some people naturally have flat feet, others develop the condition over time due to injury, aging, or underlying health issues.

Foot ConditionsGuest UserOctober 1, 2024Foot Injuries

Ankle Replacement vs. Ankle Fusion: Which Is Right for You?

When facing severe ankle arthritis or significant damage, two primary surgical options may be considered: ankle replacement or ankle fusion. Both procedures aim to alleviate pain and restore function, but the right choice depends on various factors, including your age, activity level, and the presence of other foot conditions.

Foot ConditionsGuest UserSeptember 1, 2024Foot Injuries

Understanding Morton's Neuroma: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment

Morton's neuroma occurs when the tissue around one of the nerves leading to your toes thickens, causing pain, tingling, or numbness in the ball of your foot. "Morton's neuroma often develops due to irritation, injury, or pressure on the nerve," says Dr. Elton. "Activities that add stress to the foot can make Morton’s neuroma worse."

Foot ConditionsGuest UserAugust 1, 2024Foot Injuries

Understanding Sever's Disease: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment

Sever's Disease is an inflammation of the growth plate in the heel of growing children. This condition is most prevalent during growth spurts when bones, muscles, tendons, and other structures are changing rapidly. It typically affects children aged 8 to 14 years and is a leading cause of severs heel pain in this age group.

Sports Medicine, Foot ConditionsGuest UserJuly 1, 2024Foot Injuries

Common Foot Injuries in Pickleball: Insights from Dr. Elton

Pickleball is a fantastic sport for all ages, but it's essential to be mindful of your foot and ankle health. By taking the right precautions and seeking timely treatment, you can enjoy the game while minimizing the risk of injury.

Sports Medicine, Foot ConditionsGuest UserJune 1, 2024Foot Injuries

Pain on Top of Your Foot? It Could Be Extensor Tendonitis

Extensor tendonitis is a condition that occurs when the tendons that run along the top of your foot and help you lift your toes become inflamed. This injury most often occurs from excessive use without adequate rest or recovery time, leading to pain and swelling.

Foot Conditions, Foot InjuriesGuest UserOctober 20, 2022Top Blog, Foot Injuries, Foot Pain

Is Your Foot Pain Caused by Sesamoiditis?

Have you ever woken up with a throbbing pain in the ball of your foot (right under your big toe) that worsens when you walk? Or maybe you've been experiencing stiffness or discomfort in your big toe joint, but you can't seem to figure out what's causing it. If any of this sounds familiar, you might be suffering from a condition called sesamoiditis.

Foot Conditions, Foot InjuriesGuest UserOctober 12, 2022Foot Pain, Foot Injuries, Top Blog

Five Common Causes of Foot Arch Pain

There are many potential causes of foot arch pain. In some cases, the pain may result from an underlying disease. Other times, an injury might be to blame. Keep reading to learn more about the most common causes of arch pain.

Foot Injuries, Foot ConditionsGuest UserOctober 6, 2022Foot Injuries, Foot Pain, Top Blog

7 Reasons Why You Might Have Foot Pain

Are you experiencing foot pain? If so, you're not alone. Nearly eight out of 10 people will experience foot pain at some point in their life. In this article, we'll explore seven common foot injuries and how Dr. Elton and his team can help alleviate them.

Foot Conditions, Foot InjuriesGuest UserAugust 15, 2022Foot Pain, Foot Injuries, Top Blog

What Is a Plantar Plate Injury?

The plantar plate is a ligament that runs along the ball of your foot, connecting the toe joints. When strained, it can tear, causing pain and instability.

What Is Flatfoot?

Flatfoot occurs when the inside arches of the foot are flattened, often developed in childhood when the arches don’t form correctly (or at all).

Do I Need Reconstructive Foot Surgery?

Foot reconstruction is a procedure to treat foot disorders or injuries that are impacting your foot’s health and function.

Can Plantar Fasciitis Go Away on Its Own?

If diagnosed and treated early enough, very few cases of plantar fasciitis require surgery.

What Are The Most Common Foot Conditions?

Here are some of the more common foot conditions Dr. Elton and his team treat in their practice at Vail-Summit Orthopaedics & Neurosurgery.

Do You Need Bunion Surgery?

If you've tried unsuccessfully to ease the pain from bunions, it might be time for bunion surgery.

How (and When) to Treat Your Bunions

Bunions can be painful. When they progress to the point where it’s difficult to do your favorite activities, it’s time to seek treatment.

Foot Conditions, Toe ConditionsTeam EltonDecember 31, 2020Vail Summit Orthopaedics & NeurosurgeryBunionsComment

Is the Pain in the Ball of Your Foot Caused by Morton’s Neuroma?

Morton’s Neuroma causes pain in the ball of your foot, usually in the area between your third and fourth toes.

Foot Conditions, Toe ConditionsTeam EltonNovember 27, 2020Foot Pain Comment

Plantar Fasciitis and Heel Pain

Plantar fasciitis is thought to be caused by repeated microtears or trauma to the heel's plantar fascia. It’s a condition typically seen in our Eagle County runners and jumpers.

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