Our Services / Trauma

Foot and Ankle Surgery & Podiatry located in Denver, CO

misc image

Trauma services offered in Denver, CO


If you experience lower extremity trauma due to a car accident, slip and fall, or work-related injury, seek immediate treatment. Early diagnosis can identify the underlying cause of your discomfort and prevent it from worsening. At Foot Specialist Associates, Lauren Molchan, DPM, and the caring team of podiatry and sports medicine specialists provide complete care for lower extremity trauma. To make an appointment, call the office in Denver, Colorado, or book online today.

Trauma Q & A

What is lower extremity trauma?

Lower extremity trauma occurs due to an accident or injury. Examples of lower extremity trauma include fractures, dislocated joints, sprains, strains, and ruptured tendons. 

Lower extremity trauma affects people of all ages, but it’s especially common in athletes and people who work physically demanding jobs. If you hurt your lower body while working or playing sports and your symptoms don’t respond to at-home treatments, contact Foot Specialist Associates.

What are the symptoms of lower extremity trauma?

Symptoms of lower extremity trauma include:

  • Immediate, throbbing pain
  • Pain that’s worse during activity
  • Swelling
  • Bruising
  • Tenderness
  • A visible abnormality

If you experience lower extremity trauma, you might also have difficulty standing up, taking a step, or placing weight on your affected foot or leg.

When should I see a podiatrist about lower extremity trauma?

Make an appointment at Foot Specialists Associates if you experience foot, ankle, or toe pain and it doesn’t improve with rest, ice, or anti-inflammatory medication. That’s especially true if the pain or swelling worsens in the days after your symptoms appear.

How is lower extremity trauma diagnosed?

Foot Specialists Associates discovers lower extremity trauma during an in-office exam. First, your provider reviews your medical records and asks about your symptoms, including when they started, what they feel like, and if they’re worse during certain activities.

Next, your provider examines your foot and ankle and orders diagnostic imaging, like X-rays, a CT scan, or an MRI. These procedures capture photos of your bones, joints, and soft tissues, making it easy to identify fractures and other types of trauma.

How is lower extremity trauma treated?

Treatment of lower extremity trauma depends on several factors, including the severity of your symptoms and the type of injury you experienced. Foot Specialist Associates typically recommends conservative treatments, like:

  • Anti-inflammatory medication
  • Ice and heat therapy
  • Immobilization with a cast or a splint
  • Physical therapy

If you have a complex fracture or a dislocated joint, surgery might be necessary. During surgery, your provider uses special tools, like screws, rods, and plates to hold the pieces of bone together. As your body heals, the bones fuse together.

To explore the treatment options for lower extremity trauma, make an appointment at Foot Specialist Associates by calling the office or booking online today.