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Children and Walking

Children’s feet may become stronger when shoes are not worn while indoors. When children are barefoot, they start performing a grasping action with their toes, which can be beneficial in strengthening the entire foot. When walking is done outdoors, it is important to purchase shoes that fit correctly. It is important to measure your child’s feet approximately every three months to avoid purchasing footwear that may constrain their toes. Focusing on buying shoes that are lightweight and made of a breathable material may also be beneficial to the overall health of your child’s feet. Adequate room is necessary in the top of the shoe for the toes to move freely in. Additionally, proper foot care can consist of washing the feet daily, followed by drying them completely between the toes. When the toes are trimmed in a straight line, uncomfortable foot conditions that can include ingrown toenails may be prevented. If you would like additional information about how to care for your child’s feet, please consult with a podiatrist.

Making sure that your children maintain good foot health is very important as they grow. If you have any questions, contact one of our podiatrists of Pennsylvania Foot & Ankle. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Keeping Children's Feet Healthy

Having healthy feet during childhood can help prevent medical problems later in life, namely in the back and legs. As children grow, their feet require different types of care. Here are some things to consider...

Although babies do not walk yet, it is still very important to take care of their feet.

Avoid putting tight shoes or socks on his or her feet.

Allow the baby to stretch and kick his or her feet to feel comfortable.

As a toddler, kids are now on the move and begin to develop differently. At this age, toddlers are getting a feel for walking, so don’t be alarmed if your toddler is unsteady or ‘walks funny’. 

As your child gets older, it is important to teach them how to take care of their feet.

Show them proper hygiene to prevent infections such as fungus.

Be watchful for any pain or injury.

Have all injuries checked by a doctor as soon as possible.

Comfortable, protective shoes should always be worn, especially at play.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact one of our offices located in Bensalem, Philadelphia, Northeast Philadelphia, Yardley, PA, and Hamilton, NJ . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Read more about How to Care for Your Child's Feet

Are Heel Spurs Painful?

The medical condition that is known as a heel spur can develop from standing on hard surfaces for the majority of the day, or from running and participating in jumping activities. It is defined as a bony growth that forms as a result of heel stress, and develops on the heel bone. Some patients experience severe pain and discomfort from heel spurs. Mild relief may be found when correct treatment is started. This can consist of wearing arch supports, performing specific stretches that can help strengthen the heel, or wearing shoes that have adequate cushioning. If you have developed a heel spur, it is strongly advised that you consult with a podiatrist who can properly treat heel spurs.

Heel spurs can be incredibly painful and sometimes may make you unable to participate in physical activities. To get medical care for your heel spurs, contact one of our podiatrists from Pennsylvania Foot & Ankle. Our doctors will do everything possible to treat your condition.

Heels Spurs

Heel spurs are formed by calcium deposits on the back of the foot where the heel is. This can also be caused by small fragments of bone breaking off one section of the foot, attaching onto the back of the foot. Heel spurs can also be bone growth on the back of the foot and may grow in the direction of the arch of the foot.

Older individuals usually suffer from heel spurs and pain sometimes intensifies with age. One of the main condition's spurs are related to is plantar fasciitis.

Pain

The pain associated with spurs is often because of weight placed on the feet. When someone is walking, their entire weight is concentrated on the feet. Bone spurs then have the tendency to affect other bones and tissues around the foot. As the pain continues, the feet will become tender and sensitive over time.

Treatments

There are many ways to treat heel spurs. If one is suffering from heel spurs in conjunction with pain, there are several methods for healing. Medication, surgery, and herbal care are some options.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact one of our offices located in Bensalem, Philadelphia, Northeast Philadelphia, Yardley, PA, and Hamilton, NJ . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Read more about How to Treat Heel Spurs

The Benefits of Foot Massages

Many patients are aware of the benefits of foot massages. These are often performed as foot therapy, which can help the feet to feel better and ease any existing pain. An effective way to begin a foot massage is by gently placing the palms on both sides of the foot, while twisting back and forth. Additionally, having the arches massaged can benefit the bottom of the foot. Flexibility may be increased when the toes are stretched as well. If there is pain in the Achilles tendon region, it may help to focus on massaging that area of the foot. If you would like more information on how foot massages may support general well-being, it is suggested that you schedule a consultation with a podiatrist. 

Foot therapy is often necessary for those recovering from either foot deformities or foot injuries. If you have concerns regarding therapy, consult with one of our podiatrists from Pennsylvania Foot & Ankle. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Most Common Injuries

People who are active or athletes are prone to a variety of injuries. Therefore, it is often important to take part in physical therapy in order to quickly get back on the right track. 

What to Do When Injured

Physical Therapy – This specialized treatment will focus on the affected area, speeding up recovery and the overall healing process. It is a proven method that has helped millions of people return from any injury.

During physical therapy you will undergo regimented training to get back into full form. Training is often very difficult, especially at first when the foot feels weak. Physical therapy often involves:

Basic stretching and twisting exercises – getting the feet’s mobility and flexibility up.

Massaging – the therapist will massage the injured area in order to activate the muscles and relax them.

Strengthening Exercises – this allows the muscles in the affected area to regain their full strength, a vital step towards full recovery.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact one of our offices located in Bensalem, Philadelphia, Northeast Philadelphia, Yardley, PA, and Hamilton, NJ . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Read more about Foot Therapy for Sports Injuries

Gout Pain Can Be Managed

Gout is a painful, inflammatory form of arthritis. Those affected will typically feel an intense stiffness in the joints of their feet, particularly in the big toe. Schedule a visit to learn about how gout can be managed and treated.

The Function of the Plantar Fascia

The plantar fascia is a band of tissue that connects the heel to the toes. Strained ligaments in this part of the foot may cause a condition to occur that is referred to as plantar fasciitis. This ailment is considered to be the most common cause of foot pain in adults. The plantar fascia helps to provide the necessary support while performing running and jumping activities, and can cause severe pain and discomfort if it becomes inflamed. Plantar fasciitis may happen for a variety of reasons. These may include experiencing a foot injury, wearing shoes that do not fit correctly, or from standing for extended periods of time throughout the day. Common symptoms that patients may feel can consist of heel pain, which may be more prominent early in the morning. There are several types of treatments available, and it is suggested that you consult with a podiatrist who can help you to determine which one is the best one for you.

Plantar fasciitis is a common foot condition that is often caused by a strain injury. If you are experiencing heel pain or symptoms of plantar fasciitis, contact one of our podiatrists from Pennsylvania Foot & Ankle. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

What Is Plantar Fasciitis?

Plantar fasciitis is one of the most common causes of heel pain. The plantar fascia is a ligament that connects your heel to the front of your foot. When this ligament becomes inflamed, plantar fasciitis is the result. If you have plantar fasciitis you will have a stabbing pain that usually occurs with your first steps in the morning. As the day progresses and you walk around more, this pain will start to disappear, but it will return after long periods of standing or sitting.

What Causes Plantar Fasciitis?

  • Excessive running
  • Having high arches in your feet
  • Other foot issues such as flat feet
  • Pregnancy (due to the sudden weight gain)
  • Being on your feet very often

There are some risk factors that may make you more likely to develop plantar fasciitis compared to others. The condition most commonly affects adults between the ages of 40 and 60. It also tends to affect people who are obese because the extra pounds result in extra stress being placed on the plantar fascia.

Prevention

  • Take good care of your feet – Wear shoes that have good arch support and heel cushioning.
  • Maintain a healthy weight
  • If you are a runner, alternate running with other sports that won’t cause heel pain

There are a variety of treatment options available for plantar fasciitis along with the pain that accompanies it. Additionally, physical therapy is a very important component in the treatment process. It is important that you meet with your podiatrist to determine which treatment option is best for you.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact one of our offices located in Bensalem, Philadelphia, Northeast Philadelphia, Yardley, PA, and Hamilton, NJ . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

 

Read more about Plantar Fasciitis

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