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Have your child's feet been examined lately? Healthy feet are happy feet. If your child is complaining of foot pain, it may be a sign of underlying problems.

What is known as the Lisfranc joint complex is made up of the five metatarsal bones, as well as the tendons and ligaments which connect the midfoot to the forefoot. A “Lisfranc Injury” occurs when these ligaments or tendons become sprained or the metatarsal bones fracture. A Lisfranc injury can result from trauma from a direct force or a quick rotation in the midfoot area. Because of this, athletes such as baseball or football players are at the highest risk for developing this injury. A majority of Lisfranc injuries do require surgery to realign the joints and allow the bones…

If you suffer from diabetes, you may be familiar with the increased risk of developing poorly healing wounds on your feet. Small cuts, sores, or scrapes can go unnoticed due to neuropathy or nerve damage, and heal slowly because of poor circulation. These issues can make wounds grow larger and become infected, turning into diabetic foot ulcers (DFUs). There are various classification systems for describing the general characteristics of these wounds. Doctors who use the Wagner system classify DFUs by their severity, in a graded system ranging from 0 to 5. A Grade 0 ulcer means that the skin is…

A bunion (Hallux Valgus) is a bony bump where the big toe joint attaches to the foot. While bunions are more prevalent in adults, they do occur in children and, especially girls. Having loose joints, feet that roll inward, and other structural anomalies in the feet can all contribute to the formation of a bunion. Other factors such as heredity and wearing narrow or high-heeled shoes play a part as well. To help prevent bunions from developing, parents should make sure the shoes their children wear are fitted properly, and switched out as frequently as the child’s foot grows. If…

Ankle sprains occur when one or more ligaments in the ankle are overstretched or torn. This can cause pain, discomfort, and even difficulty walking. If you have sprained your ankle there are some things that you can do to help speed up your recovery. P.R.I.C.E. is an acronym that stands for protect, rest, ice, compress, and elevate. These are all the things that you should do as soon as you’ve sprained your ankle. Protect your ankle by sitting or lying down to take pressure off of it. Rest your foot by limiting walking and other activities that put stress on…

Orthotics are special shoe inserts that are used to treat a variety of foot and ankle conditions in people of all ages. Your child may benefit from orthotics if they have a foot or ankle problem that affects their gait or posture, or a condition that causes them to experience foot or leg pain. While some parents may worry that an orthotic can weaken the foot or that wearing an orthotic in childhood means that their child will need to wear one forever, this is not the case. Treatment with orthotic devices can help strengthen the child’s foot and improve…

Your feet are covered most of the day. If you're diabetic, periodic screening is important for good health. Numbness is often a sign of diabetic foot and can mask a sore or wound.

Research has indicated that elderly people may benefit from having assistive devices installed throughout the home. These can be helpful in preventing falls, which can cause serious injuries. Additionally, falling may invoke a loss of independence, as the fear of falling can precede everyday activities. Some of the safety measures that can be used in an elderly person’s household can include grab bars in the shower and toilet area, a non-slip bath mat, and improved lighting. Additionally, it may be beneficial to use a walker or cane while inside the home, and a stair lift may be needed for seniors…

In Shockwave therapy, acoustic waves are directed to damaged areas in the feet and ankles which can trigger a healing and regenerative response and reduce pain. Shockwave therapy can utilize either low-energy or high-energy waves, and can be administered in either a single, or series of treatment sessions. Shockwave therapy is FDA-approved for the treatment of plantar fasciitis—a painful condition in which the large fibrous connective tissue running along the bottom of the foot from heel to toe becomes inflamed. If you have pain in the bottom of your foot which may be particularly acute in the morning when you…

Peripheral artery disease (PAD) is a condition that causes reduced blood flow in the lower limbs. PAD is fairly common, particularly in older people, and is caused by a buildup of plaque along the walls of the arteries. The plaque makes the arteries narrow and harden, which makes it harder for blood to circulate to the lower limbs and provide the muscles with oxygen and nutrients. This leads to symptoms that include pain, achiness, fatigue, burning, muscle cramps, and overall discomfort in the feet and ankles. At first, these symptoms may just appear when you do more strenuous physical activities…

Swelling and joint pain in the big toe and surrounding areas are common symptoms of a condition that is known as gout. There are two categories of gout that many patients can experience. Acute gout encompasses one to three affected joints, and the pain and discomfort may last up to a week. When multiple gout attacks occur, this condition is referred to as chronic gout, and can lead to permanent joint damage and deformity. Gout occurs as a result of excess uric acid in the blood, and can develop due to genetics, or from eating foods that have high levels…

You don't need an excuse to have beautiful nails. Step outside without worrying about the appearance of your feet.

Your feet support you every day, all day, through work and play, so it’s no wonder that most Americans will experience some sort of foot pain or discomfort in their lifetime. That is why your shoes should not be relegated to a mere accessory; they should be viewed and treated as an important component that contributes to your overall health. One of the best ways you can take care of your feet is to make sure you wear the right size shoe. Measure the length of your foot at the shoe store, or have a salesperson do it for you.…

Falling can be common among older individuals. It is an unnatural occurrence, and can cause severe pain, discomfort, and possibly serious injury to the feet. Many patients who have fallen have developed a fear of completing daily activities, and may avoid walking, shopping, or socializing. There are several reasons why falling can occur. These can include wearing shoes that do not fit correctly, muscle weakness, and balance problems. Additionally, it is important to have routine physical examinations that can properly assess existing medications. Some effective prevention techniques can consist of using a bath mat in the shower area, installing handrails…

The foot condition that is referred to as plantar fasciitis can be very painful. It occurs as a result of an inflamed plantar fascia, which is the band of tissue that connects the heel to the toes. The plantar fascia is located on the sole of the foot, and can cause severe pain and discomfort when inflammation sets in. Many patients feel the pain in the heel and arch area of the foot, and there are specific stretches that can be performed which may ease a portion of the discomfort. An effective stretch can be performed when the heel is…

A lesion on the bottom of the foot may be referred to as a plantar wart. This is defined as a wart that grows inward, and can happen as a result of the pressure the feet endure on a daily basis. It is caused by a viral infection, and can cause severe pain and discomfort. The fungus that often precedes this infection lives in warm environments, including public pools, shower room floors, and surrounding areas. A plantar wart appears as a small, hardened area of skin that has black dots in the center. Patients have felt mild relief when a…

Do you suffer from heel pain when you get up in the morning? If so, you should seek the professional help of your podiatrist and have a proper diagnosis performed. Heel pain can be caused by several different foot-related conditions.

Children, like adults, can incur sudden foot and ankle injuries while going about their daily activities. Sudden injuries, also known as acute injuries, can occur due to an abnormal movement of the foot or ankle or following a direct blow to the foot. In some cases, a sharp object may puncture the skin of the foot or ankle, creating a puncture wound. Acute injuries can be severely painful and lead to swelling and bruising. Common acute foot and ankle injuries in children include bruises, puncture wounds, injuries to the ligaments, tendons, joints, or muscles, and broken or dislocated bones. If…

Plantar fasciitis is a common overuse injury of the plantar fascia, the ligament that runs along the bottom of the foot and connects the heel bone to the toes. When this ligament becomes inflamed, it causes heel and arch pain and may impact your ability to perform daily activities and exercise. There are many potential treatments available for plantar fasciitis. Some effective treatments include taping the affected area and doing exercises to stretch and strengthen the plantar fascia. For more information about plantar fasciitis and to find out which treatment option is right for you, please consult with a podiatrist.…

The sesamoids are small, round bones found in several parts of the body, including the feet. The sesamoids of the feet are roughly pea-sized and are located under the big toe. The sesamoid bones in your feet give you extra leverage and power when pushing your foot off the ground. When repetitive impacts from running or other activities become too much for these bones to bear, they may become inflamed or fracture. A sudden onset of sharp pain in the toe area can be a sign of a sesamoid fracture, while nerve pain or a burning sensation in the toe…