January 2023

Stages of Children’s Foot Development

Children’s feet grow at different paces, and growth spurts can depend on the age of the child. This is a good reason to measure your child’s feet approximately every two months until they are six years old. When children are born up until the age of two, their feet are generally soft and flexible. During this stage of life, it is beneficial that children have access to different types of surfaces. Their ability to sense different textures is heightened, and foot muscles can begin to develop. Many parents choose to have their children walk barefoot while indoors, and this can help to strengthen the overall foot. When it is time to purchase their first pair of shoes, arch support is not recommended. Shoes that do not have an arch may allow the big toe to naturally extend. Additionally, the remaining toes can help to control the foot as walking is done, and may be harder to do with an arch in the shoe. If you would like to have more knowledge about what kind of shoes to purchase for your child, a podiatrist can give you the information you are seeking. 

The health of a child’s feet is vital to their overall well-being. If you have any questions regarding foot health, contact one of our podiatrists of Advanced Foot & Ankle Medical Center . Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Tips for Keeping Children's Feet Healthy

  • Make sure their shoes fit properly
  • Look for any signs of in-toeing or out-toeing
  • Check to see if they have Clubfoot (condition that affects your child’s foot and ankle, twisting the heel and toes inward) which is one of the most common nonmajor birth defects.
  • Lightly cover your baby’s feet (Tight covers may keep your baby from moving their feet freely, and could prevent normal development)
  • Allow your toddler to go shoeless (Shoes can be restricting for a young child’s foot)
  • Cut toenails straight across to avoid ingrown toenails
  • Keep your child’s foot clean and dry
  • Cover cuts and scrapes. Wash any scratches with soap and water and cover them with a bandage until they’ve healed.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in Thousand Oaks, CA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

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Tips for Protecting Your Feet if You Have Diabetes

Many people with diabetes begin to develop problems in their lower legs and feet. Many develop corns, calluses, blisters, and skin ulcers. The main cause of ulcers is an increased level of blood sugar in the body, which can damage nerves (specifically those in the extremities). The result is a condition known as diabetic neuropathy, which is experienced by about 70 percent of diabetics, studies show. The numbing sensation to the feet invites all sorts of problems, including cracked heels, sores that go undetected, and increased exposure to bacterial and fungal infections. It is suggested that diabetics examine their feet daily for cracks, wounds, and sores. Wear shoes that fit properly, and avoid socks that are too tight. Avoid walking barefoot, indoors and out. Keep the feet clean and thoroughly dried each day. Quitting smoking and doing low-impact exercise are recommended by experts. Most importantly, if you have foot problems related to diabetes, please contact a podiatrist for regular visits to stay on top of any complications that may develop. 

Diabetic foot care is important in preventing foot ailments such as ulcers. If you are suffering from diabetes or have any other concerns about your feet, contact one of our podiatrists from Advanced Foot & Ankle Medical Center . Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Diabetic Foot Care

Diabetes affects millions of people every year. The condition can damage blood vessels in many parts of the body, especially the feet. Because of this, taking care of your feet is essential if you have diabetes, and having a podiatrist help monitor your foot health is highly recommended.

The Importance of Caring for Your Feet

  • Routinely inspect your feet for bruises or sores.
  • Wear socks that fit your feet comfortably.
  • Wear comfortable shoes that provide adequate support.

Patients with diabetes should have their doctor monitor their blood levels, as blood sugar levels play such a huge role in diabetic care. Monitoring these levels on a regular basis is highly advised.

It is always best to inform your healthcare professional of any concerns you may have regarding your feet, especially for diabetic patients. Early treatment and routine foot examinations are keys to maintaining proper health, especially because severe complications can arise if proper treatment is not applied.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our office located in Thousand Oaks, CA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

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A Possible Treatment for a Broken Toe

A broken toe is generally not a serious foot condition, despite the fact that it can cause pain, discomfort, and inconvenience. It is considered to be a common ailment, and it can happen for a variety of reasons. These can consist of dropping a heavy object on it or stubbing it into a piece of furniture. Additionally, it may fracture from increasing physical activity too quickly, possibly resulting in a hairline fracture of the toe. The common symptoms that many people experience with a broken toe can include immediate bruising, swelling, and it is often difficult to walk. The buddy taping method can be effective in treating mildly broken toes. This is accomplished by taping the affected toe to the toe next to it, which is generally adequate in providing the necessary stability as the healing process occurs. For severely broken toes, the expertise of a podiatrist is needed who can effectively treat broken toes. 

Broken toes may cause a lot of pain and should be treated as soon as possible. If you have any concerns about your feet, contact one of our podiatrists from Advanced Foot & Ankle Medical Center . Our doctors will treat your foot and ankle needs.

What Is a Broken Toe?

A broken toe occurs when one or more of the toe bones of the foot are broken after an injury. Injuries such as stubbing your toe or dropping a heavy object on it may cause a toe fracture.

Symptoms of a Broken Toe

  • Swelling
  • Pain (with/without wearing shoes)
  • Stiffness
  • Nail Injury

Although the injured toe should be monitored daily, it is especially important to have a podiatrist look at your toe if you have severe symptoms. Some of these symptoms include worsening or new pain that is not relieved with medication, sores, redness, or open wounds near the toe.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in Thousand Oaks, CA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

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Pregnancy and Plantar Fasciitis

Pregnancy can have a variety of different effects on the feet as the pregnant woman progresses through each trimester of her pregnancy. Plantar fasciitis is one risk factor in the feet associated with pregnancy. Plantar fasciitis occurs when the plantar fascia, a band of tissue that runs along the arch of the feet, becomes significantly inflamed. It is common for an individual who is pregnant to demonstrate some kind of overpronation, which is typical because of the increase in weight gained from the pregnancy. Due to the overpronation, a pregnant individual can ultimately stretch their plantar fascia in a damaging way, eventually resulting in plantar fasciitis. Pregnant women should take extra special care of their feet due to the risk factors associated with pregnancy. Also, keeping the feet healthy and strong can ensure that the feet are less likely to cause some kind of fall in a pregnant woman. Contact a podiatrist today if you are pregnant or are planning to be. 

Pregnant women with swollen feet can be treated with a variety of different methods that are readily available. For more information about other cures for swollen feet during pregnancy, consult with one of our podiatrists from Advanced Foot & Ankle Medical Center . Our doctors will attend to all of your foot and ankle needs.

What Foot Problems Can Arise During Pregnancy?

One problem that can occur is overpronation, which occurs when the arch of the foot flattens and tends to roll inward.  This can cause pain and discomfort in your heels while you’re walking or even just standing up, trying to support your baby.  

Another problem is edema, or swelling in the extremities. This often affects the feet during pregnancy but tends to occur in the later stages. 

How Can I Keep My Feet Healthy During Pregnancy?

  • Wearing orthotics can provide extra support for the feet and help distribute weight evenly
  • Minimize the amount of time spent walking barefoot
  • Wear shoes with good arch support
  • Wear shoes that allow for good circulation to the feet
  • Elevate feet if you experience swelling
  • Massage your feet
  • Get regular, light exercise, such as walking, to promote blood circulation to the feet

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our office located in Thousand Oaks, CA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

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Ankle Fracture? Don’t Wait for Treatment

If you're suffering from an ankle fracture, professional attention shouldn't wait. Fractures may worsen over time and can make completing everyday activities incredibly difficult. See your podiatrist for treatment and guidance through the healing process. 

What Is Athlete’s Foot?

Athlete’s foot, also known as tinea pedis, presents with an inflammatory fungal infection of the skin between the toes, soles of the feet, or on the heels. It can cause itchy, red, or raw skin, and sometimes wounds that are weepy. This is a contagious infection and can spread to the toenails, hands, and other people. Athlete's foot generally breeds under warm and moist conditions. It can easily be caught from contaminated surfaces, such as flooring in public gyms, locker rooms, and nail salons. Additionally, it can be passed between people from shared clothes or towels that have been in contact with infected feet. Athlete’s foot can be hard to cure, and it can recur. If you think you have athlete’s foot, see a podiatrist as soon as possible for the correct treatment options.

Athlete’s foot is an inconvenient condition that can be easily reduced with the proper treatment. If you have any concerns about your feet and ankles, contact one of our podiatrists from Advanced Foot & Ankle Medical Center .  Our doctors will treat your foot and ankle needs.

Athlete’s Foot: The Sole Story

Athlete's foot, also known as tinea pedis, can be an extremely contagious foot infection. It is commonly contracted in public changing areas and bathrooms, dormitory style living quarters, around locker rooms and public swimming pools, or anywhere your feet often come into contact with other people.

Solutions to Combat Athlete’s Foot

  • Hydrate your feet by using lotion
  • Exfoliate
  • Buff off nails
  • Use of anti-fungal products
  • Examine your feet and visit your doctor if any suspicious blisters or cuts develop

Athlete’s foot can cause many irritating symptoms such as dry and flaking skin, itching, and redness. Some more severe symptoms can include bleeding and cracked skin, intense itching and burning, and even pain when walking. In the worst cases, Athlete’s foot can cause blistering as well. Speak to your podiatrist for a better understanding of the different causes of Athlete’s foot, as well as help in determining which treatment options are best for you.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our office located in Thousand Oaks, CA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Read more about Athlete’s Foot

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