Foot problems in children are more common than many parents realize, and addressing them early can prevent long-term problems. One of the most common issues is toeing, where a child may walk with their toes pointed inward, known as in-toeing, or outward, referred to as out-toeing. Both conditions are typically caused by alignment issues but may resolve with time. Athlete's foot is another frequent issue, caused by fungal infections that can lead to itching, redness, and peeling skin. Ankle sprains are common in active children and occur when the ligaments in the ankle stretch or tear during physical activities. Ingrown toenails, which form when the edges of nails grow into the skin, can be painful and lead to infections. Additionally, plantar warts, caused by a viral infection, can also affect children’s feet, causing growths on the soles. If your child has foot pain, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can treat various foot conditions.
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 Plaza Podiatry. 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 offices located in Baltimore, Lutherville, and Dundalk, MD. We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.
Recovering from an ankle sprain requires specific exercises to restore strength, mobility, and stability while reducing the risk of reinjury. Range-of-motion exercises, such as tracing the alphabet with your toes, can help promote gentle movement in the early stages of healing. As the ankle improves, incorporating exercises like the towel stretch can enhance flexibility in the Achilles tendon, which connects the calf muscles to the heel. Ankle strengthening exercises, such as pressing the foot against resistance bands, help rebuild stability in the ankle joint. Balance exercises, including standing on the injured foot, are valuable for improving coordination and preventing future sprains. A podiatrist can assess your ankle sprain, recommend the appropriate exercises, and monitor your recovery to ensure the ankle heals correctly. For severe sprains, surgery may be necessary if other treatments are not effective. If you have sprained your ankle, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for a diagnosis and treatment options.
Although ankle sprains are common, they aren’t always minor injuries. If you need your ankle injury looked at, contact one of our podiatrists from Plaza Podiatry. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.
How Does an Ankle Sprain Occur?
Ankle sprains are the result of a tear in the ligaments within the ankle. These injuries may happen when you make a rapid shifting movement while your foot is planted. A less common way to sprain your ankle is when your ankle rolls inward while your foot turns outward.
What Are the Symptoms?
Pain at the sight of the tear
Bruising/Swelling
Ankle area is tender to touch
In severe cases, may hear/feel something tear
Skin discoloration
Preventing a Sprain
Wearing appropriate shoes for the occasion
Stretching before exercises and sports
Knowing your limits
Treatment of a Sprain
In many cases, the RICE method (Rest, Ice, Compression, and Elevate) is used to treat ankle sprains. However, you should see a podiatrist to see which treatment option would work best with your injury. In severe cases, surgery may be required.
It is important to ask your doctor about rehab options after you receive treatment for your injury. Stretching, strength training, and balance exercises may help the ankle heal while also preventing further injury.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our offices located in Baltimore, Lutherville, and Dundalk, MD. We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.
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.
Posterior Achilles tendon bursitis is caused by inflammation of the bursa located between the skin and the Achilles tendon at the back of the heel. This often occurs due to repetitive pressure or irritation from footwear, particularly shoes with rigid heel counters or high heels. A heel counter is material that stiffens the back of a shoe. People with a bony prominence on the heel, called Haglund deformity, are at higher risk of developing posterior Achilles tendon bursitis. Symptoms include pain, redness, swelling, and warmth in the affected area, which may progress to the formation of a tender, fluid-filled nodule that may harden over time. A podiatrist can diagnose this condition through a thorough examination and suggest footwear modifications to reduce pressure on the heel, along with custom orthotics to stabilize the foot and limit friction. In severe cases, surgery may be needed to address underlying structural issues. If you have pain in the back of the heel, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist.
Achilles tendon injuries need immediate attention to avoid future complications. If you have any concerns, contact one of our podiatrists of Plaza Podiatry. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.
What Is the Achilles Tendon?
The Achilles tendon is a tendon that connects the lower leg muscles and calf to the heel of the foot. It is the strongest tendon in the human body and is essential for making movement possible. Because this tendon is such an integral part of the body, any injuries to it can create immense difficulties and should immediately be presented to a doctor.
What Are the Symptoms of an Achilles Tendon Injury?
There are various types of injuries that can affect the Achilles tendon. The two most common injuries are Achilles tendinitis and ruptures of the tendon.
Achilles Tendinitis Symptoms
Inflammation
Dull to severe pain
Increased blood flow to the tendon
Thickening of the tendon
Rupture Symptoms
Extreme pain and swelling in the foot
Total immobility
Treatment and Prevention
Achilles tendon injuries are diagnosed by a thorough physical evaluation, which can include an MRI. Treatment involves rest, physical therapy, and in some cases, surgery. However, various preventative measures can be taken to avoid these injuries, such as:
Thorough stretching of the tendon before and after exercise
Strengthening exercises like calf raises, squats, leg curls, leg extensions, leg raises, lunges, and leg presses
If you have any questions please feel free to contact our offices located in Baltimore, Lutherville, and Dundalk, MD. We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.
Plaza Podiatry - Default
