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It may be difficult for you to know if your child is having heel pain, because it isn’t often associated with children. However, certain conditions that cause heel pain can afflict the young, even if they don’t know how to properly communicate their distress. Sever’s disease, for instance, is a form of heel pain that stems from irritation to the growth plate in the heels of growing children. Children can also develop plantar fasciitis from overuse of the heel or by wearing shoes that don’t fit. This condition is a painful inflammation of the plantar fascia tissue where it connects to the heel on the sole of the feet. Active children can also develop tiny stress fractures of the heel bone which can occur gradually over time and be quite painful. There are certain clues your child’s condition may provide, if you know what to look for. If your child limps or changes the way they walk or run, cuts back on physical activities, complains that their feet or heels feel odd or stiff, or that something is stuck in their shoe, they may have a painful heel condition. It is suggested to make an appointment for your child with a podiatrist to have your child’s condition diagnosed and treated properly. 

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 Westside Podiatry Center, LLP. 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 one of our offices located in Liverpool, Camillus, Skaneateles, Oswego, and Cicero, NY . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Parents who notice the skin surrounding their children's nails are red and tender may be aware that an ingrown toenail has developed. It is defined as a toenail that grows into the surrounding skin. It often happens as a result of toenails that are trimmed incorrectly, or from wearing shoes that do not fit properly. Additionally, children who participate in soccer activities can develop ingrown toenails from frequently kicking the ball. There could be considerable pain with an ingrown toenail, in addition to possible blisters. Parents can help their child find mild relief when the foot is soaked in warm water, and the nail is gently pushed away from the skin. If an infection develops, it is strongly advised that you speak with a podiatrist who can offer you the best treatment options for your child.

Ingrown toenails may initially present themselves as a minor discomfort, but they may progress into an infection in the skin without proper treatment. For more information about ingrown toenails, contact one of our podiatrists of Westside Podiatry Center, LLP. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Ingrown Toenails

Ingrown toenails are caused when the corner or side of a toenail grows into the soft flesh surrounding it. They often result in redness, swelling, pain, and in some cases, infection. This condition typically affects the big toe and may recur if it is not treated properly.

Causes

• Improper toenail trimming
• Genetics
• Improper shoe fitting
• Injury from pedicures or nail picking
• Abnormal gait
• Poor hygiene

You are more likely to develop an ingrown toenail if you are obese, have diabetes, arthritis, or have any fungal infection in your nails. Additionally, people who have foot or toe deformities are at a higher risk of developing an ingrown toenail.

Symptoms

Some symptoms of ingrown toenails are redness, swelling, and pain. In rare cases, there may be a yellowish drainage coming from the nail.

Treatment

Ignoring an ingrown toenail can have serious complications. Infections of the nail border can progress to a deeper soft-tissue infection, which can then turn into a bone infection. You should always speak with your podiatrist if you suspect you have an ingrown toenail, especially if you have diabetes or poor circulation.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact one of our offices located in Liverpool, Camillus, Skaneateles, Oswego, and Cicero, NY . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

When the correct running shoes are worn, the entire body is properly supported. Research has shown it is not necessary to have a break-in period when purchasing new shoes, so it is important to have a perfect fit from the beginning. Running shoes typically last three to four months, and a good indication that it may be time for another pair of shoes can be noticing blisters on the feet or pain in the feet or calves. When new shoes are purchased, it is beneficial to have your foot measured in the store. This can be helpful in determining your exact shoe size, in addition to learning if your foot is wide or narrow. It is suggested that you decide what type of running you wish to pursue, and this can help you decide which type of shoe to buy. If you would like more information about how to choose shoes that fit properly, please speak to a podiatrist. 

Finding a properly-fitting shoe is important in reducing injuries and preventing foot problems. For more information about treatment, contact one of our podiatrists from Westside Podiatry Center, LLP. Our doctors will treat your foot and ankle needs.

Proper Shoe Fitting

A common concern when it comes to foot health, having properly fitted shoes can help prevent injuries to the foot. Out feet affect our posture and gait, which in turn affects the biomechanics and overall bodily structure. With 33 joints, 26 bones, and over 100 ligaments, the potential for serious injury is much greater than one realizes. Although the feet cease growth in adulthood, they still change shape as they mature. Here are some factors to consider when it comes to investing in proper fitting shoes:

• Be sure the shoes fit correctly right away
• Ensure the ball of your foot fits comfortably in the widest portion of the shoes
• Even though they may look fashionable, improper fitting shoes can either create adverse conditions or exacerbate existing ones you may already have
• Walk along a carpeted surface to ensure the shoes comfortably fit during normal activity

Keeping in mind how shoes fit the biomechanics of your body, properly-fitting shoes are vitally important. Fortunately, it is not difficult to acquire footwear that fits correctly. Be sure to wear shoes that support the overall structure of your body. Do your feet a favor and invest in several pairs of well-fitted shoes today.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact one of our offices located in Liverpool, Camillus, Skaneateles, Oswego, and Cicero, NY . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

In some cases of osteoarthritis of the ankle, the damage caused by the deterioration of the bones rubbing against each other may lead to some form of surgery. This is not a decision to be taken lightly, because it can permanently affect your lifestyle and the movement of your ankle joint. Osteoarthritis is degenerative, where the cartilage between the talus bone in the heel and the tibia in the leg erodes. As a result the bones press on each other and wear away. Three main types of ankle surgery are joint replacement, fusion and triple fusion. Joint replacement surgery removes the damaged ends of the bones and replaces them with metal or plastic ends, which can last for up to 15 years. Triple fusion surgery involves using screws, staples or plates to fuse three bones. It may take up to 3 months for the fusion to be complete. Ankle fusion connects the end of the talus bone in the heel to the end of the tibia in the leg. The ankle loses all mobility, but remains pain-free. If you have ongoing ankle pain that has become severe enough to affect your daily life, it is suggested that you discuss your options with a podiatrist at your earliest convenience.

Ankle pain can have many different causes and the pain may potentially be serious. If you have ankle pain, consult with one of our podiatrists from Westside Podiatry Center, LLP. Our doctors will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

Ankle pain is any condition that causes pain in the ankle. Due to the fact that the ankle consists of tendons, muscles, bones, and ligaments, ankle pain can come from a number of different conditions.

Causes

The most common causes of ankle pain include:

• Types of arthritis (rheumatoid, osteoarthritis, and gout)
• Ankle sprains
• Broken ankles
• Achilles tendinitis
• Achilles tendon rupture
• Stress fractures
• Tarsal tunnel syndrome
• Plantar fasciitis

Symptoms

Symptoms of ankle injury vary based upon the condition. Pain may include general pain and discomfort, swelling, aching, redness, bruising, burning or stabbing sensations, and/or loss of sensation.

Diagnosis

Due to the wide variety of potential causes of ankle pain, podiatrists will utilize a number of different methods to properly diagnose ankle pain. This can include asking for personal and family medical histories and of any recent injuries. Further diagnosis may include sensation tests, a physical examination, and potentially x-rays or other imaging tests.

Treatment

Just as the range of causes varies widely, so do treatments. Some more common treatments are rest, ice packs, keeping pressure off the foot, orthotics and braces, medication for inflammation and pain, and surgery.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact one of our offices located in Liverpool, Camillus, Skaneateles, Oswego, and Cicero, NY . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Diabetes can reduce blood flow and decrease your body’s ability to heal. Both complications can lead to, and exacerbate, foot problems, which makes it vitally important for diabetics to take care of their feet. The following four measures are basic, yet very effective as part of a daily diabetic foot care regimen. 1) Perform a thorough daily inspection of your feet to check for any injuries that may have developed such as cuts, scrapes, blisters, bruises, swelling, changes in skin color, and more. If you notice anything unusual, make an appointment with your podiatrist right away. 2) Take care of the skin on your feet to avoid any infections or cracked skin. Wash and dry your feet every day and keep them moisturized—taking care to keep the area between your toes dry and free from lotion. 3) Your feet should always be covered when you are walking to keep them protected from injury. Wear slippers around the house, and your socks should never be tight. 4) Keep the blood flowing in your feet by elevating them whenever possible and wiggling them for a few minutes throughout the day. If you have diabetes, see your podiatrist for regular checkups. They can ensure that your feet are staying healthy and offer you professional foot care advice.

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 Westside Podiatry Center, LLP. 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 one of our offices located in Liverpool, Camillus, Skaneateles, Oswego, and Cicero, NY . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Plantar fasciitis is a painful heel condition that affects the plantar fascia (which is the fibrous band of tissue connecting the bottom of the foot to the heel bone and metatarsals at the ball of the foot). The plantar fascia helps maintain the arch of the foot, foot stability, and movement. Repeated stretching and contracting can result in micro-tears and/or inflammation of the plantar fascia. If the plantar fascia ruptures, the arch of the foot collapses and the foot flattens. People who suffer from plantar fasciitis often feel heel pain when getting out of bed or after prolonged sitting because the plantar fascia goes from a relaxed shortened state to a weighted, forced stretch. Those at greater risk for plantar fasciitis are those with flat feet, excessive foot pronation or feet that roll inward, high arches, weak plantar flexor muscles, those who run, and those who stand or walk for prolonged periods of time without sufficient rest and renewal. Because other types of heel pain may be misdiagnosed as plantar fasciitis, and untreated heel pain can worsen and interfere with daily functioning, if pain persists, a visit to a podiatrist is the best course of action for proper diagnosis and treatment.

Plantar fasciitis can be very painful and inconvenient. If you are experiencing heel pain or symptoms of plantar fasciitis, contact one of our podiatrists  from Westside Podiatry Center, LLP. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

What Is Plantar Fasciitis?

Plantar fasciitis is the inflammation of the thick band of tissue that runs along the bottom of your foot, known as the plantar fascia, and causes mild to severe heel pain.

What Causes Plantar Fasciitis?

• Excessive running
• Non-supportive shoes
• Overpronation
• Repeated stretching and tearing of the plantar fascia

How Can It Be Treated?

• Conservative measures – anti-inflammatories, ice packs, stretching exercises, physical therapy, orthotic devices
• Shockwave therapy – sound waves are sent to the affected area to facilitate healing and are usually used for chronic cases of plantar fasciitis
• Surgery – usually only used as a last resort when all else fails. The plantar fascia can be surgically detached from the heel

While very treatable, plantar fasciitis is definitely not something that should be ignored. Especially in severe cases, speaking to your doctor right away is highly recommended to avoid complications and severe heel pain. Your podiatrist can work with you to provide the appropriate treatment options tailored to your condition.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact one of our offices located in Liverpool, Camillus, Skaneateles, Oswego, and Cicero, NY . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

The metatarsals, which run from the base of the toes along the bottom of your foot, are the most commonly injured bones in the foot. The 1st, 2nd, and 5th metatarsals are frequently fractured during sports activities. Some breaks can be caused by sudden impact, like dropping something heavy on the foot or hitting a hard object. Other common causes are twisting the ankle and landing improperly from a jump. These injuries are termed acute and can be extremely painful. Further, if the bone breaks through the skin, the injury is even more serious because it may also affect the soft tissues of the foot and be more prone to infection. Other metatarsal breaks take a longer time, usually a result of repetitive action, such as running for long distances or jumping, which gradually cracks the bones. These are known as stress fractures: hairline cracks that damage only a portion of the bone. Conditions such as osteoporosis (thinning of the bones) and rheumatoid arthritis can also cause stress fractures. If you have injured your midfoot area, it’s a good idea to make an appointment with a podiatrist as soon as possible for a complete exam and diagnosis.

Foot Pain

Foot pain can be extremely painful and debilitating. If you have a foot pain, consult with one of our podiatrists from Westside Podiatry Center, LLP. Our doctors will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

Causes

Foot pain is a very broad condition that could be caused by one or more ailments. The most common include:

• Bunions
• Hammertoes
• Plantar Fasciitis
• Bone Spurs
• Corns
• Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome
• Ingrown Toenails
• Arthritis (such as Gout, Rheumatoid, and Osteoarthritis)
• Flat Feet
• Injury (from stress fractures, broken toe, foot, ankle, Achilles tendon ruptures, and sprains)
• And more

Diagnosis

To figure out the cause of foot pain, podiatrists utilize several different methods. This can range from simple visual inspections and sensation tests to X-rays and MRI scans. Prior medical history, family medical history, and any recent physical traumatic events will all be taken into consideration for a proper diagnosis.

Treatment

Treatment depends upon the cause of the foot pain. Whether it is resting, staying off the foot, or having surgery; podiatrists have a number of treatment options available for foot pain.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact one of our offices located in Liverpool, Camillus, Skaneateles, Oswego, and Cicero, NY . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Selecting shoes that fit properly is critical for comfort and prevention of foot problems. Making sure shoes fit right is especially essential to children, people who are on their feet a lot, or have arthritis, diabetes, or other foot disorders. Correct shoe fit is achieved when the shoe shape matches the foot shape and shoe size accommodates the widest part of the foot – the first metatarsal joint – so toes can spread out comfortably. Steps that will best ensure shoes fit right are: trying them on later in the day when feet are more swollen, wear the socks you plan to wear with the shoes (or thin socks if socks will not be worn with them), fitting a finger in the back of the shoe comfortably, making sure there is adequate room between the shoe and the big toe (as feet move forward when walking), and walking in the shoe to check for friction, pinching or any other discomfort. Seeking advice from a podiatrist before and after purchasing shoes can help in proper shoe selection and evaluation so that complications can be avoided.

Getting the right shoe size is an important part of proper foot health. Seek the assistance of one of our podiatrists from Westside Podiatry Center, LLP. Our doctors will provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Getting the Right Shoe Size

There are many people who wear shoes that are the incorrect size, negatively affecting their feet and posture. Selecting the right shoes is not a difficult process, so long as you keep several things in mind when it comes to choosing the right pair.

• When visiting the shoe store, use the tools available to measure your foot.
• Be sure there is ‘wiggle room’. There should be about an inch between your toes and the tip of your shoes.
• Do not always assume you are the same size, as manufacturers run differently.
• Purchase shoes later in the day, as your feet swell as the day progresses.
• If a shoe is not comfortable, it is not suitable. Most shoes can’t be ‘broken in’, and comfort should be the ultimate goal when it comes to choosing the right pair of shoes

As our feet hold our body weight and keep us moving, it is important to treat them right. Picking the right pair of shoes can provide your feet comfort and mobility without pain.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact one of our offices located in Liverpool, Camillus, Skaneateles, Oswego, and Cicero, NY . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.