Items filtered by date: November 2023

Most children take their first steps between eight and 18 months of age. Initially, toddlers often exhibit flat feet or a tendency to turn their feet inwards due to muscle strength and ligament stiffness catching up with their overall development. This flat-footedness typically improves as the bones strengthen and the feet gain more muscle support. Additionally, some toddlers may walk with one or both feet turned inwards, known as in-toeing, which can originate from the foot, lower leg, or upper leg. In rare cases, toddlers may walk with their feet turned outwards, or out-toeing. Parents should also look for signs such as abnormally shaped toes, persistent or painful ingrown toenails, bunions, foot stiffness, limping, or a sudden change in the child's walking pattern. Other common causes of foot pain include ingrown toenails that persist, and deformities or lumps in the foot. If your child complains of pain while walking, limps, or demonstrates a significant change in their walking pattern, or if your child hasn't started walking by the age of two, a consultation with a podiatrist can help rule out potential developmental concerns. In cases of pain, limited function, or a sudden change in your child's walking pattern, it is a good idea to schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for a thorough exam and diagnosis.

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 Boca Raton 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 office located in Boca Raton, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Ankle sprains occur when the ankle twists or turns, particularly in an inverted position, affecting the lateral ligaments. This strain forces body weight onto the outer edge of the ankle, resulting in stretching and potential tearing of ligaments that help to hold the ankle joint together. Repeated ankle sprains can lead to ankle instability, where the ankle turns inward during physical activity. Individuals who experience chronic ankle sprains may face thickening and irritation of previously sprained ligaments, causing impingement problems and discomfort near the ankle joint's edge. A severe variant, known as a high ankle sprain, damages supportive ligaments above the ankle joint. Recovery from a recurring sprain takes at least twice as long compared to more common sprains. For that reason, prevention is key. This involves performing exercises to strengthen ankle supporting muscles, wearing appropriate footwear for specific activities, and staying mindful of uneven surfaces. Prioritizing ankle health through preventive measures, seeking prompt medical attention, and following a comprehensive rehabilitation plan, can minimize the long-term effects of ankle sprains. Strengthening exercises, wearing proper footwear, and certain ankle braces can help to reduce the risk of ankle sprains. If you have sprained an ankle, it is suggested that you make an immediate appointment with a podiatrist for treatment. 

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 Boca Raton 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 office located in Boca Raton, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Running and jogging are fantastic ways to stay active and maintain physical fitness, but they also come with potential injury risks. To ensure you can enjoy these activities safely and remain injury- free, consider these key strategies. Firstly, invest in the right footwear. Proper running shoes provide essential support, cushioning, and shock absorption to minimize the risk of injuries. It is important to make sure they fit well and match your gait. Always prioritize warm up and cool down routines. Dynamic stretches before your run and static stretches afterward can improve flexibility and reduce the risk of muscle strains. Progressive training is vital. Gradually increasing the intensity and duration of your runs can allow your body to adapt and reduce the risk of overuse injuries. Lastly, mix up your running surfaces to reduce the impact on your joints. Incorporating grass, trails, and tracks into your routine can help prevent overuse injuries on harder surfaces. By following these guidelines, you can minimize the risk of running and jogging injuries, making these activities enjoyable and sustainable parts of your fitness regimen. For more information on effective running injury prevention techniques, it is suggested that you contact a podiatrist who can provide you with this knowledge. 

All runners should take extra precaution when trying to avoid injury. If you have any concerns about your feet, contact one of our podiatrists of Boca Raton Podiatry . Our doctors will treat your foot and ankle needs.

How to Prevent Running Injuries

There are a lot of mistakes a runner can make prior to a workout that can induce injury. A lot of athletes tend to overstretch before running, instead of saving those workouts for a post-run routine. Deep lunges and hand-to-toe hamstring pulls should be performed after a workout instead of during a warmup. Another common mistake is jumping into an intense routine before your body is physically prepared for it. You should try to ease your way into long-distance running instead of forcing yourself to rush into it.

More Tips for Preventing Injury

• Incorporate Strength Training into Workouts - This will help improve the body’s overall athleticism
• Improve and Maintain Your Flexibility – Stretching everyday will help improve overall performance
• “Warm Up” Before Running and “Cool Down” Afterward – A warm up of 5-10 minutes helps get rid of lactic acid in the muscles and prevents delayed muscle soreness
• Cross-Training is Crucial
• Wear Proper Running Shoes
• Have a Formal Gait Analysis – Poor biomechanics can easily cause injury

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

Cracked heels are a common foot problem, causing discomfort and often aesthetic concerns. While several factors contribute to this issue, vitamin deficiency is an often overlooked culprit. Specifically, vitamins A, C, and E play important roles in maintaining skin health. Vitamin A is essential for skin repair and maintenance. This type of deficiency can lead to dry, flaky skin, making it more prone to cracking. Vitamin C is known for its role in collagen production, a protein vital for skin strength and elasticity. Without enough vitamin C, skin can become fragile and susceptible to fissures. Additionally, vitamin E is a powerful antioxidant that helps protect skin from damage and maintains its moisture balance. A shortage of vitamin E can result in dry, rough skin, making the heels more likely to crack. To combat cracked heels, a balanced diet rich in these essential vitamins, along with proper foot care, is essential. Ensuring you have an adequate intake of these vitamins can go a long way in keeping your heels smooth and healthy. If you have cracked heels, it is strongly suggested that you are under the care of a podiatrist who can offer effective prevention techniques and treatment for this condition.

Cracked heels are unsightly and can cause further damage to your shoes and feet. If you have any concerns, contact one of our podiatrists from Boca Raton Podiatry . Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Cracked Heels

Cracked heels appear unappealing and can make it harder for you walk around in sandals. Aside from looking unpleasant, cracked heels can also tear stockings, socks, and wear out your shoes. There are several methods to help restore a cracked heel and prevent further damage.

How Do You Get Them?

Dry skin is the number one culprit in creating cracked heels. Many athletes, walkers, joggers, and even swimmers suffer from cracked heels. Age and skin oil production play a role to getting cracked heels as well.

Promote Healing

Over the counter medicines can help, especially for those that need instant relief or who suffer from chronic dry feet.

Wear Socks – Wearing socks with medicated creams helps lock in moisture.

Moisturizers – Applying both day and night will help alleviate dryness which causes cracking.

Pumice Stones – These exfoliate and remove dead skin, which allows for smoother moisturizer application and better absorption into the skin. 

Change in Diet

Eating healthy with a well-balanced diet will give the skin a fresh and radiant look. Your body responds to the kinds of food you ingest. Omega-3 fatty acids and zinc supplements can also revitalize skin tissue.

Most importantly, seek professional help if unsure how to proceed in treating cracked heels. A podiatrist will help you with any questions or information needed. 

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