If you are a parent, it is important for you to be doing all you can to minimize the extent to which your child could scrape or develop a wound on their feet. If your child is playing outside in the yard, you might, for instance, clear sharp objects like pointy twigs and rocks that could pierce your child’s skin. There are also many helpful ways in which a parent can immediately treat a wound if it develops on the child’s feet. For example, it might be a good idea to clean the affected area and dry it, applying a bandage. Importantly, if your child’s abrasion causes swelling or a fever, medical attention should be sought out. Contact a podiatrist today if you want to learn more about how to protect your child’s feet.
Making sure that your children maintain good foot health is very important as they grow. If you have any questions, contact one of our podiatrists of Fox Valley Foot and Ankle Specialists. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.
Keeping Children's Feet Healthy
Having healthy feet during childhood can help prevent medical problems later in life, namely in the back and legs. As children grow, their feet require different types of care. Here are some things to consider...
Although babies do not walk yet, it is still very important to take care of their feet.
Avoid putting tight shoes or socks on his or her feet.
Allow the baby to stretch and kick his or her feet to feel comfortable.
As a toddler, kids are now on the move and begin to develop differently. At this age, toddlers are getting a feel for walking, so don’t be alarmed if your toddler is unsteady or ‘walks funny’.
As your child gets older, it is important to teach them how to take care of their feet.
Show them proper hygiene to prevent infections such as fungus.
Be watchful for any pain or injury.
Have all injuries checked by a doctor as soon as possible.
Comfortable, protective shoes should always be worn, especially at play.
If you have any questions please feel free to contact our office located in Naperville, IL. We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.
The number of young athletes is increasing steadily, and many are developing a foot condition that is known as Sever’s disease. It can be common among children and young teenagers, and it affects the growth plate in the heel. The majority of people are unaware that this particular foot ailment is not a disease, as the name implies, but is named for the individual who identified it. Most children will outgrow it, and will not have lingering effects from it as they get older. The main symptom with Sever’s disease is heel pain, and it can cause the inability to participate in chosen sports. This happens as a result of rapid bone growth, which can occur more quickly than growth of the tendons and muscles. This can cause the Achilles tendon—which connects the heel to the calf muscles—to tighten, resulting in swelling and tenderness. The pain and discomfort from Sever’s disease may be managed by wearing custom-made orthotics, and it is beneficial to stop the activity that caused the condition. If your child is active, and is limping from heel pain, it is advised that a podiatrist be consulted who can determine what the best treatment is.
Sever’s disease is also known as calcaneal apophysitis, which is a medical condition that causes heel pain I none or both feet. The disease is known to affect children between the ages of 8 and 14.
Sever’s disease occurs when part of the child’s heel known as the growth plate (calcaneal epiphysis) is attached to the Achilles tendon. This area can suffer injury when the muscles and tendons of the growing foot do not keep pace with bone growth. Therefore, the constant pain which one experiences at the back of the heel will make the child unable to put any weight on the heel. The child is then forced to walk on their toes.
Symptoms
Acute pain – Pain associated with Sever’s disease is usually felt in the heel when the child engages in physical activity such as walking, jumping and or running.
Highly active – Children who are very active are among the most susceptible in experiencing Sever’s disease, because of the stress and tension placed on their feet.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in Naperville, IL. We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle injuries.
Plantar fasciitis is a condition condition involving inflammation in the ligament that extends from the toes to the heels. It is one of the most common causes of heel pain. This affliction can cause sharp pain, especially when arising in the morning, and can interfere with walking or exercise. Plantar fasciitis is caused by activities that place stress on the heel, such as running or jumping, and standing on hard surfaces for a prolonged period of time. Additionally, obesity and aging may contribute significantly to developing plantar fasciitis. Preventive measures that can be taken may include varying exercise routines to work different muscles and including low impact exercise options to reduce stress on the heel. It may be beneficial to wear a night splint on the affected foot to keep the foot and ankle in the optimal position. If you believe that you have plantar fasciitis, it is strongly suggested that you visit a podiatrist who can properly diagnose this condition and obtain treatment that may be more effective for you.
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 Fox Valley Foot and Ankle Specialists. 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
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 our office located in Naperville, IL. We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.
Research has indicated that aging increases the risk of falling. There are physical reasons why many people fall, and these include the inability to retain muscle strength, which may negatively affect balance. Many people shorten their gait as the aging process occurs, and their overall strength may be affected. Additionally, reaction time may gradually decrease, and vision can rapidly become worse. People who fall may experience a fear of falling, and this can cause them to limit their daily activities. They may refrain from engaging in an exercise program, and this is not encouraged. Participating in an exercise and stretching regime can help to strengthen the body, which is beneficial in preventing falling. Effective fall prevention techniques can include having regular physical and eye examinations that can update existing medications and eyeglasses, and it is helpful to install grab bars in the toilet and shower area. Falling can affect the feet, and unnecessary foot pain may occur after a fall. If you would like more information about how to protect the feet in addition to preventing falling, please consider consulting a podiatrist.
Preventing falls among the elderly is very important. If you are older and have fallen or fear that you are prone to falling, consult with one of our podiatrists from Fox Valley Foot and Ankle Specialists. Our doctors will assess your condition and provide you with quality advice and care.
Every 11 seconds, an elderly American is being treated in an emergency room for a fall related injury. Falls are the leading cause of head and hip injuries for those 65 and older. Due to decreases in strength, balance, senses, and lack of awareness, elderly persons are very susceptible to falling. Thankfully, there are a number of things older persons can do to prevent falls.
How to Prevent Falls
Some effective methods that older persons can do to prevent falls include:
Enrolling in strength and balance exercise program to increase balance and strength
Periodically having your sight and hearing checked
Discuss any medications you have with a doctor to see if it increases the risk of falling
Clearing the house of falling hazards and installing devices like grab bars and railings
Utilizing a walker or cane
Wearing shoes that provide good support and cushioning
Talking to family members about falling and increasing awareness
Falling can be a traumatic and embarrassing experience for elderly persons; this can make them less willing to leave the house, and less willing to talk to someone about their fears of falling. Doing such things, however, will increase the likelihood of tripping or losing one’s balance. Knowing the causes of falling and how to prevent them is the best way to mitigate the risk of serious injury.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in Naperville, IL. We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.
