Children’s feet are different from those of adults in many ways. A baby’s foot is soft and flexible because their bones are still forming. It’s important to remember this fact when deciding on footwear for your young child. Experts warn against putting shoes on children too early. Even toddlers do better indoors without shoes, allowing their feet to become stronger and toes to develop a grasping action. A child needs to begin wearing shoes out of doors when they start to walk. These should not be too tight, and it is recommended to measure your child’s feet about every three months as they can grow quickly. Also, be on the lookout for abnormal walking patterns in your child as these may indicate underlying problems. However, do not worry that your child has flat feet, as they are born that way. The arch begins to develop as the child ages. Gait problems, such as in-toeing or out-toeing, may need to be looked at by a podiatrist, who is a medical professional trained to deal with problems of the feet, ankles, and toes.

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 Community Foot 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 offices located in Beavercreek, Dayton, and Vandalia, OH . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

An individual can experience many different types of pain in the feet in many different areas of the feet. The particular kind of pain that a patient feels, and where it is located, might tell a podiatrist important information about the nature of the underlying condition. One area of the foot where an individual might experience pain is on the top of the foot. Someone living with this type of pain might feel mild or severe pain, and it might arise when walking or standing still. There are several different conditions that might explain why an individual experiences this kind of pain. For example, overuse activities might be the primary culprit behind pain of this sort. This is to say that activities such as running and jumping might be contributing to pain on the top of the foot. If you are someone that struggles with this kind of pain, it is suggested that you consult with a podiatrist today.

Foot Pain

Foot pain can be extremely painful and debilitating. If you have a foot pain, consult with one of our podiatrists from Community Foot Specialists. 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 our offices located in Beavercreek, Dayton, and Vandalia, OH . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

A bony bump that forms on the side of the big toe is considered to be a deformity. This condition is called a bunion and may cause the big toe to shift toward the other toes. A bunion generally occurs from wearing shoes that do not have adequate room for the toes to move freely, thus putting pressure on the joint in the big toe. Interestingly, the word bunion is derived from the Greek word for turnip. A bunion can be red and swollen and shaped like a turnip. Bunions gradually develop, and the growth may be slowed by wearing shoes with a larger toe area. There are also medical reasons linked to the development of bunions, including rheumatoid arthritis and gout, as well as genetic history. Recurring and Severe bunions may require surgery for permanent removal. It is strongly suggested that you confer with a podiatrist who can determine what the best course of treatment is for you.

If you are suffering from bunions, contact one of our podiatrists of Community Foot Specialists. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

What Is a Bunion?

A bunion is formed of swollen tissue or an enlargement of boney growth, usually located at the base joint of the toe that connects to the foot. The swelling occurs due to the bones in the big toe shifting inward, which impacts the other toes of the foot. This causes the area around the base of the big toe to become inflamed and painful.

Why Do Bunions Form?

Genetics – Susceptibility to bunions are often hereditary

Stress on the feet – Poorly fitted and uncomfortable footwear that places stress on feet, such as heels, can worsen existing bunions

How Are Bunions Diagnosed?

Doctors often perform two tests – blood tests and x-rays – when trying to diagnose bunions, especially in the early stages of development. Blood tests help determine if the foot pain is being caused by something else, such as arthritis, while x-rays provide a clear picture of your bone structure to your doctor.

How Are Bunions Treated?

• Refrain from wearing heels or similar shoes that cause discomfort
• Select wider shoes that can provide more comfort and reduce pain
• Anti-inflammatory and pain management drugs
• Orthotics or foot inserts
• Surgery

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our offices located in Beavercreek, Dayton, and Vandalia, OH . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

When an individual breaks their toe, this is known as a toe fracture. It might be due to a sudden impact or slow, repeated pressure over a long period of time. Regardless of the cause, many patients who have broken toes often look for the best way to treat this annoying condition. There are many different ways to mitigate the pain caused by a broken toe and address the condition. To improve mobility, many individuals with broken toes might use a knee scooter to help them get around. Walking with this knee scooter might help the patient move without putting weight on the impacted foot. It is important to know that this kind of scooter is optimal for outdoor use. When using the scooter to get around inside the house, it might prove to be slightly cumbersome when navigating tight corners. Consider contacting a podiatrist today for more information.

A broken toe can be very painful and lead to complications if not properly fixed. If you have any concerns about your feet, contact one of our podiatrists from Community Foot Specialists. Our doctors will treat your foot and ankle needs.

What to Know About a Broken Toe

Although most people try to avoid foot trauma such as banging, stubbing, or dropping heavy objects on their feet, the unfortunate fact is that it is a common occurrence. Given the fact that toes are positioned in front of the feet, they typically sustain the brunt of such trauma. When trauma occurs to a toe, the result can be a painful break (fracture).

Symptoms of a Broken Toe

• Throbbing pain
• Swelling
• Bruising on the skin and toenail
• The inability to move the toe
• Toe appears crooked or disfigured
• Tingling or numbness in the toe

Generally, it is best to stay off of the injured toe with the affected foot elevated.

Severe toe fractures may be treated with a splint, cast, and in some cases, minor surgery. Due to its position and the pressure it endures with daily activity, future complications can occur if the big toe is not properly treated.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our offices located in Beavercreek, Dayton, and Vandalia, OH . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Ankle injuries are certainly no fun for anybody who develops them. Whether it is a sprained ankle, a broken ankle, or a stress fracture, ankle injuries can significantly reduce mobility and cause the patient discomfort. However, many patients are interested in knowing the difference between a sprained ankle and a broken ankle. The answer is complicated. If the pain from the injury gets worse as time goes on, it is possible that you have a sprained ankle. Broken ankle pain is typically felt immediately. Additionally, if the pain is felt most seriously over a bone, then this might be a sign that what you are experiencing is a broken ankle and not a sprained ankle. If you have pain of any kind in the ankle area, please consider contacting a podiatrist for treatment today. 

Broken ankles need immediate treatment. If you are seeking treatment, contact one of our podiatrists from Community Foot Specialists. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet. 

Broken Ankles
A broken ankle is experienced when a person fractures their tibia or fibula in the lower leg and ankle area. Both of these bones are attached at the bottom of the leg and combine to form what we know to be our ankle.

When a physician is referring to a break of the ankle, he or she is usually referring to a break in the area where the tibia and fibula are joined to create our ankle joint. Ankles are more prone to fractures because the ankle is an area that suffers a lot of pressure and stress. There are some obvious signs when a person experiences a fractured ankle, and the following symptoms may be present.

Symptoms of a Fractured Ankle

• Excessive pain when the area is touched or when any pressure is placed on the ankle
•  Swelling around the area
•  Bruising of the area
• Area appears to be deformed

If you suspect an ankle fracture, it is recommended to seek treatment as soon as possible. The sooner you have your podiatrist diagnose the fracture, the quicker you’ll be on the way towards recovery.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our offices located in Beavercreek, Dayton, and Vandalia, OH . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Devastating injuries such as hip fractures or broken ankles may increase with the older population. This may happen as a result of falling, and it is essential to implement fall prevention techniques that may help to prevent injuries. Research has indicated that falling is the main cause of fatal and nonfatal injuries for people who are 65 years and older. Simple methods can be put into place that can possibly help to avoid this. Performing a daily exercise routine is effective in building and maintaining strength in the body. This can help to improve flexibility, range of motion, and balance. Additionally, installing grab bars in the shower and toilet areas is beneficial in avoiding falls on slippery surfaces. Many people choose to have brighter lighting in the household and remove worn rugs. If you would like more information about how falling can affect the feet and how to avoid this, please consult with a podiatrist who can provide you with the information you are seeking.

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 Community Foot 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 offices located in Beavercreek, Dayton, and Vandalia, OH . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

The foot condition known as hammertoe is easy to notice. It causes the second or third toe to bend downward at the tip, forcing the toe upward at the middle joint resembling a hammer. It is considered to be a deformity and corns may develop on top of the joint as it rubs against the shoe. Additional symptoms may include swollen toes, pain in the affected joint, and difficulty walking. Practicing toe stretches can be an effective hammertoe exercise. This is done by getting into a runner’s starting position and shifting the body’s weight over the toes. Hold for several seconds while the toes are pressed against the floor. Another exercise is called toe flexion and extension and starts with sitting with the legs straight out. After placing the affected foot over the opposite knee, the toes can be pulled back and pointed as best as possible. This may be difficult to accomplish, depending on the severity of the hammertoe. If you are afflicted with this condition, you must be under the care of a podiatrist who can help you with proper treatment which may include surgery to permanently straighten the toes.

Hammertoes can be a painful condition to live with. For more information, contact one of our podiatrists of Community Foot Specialists. Our doctors will answer any of your foot- and ankle-related questions.

Hammertoe

Hammertoe is a foot deformity that occurs due to an imbalance in the muscles, tendons, or ligaments that normally hold the toe straight. It can be caused by the type of shoes you wear, your foot structure, trauma, and certain disease processes.

Symptoms

• Painful and/or difficult toe movement
• Swelling
• Joint stiffness
• Calluses/Corns
• Physical deformity

Risk Factors

• Age – The risk of hammertoe increases with age
• Sex – Women are more likely to have hammertoe compared to men
• Toe Length – You are more likely to develop hammertoe if your second toe is longer than your big toe
• Certain Diseases – Arthritis and diabetes may make you more likely to develop hammertoe

Treatment

If you have hammertoe, you should change into a more comfortable shoe that provides enough room for your toes. Exercises such as picking up marbles may strengthen and stretch your toe muscles. Nevertheless, it is important to seek assistance from a podiatrist in order to determine the severity of your hammertoe and see which treatment option will work best for you.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our offices located in Beavercreek, Dayton, and Vandalia, OH . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

The bones in the foot are small and may be easier to break than other bones in the body. There are 26 bones in each foot that can become fractured from falling, participating in sporting events, or from enduring a foot injury. An open fracture is noticeable when the bone protrudes through the skin, and it often requires prompt medical attention. Symptoms can include immediate bruising, swelling, and it is often difficult, if not impossible, to walk. It is necessary to keep weight off of the affected foot, and many patients can accomplish this by using crutches. Once a proper diagnosis has been performed, treatment can begin. This consists of having an X-ray taken, which is successful in determining the severity of the fracture, followed by wearing a protective boot or cast. It is beneficial to elevate the affected foot as often as possible, which may help to reduce the swelling. Recovery typically takes approximately six to eight weeks, and foot strengthening exercises may be performed at that time. If you have broken your foot, please consult with a podiatrist who can provide you with correct treatment options.

A broken foot requires immediate medical attention and treatment. If you need your feet checked, contact one of our podiatrists from Community Foot Specialists. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Broken Foot Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment

A broken foot is caused by one of the bones in the foot typically breaking when bended, crushed, or stretched beyond its natural capabilities. Usually the location of the fracture indicates how the break occurred, whether it was through an object, fall, or any other type of injury. 

Common Symptoms of Broken Feet:

• Bruising
• Pain
• Redness
• Swelling
• Blue in color
• Numbness
• Cold
• Misshapen
• Cuts
• Deformities

Those that suspect they have a broken foot shoot seek urgent medical attention where a medical professional could diagnose the severity.

Treatment for broken bones varies depending on the cause, severity and location. Some will require the use of splints, casts or crutches while others could even involve surgery to repair the broken bones. Personal care includes the use of ice and keeping the foot stabilized and elevated.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our offices located in Beavercreek, Dayton, and Vandalia, OH . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.