Items filtered by date: October 2024

The development of children's feet begins during pregnancy when the basic structures form in the early weeks. By the second trimester, the bones of the feet start to develop, and by birth, a newborn's feet contain approximately 26 bones, many of which are still made of cartilage. As children grow, their feet undergo significant changes, with arches developing around age two to three. To support healthy foot development, parents can make proper footwear choices, opting for shoes that provide ample room for toes to move and grow. Allowing children to walk barefoot on safe surfaces helps strengthen foot muscles and improve balance. Regularly monitoring foot growth and ensuring that shoes fit correctly can prevent issues such as flat feet or other alignment problems. If your child’s feet are not growing as expected, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can monitor your child’s foot health and development and provide necessary treatment.

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 Pima Foot and Ankle Surgery. 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 1st Ave. and Tucson Blvd in Tucson, AZ . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Congenital foot conditions encompass a range of abnormalities that affect foot structure and function from birth. One common condition is metatarsus adductus, where the front part of the foot curves inward, often resolving on its own but sometimes requiring intervention. Clubfoot is another prevalent condition characterized by a twisted appearance, causing the foot to point downward and inward. This condition typically necessitates early treatment to prevent mobility issues. Calcaneovalgus involves an upward flexion of the foot at the ankle and can lead to a flat appearance, often improving with conservative management. Additionally, congenital vertical talus presents a more complex challenge, with the foot positioned in a rigid, flat state that may require surgical intervention for correction. If your child has been born with one of these conditions, it is suggested that a podiatrist is promptly consulted so the appropriate treatment can begin.

Congenital foot problems require immediate attention to avoid future complications. If you have any concerns, contact one of our podiatrists of Pima Foot and Ankle Surgery. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Congenital foot problems are deformities affecting the feet, toes, and/or ankles that children are born with. Some of these conditions have a genetic cause while others just happen. Some specific foot ailments that children may be born with include clubfeet, polydactyly/macrodactyly, and cleft foot. There are several other foot anomalies that can occur congenitally. What all of these conditions have in common is that a child may experience difficulty walking or performing everyday activities, as well as trouble finding footwear that fits their foot deformity. Some of these conditions are more serious than others. Consulting with a podiatrist as early as possible will help in properly diagnosing a child’s foot condition while getting the necessary treatment underway.

What are Causes of Congenital Foot Problem?

A congenital foot problem is one that happens to a child at birth. These conditions can be caused by a genetic predisposition, developmental or positional abnormalities during gestation, or with no known cause.

What are Symptoms of Congenital Foot Problems?

Symptoms vary by the congenital condition. Symptoms may consist of the following:

• Clubfoot, where tendons are shortened, bones are shaped differently, and the Achilles tendon is tight, causing the foot to point in and down. It is also possible for the soles of the feet to face each other.
• Polydactyly, which usually consists of a nubbin or small lump of tissue without a bone, a toe that is partially formed but has no joints, or an extra toe.
• Vertical talus, where the talus bone forms in the wrong position causing other bones in the foot to line up improperly, the front of the foot to point up, and the bottom of the foot to stiffen, with no arch, and to curve out.
• Tarsal coalition, when there is an abnormal connection of two or more bones in the foot leading to severe, rigid flatfoot.
• Cleft foot, where there are missing toes, a V-shaped cleft, and other anatomical differences.
• Macrodactyly, when the toes are abnormally large due to overgrowth of the underlying bone or soft tissue.

Treatment and Prevention

While there is nothing one can do to prevent congenital foot problems, raising awareness and receiving neonatal screenings are important. Early detection by taking your child to a podiatrist leads to the best outcome possible.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our offices located in 1st Ave. and Tucson Blvd in Tucson, AZ . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.

Morton's neuroma involves the thickening of a nerve in the foot, most often found between the third and fourth toes. It results from persistent pressure and irritation, which can lead to pain, numbness, or tingling in the toes and the ball of the foot. Symptoms of Morton’s neuroma include a burning sensation or the feeling of a small lump under the foot. Women are more commonly affected, likely due to wearing narrow, high-heeled shoes that force the bones of the feet into unnatural positions. Being overweight can also increase the risk. A podiatrist can diagnose Morton's neuroma by examining the foot and evaluating the pain’s location and severity. They can offer such treatment solutions as custom orthotics, changes in footwear, or in some cases, injections to reduce inflammation. If conservative approaches are not effective, surgery may be considered. If you have symptoms that may indicate Morton's neuroma, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist.

Morton’s neuroma is a very uncomfortable condition to live with. If you think you have Morton’s neuroma, contact one of our podiatrists of Pima Foot and Ankle Surgery. Our doctors will attend to all of your foot care needs and answer any of your related questions.  

Morton’s Neuroma

Morton's neuroma is a painful foot condition that commonly affects the areas between the second and third or third and fourth toe, although other areas of the foot are also susceptible. Morton’s neuroma is caused by an inflamed nerve in the foot that is being squeezed and aggravated by surrounding bones.

What Increases the Chances of Having Morton’s Neuroma?

• Ill-fitting high heels or shoes that add pressure to the toe or foot
• Jogging, running or any sport that involves constant impact to the foot
• Flat feet, bunions, and any other foot deformities

Morton’s neuroma is a very treatable condition. Orthotics and shoe inserts can often be used to alleviate the pain on the forefront of the feet. In more severe cases, corticosteroids can also be prescribed. In order to figure out the best treatment for your neuroma, it’s recommended to seek the care of a podiatrist who can diagnose your condition and provide different treatment options.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our offices located in 1st Ave. and Tucson Blvd in Tucson, AZ . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Athlete’s foot is a highly contagious fungal infection that thrives in moist environments. This makes places like locker rooms, public showers, and swimming pools common hotspots for spreading the infection. The fungi responsible for athlete’s foot are called dermatophytes. They feed on keratin, which is found in the dead skin cells on your feet. Once the athlete's foot fungus invades the skin, it can cause itchiness, which often leads to scratching. This scratching can push the fungus deeper into the skin, allowing it to spread and persist. Walking barefoot on contaminated surfaces or sharing items like shoes, socks, or towels can also pass the infection to others. Without treatment, athlete’s foot remains contagious, and the infection can linger for weeks or months. A podiatrist can provide a thorough treatment plan, including antifungal medications and advice on preventing reinfection. If you have athlete’s foot, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for treatment.

Athlete’s Foot

Athlete’s foot is often an uncomfortable condition to experience. Thankfully, podiatrists specialize in treating athlete’s foot and offer the best treatment options. If you have any questions about athlete’s foot, consult with one of our podiatrists from Pima Foot and Ankle Surgery. Our doctors will assess your condition and provide you with quality treatment.

What Is Athlete’s Foot?

Tinea pedis, more commonly known as athlete’s foot, is a non-serious and common fungal infection of the foot. Athlete’s foot is contagious and can be contracted by touching someone who has it or infected surfaces. The most common places contaminated by it are public showers, locker rooms, and swimming pools. Once contracted, it grows on feet that are left inside moist, dark, and warm shoes and socks.

Prevention

The most effective ways to prevent athlete’s foot include:

• Thoroughly washing and drying feet
• Avoid going barefoot in locker rooms and public showers
• Using shower shoes in public showers
• Wearing socks that allow the feet to breathe
• Changing socks and shoes frequently if you sweat a lot

Symptoms

Athlete’s foot initially occurs as a rash between the toes. However, if left undiagnosed, it can spread to the sides and bottom of the feet, toenails, and if touched by hand, the hands themselves. Symptoms include:

• Redness
• Burning
• Itching
• Scaly and peeling skin

Diagnosis and Treatment

Diagnosis is quick and easy. Skin samples will be taken and either viewed under a microscope or sent to a lab for testing. Sometimes, a podiatrist can diagnose it based on simply looking at it. Once confirmed, treatment options include oral and topical antifungal medications.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our offices located in 1st Ave. and Tucson Blvd in Tucson, AZ . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

The ankles are remarkable joints that enable a wide range of movement, but they are also vulnerable to injuries such as sprains and strains. An ankle sprain, which is quite common, occurs when a ligament is overstretched or torn, while a strain involves overstretching or tearing of a muscle or tendon. Factors that can heighten the risk of these injuries include inadequate athletic conditioning, skipping warm-ups before exercise, pushing through muscle fatigue, carrying excess weight, and wearing unsupportive or poorly fitting shoes. These conditions can lead to significant pain and impact your mobility. To properly diagnose and treat ankle injuries, it is important to consult a professional. A podiatrist can provide expert evaluation, treatment options, and preventive advice to help you recover and reduce the risk of future injuries. If you are experiencing ankle pain, it is suggested you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for personalized care and effective 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 Pima Foot and Ankle Surgery. 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 1st Ave. and Tucson Blvd in Tucson, AZ . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.