Items filtered by date: March 2024

Regular screenings for foot problems in children can be important for early detection and intervention, ensuring healthy foot development and optimal mobility. Pediatric foot screenings typically involve assessing various aspects of foot anatomy, alignment, and function. Screenings may include evaluating arch development, toe alignment, walking patterns, and range of motion in the joints. Podiatrists may also check for signs of common pediatric foot conditions, such as flat feet, toe-walking, or excessive pronation. Treatment options may include custom-made orthotic devices, physical therapy, or footwear modifications. Parents can facilitate foot health in children by ensuring they wear properly fitting shoes, encouraging regular physical activity, and addressing any concerns about foot pain or abnormal gait promptly. If you have a child with foot issues you are concerned about, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist for a proper diagnosis and treatment.

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 Pima Foot and Ankle Surgery. 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 . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Selecting the appropriate running or walking shoe is critical for both performance and injury prevention. The right shoe provides support, stability, and cushioning tailored to individual foot mechanics and activity level. Wearing the wrong shoe can lead to discomfort, pain, and even injury. For runners, factors such as pronation, which is the natural inward roll of the foot, arch height, and foot width should be considered when choosing footwear. Meanwhile, walkers should prioritize shoes that offer adequate cushioning and flexibility to accommodate the repetitive motion of walking. Wearing ill-fitting shoes can contribute to conditions like blisters, plantar fasciitis, shin splints, and stress fractures, that hinder progress and enjoyment. Investing in high-quality, properly fitting footwear is an investment in your foot health and overall well-being, ensuring comfort, support, and longevity as you pursue your fitness goals. If you have questions about what type of shoe to buy for you desired fitness routine, it is suggested that you confer with a podiatrist.

For more information about walking shoes versus running shoes, consult with one of our podiatrists from Pima Foot and Ankle Surgery. Our doctors can measure your feet to determine what your needs are and help you find an appropriate pair of footwear.

Foot Health: The Differences between Walking & Running Shoes

There are great ways to stay in shape: running and walking are two great exercises to a healthy lifestyle. It is important to know that running shoes and walking shoes are not interchangeable. There is a key difference on how the feet hit the ground when someone is running or walking. This is why one should be aware that a shoe is designed differently for each activity.

You may be asking yourself what the real differences are between walking and running shoes and the answers may shock you.

Differences

Walking doesn’t involve as much stress or impact on the feet as running does. However, this doesn’t mean that you should be any less prepared. When you’re walking, you land on your heels and have your foot roll forward. This rolling motion requires additional support to the feet.

Flexibility – Walking shoes are designed to have soft, flexible soles. This allows the walker to push off easily with each step.

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

When the foot loses its structural support, its shape can alter, leading to a condition known as acquired flat feet. Acquired flat feet typically stem from an imbalance in the forces that flatten the arch and those that support it. Factors such as excessive tension in the calf muscles, obesity, dysfunction of the posterior tibial tendon, or lax ligaments can contribute to this condition. Imagine the arch as a bridge. Excessive weight or force on the bridge without adequate support underneath can lead to its collapse. With acquired flat feet, there is often too much force flattening the arch in the absence of ample structural support. Treating acquired flat feet can include performing exercises to strengthen the muscles, wearing more supportive footwear, and using orthotic shoe inserts. In some cases, surgical intervention may be needed. Post-surgery, the focus shifts to rebalancing the forces that act on the arch to optimize function and prevent further deformity. If you have been affected by acquired flat feet, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for who can conduct a full examination before determining what the proper treatment is for you.

Flatfoot is a condition many people suffer from. If you have flat feet, contact one of our podiatrists from Pima Foot and Ankle Surgery. Our doctors will treat your foot and ankle needs.

What Are Flat Feet?

Flatfoot is a condition in which the arch of the foot is depressed and the sole of the foot is almost completely in contact with the ground. About 20-30% of the population generally has flat feet because their arches never formed during growth.

Conditions & Problems:

Having flat feet makes it difficult to run or walk because of the stress placed on the ankles.

Alignment – The general alignment of your legs can be disrupted, because the ankles move inward which can cause major discomfort.

Knees – If you have complications with your knees, flat feet can be a contributor to arthritis in that area.  

Symptoms

• Pain around the heel or arch area
• Trouble standing on the tip toe
• Swelling around the inside of the ankle
• Flat look to one or both feet
• Having your shoes feel uneven when worn

Treatment

If you are experiencing pain and stress on the foot you may weaken the posterior tibial tendon, which runs around the inside of the ankle. 

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