Items filtered by date: January 2020

There are methods that can be implemented which may be beneficial in promoting good health care for your children’s feet. Research has indicated the importance of having your child walk barefoot while indoors, as this may help to strengthen their feet. Additionally, when toenails are properly trimmed, it may prevent painful conditions such as ingrown toenails from developing. When toddlers are ready to walk outside, accurately sized shoes can be purchased when their feet are measured correctly and frequently. Additionally, it is important to have your child wear the right type of socks, as this may be helpful in preventing circulation problems. If you would like additional information about how to take care of children’s feet, please consult with a podiatrist.

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 New Tampa Foot & Ankle. 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 Wesley Chapel, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

There are several types of foot pain many people can experience in their lifetime. If you notice a bump gradually developing on the side of your big toe, you may have what is known as a bunion. This may come from wearing shoes that do not have adequate room for the toes to move freely in. A common foot condition that is known as cracked heels can occur from wearing shoes that have an open back, or from standing for the majority of the day. A small calloused area on the top of the toes may be a corn and can develop as a result of friction between the toes and the top of the shoe. Additionally, a blister can develop from excess friction, and will appear as a small bubble filled with protective fluid while the damaged area heals. If you have foot pain of any kind, please schedule a consultation with a podiatrist who can diagnose and treat your condition.

Foot Pain

Foot pain can be extremely painful and debilitating. If you have a foot pain, consult with one of our podiatrists from New Tampa Foot & Ankle. 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 office located in Wesley Chapel, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

People who enjoy running marathons are most likely familiar with having blisters on the feet. These generally form as a response to excessive friction that can come from the foot rubbing against the socks and sneakers. They typically develop on the sides of the feet or between the toes. It is the body’s natural reaction to form a protective bubble over the damaged skin. This is filled with fluid, and will gradually drain on its own when the skin has healed. There are methods that can help to minimize blisters. These can include wearing shoes that fit correctly, and it may be beneficial to develop calluses by engaging in a good training schedule. Blisters may be protected while running by covering them with specific types of tape. If you have developed blisters on your feet, and enjoy the sport of running, it is suggested that you consult with a podiatrist who can offer possible treatment techniques.

Blisters may appear as a single bubble or in a cluster. They can cause a lot of pain and may be filled with pus, blood, or watery serum. If your feet are hurting, contact one of our podiatrists of New Tampa Foot & Ankle. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Foot Blisters

Foot blisters are often the result of friction. This happens due to the constant rubbing from shoes, which can lead to pain.

What Are Foot Blisters?

A foot blister is a small fluid-filled pocket that forms on the upper-most layer of the skin. Blisters are filled with clear fluid and can lead to blood drainage or pus if the area becomes infected.

Symptoms

(Blister symptoms may vary depending on what is causing them)

• Bubble of skin filled with fluid
• Redness
• Moderate to severe pain
• Itching

Prevention & Treatment

In order to prevent blisters, you should be sure to wear comfortable shoes with socks that cushion your feet and absorb sweat. Breaking a blister open may increase your chances of developing an infection. However, if your blister breaks, you should wash the area with soap and water immediately and then apply a bandage to the affected area. If your blisters cause severe pain it is important that you call your podiatrist right away.

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

If you are experiencing poor circulation in your feet, it may be difficult to walk, and even standing can be problematic. Research has indicated that lifestyle choices may play a significant role in developing poor foot circulation. These may include smoking, lacking exercise, and eating unhealthy foods. This condition occurs when the arteries become narrow, and it is difficult for the blood to flow freely through them. The symptoms that many patients associate with poor circulation can include a tingling sensation, and the feet may feel cold or numb. Additionally, existing wounds may take longer to heal, and toenails do not grow as fast as they normally would. Moderate relief may be found if compression socks are worn, and this is typically helpful in increasing the blood flow. It is important to implement healthy lifestyle changes that can consist of practicing a gentle exercise routine, drinking plenty of water, and quitting smoking. If you feel you have poor circulation, it is suggested that you seek the counsel of a podiatrist who can properly diagnose and treat this condition.

Poor circulation is a serious condition and needs immediate medical attention. If you have any concerns with poor circulation in your feet contact one of our podiatrists of New Tampa Foot & Ankle. Our doctors will treat your foot and ankle needs.

Poor Circulation in the Feet

Poor blood circulation in the feet and legs is can be caused by peripheral artery disease (PAD), which is the result of a buildup of plaque in the arteries.

Plaque buildup or atherosclerosis results from excess calcium and cholesterol in the bloodstream. This can restrict the amount of blood which can flow through the arteries. Poor blood circulation in the feet and legs are sometimes caused by inflammation in the blood vessels, known as vasculitis.

Causes

Lack of oxygen and oxygen from poor blood circulation restricts muscle growth and development. It can also cause:

• Muscle pain, stiffness, or weakness   
• Numbness or cramping in the legs 
• Skin discoloration
• Slower nail & hair growth
• Erectile dysfunction

Those who have diabetes or smoke are at greatest risk for poor circulation, as are those who are over 50. If you have poor circulation in the feet and legs it may be caused by PAD and is important to make changes to your lifestyle in order to reduce risk of getting a heart attack or stroke. Exercise and maintaining a healthy lifestyle will dramatically improve conditions.

As always, see a podiatrist as he or she will assist in finding a regimen that suits you. A podiatrist can also prescribe you any needed medication. 

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