A child's feet grow rapidly during the first year, reaching almost half of their adult foot size. This is why podiatrists consider the first year to be the most important in the development of the feet. Proper care at a young age is essential for healthy development.  Since many adult foot ailments develop in childhood, periodic visits to Treasure Coast Podiatry Center and basic foot care can help minimize these problems later in life.

A child’s feet are formed from soft, pliable cartilage which makes them more susceptible to deformities. A young child can be affected by foot conditions such as:

• Intoeing
• Outoeing
• Flat feet
• Warts
• Heel pain

Tips for Parents

Parents can help promote normal, healthy foot development for their baby.

• Examine your baby’s feet regularly.  If you detect any unusual signs, contact your child’s pediatrician or podiatrist right away.
• Encourage exercise.  Lying uncovered allows the baby to kick and move feet and toes freely so not to inhibit normal development.
• Cover feet loosely.  Tight clothing or covers restrict movement.
• Alternate your baby’s position several times a day.  Lying too long in one spot may place unnecessary strain on the feet and legs.

Growing Up

As your baby continues to grow and develop, so will the feet. It may be necessary to change shoe and sock size every few months, as tight-fitting footwear can aggravate preexisting conditions.  After the first steps are taken, you should also carefully observe walking patterns. Intoeing, outoeing, and gait abnormalities can be corrected when they are detected early.

A baby’s feet will carry them throughout life, so it’s important to begin foot care at a young age. Neglecting your child’s foot health invites problems in other parts of the body, such as the back and legs.  Whenever you have questions about your child’s foot health, or if you suspect a problem with the development of your child’s feet, contact our Stuart office.

With our feet bearing the weight of our entire body, it’s no surprise that carrying excess weight may increase the chance of developing foot problems.  In fact, recent studies have shown that overweight people experience more heel pain, tendonitis, arthritis, ball-of-foot pain, fractures and sprains in their feet and ankles than individuals at a normal, healthy weight.

Extra weight doesn’t have to be substantial to have an impact on your feet and ankles. As little as 10 or 20 pounds can trigger pain in the lower extremities. Being overweight changes the way your foot functions, and the force on the feet intensifies.

The most common foot problems from being overweight include:

• Plantar Fasciitis: Excess weight adds strain to the plantar fascia, overusing and weakening it. This causes it to become inflamed and irritated. Heel pain is one of the most common problems caused by weight gain.
• Tendonitis: When the feet endure extra weight, it eventually causes the tendons/ligaments to be overused, which leads to injury and inflammation.
• Fallen Arches: An increase in body weight and pressure causes the supporting structures in your feet (muscles, tendons, and ligaments) to become stretched and weakened, breaking down over time. This can weaken the muscle which gives the foot its arch, causing over-pronation and leading to other problems such as knee and hip pain.
• Other effects from carrying extra weight include changes in posture, changes in gait (steps become shorter) and stress fractures.

Losing extra pounds can help ease the pain and reduce problems caused by carrying excess body weight. Unfortunately, it's tough to lose weight when your feet hurt. To combat foot problems triggered by weight gain, ease into a low-impact activity that doesn’t require you to place pressure on your foot, such as water aerobics.  Always start any new workout routine slowly and work with your regular physician and podiatrist at Treasure Coast Podiatry Center to find healthy ways to modify your diet and select the best, supportive footwear for your feet.

Foot pain is never normal, regardless of weight, as it indicates some type of stress or injury. You should always consult an experienced podiatrist at our Stuart office if you are experiencing any pain in your foot.

Dry, cracked heels are not only unsightly, but they can also be a source of pain and embarrassment. When the fissures in your heel become so dry and cracked that bleeding or pain when walking occurs, it may be time to seek professional care from your podiatrist at Treasure Coast Podiatry Center.  Left untreated, heel fissures can become so deep and painful that it leads to an infection.   

Cracked heels are most commonly caused by splitting of the skin as a result of severe dryness or thickening of a callus on your heel. Severe cases of dry, cracked heels can occur for numerous reasons, including:

• Cold winter weather or dry climates
• Dehydration
• Having diabetes
• Scrubbing feet too harshly
• Soaking in a hot bath or shower for too long or too frequently
• Not moisturizing the feet
• Increased weight
• Walking barefoot or wearing open-backed sandals or shoes
• Prolonged standing at work or home
• Chronic skin problems, such as eczema or psoriasis

Here are a few tips for keeping heels from cracking:

• Moisturize the feet daily
• Avoid walking barefoot or wearing open-backed shoes
• Opt for mild soaps that won’t dry out your heels
• Increase your water intake to keep your body hydrated
• Limit time in the shower as hot water dries out the skin
• Use a pumice stone or file as directed by your doctor to gently decrease the thick layer of skin

When to Visit Stuart

What may begin as an annoyance or simple cosmetic issue, cracked heels can lead to pain and serious infection if not managed properly. Most cases of dry, cracked heels will get better with a little foot pampering or over-the-counter foot cream.

When heels are severely cracked or painful and conservative treatments aren’t effective, visit our [city] office. People with diabetes are at an especially high risk for health problems and should not wait to have dry feet cared for. Severely cracked heels need moisture to avoid pain, bleeding and infection. A podiatrist can work with you to relieve your cracked heels with conservative treatment options.

With age, many people experience changes in their feet. This may include a change in their shape; a loss of the fatty pads that cushion the bottom of the feet; thinner, drier skin and brittle nails; and even arthritis. As the feet change, they also naturally develop more problems. But aching feet are not a natural part of growing old or something to be tolerated. You can do many things now to help relieve pain, improve comfort and keep the spring in your step.
Taking good care of your feet has many benefits including increasing your comfort, limiting the possibility of additional health issues, and keeping you active and mobile. The following tips may help keep feet feeling and looking their best into the golden years:

• Choose proper-fitting shoes with adequate support, a firm sole and a soft upper for your everyday activities
• Walk—it’s the best exercise for your feet
• Avoid going barefoot
• Never cut corns or calluses on your own
• Bathe your feet daily in lukewarm water with a mild soap
• Moisturize daily
• Trim and file toenails straight across
• Inspect your feet daily. If you notice redness, cracks in the skin or strange sores, consult our Stuart office
• Have your feet examined by Treasure Coast Podiatry Center at least once a year

There are more than 300 different foot ailments. Some are inherited, but for older people, most foot conditions stem from the impact of years of wear and tear. The good news is that even among people in their retirement years, many foot problems can be treated successfully.
Never ignore the natural changes that aging brings.  Since feet are referred to as the “mirror of health,” podiatrists are often times the first to identify signs of systemic diseases, such as diabetes and arthritis. Regular visits to Treasure Coast Podiatry Center can help prevent foot problems and alleviate pain to keep you active for life.

Looking for a safe, easy and inexpensive way to stay healthy, increase your energy level and improve your figure? Start walking. Walking is one of the easiest and most popular forms of exercise, and when done properly, can significantly improve your health.

The basic kind of walking -- often called healthwalking -- can be done almost anywhere and at any time, year around. And for individuals with a long history of inactivity or problems with obesity, walking is an excellent way to begin an exercise program.

If the Shoe Fits- Get Walking

Footwear plays a vital role in the duration and achievement of your walking routine, and shoes that don't fit properly or that lack support can lead to foot pain or injuries, such as blisters, corns, calluses, nail fungus and plantar fasciitis.

Not sure which shoe will offer you the most support? Come into our Stuart office for an examination. We can help determine the best shoe for your feet based on your arch, walking experience and foot mechanics. Your shoes should be well-cushioned and stable, offering you comfort and fit that enables you to walk smoothly and without discomfort.

Keep Your Feet Healthy

To gain the most health benefit from walking, it's important to pay close attention to your feet. Trim your nails regularly, keep your feet clean and dry, and inspect your feet for signs of sores, blisters, corns, calluses or other infections. Serious foot ailments, such as bunions or hammertoes, should be checked by our Stuart office before you begin your exercise regimen.

Once you're ready to hit the road, you'll want set appropriate goals based on your overall health and walking experience. Start slow and build upon your distance gradually. And don't forget to stretch in order to prevent injury and keep muscles loose.

Walking is meant to be safe, easy and fun, but in order to do so, you must have healthy feet. Experiencing foot pain and discomfort isn't normal. Talk with a podiatrist at Treasure Coast Podiatry Center if you encounter any problems while walking. Every step you take is one step closer to a healthier lifestyle. So what are you waiting for? Take a stroll in the mall, walk your dog in the park, or grab a friend and go for a leisurely walk around your neighborhood. It's easy and fun, and when done regularly can lead to a healthier you!