If you are caring for a growing child, helping them protect the health of their feet can be critical to ensuring their overall health and well-being. Athlete’s foot is one particular kind of threat to the health of a child’s feet and it is contagious. This condition is caused by a fungal infection, and some children can develop this affliction by walking around barefoot in spaces at daycare or school. Interestingly, boys are more likely to develop a case of athlete’s foot than girls. Before a child reaches the age of 4, it is unlikely that they will present a case of athlete’s foot. If you notice that your child is repeatedly itching in between their toes, then this may be an early indicator that your child could have athlete’s foot. If you suspect that your child might have athlete’s foot, it is highly suggested that you contact a podiatrist to treat your child before the infection spreads.
Making sure that your children maintain good foot health is very important as they grow. If you have any questions, contact Dale Delaney, DPM of InStride Kinston Podiatry Center. Our doctor 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 office located in Kinston, NC . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.
Falling is unnatural. The feet can hurt from falling, and lifestyle habits may temporarily or permanently be altered. Possible foot injuries can include a sprained ankle, broken foot, or a bruised or broken toe. Any of these injuries may impact the ability to walk, and patients may have to use crutches for mobility. The risk of falling can be lowered by implementing successful fall prevention strategies. These can include improving lighting in the household, removing worn rugs from the living area, and starting a gentle exercise routine. This is beneficial in keeping the body strong, which may help to prevent falling. Additionally, it is wise to have regular physical and eye examinations which can help to update existing medications and eyeglasses. People have found falling episodes may be reduced by installing grab bars in the toilet and shower area, in addition to using a non-slip bath mat. If you would like more information about fall prevention techniques, it is suggested that you confer with a podiatrist who can provide you with helpful information.
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 Dale Delaney, DPM from InStride Kinston Podiatry Center. Our doctor 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:
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 office located in Kinston, NC . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.
Kohler’s disease is a rare bone disorder that occurs among children between the ages of 3 and 7. It is the result of stress-related compression during certain growth periods. This condition may first be recognized by pain, swelling, redness, and limping. It is five times more likely to occur in male children and usually affects only one foot. The child’s foot will be especially tender along the arch because the flow of blood to one of the foot bones, the navicular, has been blocked. The reason for this is uncertain. The child may walk on the outside of his foot to reduce the pain. A visit to a podiatrist may include an X-ray of the affected foot, which will then be compared with that of the other foot. In addition to pain relievers, a podiatrist may prescribe a weight-bearing short cast or special supportive shoes for the child. In addition, staying off the affected foot can help to speed up recovery. In most cases, a child will outgrow the disorder in a few months as the bones resume their normal growth pattern, but in some cases, it can last as long as two years. If your child is exhibiting the symptoms of Kohler’s disease, it is suggested that you consult with a podiatrist.
Some foot conditions may require additional professional care. If you have any concerns, contact Dale Delaney, DPM of InStride Kinston Podiatry Center. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.
Rare Foot Conditions
The majority of foot conditions are common and can be treated by a podiatrist. Standard diagnostic procedures are generally used to identify specific conditions and treatment can be rendered. A podiatrist also treats rare foot conditions which can be difficult to diagnose and may need extra attention and care.
There are many rare foot conditions that can affect children. Some of these can include:
Freiberg’s disease - This can be seen as a deterioration and flattening of a metatarsal bone that exists in the ball of the foot. It typically affects pre-teen and teenage girls, but can affect anyone at any age. Symptoms that can accompany this can be swelling, stiffness, and the patient may limp.
Kohler’s disease - This often targets the bone in the arch of the foot and affects younger boys. It can lead to an interruption of the blood supply which ultimately can lead to bone deterioration. The patient may limp or experience tenderness, swelling, and redness.
Maffucci syndrome - This affects the long bones in a child’s foot leading to the development of abnormal bone lesions. They are benign growths and typically develop in early childhood and the bones may be susceptible to breaking.
A podiatrist can properly diagnose and treat all types of rare foot conditions. If your child is affected by any of these symptoms or conditions, please don’t hesitate to call our office so the correct treatment method can begin.
If you have any questions please feel free to contact our office located in Kinston, NC . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.
Morton’s neuroma is a condition that involves the feet. The medical name for this is known as Morton’s metatarsalgia or interdigital neuroma, and it affects the nerve between the third and fourth toes. Wearing high heels that do not have adequate room in the toe area is the leading cause of Morton’s neuroma. Wearing these types of shoes may cause this nerve to become compressed and is often painful and uncomfortable. Additionally, it may happen to patients who frequently participate in running and jumping activities, or to people who have flat feet or high arches. Common symptoms that are associated with this condition can include a tingling sensation that may eventually become a sharp and shooting pain. Numbness can accompany this ailment, and relief may be found when looser shoes are worn. If you have this type of pain, it is suggested that you contact a podiatrist who can provide treatment options, which may include wearing custom-made orthotics.
Morton’s neuroma is a very uncomfortable condition to live with. If you think you have Morton’s neuroma, contact Dale Delaney, DPM of InStride Kinston Podiatry Center. Our doctor 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?
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 office located in Kinston, NC . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.
Have you noticed a bony protrusion on the side of your big toe? If so, you may have developed the foot condition known as a bunion. Don't let bunions interfere with your daily activities.
