Items filtered by date: August 2019

When children’s feet are cared for as infants and toddlers, it may prevent uncomfortable foot conditions from developing as they get older. It is beneficial to wash your child’s feet everyday, and it is important to pay extra attention between the toes. This may help to prevent athlete’s foot from developing, which can be uncomfortable. Research has indicated that toddlers should walk barefoot while indoors. This is helpful in strengthening the overall foot as the toes grasp the floor. When it becomes time to purchase the first pair of shoes, it is important to properly measure your child’s foot. This is essential in determining the correct shoe size which can provide adequate room for the toes to move freely in. Additionally, cutting the toenails properly may help to prevent ingrown toenails. If you would like additional information about how to properly care for your children’s feet, please consult with a podiatrist.

Making sure that your children maintain good foot health is very important as they grow. If you have any questions, contact Dr. John R. Northrup of Superior Podiatry. 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 one of our offices located in St. Augustine and Palm Coast, FL. We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

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The feet are comprised of numerous bones, tendons, and ligaments, and are considered to be the foundation of the body. It is important to maintain proper foot care, as this can help to prevent different types of foot pain from occurring. The condition that is known as athlete’s foot may cause severe itching between the toes and on the bottom of the feet. It is caused by a fungus that lives in warm and damp environments, and may be avoided if appropriate shoes are worn while in public areas. A large bump that forms on the side of the big toe may be a bunion, and can develop from genetic factors, or from wearing shoes that do not fit correctly. Ingrown toenails often produce pain and discomfort, and may be avoided when the toenails are trimmed properly. If you have any type of foot pain, it is strongly suggested that you consult with a podiatrist who can offer the best course of treatment for you.

Foot Pain

Foot pain can be extremely painful and debilitating. If you have a foot pain, consult with Dr. John R. Northrup from Superior Podiatry. Our doctor 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 one of our offices located in St. Augustine and Palm Coast, FL. We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

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If you are suffering from tenderness, pain, or stiffness in the joints of your feet or ankles, call us to schedule an appointment.

There are several bones, joints, and ligaments that the human foot is comprised of. When babies are born, their feet are flexible, and will gradually become stronger as walking begins. Babies are typically born with flat feet, and the arch generally develops as the feet become stronger. Research has indicated that it is beneficial for toddlers to walk barefoot while indoors, and this can help the toes to strengthen by grasping the floor. When the first pair of shoes are purchased, the feet should be properly measured, and this is helpful in determining the correct shoe size. It is important that the shoes have flat and flexible soles, in addition to ensuring that there is inadequate room for the toes to move freely in. If you would like more information about how to care for your child’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 Dr. John R. Northrup of Superior Podiatry. Our doctor 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 one of our offices located in St. Augustine and Palm Coast, FL. We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Read more about What to Do to Keep Your Child’s Feet Healthy

People who experience poor circulation in the feet often have similar symptoms. These can include a tingling and numbing sensation, extreme fatigue, and the feet may feel cold. Some patients also notice swelling in their feet, and this can indicate other health issues. There are a variety of causes that may lead to poor circulation. The most common reason is a condition known as atherosclerosis. A buildup of plaque in the blood vessels takes place, especially in the arteries, eventually restricting natural blood flow. Additionally, diabetic patients may suffer from this ailment, and this may be a result of damaged blood vessels caused by elevated sugar levels. Mild treatment options can include losing excess weight, quitting smoking, and incorporating a healthy diet as part of your daily meal plan. If you notice you are having symptoms of poor circulation in your feet, it is suggested that you schedule a consultation with a podiatrist.

Poor circulation is a serious condition and needs immediate medical attention. If you have any concerns with poor circulation in your feet contact Dr. John R. Northrup of Superior Podiatry. Our doctor 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 one of our offices located in St. Augustine and Palm Coast, FL. We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Read more about Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment of Poor Blood Circulation in the Feet