Feet are a complex collection of bones, joints, and ligaments that takes years to develop fully. Most babies are born with flat feet, but this improves in the first few years of growth, as their bones develop and their muscles get stronger. By around six years of age, arch development is generally normal. When babies are learning to walk, they often turn their toes inward (in-toeing) until the muscles and ligaments develop. This can come from the foot, lower leg or upper leg. Occasionally, toddlers turn their toes outward (out-toeing) when they walk and run. This usually resolves itself as their posture and balance mature. If your child complains of pain, if their in-toeing or out-toeing does not improve or worsens, or if the condition affects only one side of the body, it may be wise to seek the expertise of a podiatrist for a full exam and prognosis. Additionally, if your child limps, trips frequently, develops bunions or ingrown toenails, or has abnormally shaped toes, it is suggested that you see a podiatrist for further examination.

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 Toe-Tal Family Foot & Wound Care Professionals . 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 office located in Vista, CA and Las Vegas, NV . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

If you feel pain or discomfort in the midfoot area, you may have developed stress fractures in the 2nd and 3rd metatarsal bones of the foot. The most common cause is repetitive walking for long periods. This condition, sometimes called “march fractures,”  is common after a trip with prolonged walks or hikes, in overtraining for a marathon type of event, or from military recruitment exercises. Other causes include a change in foot shape—perhaps the result of bunions—that may overload the midfoot bones, and osteoporosis, which is a weakening of the bones as the result of low bone density. Symptoms include pain and swelling, as well as tenderness to the touch, which could worsen if the activity is continued. As with all painful foot conditions, it is a good idea to schedule a visit to a podiatrist for a complete checkup, which will likely include X-rays or other imaging tests to see the extent of the injury. In the meantime, avoid walking or bearing weight on the affected foot as much as possible to help it heal more quickly.

Stress fractures occur when there is a tiny crack within a bone. To learn more, contact one of our podiatrists from Toe-Tal Family Foot & Wound Care Professionals . Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain free and on your feet.

How Are They Caused?

Stress fractures are the result of repetitive force being placed on the bone. Since the lower leg and feet often carry most of the body’s weight, stress fractures are likely to occur in these areas. If you rush into a new exercise, you are more likely to develop a stress fracture since you are starting too much, too soon.  Pain resulting from stress fractures may go unnoticed at first, however it may start to worsen over time.

Risk Factors

• Gender – They are more commonly found in women compared to men.
• Foot Problems – People with unusual arches in their feet are more likely to develop stress fractures.
• Certain Sports – Dancers, gymnasts, tennis players, runners, and basketball players are more likely to develop stress fractures.
• Lack of Nutrients – A lack of vitamin D and calcium may weaken the bones and make you more prone to stress fractures
• Weak Bones – Osteoporosis can weaken the bones therefore resulting in stress fractures

Stress fractures do not always heal properly, so it is important that you seek help from a podiatrist if you suspect you may have one. Ignoring your stress fracture may cause it to worsen, and you may develop chronic pain as well as additional fractures.

If you have any questions please contact our office located in Vista, CA and Las Vegas, NV . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

It is not uncommon for adults to experience a sudden onset of flat feet, known medically as posterior tibial tendon dysfunction (PTTD). The tibial tendon, which connects the calf muscles with bones on the inside of the foot, holds up the arch and supports the foot when you walk. This tendon can tear from playing sports like basketball, tennis or soccer, or become inflamed, causing the arch to fall. This injury is more common in women and adults over the age of 40. Other risk factors include obesity, diabetes and high blood pressure. Most fallen arches can be treated non-surgically with orthotics, shoes with good arch support, and braces. Sometimes a protective boot is worn to give the tendon a chance to heal properly. Treating PTTD early is highly recommended, as putting it off can lead to further complications, such as arthritis, that may impede your ability to walk, run, or take part in other physical activities. If you have noticed a sudden onset of flat feet, it is wise to make an appointment with a podiatrist as soon as possible for a full diagnosis and suggested treatment options.

Flatfoot is a condition many people suffer from. If you have flat feet, contact one of our podiatrists from Toe-Tal Family Foot & Wound Care Professionals . 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 office located in Vista, CA and Las Vegas, NV . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Pain in the connective tissue that connects the heel to the ball of the foot (plantar fascia) is known as plantar fasciitis. This common condition occurs when the plantar fascia becomes damaged, strained or even torn. Factors that contribute to this condition include overuse of the plantar fascia, wearing high heels, being obese, standing for prolonged periods of time, having tight calf muscles, flat feet or high arches. The pain that you feel from plantar fasciitis is worse in the morning and subsides after your body has warmed up—only to return later in the day. If you believe you have plantar fasciitis, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist. Foot and ankle specialists deal with plantar fasciitis all the time and have various forms of treatment, such as rest and ice, anti-inflammatory medications, custom orthotics, physical therapy, night splints, shockwave therapy, casting, injections, and in severe cases, surgery.

Plantar fasciitis is a common foot condition that is often caused by a strain injury. If you are experiencing heel pain or symptoms of plantar fasciitis, contact one of our podiatrists from Toe-Tal Family Foot & Wound Care Professionals . Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

What Is Plantar Fasciitis?

Plantar fasciitis is one of the most common causes of heel pain. The plantar fascia is a ligament that connects your heel to the front of your foot. When this ligament becomes inflamed, plantar fasciitis is the result. If you have plantar fasciitis you will have a stabbing pain that usually occurs with your first steps in the morning. As the day progresses and you walk around more, this pain will start to disappear, but it will return after long periods of standing or sitting.

What Causes Plantar Fasciitis?

• Excessive running
• Having high arches in your feet
• Other foot issues such as flat feet
• Pregnancy (due to the sudden weight gain)
• Being on your feet very often

There are some risk factors that may make you more likely to develop plantar fasciitis compared to others. The condition most commonly affects adults between the ages of 40 and 60. It also tends to affect people who are obese because the extra pounds result in extra stress being placed on the plantar fascia.

Prevention

• Take good care of your feet – Wear shoes that have good arch support and heel cushioning.
• Maintain a healthy weight
• If you are a runner, alternate running with other sports that won’t cause heel pain

There are a variety of treatment options available for plantar fasciitis along with the pain that accompanies it. Additionally, physical therapy is a very important component in the treatment process. It is important that you meet with your podiatrist to determine which treatment option is best for you.

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