Children’s Foot Health

Much like adults, children can also experience foot problems. Certain conditions are common in children but can be promptly treated to help your child stay healthy and active. 

Young children are often afflicted with ingrown toenails. Ingrown toenails occur when a toenail grows into the surrounding skin rather than over it. This can make the area where the nail has grown into the skin tender, red, warm, swollen, and painful. In some cases, an infection may develop. Ingrown toenails can typically be treated at home, but an infection may require medical treatment. Fortunately, ingrown toenails are easy to prevent. When trimming your child’s toenails, be sure to use toenail clippers to cut the nails straight across, avoiding curved edges. It is also important to not cut the nail too short. Wearing roomy, comfortable shoes can also help prevent ingrown toenails from developing. 

Plantar warts are warts that develop on the bottom of the foot due to a viral infection. Warts usually present as one or multiple circular areas of thickened skin with tiny black dots on them. Plantar warts may cause pain when pressure is applied to them while walking. Over-the-counter and prescription topical treatments can typically clear up plantar warts. 

Another common concern in children is heel pain. Sever’s disease, an overuse injury that causes inflammation in the growth plate of the heel, is especially common in children ages 8 to 14, especially if they frequently participate in running or jumping activities, like soccer or gymnastics. Sever’s disease is characterized by pain in the back or bottom of the heel, difficulty walking, and fatigue. 

If your child complains of foot pain or if you notice any abnormalities in your child’s feet, it is recommended that you take them to see a chiropodist for a diagnosis and treatment.

A Chiropodist’s Guidance on Choosing Shoes for Babies

Babies do not need shoes until they begin walking on their own outdoors. Before this stage, bare feet or soft booties are best to help their feet develop naturally and strengthen. When it is time for shoes, they should be lightweight, flexible, and have non-skid soles to provide support and prevent slipping. Proper fit is essential, allowing room for growth without being too loose or tight. Shoes that restrict natural movement can affect balance and foot development. A chiropodist can assist by evaluating your baby’s foot structure, checking for any abnormalities, and offering advice on the best shoe options. If you notice any abnormalities in your child’s feet, it is suggested that you contact a chiropodist who can treat various foot conditions, and offer additional guidance on choosing proper footwear.

If your child is experiencing foot or ankle pain, please consult with one of the chiropodists from The Footcare Centre. Our chiropodists will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment. 

Common Causes of Foot Pain in Children

While children can experience many of the same foot problems as adults do, some foot problems may be more common during childhood. 

Causes of foot pain in children can include:

  • Deformities that are present from birth, such as flat feet or clubfoot

  • Sever’s disease, which is an inflammation of the growth plate in the heel bone

  • Various sports injuries, such as sprains and fractures 

  • Ingrown toenails

  • Athlete’s foot

  • Plantar warts

Prevention

It is important to look after the health of children’s feet in order to prevent future problems from arising. Keep your child’s feet clean and dry, trim their toenails regularly, ensure their shoes fit properly, and keep a watchful eye on any symptoms of foot pain, such as limping. If you notice any symptoms or if your child complains of foot pain, a chiropodist can help. 

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

Read more about Children’s Foot Health

Why Live with Pain and Numbness in Your Feet?

Suffering from this type of pain? You may have the foot condition known as Morton's neuroma. Morton's neuroma may develop as a result of ill-fitting footwear and existing foot deformities. We can help.

Understanding the Many Causes of Heel Pain in Children

Heel discomfort in children is often blamed on growing pains, but there are several reasons this pain can appear. While one common cause involves irritation in the heel’s growth area during active growth periods, and it is not the only explanation. Children may also develop pain from strained tendons, inflammation of the tissue on the bottom of the foot, or even minor bone stress. Wearing shoes that lack support or suddenly increasing physical activity can also play a role. The source of heel pain can vary widely based on age, activity level, and foot structure. A one-size-fits-all approach may not provide relief. Each case deserves a closer look to find out the cause. If heel pain is affecting movement or does not improve with rest, it is suggested that you see a chiropodist for a careful evaluation and a targeted treatment plan.

Heel pain is a common problem that can be caused by a variety of injuries, medical conditions, and other factors. If you suffer from heel pain, please consult with one of the chiropodists from The Footcare Centre. Our chiropodists can help you maintain the health of your lower limbs and your mobility. 

When it comes to heel pain, the exact location and type of pain are important to note. Some of the conditions that may cause heel pain include: 

  • Plantar fasciitis - An inflammation of the ligament that runs along the bottom of the foot; it causes a stabbing pain under the heel that is at its worst when taking your first few steps after a long rest and while standing on your tiptoes or climbing stairs
  • Achilles tendonitis - An inflammation of the tendon in the back of the calf; it causes pain in the back of the heel that is at its worst after resting, as well as ankle and calf stiffness, swelling, and tenderness
  • Bone spurs - Bony lumps on the back of the heel bones that cause sharp pain upon first standing up; the pain becomes dull and achy over time
  • Heel fractures - A break or crack in the heel bone that causes pain, swelling, and difficulty walking
  • Retrocalcaneal bursitis - Swelling of the small, fluid-filled sac at the back of the heel bone; it causes pain, swelling, redness, and warmth in the back of the heel
  • Tarsal tunnel syndrome - Compression of the posterior tibial nerve which causes a pins and needles sensation in the heel, foot, and calf 

Your chiropodist will be able to diagnose the underlying cause of your pain and prescribe the right treatments for you. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs. 

Read more about Heel Pain

Heel Pain

Heel pain can range in severity from mild and annoying to severe and debilitating. Usually caused by an injury, heel pain can become chronic if it's left untreated. There are many different types of injuries that can bring about heel pain. When describing your pain, it is important to note the location and type of pain, as well as when the pain started and what activities make it better or worse. 

Perhaps the most common cause of heel pain is plantar fasciitis, a condition in which the plantar fascia, a ligament that runs along the bottom of the foot, becomes inflamed due to repetitive overuse or trauma. This condition causes stabbing pain in the bottom of the heel. The pain is usually at its worst when you take your first few steps after a period of rest, like when you first get up in the morning. Plantar fasciitis is also sometimes accompanied by bone spurs, calcium deposits on the heel bone that can cause sharp pain that gradually evolves into a dull ache. Other possible causes of heel pain include Achilles tendonitis, heel fractures, bursitis, tarsal tunnel syndrome, and Sever’s disease. 

Although treatment for heel pain depends on the underlying cause, most treatments involve resting, icing, and elevating the affected foot. Your chiropodist will also typically suggest that you wear more comfortable, supportive shoes or orthotics to help your heel heal. Over-the-counter pain medications are usually sufficient to manage heel pain. For more information about heel pain, please consult with a chiropodist.

Athlete's Foot

Athlete’s foot, also known as tinea pedis, is a fungal infection of the skin of the feet. The fungus that causes athlete’s foot lives and thrives in warm, moist environments such as public swimming pools, locker rooms, and showers. This fungus can infect the feet through a cut or crack in the skin. Athlete’s foot is also highly contagious, and the fungus can spread from person to person through sharing personal items such as shoes, socks, or towels.

The symptoms of athlete’s foot include itching, stinging, or burning between your toes or on the soles of your feet, itchy foot blisters, and dry, cracked, or peeling skin on the feet. The infection can also spread to your toenails, leading to discoloration, thickening, and crumbling. 

Through a physical examination, athlete’s foot can be diagnosed by your chiropodist based on its symptoms. Sometimes, a skin test may be ordered to confirm the diagnosis. Athlete’s foot can be treated with both oral and topical over-the-counter or prescription medications. You can prevent a fungal infection by maintaining good foot hygiene, wearing shoes when walking in public areas, avoiding sharing personal items with others, and keeping your feet clean and dry. 

 

Athlete's Foot and Its Symptoms

Athlete's foot is a common fungal infection affecting the skin on the feet, often beginning between the toes. It thrives in warm, moist environments and causes itching, burning, peeling, and cracked skin. Redness and flaking may also occur. Risk factors include wearing tight shoes, sweating excessively, walking barefoot in communal areas, and having a weakened immune system. This condition is contagious and can spread through direct contact or by sharing towels or shoes. A chiropodist can provide expert diagnosis and treatment, including antifungal therapies, skin care advice, and preventive education tailored to individual needs. If you notice signs of athlete's foot, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a chiropodist for prompt care and effective relief. 

Athlete’s foot can be uncomfortable and unsightly. To learn more about preventing and treating this condition, please consult with one of the chiropodists from The Footcare Centre. Our chiropodists will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment. 

What Is Athlete’s Foot? 

Athlete’s foot refers to an infection of the skin on the feet that is caused by a fungus. This fungus is contagious and thrives in warm and moist environments. It is often spread in common areas such as public pools, locker rooms, and showers. It can also spread when sharing personal items, like shoes or towels, with an infected person. 

Symptoms

The symptoms of athlete’s foot may include: 

  • Itching, stinging, or burning of the skin on the feet

  • Cracking or peeling skin, especially between the toes and on the soles of the feet

  • Scaly, red rash on the foot

  • Blisters 

  • Foul odor

Treatment

Treatment for athlete’s foot typically involves using over-the-counter topical antifungal medications on the feet. When over-the-counter options are ineffective, you may need to take prescription oral medications or topical antifungal drugs, or a combination of both. 

Prevention

Preventing athlete’s foot places an emphasis on good foot hygiene practices. 

You can prevent athlete’s foot by:

  • Washing and drying your feet thoroughly every day

  • Wearing shoes when walking in public areas

  • Not sharing personal items, like shoes or socks, with others

  • Wearing shoes and socks made out of breathable materials

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

Read more about Athlete's Foot

Are You Suffering From Ingrown Toenails?

If left untreated, an ingrown toenail can lead to more serious concerns, such as an infection. Knowing proper nail care can help in the prevention of an ingrown toenail. Give us a call, and get treated!

Spring Into Foot Comfort

In spring, many people return to outdoor activities, such as walking, hiking, and gardening. Preparing your feet for the seasonal transition is essential to avoid discomfort or injury. Begin by gently stretching the feet, ankles, and calves to improve flexibility and circulation. These simple movements can ease stiffness from winter inactivity and help prevent strains. Equally important is choosing the proper footwear. Select shoes that offer support, cushioning, and a good fit to protect the feet from uneven surfaces and repetitive stress. Footwear that lacks support can lead to common problems, such as plantar fasciitis or tendonitis. If you have foot pain, it is suggested that you consult a chiropodist who can treat various foot conditions, and guide you on how to protect the feet during the changing seasons.

Springtime is the season that many people use to get back into exercising and sports. It’s also a time when foot and ankle injuries may be more common. If you have a foot or ankle injury, please consult with one of the chiropodists from The Footcare Centre. Our chiropodists can help you maintain the health of your lower limbs and your mobility. 

Common Foot and Ankle Problems in Spring 

  • Plantar fasciitis

  • Achilles tendonitis

  • Shin splints 

  • Strains

  • Sprains

  • Fractures

  • And more

Avoiding Injury

  • Increase physical activity slowly and gradually

  • Wear comfortable, well-fitted shoes and socks

  • Take time to rest following a workout 

  • Recognize and treat any injuries promptly 

Treatment at Home

  • Rest the injured foot

  • Apply ice to reduce swelling

  • Compress the injured foot with a bandage 

  • Elevate the foot to prevent swelling

Serious, chronic, or particularly painful injuries require medical care by a professional. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Read more about Fall

Fall

Fall is a time of change — not only for the leaves on the trees but also for the health of your feet. A variety of foot and ankle problems are commonly diagnosed in the autumn months. These include bunions, hammertoes, plantar fasciitis, Achilles tendonitis, Sever’s disease, sesamoiditis, metatarsalgia, sprains, fractures, and blisters.

One thing that changes as soon as the temperatures drop is footwear. During the summer, people tend to wear loose, flimsy, open-back, and open-toed shoes, such as flip-flops and sandals. These types of shoes tend to offer very little, if any, heel and arch support, cushioning, or protection for the feet. Many of these shoes also require you to scrunch your toes in order to keep them on your feet while you walk. During the summer, deformities such as bunions and hammertoes begin to take root. In the fall, when it comes time to wear shoes that cover the feet, many people may begin to feel the pain associated with a bunion or hammertoe. 

Fall is also the time of year when many high-impact sports, such as football and soccer, begin. A sudden increase in physical activity can also increase the risk of foot and ankle injuries, including strains, sprains, and fractures. Injuries to the plantar fascia ligament and the Achilles tendon are also common. Gradually transitioning into more physical activity, rather than beginning to train suddenly, is one way to help decrease the risk of injury.

For more information about common fall foot problems, please consult with a chiropodist.

Connect With Us