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Tuesday, 16 April 2024 00:00

Understanding the causes of foot pain in children is essential for parents. Common factors that may affect your child’s feet include wearing ill-fitting shoes without proper cushioning, which can lead to pain over time. Conditions like Achilles tendonitis, often observed in active children, result from repetitive strain on the Achilles tendon and can lead to swelling and pain. Fractures and injuries can cause acute pain and contribute to the development of bunions. Bursitis and corns or calluses, often caused by wearing poorly fitting shoes, can result in inflammation and thickened skin. Structural issues, such as flat feet, or postural defects may also contribute to childhood foot discomfort. Inflammatory conditions like juvenile arthritis can cause persistent foot pain. For appropriate treatment to address your child's foot pain, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist who can conduct a full exam and offer an accurate diagnosis and effective treatment plan.

The health of a child’s feet is vital to their overall well-being. If you have any questions regarding foot health, contact Bruce Smit, DPM of Frankfort Foot & Ankle Clinic. 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 our office located in Frankfort, IL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Read more about How to Care for Your Child's Feet
Tuesday, 09 April 2024 00:00

Plantar warts, also known as verrucas, can be painful and disruptive. These growths, caused by the human papillomavirus, or HPV, often appear as rough, grainy lesions on the weight-bearing areas of the foot, such as the ball and heel. Plantar warts develop when HPV infects the outer layer of skin on the foot, typically through cuts, cracks, or breaks in the skin. Certain factors, such as a weakened immune system or previous bouts of plantar warts, can increase susceptibility. Treatment options include prescription strength medications containing salicylic acid, cryotherapy, laser treatments, or surgical removal. Because it can be difficult to eradicate plantar warts on your own, a podiatrist can provide tailored treatment options to alleviate discomfort and minimize the risk of recurrence. If you have plantar warts, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for an exam and treatment options. 

Plantar warts can be very uncomfortable. If you need your feet checked, contact Bruce Smit, DPM from Frankfort Foot & Ankle Clinic. Our doctor will assist you with all of your foot and ankle needs.

About Plantar Warts

Plantar warts are the result of HPV, or human papillomavirus, getting into open wounds on the feet. They are mostly found on the heels or balls of the feet.

While plantar warts are generally harmless, those experiencing excessive pain or those suffering from diabetes or a compromised immune system require immediate medical care. Plantar warts are easily diagnosed, usually through scraping off a bit of rough skin or by getting a biopsy.

Symptoms

  • Lesions on the bottom of your feet, usually rough and grainy
  • Hard or thick callused spots
  • Wart seeds, which are small clotted blood vessels that look like little black spots
  • Pain, discomfort, or tenderness of your feet when walking or standing

Treatment

  • Freezing
  • Electric tool removal
  • Laser Treatment
  • Topical Creams (prescription only)
  • Over-the-counter medications

To help prevent developing plantar warts, avoid walking barefoot over abrasive surfaces that can cause cuts or wounds for HPV to get into. Avoiding direct contact with other warts, as well as not picking or rubbing existing warts, can help prevent the further spread of plantar warts. However, if you think you have developed plantar warts, speak to your podiatrist. He or she can diagnose the warts on your feet and recommend the appropriate treatment options.

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

Read more about Plantar Warts
Tuesday, 02 April 2024 00:00

Preventing foot and ankle running injuries involves a varied approach encompassing various aspects of training and recovery. Strengthening the muscles, especially those in the feet and ankles, can help reduce injuries among runners. Regular strength training exercises, like lunges and squats done three to five times per week, can enhance muscular endurance, coordination, and balance, thereby supporting injury prevention efforts. Allowing adequate recovery time between training sessions is vital for muscle repair and adaptation. Aim for 36 to 48 hours of rest between runs, and gradually increase training volume to avoid overload caused by excessive training. It may not be possible to avoid running injuries, but implementing preventive measures can significantly reduce their likelihood and severity. If you incur a foot or ankle injury while running, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for an evaluation and treatment plan.

Exercising your feet regularly with the proper foot wear is a great way to prevent injuries. If you have any concerns about your feet, contact Bruce Smit, DPM of Frankfort Foot & Ankle Clinic. Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.

How to Prevent Running Injuries

Many common running injuries are caused by overuse and overtraining. When the back of the kneecap starts wearing out and starts causing pain in your knee, this is commonly referred to as runner’s knee. Runner’s knee is a decrease in strength in your quadriceps and can occur if you’re not wearing properly fitted or supporting shoes. To prevent runner’s knee, focusing on hip strengthening is a good idea, as well as strengthening your quads to keep the kneecaps aligned.

What Are Some Causes of Running Injuries?
- One cause of a common running injury is called iliotibial band syndrome.
- Plantar fasciitis is also another common injury.
- Stress fractures can occur from overtraining, lack of calcium, or even your running style.

Best Ways to Prevent Running Injuries
- Wear footwear that fits properly and suits your running needs.
- Running shoes are the only protective gear that runners have to safeguard them from injury.
- Make a training schedule. Adding strengthening exercises as well as regular stretching can help keep you strong and limber and can lessen the possibility of injuries.
- Stretching keeps muscles limber; this will help you gain better flexibility.

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

Read more about Preventing Running Injuries
Sunday, 31 March 2024 00:00

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

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