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.

The health of a child’s feet is vital to their overall well-being. If you have any questions regarding foot health, contact Dr. Rouder of S.I. 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 our office located in Staten Island, NY . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Research has shown the importance of properly measuring your feet before shoes are purchased. This can be done by using a Brannock device which is found in the majority of shoe stores. It is helpful to measure your feet and try shoes on during the afternoon, when the feet are typically at their largest for the day. A properly fitting shoe should feel comfortable when tried on, and will have adequate room for the toes to move freely in. It can help to determine the correct shoe size by wearing socks that would be worn with the shoes, in addition to walking on carpeting and hard surfaces before you decide to purchase them. If your foot becomes irritated, the shoes may have tags on the inside of them which need to be removed. If you have any questions about how to buy shoes that fit properly, please consult with a podiatrist.

Finding a properly-fitting shoe is important in reducing injuries and preventing foot problems. For more information about treatment, contact Dr. Rouder from S.I. Podiatry. Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.

Proper Shoe Fitting

A common concern when it comes to foot health, having properly fitted shoes can help prevent injuries to the foot. Out feet affect our posture and gait, which in turn affects the biomechanics and overall bodily structure. With 33 joints, 26 bones, and over 100 ligaments, the potential for serious injury is much greater than one realizes. Although the feet cease growth in adulthood, they still change shape as they mature. Here are some factors to consider when it comes to investing in proper fitting shoes:

• Be sure the shoes fit correctly right away
• Ensure the ball of your foot fits comfortably in the widest portion of the shoes
• Even though they may look fashionable, improper fitting shoes can either create adverse conditions or exacerbate existing ones you may already have
• Walk along a carpeted surface to ensure the shoes comfortably fit during normal activity

Keeping in mind how shoes fit the biomechanics of your body, properly-fitting shoes are vitally important. Fortunately, it is not difficult to acquire footwear that fits correctly. Be sure to wear shoes that support the overall structure of your body. Do your feet a favor and invest in several pairs of well-fitted shoes today.

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

Inadequate blood flow in the body is referred to as poor circulation. The symptoms that are associated with this condition often include a tingling or numbing sensation in the feet and hands, the toenails may become brittle and dry, and wounds on the feet may heal slower than usual. If there are some existing medical conditions, it may increase the risk of developing poor circulation. These can include diabetes, elevated blood pressure, and high cholesterol. Research has indicated it may be beneficial to incorporate a gentle exercise program into your daily routine, as this can help to control specific medical conditions. If you are suffering from this ailment, it is suggested that you seek the counsel of a podiatrist who can help you with proper treatment options. 

While poor circulation itself isn’t a condition; it is a symptom of another underlying health condition you may have. If you have any concerns with poor circulation in your feet contact Dr. Rouder of S.I. Podiatry. Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.

Poor Circulation in the Feet

Peripheral artery disease (PAD) can potentially lead to poor circulation in the lower extremities. PAD is a condition that causes the blood vessels and arteries to narrow. In a linked condition called atherosclerosis, the arteries stiffen up due to a buildup of plaque in the arteries and blood vessels. These two conditions can cause a decrease in the amount of blood that flows to your extremities, therefore resulting in pain.

Symptoms

Some of the most common symptoms of poor circulation are:

• Numbness
• Tingling
• Throbbing or stinging pain in limbs
• Pain
• Muscle Cramps

Treatment for poor circulation often depends on the underlying condition that causes it. Methods for treatment may include insulin for diabetes, special exercise programs, surgery for varicose veins, or compression socks for swollen legs.

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 our office located in Staten Island, NY . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

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

When a toenail is ingrown, it becomes curved and grows into the skin, usually on the sides of the nail. The digging of the nail into the soft flesh of the toe irritates the skin, often creating pain, redness, and swelling. Many times an ingrown toenail can break the skin, allowing bacteria to enter and create an infection. Causes of ingrown toenails include heredity factors, improper trimming, physical trauma to the toe, and nail conditions such as fungal infections. In order to prevent ingrown toenails, it is suggested to properly trim the nail, straight across and not too short, and also to wear proper fitting shoes and socks. If you have pain in your toe or believe you have an ingrown toenail, it is suggested that you consult with a local podiatrist.

Ingrown toenails may initially present themselves as a minor discomfort, but they may progress into an infection in the skin without proper treatment. For more information about ingrown toenails, contact Dr. Rouder of S.I. Podiatry. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Ingrown Toenails

Ingrown toenails are caused when the corner or side of a toenail grows into the soft flesh surrounding it. They often result in redness, swelling, pain, and in some cases, infection. This condition typically affects the big toe and may recur if it is not treated properly.

Causes

• Improper toenail trimming
• Genetics
• Improper shoe fitting
• Injury from pedicures or nail picking
• Abnormal gait
• Poor hygiene

You are more likely to develop an ingrown toenail if you are obese, have diabetes, arthritis, or have any fungal infection in your nails. Additionally, people who have foot or toe deformities are at a higher risk of developing an ingrown toenail.

Symptoms

Some symptoms of ingrown toenails are redness, swelling, and pain. In rare cases, there may be a yellowish drainage coming from the nail.

Treatment

Ignoring an ingrown toenail can have serious complications. Infections of the nail border can progress to a deeper soft-tissue infection, which can then turn into a bone infection. You should always speak with your podiatrist if you suspect you have an ingrown toenail, especially if you have diabetes or poor circulation.

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