There are countries around the globe that encourage children to walk barefoot during inside and outside activities. Research has shown that wearing shoes at an early age may negatively affect the gait, or walking style, and there may be evidence that supports children who wear shoes before the age of six may be prone to having flat feet. Conversely, walking barefoot during these same years may have numerous benefits that can affect more than the feet. These can include improved motor skills, and increased foot strength, and the nerve endings in the feet may be stimulated. Additionally, potential injuries may be prevented when children walk barefoot, and this may be a result of having wider feet that can distribute body weight more evenly. The feet can feel like they are being massaged while walking on different outside surfaces such as grass and sand. The arches may become stronger while walking on various surfaces that can including uneven ground and pebbles, which may help to develop a normal gait pattern. If you have concerns about having your child walk barefoot, please consult with a podiatrist who can answer any questions you may have.
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 McKinney Podiatric Associates, PA. 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 one of our offices located in Pasadena, Baytown, League City, Houston, and Pearland,TX . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.
The Lisfranc injury is a particular kind of foot ailment that one ought to be aware of if they are serious about maintaining the health of their feet. The Lisfranc injury occurs in the midfoot area and entails bone fractures and ligaments that are torn. Importantly, the Lisfranc ligament unites the second metatarsal bone and the medial cuneiform which is located around the middle foot. The time that it will take to recover from a Lisfranc injury will necessarily depend on the severity of the injury. In severe cases of a Lisfranc injury, a surgical procedure may be necessary, and recovery can last anywhere from nine to twelve months. If you feel as though you might have some kind of Lisfranc injury, contact a podiatrist immediately.
If you have any concerns about your feet, contact one of our podiatrists from McKinney Podiatric Associates, PA. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.
Biomechanics in Podiatry
Podiatric biomechanics is a particular sector of specialty podiatry with licensed practitioners who are trained to diagnose and treat conditions affecting the foot, ankle and lower leg. Biomechanics deals with the forces that act against the body, causing an interference with the biological structures. It focuses on the movement of the ankle, the foot and the forces that interact with them.
A History of Biomechanics
Modern technological improvements are based on past theories and therapeutic processes that provide a better understanding of podiatric concepts for biomechanics. Computers can provide accurate information about the forces and patterns of the feet and lower legs.
Understanding biomechanics of the feet can help improve and eliminate pain, stopping further stress to the foot.
If you have any questions please feel free to contact one of our offices located in Pasadena, Baytown, League City, Houston, and Pearland,TX . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.
Foot care is especially important for seniors who are more apt to experience falling and mobility issues than those who are younger. Feet change as one ages. Normal changes that happen to feet with age include thick cartilage and fat pads on the soles becoming thinner, the skin and connective tissue becoming fragile and thin, toenails becoming more brittle and prone to fungal infection, and the ligaments holding bones together stretch making feet wider and flatter. Because it is hard for seniors to lean down and bend over, they often neglect foot care. Health conditions can show up aging feet, such as persistent swelling of legs and feet signifying cardiovascular, lymphatic, or kidney disease. Other challenges are cold feet from poor circulation resulting from heart disease, high blood pressure, or nerve damage from diabetes, and foot bone pain from osteoporosis. Seniors are also at risk for bunions, blisters, ingrown toenails, and hammertoes as well. If you are a senior, it is suggested that you visit a podiatrist who can evaluate your feet and provide guidance on how to best take care of them for the highest degree of comfort.
Proper foot care is something many older adults forget to consider. If you have any concerns about your feet and ankles, contact one of our podiatrists from McKinney Podiatric Associates, PA. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.
The Elderly and Their Feet
As we age we start to notice many changes in our body, but the elder population may not notice them right away. Medical conditions may prevent the elderly to take notice of their foot health right away. Poor vision is a lead contributor to not taking action for the elderly.
Common Conditions
Susceptible Infections
Diabetes and poor circulation can cause general loss of sensitivity over the years, turning a simple cut into a serious issue.
If you have any questions please feel free to contact one of our offices located in Pasadena, Baytown, League City, Houston, and Pearland,TX . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.
Many people do not think twice about their toes until a foot condition develops. Hammertoe is one such condition that is considered to be a deformity. An imbalance of the toes can cause the second and third toes to bend downward at the middle joint, resembling the shape of a hammer. The toes contribute to maintaining balance and pushing off while walking. Hammertoe may develop from wearing shoes that do not have adequate room for the toes to move freely. When high heels are frequently worn, the toes may gradually bend to fit into the narrow toe box, causing a hammertoe. Additionally, blisters may form on the affected toes due to friction as they rub against the top of the shoes. Existing medical conditions like arthritis, bunions, and high or low arches may lead to the development of hammertoe. Relief may be found when the shoes have ample room for the toes. It can also be beneficial to wear a protective pad over the affected toes. Surgery may be suggested in severe cases to obtain permanent straightening. Please consult a podiatrist who can determine the best course of treatment.
Hammertoes can be a painful condition to live with. For more information, contact one of our podiatrists of McKinney Podiatric Associates, PA. Our doctors will answer any of your foot- and ankle-related questions.
Hammertoe
Hammertoe is a foot deformity that occurs due to an imbalance in the muscles, tendons, or ligaments that normally hold the toe straight. It can be caused by the type of shoes you wear, your foot structure, trauma, and certain disease processes.
Symptoms
Risk Factors
Treatment
If you have hammertoe, you should change into a more comfortable shoe that provides enough room for your toes. Exercises such as picking up marbles may strengthen and stretch your toe muscles. Nevertheless, it is important to seek assistance from a podiatrist in order to determine the severity of your hammertoe and see which treatment option will work best for you.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact one of our offices located in Pasadena, Baytown, League City, Houston, and Pearland,TX . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.
Gout is a painful, inflammatory form of arthritis. Those affected will typically feel an intense stiffness in the joints of their feet, particularly in the big toe. Schedule a visit to learn about how gout can be managed and treated.
Many individuals might be surprised to learn that their alcohol consumption can actually have a negative effect on the health of their feet. For example, excessively drinking alcohol can be dangerous for those who are suffering from gout in the feet. Gout is a kind of arthritis that can manifest symptoms in the feet. Gout is essentially triggered by uric acid, which is produced when the body is in the process of breaking down purines. Since alcohol, specifically beer, can contain many purines, someone can exacerbate their gout if they drink high quantities of beer. If you are someone living with gout and you frequently experience gout flares, it might be a good idea to schedule an appointment with a podiatrist who will help you manage these symptoms.
Gout is a painful condition that can be treated. If you are seeking treatment, contact one of our podiatrists from McKinney Podiatric Associates, PA. Our doctors will treat your foot and ankle needs.
What Is Gout?
Gout is a form of arthritis that is characterized by sudden, severe attacks of pain, redness, and tenderness in the joints. The condition usually affects the joint at the base of the big toe. A gout attack can occur at any random time, such as the middle of the night while you are asleep.
Symptoms
Risk Factors
Prior to visiting your podiatrist to receive treatment for gout, there are a few things you should do beforehand. If you have gout you should write down your symptoms--including when they started and how often you experience them, important medical information you may have, and any questions you may have. Writing down these three things will help your podiatrist in assessing your specific situation so that he or she may provide the best route of treatment for you.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact one of our offices located in Pasadena, Baytown, League City, Houston, and Pearland,TX . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.
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