Items filtered by date: July 2023

When babies are born, their foot bones are not fully developed and act more like cartilage. The significant milestone of standing occurs when their feet, legs, hips, and core can support their weight, typically between nine to 18 months of age. Once they start walking, running and jumping will quickly follow. Although foot structure is usually developed by age two, complete development continues until the teen years. Given the crucial role of feet in standing and movement, parents need to care for their children's feet from an early age to avoid potential motor skill and ability issues in the future. Parents often wonder when it is appropriate to introduce shoes to their babies. Initially, shoes are unnecessary as they can hinder foot growth and movement. However, once walking is mastered, shoes become relevant. Keep in mind that rapid growth necessitates frequent changes in shoe size. As children get older, the speed of foot growth slows down. It is crucial to invest in well-fitting, durable shoes that support movement, balance, and coordination. Regularly checking shoe fit and promptly replacing them when outgrown is recommended by experts. On average, a child's shoes need to be changed every three to four months. If you have additional questions about your toddler’s feet, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can provide valuable information.

The health of a child’s feet is vital to their overall well-being. If you have any questions regarding foot health, contact Dwayne A. Lay, DPM of Elite Foot and Ankle. 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 Canton, GA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

One of the main issues that runners face is dealing with blisters. These are bubbles of fluid that develop on the feet and toes as a result of friction between your socks or shoes and the skin. Blisters can develop from running long distances, breaking in new running shoes, or wearing shoes and socks that are unsuitable for the terrain or weather. While blisters are not a serious health threat, they can cause a great deal of pain and discomfort if not properly treated. It is never a good idea to pop a blister, because the open skin can easily become infected. The best ways to prevent blisters while running are to make sure your shoes fit properly and that your socks wick moisture away from the skin. Many runners tape their feet before a run as a preventative measure. Precautions taken before a run include breaking in a new pair of shoes as well as increasing mileage and intensity gradually. Others coat their feet and toes with petroleum jelly before starting. If you are a runner who has continued problems with blisters, or who has a blister that has become infected, it is suggested that you visit a podiatrist for help.

Blisters may appear as a single bubble or in a cluster. They can cause a lot of pain and may be filled with pus, blood, or watery serum. If your feet are hurting, contact Dwayne A. Lay, DPM of Elite Foot and Ankle. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Foot Blisters

Foot blisters are often the result of friction. This happens due to the constant rubbing from shoes, which can lead to pain.

What Are Foot Blisters?

A foot blister is a small fluid-filled pocket that forms on the upper-most layer of the skin. Blisters are filled with clear fluid and can lead to blood drainage or pus if the area becomes infected.

Symptoms

(Blister symptoms may vary depending on what is causing them)

• Bubble of skin filled with fluid
• Redness
• Moderate to severe pain
• Itching

Prevention & Treatment

In order to prevent blisters, you should be sure to wear comfortable shoes with socks that cushion your feet and absorb sweat. Breaking a blister open may increase your chances of developing an infection. However, if your blister breaks, you should wash the area with soap and water immediately and then apply a bandage to the affected area. If your blisters cause severe pain it is important that you call your podiatrist right away.

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

There may be advantages for people who have flat feet. Flat feet are defined as the natural ability the feet have to roll inward, which may be helpful while running or jumping. The structure of the foot can absorb the shock, which may come easier than to people who have high arches. Additionally, the body may propel faster in people who are flat footed, and stability and balance may be enhanced. Despite this uplifting knowledge, there are some disadvantages to having flat feet. These can include difficulty in choosing shoes that fit correctly, and lower back pain may gradually develop. Observing flat feet can easily be done by standing with both feet on the floor. People who have flat feet will notice there is no gap between the floor and their feet. The majority of babies are born with flat feet, and the arches generally develop by the teenage years. Flat feet in adults may be the result of becoming obese, running or walking while barefoot, or possibly from lifting heavy weights. If you have flat feet, it is strongly suggested that you are under the care of a podiatrist who can help you with useful information on how to manage this condition. 

Flatfoot is a condition many people suffer from. If you have flat feet, contact Dwayne A. Lay, DPM from Elite Foot and Ankle. Our doctor 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 Canton, GA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Walking is considered to be one of the easiest and most accessible forms of exercise. Lately, a type of exercise called Nordic walking has become more popular, largely because it is easy on the joints and is suitable for all ages and fitness levels. Nordic walking started out as a summer training exercise for cross-country skiers. They use long walking poles to propel them as they walk, similar to how ski poles are used in the snow. These walking poles use the upper body to propel you forward, which relieves pressure on the knees, ankles, and feet. Further, it is believed that Nordic walking can reduce the risk of several serious ailments, including heart disease, diabetes, asthma, and stroke. It also is thought that Nordic walking is no harder on the joints than traditional walking, even for people who are overweight. Besides a good pair of walking shoes, the only equipment needed is a pair of walking poles. After learning the proper technique for using walking poles, you are well on your way. For more information, it is suggested that you contact a podiatrist.

Exercising your feet regularly with the proper foot wear is a great way to prevent injuries and build strength. If you have any concerns about your feet, contact Dwayne A. Lay, DPM from Elite Foot and Ankle. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Exercise for Your Feet

Exercise for your feet can help you gain strength, mobility and flexibility in your feet. They say that strengthening your feet can be just as rewarding as strengthening another part of the body. Your feet are very important, and we often forget about them in our daily tasks. But it is because of our feet that are we able to get going and do what we need to. For those of us fortunate enough to not have any foot problems, it is an important gesture to take care of them to ensure good health in the long run.

Some foot health exercises can include ankle pumps, tip-toeing, toe rises, lifting off the floor doing reps and sets, and flexing the toes. It is best to speak with Our doctor to determine an appropriate regimen for your needs. Everyone’s needs and bodies are different, and the activities required to maintain strength in the feet vary from individual to individual. 

Once you get into a routine of doing regular exercise, you may notice a difference in your feet and how strong they may become.

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