Gait problems in children often begin with noticeable issues in the feet, toes, or ankles. These may include in-toeing or out-toeing. In-toeing happens when the feet point inward while walking and is often seen in younger children. It may be caused by a curved shape of the foot or the way the leg bones twist inward. Out-toeing, when the feet point outward, is more common in older children and may be due to outward twisting of the leg bones. Some children may also appear flatfooted, meaning the arches of the feet are low or missing, although the foot usually stays flexible. A podiatrist can examine how your child stands and walks to see if their walking pattern falls within normal growth changes. Many children outgrow these issues, but a podiatrist can track their progress to determine if treatment is needed. In rare cases, surgery may be recommended if the gait problem is severe and affects movement. If your child exhibits an unusual or abnormal gait, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for an exam, diagnosis, and appropriate treatment.
Making sure that your children maintain good foot health is very important as they grow. If you have any questions, contact Manisha Mehta, DPM of Detroit, MI. Our doctor 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 our office located in Detroit, MI. We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.
Ingrown toenails occur when the edge of a toenail, usually on the big toe, grows into the surrounding skin. This can lead to pain, swelling, and infection. Surgery for ingrown toenails is often recommended when the problem does not improve or keeps coming back. A podiatrist may perform a procedure called a wedge excision, where part of the toenail and the tissue it grows from are removed. In more severe cases, the entire nail may be taken out, termed nail avulsion. A chemical or heat may be used afterward to prevent the nail from growing back, a process known as nail-bed ablation. Another option, Zadek’s procedure, involves removing both the nail and the underlying tissue that causes the nail to regrow. Ingrown toenail surgery is typically done under local anaesthetic and takes about 10 minutes. Infection or toenail regrowth can occur, but many patients experience no such repercussions. If you are experiencing ongoing pain from an ingrown toenail, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for an exam, treatment, and possible surgery.
Ingrown toenails can become painful if they are not treated properly. For more information about ingrown toenails, contact Manisha Mehta, DPM of Detroit, MI. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.
Ingrown Toenails
Ingrown toenails occur when a toenail grows sideways into the bed of the nail, causing pain, swelling, and possibly infection.
Causes
Bacterial infections
Improper nail cutting such as cutting it too short or not straight across
Trauma to the toe, such as stubbing, which causes the nail to grow back irregularly
Ill-fitting shoes that bunch the toes too close together
Genetic predisposition
Prevention
Because ingrown toenails are not something found outside of shoe-wearing cultures, going barefoot as often as possible will decrease the likeliness of developing ingrown toenails. Wearing proper fitting shoes and using proper cutting techniques will also help decrease your risk of developing ingrown toenails.
Treatment
Ingrown toenails are a very treatable foot condition. In minor cases, soaking the affected area in salt or antibacterial soaps will not only help with the ingrown nail itself, but also help prevent any infections from occurring. In more severe cases, surgery is an option. In either case, speaking to your podiatrist about this condition will help you get a better understanding of specific treatment options that are right for you.
If you have any questions please feel free to contact our office located in Detroit, MI. We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.
Your feet are covered most of the day. If you're diabetic, periodic screening is important for good health. Numbness is often a sign of diabetic foot and can mask a sore or wound.
Swelling in the feet can result from various factors that affect circulation and fluid balance. Long periods of sitting or standing can lead to fluid buildup due to reduced blood flow, causing discomfort and puffiness. Certain medical conditions, including heart, kidney, or liver disease, can contribute to swelling by affecting the body's ability to regulate fluids. A high salt intake may also cause water retention, leading to noticeable swelling in the lower extremities. Blood clots can obstruct circulation, resulting in one-sided swelling accompanied by pain or redness. Additionally, wearing tight footwear restricts movement and can worsen fluid accumulation. A sedentary lifestyle may also contribute to poor circulation, increasing the risk of swelling. If you notice your feet and ankles are swollen, it is suggested that you visit a podiatrist who can determine what the cause is, and offer appropriate relief and treatment solutions.
Swollen feet can be a sign of an underlying condition. If you have any concerns, contact Manisha Mehta, DPM of Detroit, MI. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.
Swollen feet are a common ailment among pregnant women and people who stand or sit for extended periods. Aging may increase the possibility of swollen feet and patients who are obese often notice when their feet are swelling too. There may be medical reasons why swollen feet occur:
Phlebitis - A condition that causes the veins to become inflamed and can also cause leg pain.
Liver disease - This may lead to low blood levels of albumin which is a protein. This can cause fluid in the blood to pass into the tissues and several areas of the body can become swollen.
Heart failure - When the heart doesn’t pump properly the blood that is normally pumped back to the heart can pool in the veins of the legs causing swollen feet.
Kidney disease - One of the main functions of the kidneys is releasing excess fluid in the body. This type of condition can make it difficult for the kidneys to function properly, and as a result the feet may become swollen.
Deep-vein thrombosis (DVT)- This is a serious condition where blood clots form in the veins of the legs. They can block the return of blood from the legs to the heart which may cause the feet to swell. It is important to be treated by a podiatrist if this condition is present.
Swollen feet can also be caused by bone and tendon conditions, including fractures, arthritis, and tendinitis. Additionally, there may be skin and toenail conditions and an infection may cause the feet to swell. Patients who take medicine to treat high blood pressure may be prone to getting swollen feet.
Many patients elevate their feet to help relieve the swelling and this is generally a temporary remedy. When a podiatrist is consulted the reason behind the swelling can be uncovered and subsequently treated.
If you have any questions please feel free to contact our office located in Detroit, MI. We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.
