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Choosing the Right Shoes for 1st Walkers

Selecting proper shoes for children between 12 and 24 months is important as they begin walking and developing balance. First walker shoes should provide protection while allowing natural foot movement. Qualities to look for include a sturdy leather upper that offers support, and easy closures such as velcro for a secure fit. Additional things to look for are a flexible outsole that bends with the foot, and a roomy toe box that allows toes to spread comfortably. Shoes that are too tight or stiff can interfere with proper development and cause discomfort. A podiatrist can assess foot growth, ensure proper fit, and recommend appropriate footwear for healthy development. Early guidance helps support strong and stable walking patterns. If you have concerns about what type of shoes your child should wear, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can guide you in the right direction.

The health of a child’s feet is vital to their overall well-being. If you have any questions regarding foot health, contact one of our podiatrists of Centers for Foot & Ankle Care. Our doctors 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 one of our offices located in Merrillville, Portage, Michigan City/LaPorte, and Schererville, IN . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

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Foot Pain in Seniors Can Signal Other Problems

Foot pain in older adults can be more than a simple sign of aging and may point to deeper health concerns. Ongoing discomfort can affect balance and increase the risk of falls, which may lead to serious injury. For instance, stress fractures in the feet involve small cracks in the bones that develop with age and cause pain with activity. Nerve damage, known as neuropathy, may lead to burning, tingling, or numbness and is often linked to serious underlying medical issues. Gout and other types of arthritis can cause pain, swelling, and stiffness in the feet and toes. In some cases, sudden pain and swelling may signal a blood clot, which requires urgent medical attention. A podiatrist can evaluate these symptoms, order X-rays or other imaging, assess circulation and nerve function, and address both foot pain and related conditions. If you are a senior experiencing foot pain, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist for an exam, diagnosis, and treatment.

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 Centers for Foot & Ankle Care. 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 

  • Neuropathy – can reduce feeling in the feet and can hide many life-threatening medical conditions.
  • Reduced flexibility – prevents the ability of proper toenail trimming, and foot cleaning. If left untreated, it may lead to further medical issues.
  • Foot sores – amongst the older population can be serious before they are discovered. Some of the problematic conditions they may face are:
  • Gouging toenails affecting nearby toe
  • Shoes that don’t fit properly
  • Pressure sores
  • Loss of circulation in legs & feet
  • Edema & swelling of feet and ankles

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 Merrillville, Portage, Michigan City/LaPorte, and Schererville, IN . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

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Treatment for Arthritis in the Big Toe

Arthritis in the big toe can cause pain, stiffness, and limited movement that makes walking uncomfortable. This affects the joint at the base of the toe, where the tissue that cushions bone ends starts to wear down. As the joint becomes irritated, motion may decrease and pain may increase during activity. Treatment focuses on reducing stress on the joint and improving how the foot functions. A podiatrist can provide custom orthotic devices to limit joint strain and improve alignment. Medication may be used to reduce inflammation and ease discomfort. In some cases, targeted injections into the joint can help relieve pain and swelling. When arthritis becomes more advanced, surgery may be recommended to remove bone growth, improve joint motion, or stabilize the joint. A podiatrist will adjust treatment based on the severity of the arthritis and the patient’s activity level. If you are experiencing pain from arthritis in the toes, feet or ankles, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist for help.

Arthritis can be a difficult condition to live with. If you are seeking treatment, contact one of our podiatrists from Centers for Foot & Ankle Care. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Arthritic Foot Care  

Arthritis is a term that is commonly used to describe joint pain.  The condition itself can occur to anyone of any age, race, or gender, and there are over 100 types of it.  Nevertheless, arthritis is more commonly found in women compared to men, and it is also more prevalent in those who are overweight. The causes of arthritis vary depending on which type of arthritis you have. Osteoarthritis for example, is often caused by injury, while rheumatoid arthritis is caused by a misdirected immune system.

Symptoms

  • Swelling
  • Pain
  • Stiffness
  • Decreased Range of Motion

Arthritic symptoms range in severity, and they may come and go. Some symptoms stay the same for several years but could potentially get worse with time. Severe cases of arthritis can prevent its sufferers from performing daily activities and make walking difficult.

Risk Factors

  • Occupation – Occupations requiring repetitive knee movements have been linked to osteoarthritis
  • Obesity – Excess weight can contribute to osteoarthritis development
  • Infection – Microbial agents can infect the joints and trigger arthritis
  • Joint Injuries – Damage to joints may lead to osteoarthritis
  • Age – Risk increases with age
  • Gender –Most types are more common in women
  • Genetics – Arthritis can be hereditary

If you suspect your arthritis is affecting your feet, it is crucial that you see a podiatrist immediately. Your doctor will be able to address your specific case and help you decide which treatment method is best for you.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact one of our offices located in Merrillville, Portage, Michigan City/LaPorte, and Schererville, IN . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.

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When the Big Toe Loses Its Motion

A stiff big toe is often caused by a condition called hallux limitus or hallux rigidus, which means the joint at the base of the big toe has limited or very little movement. This problem usually develops over time, beginning with discomfort when walking or bending the toe and gradually progressing to more constant pain and stiffness. The joint may look swollen or enlarged, and some patients notice a firm bump on the top of the toe. Activities that require push off, such as walking uphill or running, can become difficult and uncomfortable. Common causes include arthritis, repetitive stress, prior injury, or foot structure that places extra pressure on the joint. A podiatrist can evaluate movement and may use imaging to understand the severity. Treatment options include supportive footwear, custom orthotics, and targeted exercises to help maintain motion. In more advanced cases, surgery may be considered. If you have a stiff big toe, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist.

Toe pain can disrupt your daily activities. If you have any concerns, contact one of our podiatrists of Centers for Foot & Ankle Care. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

What Causes Toe Pain?

Most severe toe pain is caused due to a sports injury, trauma from dropping something heavy on the toe, or bumping into something rigid. Other problems can develop over time for various reasons.

Toe pain can be caused by one or more ailments. The most common include:

  • Trauma
  • Sports injury
  • Wearing shoes that are too tight
  • Arthritis
  • Gout
  • Corns and calluses
  • Hammertoe
  • Bunions
  • Blisters
  • Ingrown toenails
  • Sprains
  • Fractures (broken bones)
  • Dislocations

When to See a Podiatrist

  • Severe pain
  • Persistent pain that lasts more than a week
  • Signs of infection
  • Continued swelling
  • Pain that prevents walking

Diagnosis

In many cases the cause of toe pain is obvious, but in others, a podiatrist may want to use more advanced methods to determine the problem. These can range from simple visual inspections and sensation tests to X-rays and MRI scans. Prior medical history, family medical history, and any recent physical traumatic events will all be taken into consideration for a proper diagnosis.

Treatment

Treatments for toe pain and injuries vary and may include shoe inserts, padding, taping, medicines, injections, and in some cases, surgery. If you believe that you have broken a toe, please see a podiatrist as soon as possible.

If you have any questions please contact one of our offices located in Merrillville, Portage, Michigan City/LaPorte, and Schererville, IN . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

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