Items filtered by date: September 2024

Tuesday, 10 September 2024 00:00

Why Barefoot Is Best for Babies

Allowing babies to walk or crawl barefoot offers numerous benefits for their overall development. Barefoot play optimizes sensory motor development by letting babies experience various textures and surfaces, enhancing their sensory awareness and coordination. When infants walk without shoes, they develop a better sense of their body in space, promoting awareness and balance. This natural movement improves agility and strengthens the muscles in their feet and legs. Additionally, being barefoot allows for the proper development of the foot’s arch and alignment, as it encourages natural foot mechanics. By allowing their feet to move freely and interact directly with their environment, babies gain essential motor skills and support their physical growth effectively. If you notice unusual foot or walking symptoms in your child and are interested in learning about foot development, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can evaluate foot health, and provide you with the information you are seeking.

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 Ultimate Foot Care . 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 our office located in Smithtown, NY . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

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Tuesday, 03 September 2024 00:00

What Is Metatarsalgia?

Foot pain can be caused by various issues, but one common condition is metatarsalgia. This condition involves pain and inflammation in the ball of the foot, often around the metatarsal bones. Common causes include excessive pressure from ill-fitting shoes, high-impact activities, or foot deformities. Symptoms typically include sharp, aching, or burning pain in the forefoot, which may worsen with activity. Treatment focuses on relieving pressure and inflammation. This can be achieved by wearing well-cushioned, supportive shoes, using orthotic inserts, and reducing high-impact activities. Taking anti-inflammatory medications can help manage pain. In some cases, specific exercises may be recommended to strengthen the foot and improve alignment. If foot pain persists or affects daily activities, it’s suggested you make an appointment with a podiatrist. This foot doctor can provide a comprehensive evaluation and tailored treatment plan to address the underlying causes and help you find relief.

Foot Pain

Foot pain can be extremely painful and debilitating. If you have a foot pain, consult with one of our podiatrists  from Ultimate Foot Care . Our doctors will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

Causes

Foot pain is a very broad condition that could be caused by one or more ailments. The most common include:

  • Bunions
  • Hammertoes
  • Plantar Fasciitis
  • Bone Spurs
  • Corns
  • Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome
  • Ingrown Toenails
  • Arthritis (such as Gout, Rheumatoid, and Osteoarthritis)
  • Flat Feet
  • Injury (from stress fractures, broken toe, foot, ankle, Achilles tendon ruptures, and sprains)
  • And more

Diagnosis

To figure out the cause of foot pain, podiatrists utilize several different methods. This 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

Treatment depends upon the cause of the foot pain. Whether it is resting, staying off the foot, or having surgery; podiatrists have a number of treatment options available for foot pain.

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

Read more about Foot Pain

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