Most children are born with flat feet and the arch will eventually develop. Several foot conditions may affect children in addition to having flat feet. Some children are born with bow legs, which is often noticeable as the leg below the knee bends outward. Research has indicated it often corrects itself as the growing process occurs. Pigeon toes, which are also known as in-toeing, are prevalent among babies and will begin to diminish as standing and walking begin. The opposite condition called out-toeing can be a common ailment and will correct itself as the child grows older. Many children walk on their toes as they learn how to walk and the body will eventually outgrow this too. Children between the ages of three and six may experience knock knees but treatment is rarely needed. If you notice that your child is experiencing any of these conditions, it is suggested that you consult with a podiatrist who can provide the treatment that is needed.

Making sure that your children maintain good foot health is very important as they grow. If you have any questions, contact Dawn Miles, DPM of Florida. 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 one of our offices located in Palatka and Saint Augustine, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

We use our feet for most of what we do in life and given that each foot is made up of 26 bones, developing various foot problems over our lifetimes is not surprising. One’s feet can get injured, inflamed, or malfunction in a multitude of ways. Wearing improper footwear, having a chronic disease like diabetes, and aging are the major contributors to foot problems. The most common symptom of foot problems is pain—in the ankles, toes, heels, or soles of the feet. Some conditions causing foot pain are discussed here. Athlete’s foot is a contagious fungal infection resulting in itchy, stinging, and burning feet and toes. A bunion is a bump on the side of the big toe causing the toe to bend inward towards the other toes. Corns are round circles of thickened skin on toes or soles of feet that develop to prevent blisters. Plantar Fasciitis is when the plantar fascia ligament running along the bottom of the foot becomes strained or sustains micro tears.  Heel spurs are bony protrusions that grow from calcium deposits between the heel and arch of the foot and appear on the front of the heel. Hammertoes are when toes curve down rather than out. An ingrown toenail is when a toenail grows into the surrounding skin. A plantar wart is a wart on the bottom of the foot that arises from the human papillomavirus. Flat foot is when the arch of the foot collapses. Diabetic neuropathy is when there is damage to the nerves of the feet due to unregulated high blood sugar and one experiences a tingling feeling or loss of feeling in the foot. If you suffer from pain in any part of your foot, consult with a podiatrist for proper diagnosis and a customized treatment plan.

If you have any concerns about your feet, contact Dawn Miles, DPM from Florida. Our doctor 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

• Biomechanics dates back to the BC era in Egypt where evidence of professional foot care has been recorded.
• In 1974, biomechanics gained a higher profile from the studies of Merton Root, who claimed that by changing or controlling the forces between the ankle and the foot, corrections or conditions could be implemented to gain strength and coordination in the area.

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 Palatka and Saint Augustine, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

A bunion is considered to be a deformity where a bony lump that forms on the side of the big toe.  It happens as a result of the big toe becoming misaligned, and it can push against the side of the shoe. Many people develop a bunion from genetic reasons, or from wearing shoes that do not have adequate room for the toes to move freely in. High heels fit into this category, and it is suggested to wear a shoe that has a lower heel and a bigger toe area. Some people have an abnormal foot shape, and this may also lead to developing a bunion. There are specific symptoms that are associated with a bunion. These can include pain that gets worse when tight shoes are worn and the big toe may become stiff. Additionally, the skin surrounding the joints in the big toe may be swollen and red. Severe bunions may require surgery for permanent removal and proper alignment of the joints. If you have a bunion, please confer with a podiatrist who can guide you toward the treatment that is correct for you. 

If you are suffering from bunion pain, contact Dawn Miles, DPM of Florida. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

What Is a Bunion?

Bunions are painful bony bumps that usually develop on the inside of the foot at the joint of the big toe. As the deformity increases over time, it may become painful to walk and wear shoes. Women are more likely to exacerbate existing bunions since they often wear tight, narrow shoes that shift their toes together. Bunion pain can be relieved by wearing wider shoes with enough room for the toes.

Causes

• Genetics – some people inherit feet that are more prone to bunion development
• Inflammatory Conditions - rheumatoid arthritis and polio may cause bunion development

Symptoms

• Redness and inflammation
• Pain and tenderness
• Callus or corns on the bump
• Restricted motion in the big toe

In order to diagnose your bunion, your podiatrist may ask about your medical history, symptoms, and general health. Your doctor might also order an x-ray to take a closer look at your feet. Nonsurgical treatment options include orthotics, padding, icing, changes in footwear, and medication. If nonsurgical treatments don’t alleviate your bunion pain, surgery may be necessary.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact one of our offices located in Palatka and Saint Augustine, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Foot pain is common among people worldwide and it can happen from neglect, improper care, and lack of awareness. A common foot condition known as a bunion can develop from wearing shoes that do not have adequate room in the toe area. Many people wear orthotics which may help to redistribute the weight of the foot and can possibly reduce pain too. Corns are caused by excess friction from wearing shoes and socks that are too tight. Relief may be found when a protective pad is worn over the corn and larger shoes are purchased. The arthritic condition called gout generally causes severe pain and discomfort and results due to excess uric acid in the joints of the big toe. Many people change their diet by eliminating red meat and shellfish which may help to prevent gout attacks. Patients who have been afflicted with plantar warts may be familiar with the pain that this ailment can cause. It is a hardened area of skin that is found on the bottom of the foot and grows inward. It is considered to be contagious and is caused by a fungus. If you are experiencing any type of foot pain, it is strongly advised that you are under the care of a podiatrist who can help you with the correct treatment methods.

Foot Pain

Foot pain can be extremely painful and debilitating. If you have a foot pain, consult with Dawn Miles, DPM from Florida. Our doctor 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 one of our offices located in Palatka and Saint Augustine, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Corns, also called clavus, can appear on the toes and feet. The most common place a corn develops is on the side of the pinky toe. A corn is a whitish-yellow hardened patch of dead skin that becomes raised, inflamed, and painful due to repeated exposure to pressure and rubbing. This can happen if shoes are too tight or narrow and rub on the side of the pinky toe, prolonged time spent on the feet, structural problems of the feet or toe bones, or an abnormal gait. Those with diabetes, arthritis, and the elderly are more apt to develop corns. Prevention of corns includes wearing properly fitted shoes, resting feet, keeping feet clean, dry, and moisturized, and trimming toenails regularly. A corn on the pinky toe can be treated at home by soaking the foot in warm water, allowing the corn to soften and lift and/or drying the foot after the soak, and filing it gently with a pumice stone. Medicated corn pads, often containing salicylic acid, can be purchased from drug stores and these provide cushioning of the corn while directly applying medication to dissolve the corn. If these simple home remedies don't help or the corn is unusually painful or infected, it is suggested that you see a podiatrist who can use a properly sterilized surgical blade to shave the dead skin and remove the corn.

Corns can make walking very painful and should be treated immediately. If you have questions regarding your feet and ankles, contact Dawn Miles, DPM of Florida. Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.

Corns: What Are They? And How Do You Get Rid of Them?
Corns are thickened areas on the skin that can become painful. They are caused by excessive pressure and friction on the skin. Corns press into the deeper layers of the skin and are usually round in shape.

Ways to Prevent Corns
There are many ways to get rid of painful corns such as:

• Wearing properly fitting shoes that have been measured by a professional
• Wearing shoes that are not sharply pointed or have high heels
• Wearing only shoes that offer support

Treating Corns

Although most corns slowly disappear when the friction or pressure stops, this isn’t always the case. Consult with your podiatrist to determine the best treatment option for your case of corns.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact one of our offices located in Palatka and Saint Augustine, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.