vulpine
The Walk-In Clinic is currently unavailable.

Blog

Stages of Children’s Foot Development

Children’s feet grow at different paces, and growth spurts can depend on the age of the child. This is a good reason to measure your child’s feet approximately every two months until they are six years old. When children are born up until the age of two, their feet are generally soft and flexible. During this stage of life, it is beneficial that children have access to different types of surfaces. Their ability to sense different textures is heightened, and foot muscles can begin to develop. Many parents choose to have their children walk barefoot while indoors, and this can help to strengthen the overall foot. When it is time to purchase their first pair of shoes, arch support is not recommended. Shoes that do not have an arch may allow the big toe to naturally extend. Additionally, the remaining toes can help to control the foot as walking is done, and may be harder to do with an arch in the shoe. If you would like to have more knowledge about what kind of shoes to purchase for your child, a podiatrist can give you 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 Ali Davis, DPM of The Foot Clinic. 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 Overland Park, KS . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Read more about What to Do to Keep Your Child’s Feet Healthy

Signs and Solutions for Sesamoiditis

Two tiny bones in the feet located just below the big toe are called the sesamoid bones. The sesamoid bones are at work each time you walk or run, providing leverage to the big toe. When these bones, which are held in place by tendons or embedded in muscle, become irritated, the result is an inflammatory condition known as sesamoiditis. It is considered an overuse injury. People who spend a lot of time on their feet for work, sports, or high-impact activities often incur sesamoiditis. In addition, people with flat feet or high arches may experience this inflammation. Symptoms generally do not emerge suddenly, but instead, develop over a period of time. You may feel intermittent pain in the big toe, notice swelling or bruising in the area, or experience a decrease in the normal functioning of the big toe. Resting the foot often is a good idea, and wearing orthotics in the shoes is another. For more information on how to deal with sesamoiditis, including being fitted for custom orthotics, please consult a podiatrist.

Sesamoiditis is an unpleasant foot condition characterized by pain in the balls of the feet. If you think you’re struggling with sesamoiditis, contact Ali Davis, DPM of The Foot Clinic. Our doctor will treat your condition thoroughly and effectively.

Sesamoiditis

Sesamoiditis is a condition of the foot that affects the ball of the foot. It is more common in younger people than it is in older people. It can also occur with people who have begun a new exercise program, since their bodies are adjusting to the new physical regimen. Pain may also be caused by the inflammation of tendons surrounding the bones. It is important to seek treatment in its early stages because if you ignore the pain, this condition can lead to more serious problems such as severe irritation and bone fractures.

Causes of Sesamoiditis

  • Sudden increase in activity
  • Increase in physically strenuous movement without a proper warm up or build up
  • Foot structure: those who have smaller, bonier feet or those with a high arch may be more susceptible

Treatment for sesamoiditis is non-invasive and simple. Doctors may recommend a strict rest period where the patient forgoes most physical activity. This will help give the patient time to heal their feet through limited activity. For serious cases, it is best to speak with your doctor to determine a treatment option that will help your specific needs.

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

Read more about Sesamoiditis

Many Types of Ankle Pain

The formal name that is given for pain in front of the ankle is referred to as anterior ankle pain. Patients can develop this type of pain suddenly from an injury, or it may happen gradually from overuse. Pain in this part of the ankle can occur from an inflammation of the tendon sheath. This can cause discomfort while bending the foot up, and the front of the ankle may be swollen and red. A bony growth in the front or back of the ankle can be an ankle impingement. This can cause a limited range of motion and may happen following an ankle sprain that has not fully healed. A proper diagnosis consists of how successfully the ankle is moved by the patient, and then compared to how freely the ankle moves with a podiatrist's help. If you have ankle pain for any reason, please contact this type of doctor who can determine the reason for the pain and offer you the correct treatment options. 

Ankle pain can be caused by a number of problems and may be potentially serious. If you have ankle pain, consult with Ali Davis, DPM from The Foot Clinic. Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

Ankle pain is any condition that causes pain in the ankle. Due to the fact that the ankle consists of tendons, muscles, bones, and ligaments, ankle pain can come from a number of different conditions.

Causes

The most common causes of ankle pain include:

  • Types of arthritis (rheumatoid, osteoarthritis, and gout)
  • Ankle sprains
  • Broken ankles
  • Achilles tendonitis
  • Achilles tendon rupture
  • Stress fractures
  • Bursitis
  • Tarsal tunnel syndrome
  • Plantar fasciitis

Symptoms

Symptoms of ankle injury vary based upon the condition. Pain may include general pain and discomfort, swelling, aching, redness, bruising, burning or stabbing sensations, and/or loss of sensation.

Diagnosis

Due to the wide variety of potential causes of ankle pain, podiatrists will utilize a number of different methods to properly diagnose ankle pain. This can include asking for personal and family medical histories and of any recent injuries. Further diagnosis may include sensation tests, a physical examination, and potentially x-rays or other imaging tests.

Treatment

Just as the range of causes varies widely, so do treatments. Some more common treatments are rest, ice packs, keeping pressure off the foot, orthotics and braces, medication for inflammation and pain, and surgery.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our office located in Overland Park, KS . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.

Read more about Various Causes of Ankle Pain

Various Reasons for Foot Pain

Having foot pain can wreak havoc in completing daily activities. Any type of foot pain is difficult to deal with, and many people often seek relief options. There are many reasons to have foot pain, including having endured an injury, changes to foot structure as a result of age, or from a recurring foot condition. Obesity may lead to having foot pain, which may come from the extra weight the feet must endure.  A bunion or hammertoe may cause changes to the foot shape or structure, and is often uncomfortable. Research has shown that many foot conditions may possibly be prevented when specific stretches and exercises are frequently performed. This may be helpful in providing strength to the feet, which can be beneficial in maintaining balance. Foot pain can negatively impact the overall body, and it is strongly advised that you consult with a podiatrist if you are experiencing any type of foot pain. This type of doctor is recommended who can successfully determine the cause of the pain, and offer treatment methods that are right for you.

Foot Pain

Foot pain can be extremely painful and debilitating. If you have a foot pain, consult with Ali Davis, DPM from The Foot Clinic. 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 our office located in Overland Park, KS . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Read more about Foot Pain

Plantar Warts Can Be Treated!

Plantar warts are small growths that develop on parts of the feet that bear weight. They're typically found on the bottom of the foot. Don't live with plantar warts, and call us today!

Connect With Us

Advanced Podiatric Procedures & Services in the areas