Items filtered by date: September 2024

Children's foot health is important because their feet are growing and developing rapidly. In fact, younger feet grow faster, with toddlers needing new shoes every few months. Unlike adult feet, children’s feet can handle more stress, but they still need proper support to lay the foundation for a healthy body. Arch support for kids differs from adults, as children’s arches are still developing. Wearing proper footwear is essential to support growth and avoid issues later in life. Breathable materials like leather or mesh can help to manage sweaty feet, reducing the risk of infections. Proper shoe sizing is critical, with shoes fitting snugly but not too tight that can allow natural movement. For toddlers, soft-soled shoes provide flexibility as they learn to walk, while older children benefit from harder soles for better support and stability. If you have a child, it is suggested that you take them to a podiatrist for regular foot checkups to help ensure proper development and prevent future problems.

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 Parkwood Podiatry. 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 our offices located in Brunswick and Hinesville, GA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Ankle fractures occur when one or more of the bones in the ankle are broken, typically involving the tibia, fibula, and talus. The tibia and fibula are the main weight-bearing bones of the lower leg, while the talus sits between them and the heel bone, forming the ankle joint. Causes of broken ankles include trauma from falls, sports injuries, or accidents, as well as severe twisting or rolling of the ankle. Symptoms include sharp pain, significant swelling, bruising, and difficulty in bearing weight. The ankle may appear deformed or misaligned. Prompt medical evaluation is essential for proper diagnosis and treatment, which may involve immobilization, casting, or surgery depending on the severity of the fracture. If you have sustained an ankle fracture, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist.

Broken ankles need immediate treatment. If you are seeking treatment, contact one of our podiatrists from Parkwood Podiatry. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet. 

Broken Ankles
A broken ankle is experienced when a person fractures their tibia or fibula in the lower leg and ankle area. Both of these bones are attached at the bottom of the leg and combine to form what we know to be our ankle.

When a physician is referring to a break of the ankle, he or she is usually referring to a break in the area where the tibia and fibula are joined to create our ankle joint. Ankles are more prone to fractures because the ankle is an area that suffers a lot of pressure and stress. There are some obvious signs when a person experiences a fractured ankle, and the following symptoms may be present.

Symptoms of a Fractured Ankle

• Excessive pain when the area is touched or when any pressure is placed on the ankle
•  Swelling around the area
•  Bruising of the area
• Area appears to be deformed

If you suspect an ankle fracture, it is recommended to seek treatment as soon as possible. The sooner you have your podiatrist diagnose the fracture, the quicker you’ll be on the way towards recovery.

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

Diabetic foot ulcers are sores or wounds that can develop on the feet of people with diabetes, often due to poor circulation, nerve damage, and prolonged pressure. These ulcers commonly occur on the soles of the feet and can become severe if not treated promptly. Symptoms include pain, swelling, and sometimes a foul odor if the ulcer becomes infected. Treatment for diabetic foot ulcers focuses on wound care and managing diabetes effectively. This involves cleaning the wound regularly, using specialized dressings, and offloading pressure with customized footwear or orthotic devices. In some cases, antibiotics may be needed to treat or prevent infection. For a comprehensive evaluation and tailored treatment plan, it’s suggested you make an appointment with a podiatrist. Their expertise can significantly improve outcomes and prevent serious complications from foot ulcers.

Diabetic foot care is important in preventing foot ailments such as ulcers. If you are suffering from diabetes or have any other concerns about your feet, contact one of our podiatrists from Parkwood Podiatry. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Diabetic Foot Care

Diabetes affects millions of people every year. The condition can damage blood vessels in many parts of the body, especially the feet. Because of this, taking care of your feet is essential if you have diabetes, and having a podiatrist help monitor your foot health is highly recommended.

The Importance of Caring for Your Feet

• Routinely inspect your feet for bruises or sores.
• Wear socks that fit your feet comfortably.
• Wear comfortable shoes that provide adequate support.

Patients with diabetes should have their doctor monitor their blood levels, as blood sugar levels play such a huge role in diabetic care. Monitoring these levels on a regular basis is highly advised.

It is always best to inform your healthcare professional of any concerns you may have regarding your feet, especially for diabetic patients. Early treatment and routine foot examinations are keys to maintaining proper health, especially because severe complications can arise if proper treatment is not applied.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our offices located in Brunswick and Hinesville, GA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Ingrown toenails occur when the edge of a toenail grows into the surrounding skin, leading to pain, redness or swelling, and sometimes infection. This condition is commonly caused by improper nail trimming, tight shoes, or toenail injuries. Initial treatment often includes soaking the foot in warm, soapy water to reduce inflammation and alleviate discomfort. Applying an over-the-counter antibiotic ointment and keeping the area clean can help manage infection. For more severe cases, a podiatrist might need to trim or remove part of the toenail and possibly prescribe medication to address infection or pain. To prevent future ingrown toenails, it’s important to cut toenails straight across and wear well-fitting shoes. Persistent or recurring ingrown toenails should be evaluated by a podiatrist. They can provide specialized care to relieve pain, treat infections, and offer advice on preventing future issues. If you have a problematic ingrown toenail, it is suggested you make an appointment with a podiatrist.

Ingrown toenails can become painful if they are not treated properly. For more information about ingrown toenails, contact one of our podiatrists of Parkwood Podiatry. Our doctors 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 offices located in Brunswick and Hinesville, GA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.