Have your child's feet been examined lately? Healthy feet are happy feet. If your child is complaining of foot pain, it may be a sign of underlying problems.
Pediatric foot alignment deformities are common conditions in growing children and can affect how their feet develop and function. These deformities include flat feet, where the arches do not form properly, or conditions like in-toeing, where the feet turn inward. These issues often arise from the natural development process or genetic factors, and in most cases, children outgrow them without treatment. However, when foot alignment deformities cause pain, difficulty walking, or limit a child’s activities, they may require medical attention from a podiatrist. Treatment options can include stretching exercises and custom orthotics to correct the alignment and relieve discomfort. If you have a child that is complaining or showing foot discomfort, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist to help monitor the condition and determine if any treatment is necessary to support healthy foot development in the growing years.
The health of a child’s feet is vital to their overall well-being. If you have any questions regarding foot health, contact Raul Hidalgo DPM of South Texas Foot & Ankle Care. Our doctor 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 office located in San Antonio, TX. We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.
Your feet are covered most of the day. If you're diabetic, periodic screening is important for good health. Numbness is often a sign of diabetic foot and can mask a sore or wound.
Rheumatoid arthritis, or RA, is an autoimmune disease that causes chronic inflammation in the joints, including those in the feet and ankles. It can lead to pain, swelling, stiffness, and deformities such as hammertoes, bunions, and collapsed arches. Over time, the cartilage in the foot joints may erode, causing joint damage, reduced mobility, and difficulty walking. The constant inflammation can also affect soft tissues, leading to tendon damage and further deformities. A podiatrist plays a vital role in managing foot symptoms associated with RA. They can provide treatments like custom orthotics to support foot alignment, relieve pressure, and improve comfort. They can also prescribe anti-inflammatory medications or provide corticosteroid injections to manage pain. In severe cases, surgery may be necessary to correct deformities. If you have rheumatoid arthritis, it is suggested that you visit a podiatrist regularly for treatment to prevent further joint damage and maintain mobility.
Because RA affects more than just your joints, including the joints in your feet and ankles, it is important to seek early diagnosis from your podiatrist if you feel like the pain in your feet might be caused by RA. For more information, contact Raul Hidalgo DPM of South Texas Foot & Ankle Care. Our doctor will assist you with all of your podiatric concerns.
What Is Rheumatoid Arthritis?
Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) is an autoimmune disorder in which the body’s own immune system attacks the membranes surrounding the joints. Inflammation of the lining and eventually the destruction of the joint’s cartilage and bone occur, causing severe pain and immobility.
Rheumatoid Arthritis of the Feet
Although RA usually attacks multiple bones and joints throughout the entire body, almost 90 percent of cases result in pain in the foot or ankle area.
Symptoms
Swelling and pain in the feet
Stiffness in the feet
Pain on the ball or sole of feet
Joint shift and deformation
Diagnosis
Quick diagnosis of RA in the feet is important so that the podiatrist can treat the area effectively. Your doctor will ask you about your medical history, occupation, and lifestyle to determine the origin of the condition. Rheumatoid Factor tests help to determine if someone is affected by the disease.
If you have any questions please feel free to contact our office located in San Antonio, TX. We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.
