The importance of keeping your child’s feet healthy is crucial in possibly preventing potential foot problems later in life. There are simple tasks that can be accomplished daily that will promote healthy feet and may positively affect the overall health of the body. These may include washing and drying the feet daily, which may aid in avoiding athlete's foot from developing, in additional to choosing comfortable socks and shoes to wear. Research has shown that if shoes, which are worn have become too tight, bunions may develop if there is a pre-existing case present. This is known to be a painful condition in which a hard, bony growth develops on the side of the big toe and will typically make it necessary to wear larger size shoes that can accommodate the bunion. If you would like additional information about how to keep your child's feet healthy, it is recommended that you speak to a podiatrist who can provide the proper answers to your questions.

Making sure that your children maintain good foot health is very important as they grow. If you have any questions, contact James P. Huish, DPM of Arizona. 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 Safford and Sierra Vista, AZ . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Research has shown that one out of ten broken bones happens in the foot. If tripping, falling, or dropping a heavy object on your foot occurs, you may experience a painful condition known as a broken foot. You will immediately notice symptoms that may include severe pain and swelling, possibly hindering the ability to walk, and bruising or tenderness. Additionally, the toes may be deformed if the bones appear to be dislocated. If you have fallen and you think your foot may be fractured, a proper diagnosis must be performed that will confirm the broken foot. This is typically accomplished by having an X-ray taken, followed by a discussion of proper treatment methods. These may include keeping the foot stable by wearing a supportive boot. Other options may include the use of a splint or cast, and crutches would generally accompany this. If you feel you have broken your foot, it is strongly advised to speak to a podiatrist, so the correct treatment can be chosen.

A broken foot requires immediate medical attention and treatment. If you need your feet checked, contact James P. Huish, DPM from Arizona. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Broken Foot Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment

A broken foot is caused by one of the bones in the foot typically breaking when bended, crushed, or stretched beyond its natural capabilities. Usually the location of the fracture indicates how the break occurred, whether it was through an object, fall, or any other type of injury. 

Common Symptoms of Broken Feet:

• Bruising
• Pain
• Redness
• Swelling
• Blue in color
• Numbness
• Cold
• Misshapen
• Cuts
• Deformities

Those that suspect they have a broken foot shoot seek urgent medical attention where a medical professional could diagnose the severity.

Treatment for broken bones varies depending on the cause, severity and location. Some will require the use of splints, casts or crutches while others could even involve surgery to repair the broken bones. Personal care includes the use of ice and keeping the foot stabilized and elevated.

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

A painful and uncomfortable condition that is referred to as an ingrown toenail may develop when the toenail grows into the skin surrounding the nail. This may be a result of toenails that have been trimmed improperly, wearing shoes and socks that do not fit correctly, or possibly from a genetic trait that may affect the natural shape of the nail. If you are experiencing an ingrown toenail, you may notice symptoms that may include pain while wearing shoes, fluid coming from the nail, or the surrounding area appearing red. There may be preventative measures that can be taken, which may possibly avoid this condition from occurring. These may include wearing shoes and socks that fit loosely, trimming the toenails straight across while avoiding cutting into the corners, and utilizing a moisturizer daily. It is advised to consult a podiatrist if you are afflicted with this condition, so proper treatment options can be discussed and started.

Ingrown toenails may initially present themselves as a minor discomfort, but they may progress into an infection in the skin without proper treatment. For more information about ingrown toenails, contact James P. Huish, DPM of Arizona. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Ingrown Toenails

Ingrown toenails are caused when the corner or side of a toenail grows into the soft flesh surrounding it. They often result in redness, swelling, pain, and in some cases, infection. This condition typically affects the big toe and may recur if it is not treated properly.

Causes

• Improper toenail trimming
• Genetics
• Improper shoe fitting
• Injury from pedicures or nail picking
• Abnormal gait
• Poor hygiene

You are more likely to develop an ingrown toenail if you are obese, have diabetes, arthritis, or have any fungal infection in your nails. Additionally, people who have foot or toe deformities are at a higher risk of developing an ingrown toenail.

Symptoms

Some symptoms of ingrown toenails are redness, swelling, and pain. In rare cases, there may be a yellowish drainage coming from the nail.

Treatment

Ignoring an ingrown toenail can have serious complications. Infections of the nail border can progress to a deeper soft-tissue infection, which can then turn into a bone infection. You should always speak with your podiatrist if you suspect you have an ingrown toenail, especially if you have diabetes or poor circulation.

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

One of the most common ailments pregnant women notice is the onset of swelling in their feet and ankles. This condition is referred to as oedema, and research has shown that it generally affects between fifty to eighty percent of healthy pregnant women. This may typically be a result of the excess pressure the growing fetus exerts on the blood vessels surrounding the pelvis. The circulation process may become slower because of the additional fluid that is retained, and the feet and ankles may be affected by this. Many women have found effective ways to maintain comfort during their pregnancies, including elevating their feet as often possible, avoiding standing for extended periods of time, and performing gentle exercises on a regular basis. Some women have found that wearing compression stockings may aid in reducing a portion of the swelling. If you would like additional information about how pregnancy can affect your feet, it’s suggested to speak with a podiatrist.

Pregnant women with swollen feet can be treated with a variety of different methods that are readily available. For more information about other cures for swollen feet during pregnancy, consult with James P. Huish, DPM from Arizona. Our doctors will attend to all of your foot and ankle needs.

What Foot Problems Can Arise During Pregnancy?

One problem that can occur is overpronation, which occurs when the arch of the foot flattens and tends to roll inward.  This can cause pain and discomfort in your heels while you’re walking or even just standing up, trying to support your baby.  

Another problem is edema, or swelling in the extremities. This often affects the feet during pregnancy but tends to occur in the later stages. 

How Can I Keep My Feet Healthy During Pregnancy?

• Wearing orthotics can provide extra support for the feet and help distribute weight evenly
• Minimize the amount of time spent walking barefoot
• Wear shoes with good arch support
• Wear shoes that allow for good circulation to the feet
• Elevate feet if you experience swelling
• Massage your feet
• Get regular, light exercise, such as walking, to promote blood circulation to the feet

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