Point Pleasant
When babies are born, their foot bones are not fully developed and act more like cartilage. The significant milestone of standing occurs when their feet, legs, hips, and core can support their weight, typically between nine to 18 months of age. Once they start walking, running and jumping will quickly follow. Although foot structure is usually developed by age two, complete development continues until the teen years. Given the crucial role of feet in standing and movement, parents need to care for their children's feet from an early age to avoid potential motor skill and ability issues in the future. Parents often wonder when it is appropriate to introduce shoes to their babies. Initially, shoes are unnecessary as they can hinder foot growth and movement. However, once walking is mastered, shoes become relevant. Keep in mind that rapid growth necessitates frequent changes in shoe size. As children get older, the speed of foot growth slows down. It is crucial to invest in well-fitting, durable shoes that support movement, balance, and coordination. Regularly checking shoe fit and promptly replacing them when outgrown is recommended by experts. On average, a child's shoes need to be changed every three to four months. If you have additional questions about your toddler’s feet, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can provide valuable information.
The health of a child’s feet is vital to their overall well-being. If you have any questions regarding foot health, contact Dr. Alan J. Spector of Shore Podiatry. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.
Tips for Keeping Children's Feet Healthy
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in Point Pleasant, NJ . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.
You don't need an excuse to have beautiful nails. Step outside without worrying about the appearance of your feet.
An ingrown toenail can be a potentially dangerous foot condition if medical attention is not promptly received. An ingrown toenail occurs when the nail grows into the skin instead of over it. It is a generally painful ailment, and severely ingrown toenails may bleed and become infected. This condition can be divided into three stages of development. The first stage causes mild inflammation, and it is often uncomfortable. A granuloma may form in the second stage, which can become more painful, and produce pus. This granuloma can grow over the nail in the third stage, and the entire toe may become inflamed. The most common cause of developing an ingrown toenail is improper foot care. This can range from wearing shoes that do not fit correctly to trimming the toenails in a curved fashion instead of straight across. If you have an ingrown toenail, it is suggested that you seek counsel from a podiatrist as quickly as possible who can perform minor surgery for permanent relief.
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 Dr. Alan J. Spector of Shore Podiatry. Our doctor 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
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 Point Pleasant, NJ . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.
Cracked heels, which are a common foot condition, are usually non-threatening but can become potentially serious. It is best to try to prevent cracked heels from developing in the first place. It is a good idea to examine your heels and if they begin to feel dry, apply moisturizer regularly. Also, if you gain weight, the pressure on the heels increases and calluses may form. Extra weight, quite common among pregnant women, expands the heel skin while walking and standing and can cause cracks to widen. Wearing sling-back shoes, sandals, or flip flops also may cause the heels to dry out. Dried and cracked heels also can be a problem for those with diabetes, which can diminish the moisture supply to the feet. If the cracked skin on the heels does not improve with daily foot care precautions, they may deepen into fissures or begin to bleed. This opening of the skin can invite bacterial or fungal infections. An antiseptic lotion may help to keep the area clean. If cracked heels become an ongoing problem, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist who can examine the area, and determine the best course of treatment.
Cracked heels are unsightly and can cause further damage to your shoes and feet. If you have any concerns, contact Dr. Alan J. Spector from Shore Podiatry. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.
Cracked Heels
Cracked heels appear unappealing and can make it harder for you walk around in sandals. Aside from looking unpleasant, cracked heels can also tear stockings, socks, and wear out your shoes. There are several methods to help restore a cracked heel and prevent further damage.
How Do You Get Them?
Dry skin is the number one culprit in creating cracked heels. Many athletes, walkers, joggers, and even swimmers suffer from cracked heels. Age and skin oil production play a role to getting cracked heels as well.
Promote Healing
Over the counter medicines can help, especially for those that need instant relief or who suffer from chronic dry feet.
Wear Socks – Wearing socks with medicated creams helps lock in moisture.
Moisturizers – Applying both day and night will help alleviate dryness which causes cracking.
Pumice Stones – These exfoliate and remove dead skin, which allows for smoother moisturizer application and better absorption into the skin.
Change in Diet
Eating healthy with a well-balanced diet will give the skin a fresh and radiant look. Your body responds to the kinds of food you ingest. Omega-3 fatty acids and zinc supplements can also revitalize skin tissue.
Most importantly, seek professional help if unsure how to proceed in treating cracked heels. A podiatrist will help you with any questions or information needed.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in Point Pleasant, NJ . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.
A hammertoe occurs when one of the three middle toes bends upward at the middle joint. Corns and calluses that can develop on the hammertoe can make wearing shoes and walking uncomfortable. If lifestyle changes, such as wearing wider shoes, using shoe inserts, or doing stretching and strengthening toe exercises do not help, surgery can be considered to correct a hammertoe. Hammertoe surgery is not a good option for those who have poor circulation in their feet, have a foot infection, or have other health problems making surgery a risk. If considered a good candidate for this surgery, it is typically a procedure that can be done as an outpatient under general anesthesia or using numbing medications. If the hammertoe is still somewhat flexible, a tendon transfer involving redirecting tendons from the bottom of the toe to the top where it is bent can be done to straighten the toe. If the hammertoe is fixed or rigid, a joint resection or fusion can be done. Joint resection is when tendons and ligaments are cut to help straighten the toe and the end of the bone is cut off so the toe can be fully extended. In fusion surgery, the ligaments and tendons are also cut but the two bones forming the affected joint are also cut for straightening the toe. If you have a painful hammertoe, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist to see if more conservative treatment is possible or whether surgery is an option for you.
Foot surgery is sometimes necessary to treat a foot ailment. To learn more, contact Dr. Alan J. Spector of Shore Podiatry. Our doctor will assist you with all of your foot and ankle needs.
When Is Surgery Necessary?
Foot and ankle surgery is generally reserved for cases in which less invasive, conservative procedures have failed to alleviate the problem. Some of the cases in which surgery may be necessary include:
What Types of Surgery Are There?
The type of surgery you receive will depend on the nature of the problem you have. Some of the possible surgeries include:
Benefits of Surgery
Although surgery is usually a last resort, it can provide more complete pain relief compared to non-surgical methods and may allow you to finally resume full activity.
Surgical techniques have also become increasingly sophisticated. Techniques like endoscopic surgery allow for smaller incisions and faster recovery times.
If you have any questions please feel free to contact our office located in Point Pleasant, NJ . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.
