Posts for: August, 2021
When babies are born they are born with flat feet. Typically the arches of the feet don’t develop until children are 3-4 years old; however, sometimes the arches of the feet develop higher than they should, which can cause the feet to flex. This is known as cavus foot and this problem typically occurs within the first 10 years of a child’s life. Since this condition can impact mobility you must see a podiatrist if this is something you think your child might be dealing with.The Problem with Cavus Foot
Cavus foot needs to be addressed right away by a podiatrist, as this condition can lead to a variety of issues for your child. Cavus foot is more likely to lead to imbalances within the feet, which in turn can also impact the function of the ankle, legs, hips, and even lower back. Children and teens with cavus foot may be more likely to deal with aches, pains, and strains within the feet, ankles, legs, and hips. This condition can also lead to metatarsalgia, Achilles tendonitis, and chronic ankle sprains.
Causes of Cavus Foot
In many cases, a muscle or nerve disorder that impacts how the muscles function causes cavus foot. This leads to imbalances that cause the distinctive high arches of this condition. Of course, other conditions such as Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease, muscular dystrophy, and spina bifida can also increase the chances of developing cavus foot.
Treating Cavus Foot
You must be watching your little ones as they start to walk to see if you notice any differences in how they move. Catching these issues early offers your child the best chance at improved mobility and less risk for developing foot problems later on. Your podiatrist may work together with a neurologist to pinpoint whether a nerve disorder could be the underlying cause.
Once your foot specialist determines the root cause of your child’s cavus foot then they can map out a customized treatment plan. Milder cases may benefit from more conservative treatment options such as custom orthotics and arch supports; however, surgery is often necessary to correct this problem.
Any issues with mobility, particularly in children, should be addressed and assessed as quickly as possible. Turn to a podiatrist that also specializes in providing pediatric podiatry to children and teens, as they will be able to provide the most thorough treatment plan for your little one.
Are you experiencing a sharp, burning pain between your toes that gets worse when walking or standing? Do you notice tingling or numbness in the toes, or pain and swelling on the soles of the feet? If so, you could be dealing with a condition known as Morton’s neuroma that causes thickening of the nerves between the toes. If you suspect that you might have Morton’s neuroma, a podiatrist will be the ideal doctor to turn to for treatment.Are neuromas dangerous?
It’s important not to confuse a neuroma with Morton’s neuroma. A neuroma is a benign growth that develops on the nerves; however, Morton’s neuroma is not a growth; it’s simply inflammation and swelling of the tissue around the nerves that lie between the toes (often between the third and fourth toes).
What causes Morton’s neuroma?
Any kind of intense pressure or compression placed on these toes can lead to inflammation of the tissue around the nerves. Some people are more at risk for developing Morton’s neuroma. Risk factors include:
- Playing certain sports such as running or tennis, which puts pressure on the balls of the feet
- Wearing high heels with a heel that’s more than 2 inches tall
- Wearing narrow shoes or shoes with pointed toes
- Certain foot conditions such as bunions or hammertoes
- Flat feet or high arches (or other congenital foot problems)
Since this condition involves inflamed tissue, you won’t notice a growth or bump in the area; however, you may simply experience pain that is gradual and minor at first and is alleviated by not wearing shoes. Symptoms often get worse with time and result in:
- Swelling between the toes
- A sharp burning pain between the toes that gets worse with activity
- Tingling or numbness in the foot
- Feeling like there is a pebble or stone in your shoe (often at the balls of the feet)
- Pain that’s intensified by standing on your tiptoes or wearing high heels or pointed-toe shoes
Most people can alleviate their symptoms through simple lifestyle modifications including:
- Icing
- Rest
- Massaging your feet
- Shoe pads
- Custom shoe inserts (that a podiatrist can craft just for you)
- Supportive footwear that offers shock-absorption
- Non-steroid anti-inflammatory drugs
- Steroid injections
- Local anesthetic injections
Affiliates in Podiatry in Meredith, NH, or Concord, NH are here to help when you have ingrown toenails. Our podiatrists Dr. William McCann, Dr. Jeffery Davis, and Dr. Thomas Detwiller are skilled in diagnosing and treating every kind of foot ailment. If you are prone to ingrown toenails or have one right now, keep reading for tips on preventing them and come see us.
Ingrown toenails
An ingrown toenail happens when the side of a toenail digs into the skin of the toe. It becomes red, inflamed, and can be very painful. Ingrown toenails can easily become infected and require surgery if left untreated.
Some people inherit the tendency to develop ingrown toenails, but they can happen to anyone. Ingrown toenails most often happen when a toenail has been cut too short, especially against footwear that is too tight.
How to prevent ingrown toenails
The most common cause of ingrown toenails is trimming them too short, so you need to be careful when trimming your toenails. Make sure they are trimmed straight across without rounded edges. When the corners are rounded or they are cut too short, it's easier for the nail to start to grow into the skin.
Comfortable and supportive footwear is another important step to preventing ingrown toenails. This means shoes that support your arch and give your toes room to wiggle. Socks should be fitted but not tight. Tight socks and shoes can encourage or aggravate ingrown toenails.
You can also practice some basic foot care to be extra careful of ingrown toenails. Wearing clean socks and washing your feet every day helps prevent fungal infections which increase the chance of developing ingrown nails. It's best to rotate shoes so they have a chance to completely dry out between wears and keep your feet clean and dry.
When you have ingrown toenails in Meredith, NH, or Concord, NH, come to Affiliates in Podiatry. Dr. William McCann, Dr. Jeffery Davis, and Dr. Thomas Detwiller can help treat and prevent future ingrown toenails. Contact us for an appointment in Concord at (603)-225-5281, and in Meredith at (603)-279-0330.