Greg Robinson Podiatry

Children's foot and ankle discomfort can often go unnoticed or unaddressed, as kids may hesitate to communicate their pain to their parents. However, it's crucial for parents to be vigilant and proactive in preventing issues from progressing.

In this article, we will explore the signs of foot and ankle discomfort in children, common culprits, and the importance of seeking professional evaluation and treatment from a podiatrist.

1. Overcoming Communication Barriers: Children may be reluctant to share their foot and ankle pain due to various reasons such as fear of doctor visits, concerns about being restricted from activities, or underestimating the severity of their discomfort. It is essential for parents to create a safe and open environment where children feel comfortable expressing their pain and concerns.
2. Recognizing Signs of Discomfort: Signs of foot and ankle discomfort in children can manifest in various ways. Parents should be observant and watch out for indicators such as lagging performance in sports or physical activities, fatigue in the foot, ankle, and lower leg muscles due to compensatory efforts, flat feet, limping, ankle sprains, ingrown toenails, withdrawal from previously enjoyed activities due to heel pain (associated with Sever's disease), stress fractures from repetitive stress, and chronic ankle instability.
3. Regular Foot Inspection: Parents should make it a habit to inspect their children's feet regularly. Look for any discoloration, swelling, thick calluses, or growths that may indicate underlying issues. Early detection can help prevent problems from escalating.
4. Seeking Professional Evaluation: If there is a suspicion of a problem with a child's foot or ankle, it is crucial to consult a podiatrist for a proper evaluation, diagnosis, and treatment.

A podiatrist specializes in foot and ankle care for children and can provide expert guidance tailored to the child's specific needs.

Prompt intervention can prevent further complications and ensure the child's overall well-being.

Parents play a vital role in safeguarding their children's foot and ankle health. By actively listening to their children, recognizing signs of discomfort, regularly inspecting their feet, and seeking professional evaluation when needed, parents can prevent issues from progressing and provide the necessary care and support. Remember, addressing foot and ankle discomfort early on sets the stage for healthy and active childhoods.

They say that the feet are the foundation of the body, and any issues in this crucial area can have far-reaching consequences. Often overlooked, foot pain and improper foot alignment can impact the overall well-being of our bodies, particularly leading to discomfort in the lower back. In this article, we will explore the connection between foot conditions and back pain, shedding light on the importance of addressing foot-related issues to alleviate discomfort and maintain a healthy body.

1. The Link Between Foot Pain and Altered Gait: When individuals experience foot pain, they often adapt their walking patterns to reduce discomfort. This altered gait can subsequently place stress on other parts of the body, such as the ankle, knee, hip, and eventually the lower back. Over time, this abnormal gait can lead to joint cartilage wear, increased stress on ligaments and tendons, and even contribute to arthritic changes.
2. Flat Feet and High Arches: Two common foot conditions, flat feet and high arches, can significantly contribute to back pain. Flat feet, characterized by fallen arches, can result in misalignment with the ankles, causing the legs to rotate inward and the pelvis to tilt forward. This misalignment increases stress on the lower back, leading to discomfort and potential long-term issues. On the other hand, individuals with high arches may experience inadequate shock absorption in the feet, causing excessive impact on other joints along the body, potentially resulting in pain and injury.
3. Impact of Footwear Choices: The type of footwear we choose to wear plays a pivotal role in foot health and its subsequent impact on our bodies. Wearing high heels regularly or opting for tight, unsupportive shoes can exacerbate foot pain and deformities, ultimately altering our gait. Prolonged use of such footwear increases the likelihood of experiencing pain and foot-related issues, which can extend to affect other areas of the body.
4. Recognizing the Ripple Effect: It is crucial to acknowledge that ignoring foot pain, neglecting foot deformities, or opting for unsupportive shoes have consequences beyond the feet themselves. The discomfort and issues stemming from these factors can create a ripple effect throughout the body, leading to discomfort, misalignment, and potential injuries elsewhere. By addressing foot-related problems proactively, we can mitigate the risk of developing or worsening back pain and other associated conditions.

Understanding the connection between foot health and back pain highlights the significance of maintaining proper foot alignment and addressing any discomfort or conditions promptly. By prioritizing foot care, choosing appropriate footwear, and seeking professional advice when needed, we can break the chain of discomfort and ensure a healthier, pain-free body. Remember, taking care of your feet ultimately leads to a more stable and comfortable foundation for overall well-being

Dry, cracked heels (heel fissures) can strike any time of year, they are worsened by winter’s dry air.

No one is immune,

The risk is greater for older people and people with conditions such as diabetes or thyroid issues.

The soles of the feet have sweat glands but lack the sebaceous glands (these produce and secrete sebum, an oily substance that helps keep skin soft and moist).

Factors that contribute to cracked heels:

• non-moisturizing soap
• bathing in too hot water
• standing for long periods on hard floors
• hormonal imbalances
• inadequate diet and lack of hydration
• skin conditions, for instance eczema and athlete’s foot
• As we age, our skin loses moisture.
• obesity (skin on the soles may crack)

There are a variety of symptoms associated with cracked heels, including peeling skin, red or flaky patches, itching, bleeding, and pain. 

Callused, cracked heels can be unattractive, but more worrying is the potential for infection.

To treat or prevent cracked heels follow these easy tips: - 

Following a bath, shower, or foot soak, dry your feet thoroughly. 
'Gently’ use a pumice stone to remove the build-up of the callus (never self-use any kind of blade!).
Moisturize your heels twice daily.
When moisturizing before bedtime, or using a mentholated rub (e.g., Vicks VapoRub which contains many essential oils) - wear a fresh pair of cotton socks overnight to aid in the absorption.

If you are suffering from calluses or underlying infections, we can remove them for you, treat them, and recommend self-care measures.