Items filtered by date: May 2023

Tuesday, 30 May 2023 00:00

Fast Growth Rate of Children’s Feet

A baby’s foot contains more cartilage than bone, but will eventually have 26 bones in each foot when fully formed. Children's feet grow at a faster rate the younger they are. Within the first 3 years, a baby's foot coot could grow up to 9 sizes. Research has shown children have feet that are more durable than adult feet and can endure more stress. When it is time for the first pair of shoes to be purchased, it is beneficial that they effectively absorb shock and have strong soles. Many parents choose to have their children wear shoes that are made of leather and canvas materials, which are flexible and breathable fabrics. It is helpful to buy shoes that are the right size. If the shoe doesn’t fit correctly, unwanted foot conditions may develop that can include blisters and ingrown toenails. If you have questions about what type of shoes to buy for your child, it is suggested that you contact a podiatrist who can help you with the right footwear choices.

Making sure that your children maintain good foot health is very important as they grow. If you have any questions, contact Dr. Sheldon D. Simon of Kentucky . Our doctor 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 Owensboro, KY . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Read more about How to Care for Your Child's Feet
Tuesday, 23 May 2023 00:00

What Does Cuboid Syndrome Feel Like?

Cuboid syndrome is a specific condition of the foot that occurs when the cuboid bone moves out of alignment. Many patients often wonder what exactly cuboid syndrome feels like, and what symptoms are typically noticed. When an individual has cuboid syndrome, they may find it is challenging to walk. To compensate for this difficulty some patients may realize they are walking on their toes to avoid putting pressure on affected parts of their feet. Additionally, the lateral part of the foot that is affected by cuboid syndrome can become tender and swollen, and the overall foot may ache. If you are someone that is currently living with cuboid syndrome, it is suggested that you contact a podiatrist immediately for treatment.

Cuboid syndrome, also known as cuboid subluxation, occurs when the joints and ligaments near the cuboid bone in the foot become torn. If you have cuboid syndrome, consult with Dr. Sheldon D. Simon from Kentucky . Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

Cuboid syndrome is a common cause of lateral foot pain, which is pain on the outside of the foot. The condition may happen suddenly due to an ankle sprain, or it may develop slowly overtime from repetitive tension through the bone and surrounding structures.

Causes

The most common causes of cuboid syndrome include:

  • Injury – The most common cause of this ailment is an ankle sprain.
  • Repetitive Strain – Tension placed through the peroneus longus muscle from repetitive activities such as jumping and running may cause excessive traction on the bone causing it to sublux.
  • Altered Foot Biomechanics – Most people suffering from cuboid subluxation have flat feet.

Symptoms

A common symptom of cuboid syndrome is pain along the outside of the foot which can be felt in the ankle and toes. This pain may create walking difficulties and may cause those with the condition to walk with a limp.

Diagnosis

Diagnosis of cuboid syndrome is often difficult, and it is often misdiagnosed. X-rays, MRIs and CT scans often fail to properly show the cuboid subluxation. Although there isn’t a specific test used to diagnose cuboid syndrome, your podiatrist will usually check if pain is felt while pressing firmly on the cuboid bone of your foot.

Treatment

Just as the range of causes varies widely, so do treatments. Some more common treatments are ice therapy, rest, exercise, taping, and orthotics.

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

 

Read more about Cuboid Syndrome
Tuesday, 16 May 2023 00:00

Toenail Fungus Is Common

Toenail fungus is a common nail infection.  It is considered contagious, and most people will develop this foot condition at some point in their lives. It is noticeable by the yellow and thickened toenails, and in severe cases, the nail can become brittle and crumble. The fungus that causes this nail condition lives in warm and moist environments, including shower room floors, public swimming pools, and similar places. Effective prevention techniques can consist of refraining from sharing towels, shoes, and socks, in addition to wearing shoes that are made of breathable materials. People who have existing medical conditions, such as diabetes, psoriasis, or a weakened immune system may be prone to developing toenail fungus. If you see the beginning signs of this nail infection, it is strongly suggested that you consult with a podiatrist sooner rather than later who can discuss treatment options with you.

For more information about treatment, contact Dr. Sheldon D. Simon of Kentucky . Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Toenail Fungus Treatment

Toenail fungus is a condition that affects many people and can be especially hard to get rid of. Fortunately, there are several methods to go about treating and avoiding it.

Antifungals & Deterrence

Oral antifungal medicine has been shown to be effective in many cases. It is important to consult with a podiatrist to determine the proper regiment for you, or potentially explore other options.

Applying foot powder on the feet and shoes helps keep the feet free of moisture and sweat.

Sandals or open toed shoes – Wearing these will allow air movement and help keep feet dry. They also expose your feet to light, which fungus cannot tolerate. Socks with moisture wicking material also help as well.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our office located in Owensboro, KY . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.

Read more about Toenail Fungus
Friday, 12 May 2023 00:00

Do Your Child's Feet Hurt?

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.

Tuesday, 09 May 2023 00:00

Foot Problems Caused by Diabetes

Diabetics are at extreme risk for a number of conditions that can affect the health of the lower extremities. Around 60 percent of diabetics develop a foot ulcer, brought about by peripheral nerve and vascular diseases. For that reason, a simple sore or slight wound on the feet can become a serious health threat. Loss of sensation in the feet and toes, caused by neuropathy, can make it difficult to notice a cut or sore. Constricted blood flow to the feet, caused by peripheral artery disease, can slow the healing process. If left unattended, even a tiny wound can become infected and turn into an open wound, or ulcer. As the untended ulcer continues to grow, tissue may die, and if left long enough can turn into gangrene. If the infection reaches the bone, loss of a limb then becomes a possibility. Diabetic foot ulcers are believed to be responsible for more hospital admissions than any other diabetes complication. The essentials to prevent this chain of events are a careful and regular routine of foot care and consistent regulation of insulin and blood sugar levels. Professional care from a podiatrist is suggested for any diabetic who struggles with such foot problems.  

Diabetic foot care is important in preventing foot ailments such as ulcers. If you are suffering from diabetes or have any other concerns about your feet, contact Dr. Sheldon D. Simon from Kentucky . Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Diabetic Foot Care

Diabetes affects millions of people every year. The condition can damage blood vessels in many parts of the body, especially the feet. Because of this, taking care of your feet is essential if you have diabetes, and having a podiatrist help monitor your foot health is highly recommended.

The Importance of Caring for Your Feet

  • Routinely inspect your feet for bruises or sores.
  • Wear socks that fit your feet comfortably.
  • Wear comfortable shoes that provide adequate support.

Patients with diabetes should have their doctor monitor their blood levels, as blood sugar levels play such a huge role in diabetic care. Monitoring these levels on a regular basis is highly advised.

It is always best to inform your healthcare professional of any concerns you may have regarding your feet, especially for diabetic patients. Early treatment and routine foot examinations are keys to maintaining proper health, especially because severe complications can arise if proper treatment is not applied.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our office located in Owensboro, KY . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Read more about Diabetic Foot Conditions

There are a multitude of foot conditions that may develop when shoes that are worn do not fit correctly. These can include ingrown toenails, bunions, and plantar fasciitis. There are key factors to look for while purchasing shoes that can ensure a good fit. These can consist of making sure there is adequate room for the toes to move freely in, and the ball of the foot feels comfortable in the widest part of the shoe. Many people choose to measure their feet prior to going to the shoe store. This can be accomplished by standing on a sheet of paper without shoes, and tracing the length and width of your foot as accurately as possible. This is followed by using a conversion chart, which can determine the correct shoe size. Other people choose to use a Brannock device, which is found in the majority of shoe stores. Both of these methods are successful in figuring out the right shoe size. If you have questions about how to get your right shoe size, it is suggested that you confer with a podiatrist who can help you with the information you are seeking.

Getting the right shoe size is an important part of proper foot health. Seek the assistance of Dr. Sheldon D. Simon from Kentucky . Our doctor will provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Getting the Right Shoe Size

There are many people who wear shoes that are the incorrect size, negatively affecting their feet and posture. Selecting the right shoes is not a difficult process, so long as you keep several things in mind when it comes to choosing the right pair.

  • When visiting the shoe store, use the tools available to measure your foot.
  • Be sure there is ‘wiggle room’. There should be about an inch between your toes and the tip of your shoes.
  • Do not always assume you are the same size, as manufacturers run differently.
  • Purchase shoes later in the day, as your feet swell as the day progresses.
  • If a shoe is not comfortable, it is not suitable. Most shoes can’t be ‘broken in’, and comfort should be the ultimate goal when it comes to choosing the right pair of shoes

As our feet hold our body weight and keep us moving, it is important to treat them right. Picking the right pair of shoes can provide your feet comfort and mobility without pain.

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

Read more about Getting the Right Shoe Size: To Keep Your Feet Happy

Connect With Us