Babies do not need shoes until they begin walking outdoors. Until then, crawling or walking barefoot and wearing socks can help the feet to grow and strengthen naturally. Putting shoes on too early can impede proper foot development while restricting movement and growth. When the time is right to choose baby shoes, opt for soft, flexible soles that mimic natural foot motion, allowing toes to grip and flex. Ensure a wide toe box for ample space and breathable materials for comfort. Proper fit is essential, as shoes should be neither too tight nor too loose to prevent blisters and ensure stability. Regularly check for signs of wear and outgrowth to maintain the best support. If you notice any abnormalities concerning your child’s feet, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can treat any foot condition and guide you on proper shoe selection.

The health of a child’s feet is vital to their overall well-being. If you have any questions regarding foot health, contact Gary Saphire, DPM of Parkway 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

• Make sure their shoes fit properly
• Look for any signs of in-toeing or out-toeing
• Check to see if they have Clubfoot (condition that affects your child’s foot and ankle, twisting the heel and toes inward) which is one of the most common nonmajor birth defects.
• Lightly cover your baby’s feet (Tight covers may keep your baby from moving their feet freely, and could prevent normal development)
• Allow your toddler to go shoeless (Shoes can be restricting for a young child’s foot)
• Cut toenails straight across to avoid ingrown toenails
• Keep your child’s foot clean and dry
• Cover cuts and scrapes. Wash any scratches with soap and water and cover them with a bandage until they’ve healed.

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

Plantar fasciitis is a common foot condition characterized by inflammation of the plantar fascia, a thick band of tissue that runs along the bottom of the foot, connecting the heel bone to the toes. It occurs when this tissue is overstretched or overused, often due to excessive running, standing for long periods, or wearing inadequate footwear. The condition manifests as a sharp, stabbing pain in the heel, particularly noticeable with the first steps in the morning or after long periods of inactivity. Those at higher risk include runners, individuals with high arches or flat feet, people who are overweight, and people who wear shoes with poor arch support. Preventing plantar fasciitis involves wearing supportive footwear, maintaining a healthy weight, and incorporating stretching exercises into daily routines to improve flexibility. Treatment options include rest and stretching exercises, For persistent pain, custom orthotics may be necessary. If you have continued heel pain, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for a proper diagnosis and treatment.

Plantar fasciitis is a common foot condition that is often caused by a strain injury. If you are experiencing heel pain or symptoms of plantar fasciitis, contact Gary Saphire, DPM from Parkway Podiatry. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

What Is Plantar Fasciitis?

Plantar fasciitis is one of the most common causes of heel pain. The plantar fascia is a ligament that connects your heel to the front of your foot. When this ligament becomes inflamed, plantar fasciitis is the result. If you have plantar fasciitis you will have a stabbing pain that usually occurs with your first steps in the morning. As the day progresses and you walk around more, this pain will start to disappear, but it will return after long periods of standing or sitting.

What Causes Plantar Fasciitis?

• Excessive running
• Having high arches in your feet
• Other foot issues such as flat feet
• Pregnancy (due to the sudden weight gain)
• Being on your feet very often

There are some risk factors that may make you more likely to develop plantar fasciitis compared to others. The condition most commonly affects adults between the ages of 40 and 60. It also tends to affect people who are obese because the extra pounds result in extra stress being placed on the plantar fascia.

Prevention

• Take good care of your feet – Wear shoes that have good arch support and heel cushioning.
• Maintain a healthy weight
• If you are a runner, alternate running with other sports that won’t cause heel pain

There are a variety of treatment options available for plantar fasciitis along with the pain that accompanies it. Additionally, physical therapy is a very important component in the treatment process. It is important that you meet with your podiatrist to determine which treatment option is best for you.

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

A heel spur, medically known as a calcaneal spur, is a bony growth that develops on the underside of the heel bone. This condition often results from long-term strain on the foot muscles and ligaments, commonly associated with repetitive activities such as running or jumping. Over time, this strain leads to the accumulation of calcium deposits, forming the bony protrusion. Heel spurs are frequently linked to plantar fasciitis, an inflammation of the plantar fascia tissue that runs along the bottom of the foot. Factors contributing to heel spur development include wearing ill-fitting shoes, excessive weight, and having flat feet or high arches. If you have heel pain, it may be indicative of a heel spur, and it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can accurately diagnose and offer a comprehensive treatment plan for heel spurs.

Heel spurs can be incredibly painful and sometimes may make you unable to participate in physical activities. To get medical care for your heel spurs, contact Gary Saphire, DPM from Parkway Podiatry. Our doctor will do everything possible to treat your condition.

Heels Spurs

Heel spurs are formed by calcium deposits on the back of the foot where the heel is. This can also be caused by small fragments of bone breaking off one section of the foot, attaching onto the back of the foot. Heel spurs can also be bone growth on the back of the foot and may grow in the direction of the arch of the foot.

Older individuals usually suffer from heel spurs and pain sometimes intensifies with age. One of the main condition's spurs are related to is plantar fasciitis.

Pain

The pain associated with spurs is often because of weight placed on the feet. When someone is walking, their entire weight is concentrated on the feet. Bone spurs then have the tendency to affect other bones and tissues around the foot. As the pain continues, the feet will become tender and sensitive over time.

Treatments

There are many ways to treat heel spurs. If one is suffering from heel spurs in conjunction with pain, there are several methods for healing. Medication, surgery, and herbal care are some options.

If you have any questions feel free to contact our office located in Brooklyn, NY . We offer the latest in diagnostic and treatment technology to meet your needs.