Inspecting your child’s feet regularly, and from an early age, is a good way to prevent foot problems in the future. If you notice any structural abnormality, be sure to see a podiatrist as soon as possible. Most congenital conditions, such as intoeing, may not correct on their own, but can respond positively if treatment is begun as the child’s foot grows and develops. Watch how your child walks to see whether their feet turn in or out. Check to see if they have knock-knees or other gait problems. Allow your young children to go barefoot on soft surfaces as this helps their muscle development, but be aware of hazards that could cause an injury, insect bite, or infection. However, it is not recommended that a child diagnosed with diabetes go barefoot. It’s important to maintain proper foot hygiene for your child. Feet should be washed daily and carefully dried, especially between the toes to ward off infection. If your child is active in sports, padded socks may help to prevent heel injuries. Monitor your child’s weight, as obesity can severely affect their foot growth and health. If you have further questions about your child’s foot health, please consult a podiatrist.
Making sure that your children maintain good foot health is very important as they grow. If you have any questions, contact Dr. Catherine J. Minnick of Illinois. 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 offices located in Chicago, IL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.
Hyperhidrosis is an ailment that causes people to sweat excessively. It can be embarrassing when it affects the feet, and patients who have plantar hyperhidrosis find the need to change their shoes and socks frequently throughout the day. It can be present from birth, or may start during the teenage years. Additionally, there may be existing medical conditions that can precede the onset of this condition. These include obesity, diabetes, or possibly a thyroid disorder. It can negatively affect a patient's life, and may cause anxiety and their emotional well-being may change. When the feet are constantly wet from sweating, skin rashes or bacterial infections may develop. To obtain a proper diagnosis, many patients undergo a thermoregulatory sweat test. This is done by applying a powder to the feet that is sensitive to moisture. The powder will change color as sweating occurs. If you have this ailment, please speak with a podiatrist who can effectively treat this condition.
If you are suffering from hyperhidrosis contact Dr. Catherine J. Minnick of Illinois. Our doctor can provide the care you need to attend to all of your foot and ankle needs.
Hyperhidrosis of the Feet
Hyperhidrosis is a rare disorder that can cause people to have excessive sweating of their feet. This can usually occur all on its own without rigorous activity involved. People who suffer from hyperhidrosis may also experience sweaty palms.
Although it is said that sweating is a healthy process meant to cool down the body temperature and to maintain a proper internal temperature, hyperhidrosis may prove to be a huge hindrance on a person’s everyday life.
Plantar hyperhidrosis is considered to be the main form of hyperhidrosis. Secondary hyperhidrosis can refer to sweating that occurs in areas other than the feet or hands and armpits. Often this may be a sign of it being related to another medical condition such as menopause, hyperthyroidism and even Parkinson’s disease.
In order to alleviate this condition, it is important to see your doctor so that they may prescribe the necessary medications so that you can begin to live a normal life again. If this is left untreated, it is said that it will persist throughout an individual’s life.
A last resort approach would be surgery, but it is best to speak with your doctor to find out what may be the best treatment for you.
If you have any questions please feel free to contact our offices located in Chicago, IL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.
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.
There are 26 bones, several tendons, and ligaments that each foot is composed of. Many people worldwide will experience foot pain at least once during their lifetime. There are many causes of foot pain. It can be related to diabetes, inflammation, or wearing shoes that do not fit correctly. An uncomfortable foot condition known as athlete’s foot can cause itching and redness. A bunion is defined as a bony lump that forms on the side of the big toe. It can be bothersome while wearing shoes and many patients need to purchase larger shoes and socks. Bunions can develop due to genetic reasons or from wearing shoes that do not have adequate room for the toes to move freely in. Patients with an ingrown toenail are often familiar with the pain and discomfort this ailment can cause. In severe cases, there might be a discharge, which may be indicative of an infection. Heel pain that is worse in the morning is usually linked to a condition called plantar fasciitis. If you have any foot pain and would like a proper diagnosis and to begin an effective treatment plan, please schedule an appointment with a podiatrist.
Foot Pain
Foot pain can be extremely painful and debilitating. If you have a foot pain, consult with Dr. Catherine J. Minnick from Illinois. Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.
Causes
Foot pain is a very broad condition that could be caused by one or more ailments. The most common include:
Diagnosis
To figure out the cause of foot pain, podiatrists utilize several different methods. This can range from simple visual inspections and sensation tests to X-rays and MRI scans. Prior medical history, family medical history, and any recent physical traumatic events will all be taken into consideration for a proper diagnosis.
Treatment
Treatment depends upon the cause of the foot pain. Whether it is resting, staying off the foot, or having surgery; podiatrists have a number of treatment options available for foot pain.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our offices located in Chicago, IL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.
If you have trouble flexing or lifting your foot when you walk, you may have a condition known as foot drop. Symptoms include numbness, difficulty walking, or feet and toes that slap the ground when you walk. Foot drop is caused by a pinched nerve and may result from crossing your legs while sitting or wearing a tight bandage, brace, or cast. Foot drop can increase your risk of falling and may cause changes in your gait as well. You may start to march rather than walk as a way of lifting the toes that would otherwise drag behind. Foot drop can be permanent and calls for wearing an ankle brace to hold your foot in position. If you are experiencing symptoms of foot drop, it is suggested that you see a podiatrist who can perform specific tests to determine the severity and prescribe appropriate treatment regimens.
If you have any concerns about your feet, contact Dr. Catherine J. Minnick from Illinois. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.
Biomechanics in Podiatry
Podiatric biomechanics is a particular sector of specialty podiatry with licensed practitioners who are trained to diagnose and treat conditions affecting the foot, ankle and lower leg. Biomechanics deals with the forces that act against the body, causing an interference with the biological structures. It focuses on the movement of the ankle, the foot and the forces that interact with them.
A History of Biomechanics
Modern technological improvements are based on past theories and therapeutic processes that provide a better understanding of podiatric concepts for biomechanics. Computers can provide accurate information about the forces and patterns of the feet and lower legs.
Understanding biomechanics of the feet can help improve and eliminate pain, stopping further stress to the foot.
If you have any questions please feel free to contact our offices located in Chicago, IL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.
