Items filtered by date: December 2024

Selecting the right shoes for toddlers is essential for their comfort and foot development. It is important to choose shoes when your toddler begins to walk, as proper footwear can support their growing feet. Look for shoes that provide ample room for the toes to move freely, as tight shoes can hinder natural foot development. Soft, flexible soles are key to allowing the feet to move naturally while providing protection. Ensure the shoes have adequate arch support and cushioning to absorb shock and reduce pressure on the feet. The fit is important, so check the shoes regularly to ensure they are not too tight as your child’s feet grow quickly. Choose lightweight shoes that are easy to put on and take off, helping to foster independence in toddlers while keeping their feet safe and healthy. If your child has a foot condition, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can accurately diagnose the problem, offer effective treatment solutions, as well as educate you on the first shoes for your toddler.

The health of a child’s feet is vital to their overall well-being. If you have any questions regarding foot health, contact Kristopher Jerry, DPM of Podiatry Health Services . 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 offices located in Port St Lucie, Stuart, and Hollywood, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Falling down a flight of stairs can result in serious injuries, including broken ankles, sprains, fractures, or even head and back injuries. The ankle is particularly vulnerable due to its role in balancing and bearing weight. A broken ankle may cause severe pain, swelling, bruising, and difficulty walking. Such injuries can limit mobility and daily function. Preventing stair falls involves simple safety measures such as installing sturdy handrails, keeping stairs well-lit, and removing tripping hazards like loose rugs or clutter. Wearing supportive, slip-resistant footwear also helps reduce risks. A podiatrist can assess the damage using imaging tests like X-rays and recommend appropriate treatment. Depending on the severity, treatment may involve a cast, targeted exercises, or surgery. If you suspect an ankle injury, it is suggested that you seek immediate care from a podiatrist.

Broken ankles need immediate treatment. If you are seeking treatment, contact Kristopher Jerry, DPM from Podiatry Health Services . Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet. 

Broken Ankles
A broken ankle is experienced when a person fractures their tibia or fibula in the lower leg and ankle area. Both of these bones are attached at the bottom of the leg and combine to form what we know to be our ankle.

When a physician is referring to a break of the ankle, he or she is usually referring to a break in the area where the tibia and fibula are joined to create our ankle joint. Ankles are more prone to fractures because the ankle is an area that suffers a lot of pressure and stress. There are some obvious signs when a person experiences a fractured ankle, and the following symptoms may be present.

Symptoms of a Fractured Ankle

• Excessive pain when the area is touched or when any pressure is placed on the ankle
•  Swelling around the area
•  Bruising of the area
• Area appears to be deformed

If you suspect an ankle fracture, it is recommended to seek treatment as soon as possible. The sooner you have your podiatrist diagnose the fracture, the quicker you’ll be on the way towards recovery.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our offices located in Port St Lucie, Stuart, and Hollywood, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Blisters are a common issue for hikers, often caused by pressure, direct friction, and moisture. When shoes rub against the skin repeatedly during a hike, the friction creates heat, which can cause the skin layers to separate and form a blister. This is especially true if the shoes are too tight or not broken in properly. Moisture from sweat or wet conditions also plays a significant role, softening the skin and making it more prone to damage from friction. To prevent blisters, it is important to wear well-fitting shoes that provide enough room in the toe box and good arch support. Choosing moisture-wicking socks and changing them regularly can help keep feet dry. Additionally, applying blister prevention tape or lubricants to hot spots can reduce friction, keeping feet comfortable and blister-free during hikes. Foot blisters can be uncomfortable, causing patients to temporarily cease hiking. They may also become infected, needing prompt medical attention. If this applies to you, it is suggested that you contact a podiatrist who can treat foot blisters, and guide you on additional prevention techniques.

Blisters may appear as a single bubble or in a cluster. They can cause a lot of pain and may be filled with pus, blood, or watery serum. If your feet are hurting, contact Kristopher Jerry, DPM of Podiatry Health Services . Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Foot Blisters

Foot blisters are often the result of friction. This happens due to the constant rubbing from shoes, which can lead to pain.

What Are Foot Blisters?

A foot blister is a small fluid-filled pocket that forms on the upper-most layer of the skin. Blisters are filled with clear fluid and can lead to blood drainage or pus if the area becomes infected.

Symptoms

(Blister symptoms may vary depending on what is causing them)

• Bubble of skin filled with fluid
• Redness
• Moderate to severe pain
• Itching

Prevention & Treatment

In order to prevent blisters, you should be sure to wear comfortable shoes with socks that cushion your feet and absorb sweat. Breaking a blister open may increase your chances of developing an infection. However, if your blister breaks, you should wash the area with soap and water immediately and then apply a bandage to the affected area. If your blisters cause severe pain it is important that you call your podiatrist right away.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our offices located in Port St Lucie, Stuart, and Hollywood, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Pointe shoes are essential for many ballet dancers, allowing them to perform on the tips of their toes, creating an ethereal, floating appearance. However, wearing pointe shoes can complicate the biomechanics of ballet. These shoes shift the body’s natural alignment, often altering the way dancers move and place weight on their feet. The rigid structure of the shoe prevents the foot from flexing and distributing force evenly across the foot and ankle, leading to increased pressure on the toes and forefoot. Over time, this unnatural positioning can lead to imbalances, pain, and even injury. Furthermore, the added strain on the feet and lower limbs can cause overuse injuries in muscles, tendons, and joints. If you have developed foot pain from ballet dancing on pointe, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can offer effective treatment solutions.

If you have any concerns about your feet, contact Kristopher Jerry, DPM from Podiatry Health Services . 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

• Biomechanics dates back to the BC era in Egypt where evidence of professional foot care has been recorded.
• In 1974, biomechanics gained a higher profile from the studies of Merton Root, who claimed that by changing or controlling the forces between the ankle and the foot, corrections or conditions could be implemented to gain strength and coordination in the area.

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 Port St Lucie, Stuart, and Hollywood, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

FSH muscular dystrophy, or facioscapulohumeral muscular dystrophy, is a genetic disorder that primarily weakens the muscles of the face, shoulders, and upper arms. Over time, it can also affect muscles in the feet, legs, abdomen, and hips. Symptoms often begin in adolescence or early adulthood, with progression and severity varying widely between individuals. Muscle weakness in FSH muscular dystrophy results from the gradual breakdown of muscle tissue, affecting mobility and balance. While there is no cure, treatments like custom orthotics can significantly improve function, reduce symptoms, and enhance quality of life. Many people with muscular dystrophy worry that orthotics might signal disability or be uncomfortable. This is a myth. Orthotics can support weakened muscles, reduce pain, enhance balance, and prevent falls. If you have a condition like FSH muscular dystrophy that affects strength and balance, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist to discuss customized orthotics for your specific needs.

If you are having discomfort in your feet and would like to try orthotics, contact Kristopher Jerry, DPM from Podiatry Health Services . Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

What Are Orthotics?

Orthotics are inserts you can place into your shoes to help with a variety of foot problems such as flat feet or foot pain. Orthotics provide relief and comfort for minor foot and heel pain but can’t correct serious biomechanical problems in your feet.

Over-the-Counter Inserts

Orthotics come in a wide variety of over-the-counter inserts that are used to treat foot pain, heel pain, and minor problems. For example, arch supports can be inserted into your shoes to help correct overarched or flat feet, while gel insoles are often used because they provide comfort and relief from foot and heel pain by alleviating pressure.

Prescription Orthotics

If over-the-counter inserts don’t work for you or if you have a more severe foot concern, it is possible to have your podiatrist prescribe custom orthotics. These high-quality inserts are designed to treat problems such as abnormal motion, plantar fasciitis, and severe forms of heel pain. They can even be used to help patients suffering from diabetes by treating foot ulcers and painful calluses and are usually molded to your feet individually, which allows them to provide full support and comfort.

If you are experiencing minor to severe foot or heel pain, it’s recommended to speak with your podiatrist about the possibilities of using orthotics. A podiatrist can determine which type of orthotic is right for you and allow you to take the first steps towards being pain-free.

If you have any questions please contact our offices located in Port St Lucie, Stuart, and Hollywood, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.