October 2023

The most essential aspect of children's foot health is ensuring proper growth and development. As children grow, their feet are vulnerable to various deformities and conditions due to the flexibility of the bones and the rapid rate of growth. Proper footwear, timely detection of abnormalities, and addressing any concerns early on are paramount. Wearing ill-fitting shoes, neglecting foot-related symptoms, or overlooking structural abnormalities can lead to long-term issues affecting their gait, posture, and overall musculoskeletal health. As your child grows, it is suggested that you schedule regular checkups with a podiatrist as their feet are the foundation of their overall health, mobility, and well-being as they mature.

The health of a child’s feet is vital to their overall well-being. If you have any questions regarding foot health, contact Dr. Steven Schwartz of Pennsylvania. 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 Chambersburg, and Mcconnellsburg, PA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Gout is a painful form of inflammatory arthritis that can affect various joints in the body, usually the big toe. When it strikes the ankle, it's referred to as ankle gout. This condition can be identified by sudden and intense pain, swelling, and redness in the affected joint. The root cause of gout in the ankle is a buildup of uric acid. This waste product is produced during the breakdown of purines, which are found in certain foods, like red meat and seafood. Normally, your body transports uric acid to the kidneys for elimination in urine. But if not properly flushed out, excessive uric acid remains in the bloodstream, termed hyperuricemia. Eventually, uric acid crystals can accumulate in certain joints, including the ankle joint, and cause the classic symptoms of pain, swelling, and redness. Gout flares usually peak within 12 to 24 hours of onset and gradually improve over one to two weeks, with or without treatment. Some individuals may experience only one gout flare in their lifetime, while others suffer from recurring flares. In cases of recurring gout flares, symptoms can become more severe and prolonged, potentially leading to joint damage. If you suspect you have ankle gout, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist for a proper diagnosis and more advanced treatment options.

Gout is a foot condition that requires certain treatment and care. If you are seeking treatment, contact Dr. Steven Schwartz from Pennsylvania. Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.

What Is Gout?

Gout is a type of arthritis caused by a buildup of uric acid in the bloodstream. It often develops in the foot, especially the big toe area, although it can manifest in other parts of the body as well. Gout can make walking and standing very painful and is especially common in diabetics and the obese.

People typically get gout because of a poor diet. Genetic predisposition is also a factor. The children of parents who have had gout frequently have a chance of developing it themselves.

Gout can easily be identified by redness and inflammation of the big toe and the surrounding areas of the foot. Other symptoms include extreme fatigue, joint pain, and running high fevers. Sometimes corticosteroid drugs can be prescribed to treat gout, but the best way to combat this disease is to get more exercise and eat a better diet.

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

Diabetic foot complications can be debilitating, but choosing the appropriate footwear can help to manage the symptoms. Diabetic shoes are specially designed with extra depth and a roomy toe box to accommodate custom orthotics or insoles. These shoes are typically made from soft, breathable materials to minimize friction and pressure points, as well as reduce the risk of blisters, calluses, and ulcers. Diabetic shoes often feature seamless interiors and come with supportive arches and cushioned insoles for added comfort. Custom orthotics, prescribed by a podiatrist, are designed to provide personalized support for your unique foot structure and gait. These can be placed inside your regular shoes or diabetic shoes, offering stability, shock absorption, and pressure relief where needed. Extra-wide shoes are a good choice, as they offer ample room for the feet without causing pressure or constriction. Shoes with adjustable closures, such as Velcro straps or laces, can provide a secure fit without excessive tightness. Many people choose to wear diabetic socks, which are generally made from moisture-wicking materials to keep your feet dry and comfortable. They typically have seamless construction to minimize friction and reduce the risk of blisters and ulcers. If you have foot conditions caused by diabetes, it is suggested that you are under the care of a podiatrist who can monitor and manage any problems that may occur.

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. Steven Schwartz from Pennsylvania. 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 offices located in Chambersburg, and Mcconnellsburg, PA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Heel pain in children should never be casually dismissed, as it could be a potential sign of a condition known as Sever's disease. It is common among active youngsters and adolescents, especially those involved in sports. Sever's disease, medically known as calcaneal apophysitis, involves the growth plate within the heel bone and typically emerges in children aged between 8 and 15 years old. Repeated stress placed on the heel due to activities such as running, jumping, and participation in various sports can trigger this ailment. It is characterized by irritation and inflammation in the heel that results in pain. If your child experiences such pain during or after physical activities, or if you observe them limping or favoring tiptoe walking, it may indicate Sever’s disease. Swelling and tenderness in the heel area may also accompany these symptoms. Treatment involves a combination of rest, gentle stretching exercises, and, in some cases, the use of orthotics or specialized shoe inserts. Ignoring heel pain in children can lead to more severe complications or long-term discomfort. For an evaluation, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist. 

Sever's disease often occurs in children and teens. If your child is experiencing foot or ankle pain, see Dr. Steven Schwartz from Pennsylvania. Our doctor can treat your child’s foot and ankle needs.

Sever’s Disease

Sever’s disease is also known as calcaneal apophysitis, which is a medical condition that causes heel pain I none or both feet. The disease is known to affect children between the ages of 8 and 14.

Sever’s disease occurs when part of the child’s heel known as the growth plate (calcaneal epiphysis) is attached to the Achilles tendon. This area can suffer injury when the muscles and tendons of the growing foot do not keep pace with bone growth. Therefore, the constant pain which one experiences at the back of the heel will make the child unable to put any weight on the heel. The child is then forced to walk on their toes.

Symptoms

Acute pain – Pain associated with Sever’s disease is usually felt in the heel when the child engages in physical activity such as walking, jumping and or running.

Highly active – Children who are very active are among the most susceptible in experiencing Sever’s disease, because of the stress and tension placed on their feet.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our offices located in Chambersburg, and Mcconnellsburg, PA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle injuries.

Clubfoot is a congenital foot deformity that affects thousands of newborns worldwide. This condition is characterized by an abnormal positioning of the foot, where it turns inward and downward, making it appear like the sole is turned upward. While the exact cause of clubfoot is still not entirely understood, it is believed to result from a combination of genetic and environmental factors during fetal development. Typically, clubfoot can be detected shortly after birth. Early diagnosis and intervention are essential for effective treatment. The goal of treatment is to correct the foot's positioning and allow for normal growth and development. This often involves a series of gentle manipulations, casting, and sometimes minor surgery. With early and appropriate medical care, most children born with clubfoot can lead normal, active lives. Regular follow-ups may be necessary to monitor the foot's growth and function, but the prognosis for those with clubfoot is generally positive. The key is prompt identification and intervention to ensure a healthy and active future for affected children. If your child has been born with clubfoot, it is strongly suggested that you are under the care of a podiatrist who can begin the necessary treatment methods.

Congenital foot problems require immediate attention to avoid future complications. If you have any concerns, contact Dr. Steven Schwartz of Pennsylvania. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Congenital foot problems are deformities affecting the feet, toes, and/or ankles that children are born with. Some of these conditions have a genetic cause while others just happen. Some specific foot ailments that children may be born with include clubfeet, polydactyly/macrodactyly, and cleft foot. There are several other foot anomalies that can occur congenitally. What all of these conditions have in common is that a child may experience difficulty walking or performing everyday activities, as well as trouble finding footwear that fits their foot deformity. Some of these conditions are more serious than others. Consulting with a podiatrist as early as possible will help in properly diagnosing a child’s foot condition while getting the necessary treatment underway.

What are Causes of Congenital Foot Problem?

A congenital foot problem is one that happens to a child at birth. These conditions can be caused by a genetic predisposition, developmental or positional abnormalities during gestation, or with no known cause.

What are Symptoms of Congenital Foot Problems?

Symptoms vary by the congenital condition. Symptoms may consist of the following:

• Clubfoot, where tendons are shortened, bones are shaped differently, and the Achilles tendon is tight, causing the foot to point in and down. It is also possible for the soles of the feet to face each other.
• Polydactyly, which usually consists of a nubbin or small lump of tissue without a bone, a toe that is partially formed but has no joints, or an extra toe.
• Vertical talus, where the talus bone forms in the wrong position causing other bones in the foot to line up improperly, the front of the foot to point up, and the bottom of the foot to stiffen, with no arch, and to curve out.
• Tarsal coalition, when there is an abnormal connection of two or more bones in the foot leading to severe, rigid flatfoot.
• Cleft foot, where there are missing toes, a V-shaped cleft, and other anatomical differences.
• Macrodactyly, when the toes are abnormally large due to overgrowth of the underlying bone or soft tissue.

Treatment and Prevention

While there is nothing one can do to prevent congenital foot problems, raising awareness and receiving neonatal screenings are important. Early detection by taking your child to a podiatrist leads to the best outcome possible.

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