Walking on tiptoes is a common behavior in young children, but if it persists, it may indicate underlying issues that require attention. For children who continue to walk on tiptoes, a combination of stretching and strengthening exercises can help address the condition. Stretching the calf muscles and Achilles tendon is particularly important, as tightness in these areas often contributes to tiptoe walking. Simple calf stretches, such as having the child stand with their feet flat and gently leaning forward, can improve flexibility. Strengthening exercises like toe raises or walking with heels down can help build the muscles necessary for proper walking form. It is also essential to encourage activities that promote balance and coordination, such as barefoot walking on different surfaces. Additionally, wearing shoes that offer adequate support and avoiding flat shoes can help reduce the tendency to walk on tiptoes. If your child’s tiptoe walking continues, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can offer additional advice.

The health of a child’s feet is vital to their overall well-being. If you have any questions regarding foot health, contact one of our podiatrists of Lakeside Foot and Ankle Center. Our practitioners 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 Leesburg and The Villages, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Nerve pain on the top of the foot is often caused by pressure or irritation from tight shoes or laces. This pressure can compress nerves, leading to pain, numbness, or tingling that may spread to the toes. Activities that involve repetitive movement, such as running or dancing, can worsen the problem, especially when combined with foot mechanics or wearing improper footwear. Bony growths or inflammation can also contribute to nerve pain on top of the foot, also referred to as vamp disease, by pressing against nearby tissues. A podiatrist can identify the root cause of this discomfort through a detailed examination and imaging, if needed. Treatments focus on relieving pressure on the nerves, which may include changes in footwear or adjustments to how shoes are laced. For more persistent cases, it is suggested that you contact a podiatrist who may recommend surgery to remove bony growths or reduce nerve compression. 

Neuropathy

Neuropathy can be a potentially serious condition, especially if it is left undiagnosed. If you have any concerns that you may be experiencing nerve loss in your feet, consult with one of our podiatrists from Lakeside Foot and Ankle Center. Our practitioners will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment for neuropathy.

What Is Neuropathy?

Neuropathy is a condition that leads to damage to the nerves in the body. Peripheral neuropathy, or neuropathy that affects your peripheral nervous system, usually occurs in the feet. Neuropathy can be triggered by a number of different causes. Such causes include diabetes, infections, cancers, disorders, and toxic substances.

Symptoms of Neuropathy Include:

• Numbness
• Sensation loss
• Prickling and tingling sensations
• Throbbing, freezing, burning pains
• Muscle weakness

Those with diabetes are at serious risk due to being unable to feel an ulcer on their feet. Diabetics usually also suffer from poor blood circulation. This can lead to the wound not healing, infections occurring, and the limb may have to be amputated.

Treatment

To treat neuropathy in the foot, podiatrists will first diagnose the cause of the neuropathy. Figuring out the underlying cause of the neuropathy will allow the podiatrist to prescribe the best treatment, whether it be caused by diabetes, toxic substance exposure, infection, etc. If the nerve has not died, then it’s possible that sensation may be able to return to the foot.

Pain medication may be issued for pain. Electrical nerve stimulation can be used to stimulate nerves. If the neuropathy is caused from pressure on the nerves, then surgery may be necessary.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our offices located in Leesburg and The Villages, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

A cut on the bottom of the foot can be painful and requires prompt treatment to prevent infection and promote healing. First, a podiatrist will clean the wound gently with mild soap and water to remove dirt and debris, followed by patting the area dry with a clean towel. If the cut is deep or bleeding heavily,  gentle pressure is applied with a clean cloth or bandage to stop the bleeding. Once the bleeding is controlled, an antiseptic ointment is applied to prevent infection. The cut is covered with a sterile bandage or dressing, ensuring it is not too tight. It is beneficial to keep the foot elevated to reduce swelling and avoid putting weight on it to prevent further injury. It is wise to change the bandage regularly and monitor the wound for signs of infection, such as increased redness, swelling, or pus. If you have a cut on your foot, it is strongly suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can offer effective treatment solutions.

Wound care is an important part in dealing with diabetes. If you have diabetes and a foot wound or would like more information about wound care for diabetics, consult with one of our podiatrists from Lakeside Foot and Ankle Center. Our practitioners will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

What Is Wound Care?

Wound care is the practice of taking proper care of a wound. This can range from the smallest to the largest of wounds. While everyone can benefit from proper wound care, it is much more important for diabetics. Diabetics often suffer from poor blood circulation which causes wounds to heal much slower than they would in a non-diabetic. 

What Is the Importance of Wound Care?

While it may not seem apparent with small ulcers on the foot, for diabetics, any size ulcer can become infected. Diabetics often also suffer from neuropathy, or nerve loss. This means they might not even feel when they have an ulcer on their foot. If the wound becomes severely infected, amputation may be necessary. Therefore, it is of the upmost importance to properly care for any and all foot wounds.

How to Care for Wounds

The best way to care for foot wounds is to prevent them. For diabetics, this means daily inspections of the feet for any signs of abnormalities or ulcers. It is also recommended to see a podiatrist several times a year for a foot inspection. If you do have an ulcer, run the wound under water to clear dirt from the wound; then apply antibiotic ointment to the wound and cover with a bandage. Bandages should be changed daily and keeping pressure off the wound is smart. It is advised to see a podiatrist, who can keep an eye on it.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our offices located in Leesburg and The Villages, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Foot drop, also known as drop foot, is a condition where lifting the front part of the foot becomes difficult, causing it to drag while walking. It results from weakness or paralysis of the muscles that lift the foot, often due to nerve damage, muscle disorders, or brain and spinal cord conditions like stroke or multiple sclerosis. Common causes include peroneal nerve injury, herniated discs, diabetes, or neurological disorders. Anyone can develop foot drop, but it is more likely in those with conditions affecting the nerves or muscles. Symptoms include dragging the toes, difficulty walking, and a steppage gait, where the knee lifts higher than usual. Diagnosis involves a physical exam, imaging like an MRI scan, and nerve conduction studies. Treatments may include braces, targeted exercises, or surgery in severe cases. If you have this uncomfortable condition, it is strongly suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can offer a personalized approach to manage foot drop effectively.

Foot Pain

Foot pain can be extremely painful and debilitating. If you have a foot pain, consult with one of our podiatrists from Lakeside Foot and Ankle Center. Our practitioners 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:

• Bunions
• Hammertoes
• Plantar Fasciitis
• Bone Spurs
• Corns
• Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome
• Ingrown Toenails
• Arthritis (such as Gout, Rheumatoid, and Osteoarthritis)
• Flat Feet
• Injury (from stress fractures, broken toe, foot, ankle, Achilles tendon ruptures, and sprains)
• And more

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 Leesburg and The Villages, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Pickleball’s fast-paced nature and quick movements place significant physical demands on your body, making post-game recovery essential. After playing, a proper cool-down routine helps prevent stiffness and soreness. Light stretches targeting your calves, hamstrings, and ankles can improve flexibility and reduce muscle tension. A short, easy walk also aids circulation, helping your body recover more efficiently. Staying hydrated is critical, as sweating during gameplay can lead to fluid loss that affects muscle function and recovery. Allow your body time to rest, giving overworked muscles a chance to repair and rebuild. Persistent foot or ankle pain should never be ignored. If you are experiencing this, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist and address any foot or ankle injuries promptly.

If you have any concerns about your feet, contact one of our podiatrists from Lakeside Foot and Ankle Center. Our practitioners 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 Leesburg and The Villages, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.