Items filtered by date: February 2020

Children are often born with flat feet, as well as with generally more flexible feet. It can be beneficial to have them walk barefoot while indoors, as this can help to strengthen their feet. The feet may become stronger when the toes grasp the floor, which can be easily accomplished when shoes are not worn. Ideally, your child’s feet should be measured approximately every three months for the first few years, and every six months for children that are over the age of five. The arch will normally fully develop as walking and running are practiced. If this ceases to occur, this may indicate an underlying foot or bone structure condition. Additionally, if your child walks on their toes, or with their toes pointed inward or outward, it is strongly suggested that you seek the counsel of a podiatrist who can properly diagnose existing abnormal conditions.

Making sure that your children maintain good foot health is very important as they grow. If you have any questions, contact Dr. Harry I. Zirna of Lockport Foot Care, PLLC. Dr. Zirna 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 Lockport, NY . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

A bony protrusion on the bottom of the big toe may be diagnosed as a bunion. It can occur as a result of genetic factors, or from wearing shoes that do not have adequate room for the toes to move freely in. The medical term for this condition is known as hallux valgus, and it can force the big toe to bend to the side. Some of the symptoms that are often associated with this condition can consist of pain, swelling on or around the affected toe, and arthritis may gradually develop. Moderate relief may be found if a padded bandage is worn over the bunion. This may help to protect it from rubbing against the side of the shoe, and it may be beneficial to refrain from wearing shoes that have a pointed toe area. If you feel you have developed a bunion, it is advised that you speak with a podiatrist who can properly treat this condition.

If you are suffering from bunion pain, contact Dr. Harry I. Zirna of Lockport Foot Care, PLLC. Dr. Zirna can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

What Is a Bunion?

Bunions are painful bony bumps that usually develop on the inside of the foot at the joint of the big toe. As the deformity increases over time, it may become painful to walk and wear shoes. Women are more likely to exacerbate existing bunions since they often wear tight, narrow shoes that shift their toes together. Bunion pain can be relieved by wearing wider shoes with enough room for the toes.

Causes

• Genetics – some people inherit feet that are more prone to bunion development
• Inflammatory Conditions - rheumatoid arthritis and polio may cause bunion development

Symptoms

• Redness and inflammation
• Pain and tenderness
• Callus or corns on the bump
• Restricted motion in the big toe

In order to diagnose your bunion, your podiatrist may ask about your medical history, symptoms, and general health. Your doctor might also order an x-ray to take a closer look at your feet. Nonsurgical treatment options include orthotics, padding, icing, changes in footwear, and medication. If nonsurgical treatments don’t alleviate your bunion pain, surgery may be necessary.

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

Pain that occurs between the third and fourth toes may be indicative of a condition that is known as Morton’s neuroma. This condition may develop due to swollen nerve tissue that grows between the toes, often causing severe pain and discomfort. Pain can also be felt in the ball of the foot, which may cause difficulty in walking. Some of the symptoms that patients can experience may consist of a tingling, burning, or numbing sensation, especially in the toes. Moderate relief may be found when proper shoes are worn and specific exercises are done to strengthen the feet. In severe cases, surgery may be necessary to permanently correct this ailment. If you are afflicted with Morton’s neuroma, it is suggested that you schedule a consultation with a podiatrist for professional care and treatment.

Morton’s neuroma is a very uncomfortable condition to live with. If you think you have Morton’s neuroma, contact Dr. Harry I. Zirna of Lockport Foot Care, PLLC. Dr. Zirna will attend to all of your foot care needs and answer any of your related questions.  

Morton’s Neuroma

Morton's neuroma is a painful foot condition that commonly affects the areas between the second and third or third and fourth toe, although other areas of the foot are also susceptible. Morton’s neuroma is caused by an inflamed nerve in the foot that is being squeezed and aggravated by surrounding bones.

What Increases the Chances of Having Morton’s Neuroma?

• Ill-fitting high heels or shoes that add pressure to the toe or foot
• Jogging, running or any sport that involves constant impact to the foot
• Flat feet, bunions, and any other foot deformities

Morton’s neuroma is a very treatable condition. Orthotics and shoe inserts can often be used to alleviate the pain on the forefront of the feet. In more severe cases, corticosteroids can also be prescribed. In order to figure out the best treatment for your neuroma, it’s recommended to seek the care of a podiatrist who can diagnose your condition and provide different treatment options.

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

A common cause for blisters to develop on the feet is excessive friction. This may come from wearing shoes that do not fit correctly, which may cause pain and discomfort. Consistent rubbing against the skin can cause the top layer of the skin to become damaged, creating a small pocket of fluid to form over it. This is the body’s natural method of healing the affected area. Additional reasons why blisters may form can occur as a result of standing for the majority of the day, or medical conditions that may include eczema and herpes. Some patients may have an allergic reaction to an insect bite which may also result in the development of a blister. It can help to cover the blister with an elastic bandage as daily activities are completed. The blister will gradually drain as new skin forms, and then the bandage can be removed. If you have a blister that is uncomfortable, please consult with a podiatrist who can help you find the remedy that is right for you.

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 Dr. Harry I. Zirna of Lockport Foot Care, PLLC. Dr. Zirna 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 Lockport, NY . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.