Items filtered by date: February 2019

A child is generally born with flat feet, and the arches will fully develop by the age of eighteen. In the early months, there are fat pads on the soles of the feet, which make the feet soft and supple. The arch will begin to form as the child learns to walk, and the foot becomes stronger to accommodate the weight of the body. It is beneficial if the child walks barefoot indoors, and this may help to strengthen the muscles and tendons in the feet. Additionally, the toes become stronger as the grasping action occurs. Research has indicated that a child’s foot grows rapidly in the first five years, and should be properly measured every few months. When shoes are purchased, they should have adequate room for the toes to move freely, and proper support is important for maintaining the stability that is needed for walking. If you would like additional information about children’s foot health, it is advised to speak to a podiatrist who can answer any questions you may have.

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.

Morton’s neuroma is a result of an inflamed nerve in the ball of the foot that causes pain, swelling, numbness, tingling, and sometimes burning. There are many treatment options for Morton’s neuroma, and they vary depending on the severity of the condition. The simplest option is RICE, which stands for rest, ice, compression, and elevation. This option is only useful in the very beginning stages of the neuroma and before it has become severe. Padding and orthotics can also be used to cushion and align the ball of the foot. Anti-inflammatory medications can be used as a form of pain relief, but they will not solve the problem. These are the easiest fixes for Morton’s neuroma and are only relevant for cases that are not too severe. In more extreme cases, injection therapy or surgery might be necessary. If you think you may have Morton’s neuroma, then it is strongly recommended you speak with a podiatrist about the right treatment options for you.

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.

If you are a diabetic patient, it is important to know how to properly care for your feet. It is important to notice if there are any cuts or scrapes, and this may be beneficial in avoiding infections. Many diabetic patients suffer from neuropathy, and this is the inability to feel any sores that may be present on the feet. There are measures that can be implemented to care for diabetic feet, and these may include washing and drying the feet daily, especially between the toes. Additionally, it may be helpful to avoid going barefoot, and to refrain from cutting the toenails. This is typically done by a podiatrist, who is practiced in trimming the toenails correctly. Additionally, wearing shoes that fit properly and wearing socks that are not too tight may be beneficial in helping to care for diabetic feet. If you are diabetic, it is advised that you speak to a podiatrist as quickly as possible who can guide you in how to properly take care of your feet.

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

If you are suffering from a sharp pain stemming from your heel, then you may have a heel spur. A heel spur is a calcium deposit that causes a hard protrusion underneath your heel bone. Oftentimes, they are linked to plantar fasciitis, which causes inflammation along the connective tissue between the heel bone and the ball of the foot. In an attempt to protect the heel’s surrounding tissues, cells migrate to the area and start depositing calcium. This build-up of calcium usually takes many months to fully form and is only visible by an X-ray. The heel spur only becomes painful, when it spreads into the surrounding tissues. For the most part, heel spurs do not exhibit any symptoms and do not cause any pain. This is due to the fact that the deposits of calcium are put there by the body’s bone-forming mechanisms, so they are smooth and flat. If you think you may have a heel spur or would like any additional information about them, then it is suggested that you speak with a podiatrist.

Heel spurs can be incredibly painful and sometimes may make you unable to participate in physical activities. To get medical care for your heel spurs, contact Dr. Harry I. Zirna from Lockport Foot Care, PLLC. Dr. Zirna will do everything possible to treat your condition.

Heels Spurs

Heel spurs are formed by calcium deposits on the back of the foot where the heel is. This can also be caused by small fragments of bone breaking off one section of the foot, attaching onto the back of the foot. Heel spurs can also be bone growth on the back of the foot and may grow in the direction of the arch of the foot.

Older individuals usually suffer from heel spurs and pain sometimes intensifies with age. One of the main condition's spurs are related to is plantar fasciitis.

Pain

The pain associated with spurs is often because of weight placed on the feet. When someone is walking, their entire weight is concentrated on the feet. Bone spurs then have the tendency to affect other bones and tissues around the foot. As the pain continues, the feet will become tender and sensitive over time.

Treatments

There are many ways to treat heel spurs. If one is suffering from heel spurs in conjunction with pain, there are several methods for healing. Medication, surgery, and herbal care are some options.

If you have any questions feel free to contact our offices located in Lockport, NY . We offer the latest in diagnostic and treatment technology to meet your needs.