A tiny crack in the bone is known as a stress fracture. It generally develops as a result of repetitive pressure that can come from participating in running and jumping activities. If you see your child limping or choosing not to take part in these types of activities, this may indicate a stress fracture. Some of the symptoms typically associated with this condition include swelling, pain, and tenderness when touched. Some children may endure this type of fracture from nutritional deficiencies or fragile bones. It is suggested that the activity that caused the stress fracture be temporarily stopped, which gives the foot a chance to heal. Additionally, many children wear a boot or cast, which can be helpful in providing stability as the healing process occurs. If you think your child has developed a stress fracture, it is strongly suggested that you speak with a podiatrist as quickly as possible to discuss correct treatment options with you.
Activities where too much pressure is put on the feet can cause stress fractures. To learn more, contact Genine Befumo, DPM from University Foot and Ankle Center, L.L.C. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep your pain free and on your feet.
Dealing with Stress Fractures of the Foot and Ankle
Stress fractures occur in the foot and ankle when muscles in these areas weaken from too much or too little use. The feet and ankles then lose support when walking or running from the impact of the ground. Since there is no protection, the bones receive the full impact of each step. Stress on the feet can cause cracks to form in the bones, thus creating stress fractures.
What Are Stress Fractures?
Stress fractures occur frequently in individuals whose daily activities cause great impact on the feet and ankles. Stress factors are most common among:
Runners
People affected with Osteoporosis
Tennis or basketball players
Gymnasts
High impact workouts
Symptoms
Pain from the fractures occur in the area of the fractures and can be constant or intermittent. It will often cause sharp or dull pain with swelling and tenderness. Engaging in any kind of activity which involves high impact will aggravate pain.
If you have any questions please feel free to contact our office located in Monroe Township, NJ. We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.
It may be difficult for you to know if your child is having heel pain because it is not often associated with children. However, certain conditions that cause heel pain can afflict the young, even if they do not know how to properly communicate their distress. Sever’s disease, for instance, is a form of heel pain that stems from irritation to the growth plate in the heels of growing children. Children can also develop plantar fasciitis from overuse of the heel or wearing shoes that do not fit. This condition is a painful inflammation of the plantar fascia tissue that connects to the heel to the toes. Active children can also develop tiny stress fractures of the heel bone which can occur gradually over time and be quite painful. There are certain clues your child’s condition may provide if you know what to look for. If your child limps or changes the way they walk or run, cuts back on physical activities, complains that their feet or heels feel odd or stiff, or that something is stuck in their shoe, they may have a painful heel condition. It is suggested that you make an appointment for your child with a podiatrist to have your child’s condition diagnosed and treated properly.
The health of a child’s feet is vital to their overall well-being. If you have any questions regarding foot health, contact Genine Befumo, DPM of University Foot and Ankle Center, L.L.C. 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 office located in Monroe Township, NJ. We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.
Athlete’s foot is a common foot condition that is known to be contagious. It is caused by a fungus and lives in environments that are warm and moist. When the feet become damp, this can be an ideal place for this type of fungus to grow and thrive. Additional areas include shower room floors, locker rooms, and public swimming pools. The symptoms consist of red skin and itchiness between the toes and on the bottom of the feet, and the skin can begin to crack. In severe cases, small blisters that are filled with pus may develop. There are over-the-counter treatments that may be helpful in treating mild cases of athlete’s foot. If there is little or no improvement, it is strongly suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist who can prescribe the correct medication for you.
Athlete’s Foot
Athlete’s foot is often an uncomfortable condition to experience. Thankfully, podiatrists specialize in treating athlete’s foot and offer the best treatment options. If you have any questions about athlete’s foot, consult with Genine Befumo, DPM from University Foot and Ankle Center, L.L.C. Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality treatment.
What Is Athlete’s Foot?
Tinea pedis, more commonly known as athlete’s foot, is a non-serious and common fungal infection of the foot. Athlete’s foot is contagious and can be contracted by touching someone who has it or infected surfaces. The most common places contaminated by it are public showers, locker rooms, and swimming pools. Once contracted, it grows on feet that are left inside moist, dark, and warm shoes and socks.
Prevention
The most effective ways to prevent athlete’s foot include:
Thoroughly washing and drying feet
Avoid going barefoot in locker rooms and public showers
Using shower shoes in public showers
Wearing socks that allow the feet to breathe
Changing socks and shoes frequently if you sweat a lot
Symptoms
Athlete’s foot initially occurs as a rash between the toes. However, if left undiagnosed, it can spread to the sides and bottom of the feet, toenails, and if touched by hand, the hands themselves. Symptoms include:
Redness
Burning
Itching
Scaly and peeling skin
Diagnosis and Treatment
Diagnosis is quick and easy. Skin samples will be taken and either viewed under a microscope or sent to a lab for testing. Sometimes, a podiatrist can diagnose it based on simply looking at it. Once confirmed, treatment options include oral and topical antifungal medications.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in Monroe Township, NJ. We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.
Just as we need to keep our cardiovascular system and our overall body in shape, it is a good idea to exercise the feet. Be careful not to overstretch, not to overdo it in the beginning and to build up the repetitions gradually. Here are a few simple exercises that can help to keep your feet, toes, and ankles in shape. Achilles tendon and plantar fasciitis stretch: Sitting on the floor with a straight back and your legs extended in front of you, loop a towel around the ball of your right foot and pull it toward you. Try to keep your knees straight and hold for 30 seconds. Repeat three times on each leg. Simple plantar fascia stretch: Sit on a straight chair with one foot crossed on top of the opposite knee. Hold the ball of the foot and gently stretch it toward your leg. Hold for 15-20 seconds. Do this 3 times and repeat on the other foot. Ankle range of motion: From a sitting or reclining position, bend your ankle toward your body as far as you can, and then point your foot in the opposite direction, 10 times. Repeat on the opposite foot. If you have any toe, foot, or ankle pain that seems out of the ordinary, it is a good idea to see a podiatrist for a complete exam.
Everyday foot care is very important to prevent infection and other foot ailments. If you need your feet checked, contact Genine Befumo, DPM from University Foot and Ankle Center, L.L.C. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.
Everyday Foot Care
Often, people take care of their bodies, face and hair more so than they do for their feet. But the feet are a very important aspect of our bodies, and one that we should pay more attention to. Without our feet, we would not be able to perform most daily tasks.
It is best to check your feet regularly to make sure there are no new bruises or cuts that you may not have noticed before. For dry feet, moisturizer can easily be a remedy and can be applied as often as necessary to the affected areas. Wearing shoes that fit well can also help you maintain good foot health, as well as making it easier to walk and do daily activities without the stress or pain of ill-fitting shoes, high heels, or even flip flops. Wearing clean socks with closed shoes is important to ensure that sweat and bacteria do not accumulate within the shoe. Clean socks help to prevent Athlete’s foot, fungi problems, bad odors, and can absorb sweat.
If you have any questions please feel free to contact our office located in Monroe Township, NJ. We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.
Theme - Default
