The importance of properly taking care of your child’s feet is crucial in possibly preventing certain foot conditions from developing. Children’s feet may be sweaty for the majority of the day, and it is important to wash and dry them on a daily basis. This may prevent athlete’s foot from occurring. Research has indicated that children's feet may become stronger when they can walk barefoot while indoors. This can be a result of the grasping motion that occurs when the toes touch the floor. Ingrown toenails may be prevented when the toenails are cut frequently and in a straight line. Additionally, when it is time for your child to walk outside, it is helpful to purchase shoes that fit properly. This can be accomplished by measuring your child’s foot to determine the correct shoe size. If you would like more information about how to take care of your child’s feet, it is suggested that you speak with a podiatrist.

The health of a child’s feet is vital to their overall well-being. If you have any questions regarding foot health, contact Bradley Seel, DPM of Arbor - Ypsi Foot & Ankle Centers. 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 Ann Arbor, MI. We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

A small and hard protrusion that forms in the heel of the foot is referred to as a heel spur. They can have different shapes that can include being flat, hooked, or pointy. It begins in the heel, and typically grows toward the arch of the foot. It generally produces pain and discomfort while walking, standing, or running. Some patients experience swelling, and the heel may feel achy for the majority of the day. As the aging process occurs, the heel pads may become thinner, and may fail to provide adequate shock absorption. Calcium deposits may gradually develop, the deposits form bony protrusions, which are heel spurs. Patients who are overweight or walk on hard surfaces could be prone to developing this type of foot condition, in addition to wearing shoes that do not fit correctly. Relief may be felt when the foot is elevated, and it is beneficial to wear shoes that have additional cushioning. If you have developed a heel spur, it is advised that you consult with a podiatrist who can properly treat this condition.

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 Bradley Seel, DPM from Arbor - Ypsi Foot & Ankle Centers. Our doctor 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 office located in Ann Arbor, MI. We offer the latest in diagnostic and treatment technology to meet your needs.

Patients who have severely dry skin on the heels of the feet are prone to a condition that is referred to as cracked heels. It can happen for a variety of reasons, including standing for extended periods of time throughout the day, and wearing shoes that have an open back. Additionally, existing medical conditions such as psoriasis, eczema, and thyroid disorders may play a significant role in the formation of cracked heels. Research has indicated the chances of developing this condition may increase for patients who are obese. Partial relief may be found when the feet are washed and dried thoroughly followed by applying a good moisturizer on and around the affected area. If you have cracked heels, it is suggested that you seek the counsel of a podiatrist who can guide you toward proper treatment options.

If the skin on your feet starts to crack, you may want to see a podiatrist to find treatment. If you have any concerns, contact Bradley Seel, DPM from Arbor - Ypsi Foot & Ankle Centers. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Cracked Heels

It is important to moisturize your cracked heels in order to prevent pain, bleeding, and infection. The reason cracked heels form is because the skin on the foot is too dry to support the immense pressure placed on them. When the foot expands, the dry skin on the foot begins to split.

Ways to Help Heal Them

• Invest in a good foot cream
• Try Using Petroleum Jelly
• Ease up on Soaps
• Drink Plenty of Water

Ways to Prevent Cracked Heels

• Moisturize After Showering
• Skip a Shower
• Keep Shower Water Lukewarm
• Don’t Scrub Your Feet

If you are unsure how to proceed in treating cracked heels, seek guidance from a podiatrist. Your doctor will help you with any questions or information you may need. 

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

You don't have to live with plantar warts. Call us today!