Items filtered by date: January 2024

Children's feet, while seemingly small, play a monumental role in their overall well-being and development. At birth, a baby's foot consists of soft, pliable cartilage that gradually transforms into bone over time. During the early years, proper footwear is vital to accommodate the rapid growth and formation of their delicate arches. It is not uncommon for children's feet to appear flat initially, as arch development continues throughout childhood. Remarkably, a child's foot can grow up to two sizes in a single year, underscoring the need for frequent size checks and footwear updates. Toes may take unexpected twists and turns as kids explore different physical activities and sports. If you are seeking additional information about children’s foot development, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can provide you with the knowledge you are seeking.

The health of a child’s feet is vital to their overall well-being. If you have any questions regarding foot health, contact Tanisha Richmond, DPM of Richmond Foot & Ankle, LLC. 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 Dayton, OH . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Cracked heels (or fissures) often stem from a combination of factors that demand attention and care. One prominent contributor is dry skin, resulting from insufficient moisturization or exposure to harsh weather conditions. Prolonged standing or walking on hard surfaces can also lead to the development of cracked heels, subjecting the skin to excessive pressure. Wearing ill-fitting or open-back footwear may contribute, as these can fail to provide adequate support and lead to calluses, further exacerbating heel fissures. Certain medical conditions, including diabetes or thyroid disorders, may compromise skin health, making individuals more susceptible to cracked heels. Neglecting proper foot hygiene or engaging in excessive hot baths can strip the skin of essential oils, intensifying the risk. Recognizing these common causes of cracked heels empowers individuals to adopt preventative measures. If you have developed cracked heels that have become painful or infected, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist for treatment options and prevention tips.

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 Tanisha Richmond, DPM from Richmond Foot & Ankle, LLC. 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 Dayton, OH . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Cultivating flexibility in the feet is a fundamental, yet often overlooked, aspect of maintaining overall foot health and preventing injuries. Stretching the feet not only enhances their range of motion but also helps in strengthening the muscles and tendons, thereby reducing the risk of injuries. Incorporating regular foot stretches into one's routine can contribute to improved flexibility, aiding the foot's adaptability to various movements. Flexible feet are better equipped to absorb shock and distribute pressure evenly during activities, mitigating the strain on joints and reducing the likelihood of injuries, such as sprains or stress fractures. Stretching exercises also promote better circulation and alleviate muscle tightness, fostering a more resilient foundation for the entire body. For information on foot stretches and how to perform them, it is suggested that you confer with a podiatrist.

Stretching the feet is a great way to prevent injuries. If you have any concerns with your feet consult with Tanisha Richmond, DPM from Richmond Foot & Ankle, LLC. Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

Stretching the Feet

Stretching the muscles in the foot is an important part in any physical activity. Feet that are tight can lead to less flexibility and make you more prone to injury. One of the most common forms of foot pain, plantar fasciitis, can be stretched out to help ease the pain. Stretching can not only ease pain from plantar fasciitis but also prevent it as well. However, it is important to see a podiatrist first if stretching is right for you. Podiatrists can also recommend other ways to stretch your feet. Once you know whether stretching is right for you, here are some excellent stretches you can do.

• Using a foam roller or any cylindrical object (a water bottle or soda can will do), roll the object under your foot back and forth. You should also exert pressure on the object. Be sure to do this to both feet for a minute. Do this exercise three times each.
• Similar to the previous one, take a ball, such as a tennis ball, and roll it under your foot while seated and exert pressure on it.
• Grab a resistance band or towel and take a seat. If you are using a towel, fold it length wise. Next put either one between the ball of your foot and heel and pull with both hands on each side towards you. Hold this for 15 seconds and then switch feet. Do this three times for each foot.
• Finally hold your big toe while crossing one leg over the other. Pull the toe towards you and hold for 15 seconds. Once again do this three times per foot.

It is best to go easy when first stretching your foot and work your way up. If your foot starts hurting, stop exercising and ice and rest the foot. It is advised to then see a podiatrist for help.

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

Foot arch pain is often due to prolonged pressure on the feet. Muscles and tendons that support the arches can become fatigued, leading to discomfort, especially for those with an active lifestyle. The most frequent cause of foot arch pain is plantar fasciitis, marked by damage to the thick band of tissue under the foot. It typically develops from altered foot biomechanics, bone spurs, and muscle tightness. Foot cramps, which affect 25 percent of individuals who are 60 and older, contribute to sudden, intense muscle spasms and arch pain. Tarsal tunnel syndrome, though less common, results from pressure on the tibial nerve, causing inner arch pain, pins and needles, and numbness. Plantar fibromatosis involves small nodules in the plantar fascia, causing a firm lump in the arch and pain with pressure. Posterior tibial tendonitis, often the result of overuse during high-impact activities, leads to pain on the bottom of the foot. Stress fractures, commonly caused by repetitive overloading during high-impact activities, result in sharp arch pain with localized bruising and swelling. Additionally, flat feet, where arches collapse, are linked to foot arch pain as well as knee and back pain. Custom orthotics can alleviate discomfort from foot arch pain. For a solution to foot arch pain, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist.

If you have any concerns about your feet, contact Tanisha Richmond, DPM from Richmond Foot & Ankle, LLC. Our doctor 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 office located in Dayton, OH . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

A diabetic foot ulcer, a grave complication for individuals with diabetes, is a chronic open sore that develops on the feet, typically on the bottom or sides. It arises from a combination of factors intricately linked to the effects of diabetes on the body. Diabetes can lead to neuropathy, causing reduced sensation in the feet and making it challenging to detect injuries or pressure points. Additionally, compromised blood circulation hampers the healing process, increasing the risk of infections and the formation of ulcers. Contributing further, the elevated blood sugar levels associated with diabetes impair the immune system, increasing the risk of infections. Foot ulcers, if left untreated, can escalate into serious complications and be quite painful. Recognizing the effects of diabetic foot ulcers underscores the importance of meticulous foot care in diabetes management. If you have diabetes and have developed a foot ulcer, it is suggested that you are under the care of a podiatrist who can effectively treat this type of wound, and help you to manage this condition.

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 Tanisha Richmond, DPM from Richmond Foot & Ankle, LLC. Our doctor 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 office located in Dayton, OH . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.