A baby’s first steps are an exciting part of growth, and the right shoes can help support healthy foot development. Before children begin walking, spending time barefoot helps strengthen the feet and improve balance. Once walking begins, shoes should protect the feet while still allowing natural movement. Good walking shoes include flexible soles, lightweight materials, and non-slip bottoms to help improve stability. Shoes should fit securely without being too tight or too loose. Shoes that are too large can cause tripping and affect walking patterns, while tight shoes can place pressure on growing feet and toenails. Many parents choose shoes with Velcro straps because they are easy to fasten and remove. A podiatrist can examine your child’s feet, check walking patterns, and recommend shoes that match your child’s stage of development. If your child is starting to walk, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist for guidance on footwear choices that promote foot health.

Making sure that your children maintain good foot health is very important as they grow. If you have any questions, contact Vrunda Dalal, DPM of Sole Focus Foot and Ankle. our doctor 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 office located in Marlton, NJ . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Wearing the wrong size shoes can lead to several painful foot conditions that develop over time. Blisters are small fluid-filled pockets that form from friction when shoes rub against the skin. Bunions appear as a bony bump at the base of the big toe, often caused by tight footwear that pushes the toe out of place. Additionally, hammertoes occur when the smaller toes bend unnaturally due to crowding inside the shoe. These problems may start with mild discomfort, but can worsen into chronic pain and difficulty walking. Poor shoe fit, narrow toe boxes, and long periods on your feet increase risk. A podiatrist can evaluate foot structure, diagnose these conditions, and guide proper shoe fitting to prevent further damage. If you have foot pain from wearing shoes that do fit right, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can offer effective relief tips and guidance on how to find the right shoe size.

Finding a properly-fitting shoe is important in reducing injuries and preventing foot problems. For more information about treatment, contact Vrunda Dalal, DPM from Sole Focus Foot and Ankle. our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.

Proper Shoe Fitting

A common concern when it comes to foot health, having properly fitted shoes can help prevent injuries to the foot. Out feet affect our posture and gait, which in turn affects the biomechanics and overall bodily structure. With 33 joints, 26 bones, and over 100 ligaments, the potential for serious injury is much greater than one realizes. Although the feet cease growth in adulthood, they still change shape as they mature. Here are some factors to consider when it comes to investing in proper fitting shoes:

• Be sure the shoes fit correctly right away
• Ensure the ball of your foot fits comfortably in the widest portion of the shoes
• Even though they may look fashionable, improper fitting shoes can either create adverse conditions or exacerbate existing ones you may already have
• Walk along a carpeted surface to ensure the shoes comfortably fit during normal activity

Keeping in mind how shoes fit the biomechanics of your body, properly-fitting shoes are vitally important. Fortunately, it is not difficult to acquire footwear that fits correctly. Be sure to wear shoes that support the overall structure of your body. Do your feet a favor and invest in several pairs of well-fitted shoes today.

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

Toenail pain can make it difficult to wear shoes or walk comfortably. Several problems can cause this type of pain. An ingrown toenail occurs when the edge of the nail grows into the surrounding skin. This leads to redness, swelling, and tenderness. Fungal infections can also cause discomfort and usually include thick, discolored, or brittle nails. Injuries from stubbing the toe or wearing tight shoes can cause bruising under the nail and sharp pain. In some cases, the toenail may loosen or lift from the skin beneath it. People with diabetes or poor circulation are at greater risk for toenail problems because small injuries can become serious more quickly. A podiatrist can examine the toenail, identify the cause of the pain, and provide proper treatment to help prevent infection or long-term damage. If you have ongoing toenail pain, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for appropriate treatment solutions.

Toe pain can disrupt your daily activities. If you have any concerns, contact Vrunda Dalal, DPM of Sole Focus Foot and Ankle. our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

What Causes Toe Pain?

Most severe toe pain is caused due to a sports injury, trauma from dropping something heavy on the toe, or bumping into something rigid. Other problems can develop over time for various reasons.

Toe pain can be caused by one or more ailments. The most common include:

• Trauma
• Sports injury
• Wearing shoes that are too tight
• Arthritis
• Gout
• Corns and calluses
• Hammertoe
• Bunions
• Blisters
• Ingrown toenails
• Sprains
• Fractures (broken bones)
• Dislocations

When to See a Podiatrist

• Severe pain
• Persistent pain that lasts more than a week
• Signs of infection
• Continued swelling
• Pain that prevents walking

Diagnosis

In many cases the cause of toe pain is obvious, but in others, a podiatrist may want to use more advanced methods to determine the problem. These can range from simple visual inspections and sensation tests to X-rays and MRI scans. Prior medical history, family medical history, and any recent physical traumatic events will all be taken into consideration for a proper diagnosis.

Treatment

Treatments for toe pain and injuries vary and may include shoe inserts, padding, taping, medicines, injections, and in some cases, surgery. If you believe that you have broken a toe, please see a podiatrist as soon as possible.

If you have any questions please contact our office located in Marlton, NJ . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Plantar warts are small growths that develop on the bottom of the foot after the skin is infected with the human papillomavirus, also called HPV. These warts often appear on weight-bearing areas, such as the heel or ball of the foot. They may feel like stepping on a pebble or rough surface while walking. The skin can look thickened or grainy, sometimes with tiny black dots that are clotted blood vessels inside the wart. Plantar warts may cause discomfort when pressure is applied and can spread, if left untreated. The virus commonly enters through small cuts or cracks in the skin. It is often picked up in warm, moist environments, such as locker rooms, pools, or shared showers. A podiatrist can identify whether the lesion is a wart or another skin condition and recommend the most effective treatment. Care may include topical medication, removal procedures, or other treatments to reduce pain and prevent spreading. If you have plantar warts, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for effective relief and treatment solutions.

Plantar warts can be very uncomfortable. If you need your feet checked, contact Vrunda Dalal, DPM from Sole Focus Foot and Ankle. our doctor will assist you with all of your foot and ankle needs.

About Plantar Warts

Plantar warts are the result of HPV, or human papillomavirus, getting into open wounds on the feet. They are mostly found on the heels or balls of the feet.

While plantar warts are generally harmless, those experiencing excessive pain or those suffering from diabetes or a compromised immune system require immediate medical care. Plantar warts are easily diagnosed, usually through scraping off a bit of rough skin or by getting a biopsy.

Symptoms

• Lesions on the bottom of your feet, usually rough and grainy
• Hard or thick callused spots
• Wart seeds, which are small clotted blood vessels that look like little black spots
• Pain, discomfort, or tenderness of your feet when walking or standing

Treatment

• Freezing
• Electric tool removal
• Laser Treatment
• Topical Creams (prescription only)
• Over-the-counter medications

To help prevent developing plantar warts, avoid walking barefoot over abrasive surfaces that can cause cuts or wounds for HPV to get into. Avoiding direct contact with other warts, as well as not picking or rubbing existing warts, can help prevent the further spread of plantar warts. However, if you think you have developed plantar warts, speak to your podiatrist. He or she can diagnose the warts on your feet and recommend the appropriate treatment options.

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