Items filtered by date: September 2024

Flat feet, or pes planus, in children, is a condition where the arches of the feet do not develop properly, resulting in the entire sole touching the ground. Often, this condition is flexible, with the arch appearing while sitting or standing on tiptoe, but disappearing when standing flat. Causes include genetics, ligament laxity, or underlying conditions like cerebral palsy. Children with flat feet often experience overpronation, where the ankles roll inward excessively. Overpronation can be mild, moderate, or severe, based on the degree of inward roll. Many children experience no symptoms and often outgrow flat feet as their arches develop naturally, usually by age six. However, some may experience pain, fatigue, or difficulty with physical activities requiring intervention. Rarely, severe cases may require surgical treatment. If your child is experiencing discomfort from flat feet, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist who can provide recommendations which may include wearing supportive footwear, orthotic inserts, or stretching exercises to strengthen foot muscles and improve posture.

The health of a child’s feet is vital to their overall well-being. If you have any questions regarding foot health, contact Steven Wolfington, DPM of Sheboygan Foot Care, LLC. Our podiatrist 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 Sheboygan, WI . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Running, a fundamental form of exercise, exerts significant demands on our bodies, particularly on the intricate structures of our feet. As a runner pounds the pavement or tread trails, each step engages a complex interplay of muscles and bones. The repetitive motion of running strengthens the intrinsic muscles of the foot, essential for stability and balance. Additionally, the bones of the foot, such as the metatarsals and phalanges, adapt to the stress of impact by becoming denser and more resilient over time. However, this activity is not without risks. Running can also lead to overuse injuries, affecting tendons and ligaments. Wearing proper footwear and gradual progression in intensity are vital to reduce these risks and maintain foot health. If you have endured a foot injury while running or jogging, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can treat various foot conditions and educate you on how to protect your feet while running.

If you have any concerns about your feet, contact Steven Wolfington, DPM from Sheboygan Foot Care, LLC. Our podiatrist 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 Sheboygan, WI . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.