Children are born with 22 bones in their feet. By the time they are five years of age, that number increases to 26 bones. It is critical to care for children’s growing feet as they are vulnerable to injury, particularly as they are made of soft, flexible cartilage that will eventually turn to bone. Taking care of children’s feet will help prevent problems as they age. It is beneficial to ensure socks, shoes, and onesies allow the toes room to move and straighten out. It is helpful to check their feet regularly for any potential problems, in addition to cutting the toenails straight across. Encouraging the baby to spend time each day barefoot so they can properly exercise their feet will help them when walking begins. Soft shoes should only be put on a baby’s feet when they can walk. However, the longer a toddler walks without shoes, the faster the feet will develop naturally. It is important to check the size of all foot coverings frequently as children’s feet grow fast. If you would like more information about how to care for your child’s feet, it is suggested that you seek the counsel of a podiatrist who is an expert in this area.

The health of a child’s feet is vital to their overall well-being. If you have any questions regarding foot health, contact one of our podiatrists of Mt Rose Foot & Ankle Specialists. Our doctors 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 Reno, NV . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Flat feet is an affliction in which the arches of the feet disappear or were never properly developed. As a result, the entire soles of the feet rest flush against the floor. Many new parents often wonder whether it is natural for their babies to have flat feet. They also often ask podiatrists when it is normal for their babies to develop arches in the feet. Although these answers are not ironclad and completely consistent from person to person, several rules of thumb might be gleaned. Typically speaking, newborn babies are born without foot arches. However, they commonly begin to develop by the time the child is about 3 years old. It is also important to note that young children might have either of two types of flat feet: rigid or flexible. If you are a new parent and want to make sure that your child’s feet are developing properly, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist today. 

Flatfoot is a condition many people suffer from. If you have flat feet, contact one of our podiatrists from Mt Rose Foot & Ankle Specialists. Our doctors will treat your foot and ankle needs.

What Are Flat Feet?

Flatfoot is a condition in which the arch of the foot is depressed and the sole of the foot is almost completely in contact with the ground. About 20-30% of the population generally has flat feet because their arches never formed during growth.

Conditions & Problems:

Having flat feet makes it difficult to run or walk because of the stress placed on the ankles.

Alignment – The general alignment of your legs can be disrupted, because the ankles move inward which can cause major discomfort.

Knees – If you have complications with your knees, flat feet can be a contributor to arthritis in that area.  

Symptoms

• Pain around the heel or arch area
• Trouble standing on the tip toe
• Swelling around the inside of the ankle
• Flat look to one or both feet
• Having your shoes feel uneven when worn

Treatment

If you are experiencing pain and stress on the foot you may weaken the posterior tibial tendon, which runs around the inside of the ankle. 

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

If you are currently suffering from some kind of affliction of the foot, seeing a podiatrist might be a good way to receive medical attention for what is impairing your health. There are several reasons why podiatrists are highly qualified medical professionals. First, podiatrists must pass a series of exams. They must also obtain official certification from the American Board of Podiatric Medicine. Before beginning their practice, a podiatrist must also undergo a rigorous education in podiatric medical school. A podiatrist also gains valuable experience by working in a residency. Podiatrists are trusted medical professionals, and it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with one today to address any issues you might be having with your feet.  

If you are experiencing pain in the feet or ankles, don’t join the stubborn majority refusing treatment. Feel free to contact one of our podiatrists from Mt Rose Foot & Ankle Specialists. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

What Is a Podiatrist?

Someone would seek the care of a podiatrist if they have suffered a foot injury or have common foot ailments such as heal spurs, bunions, arch problems, deformities, ingrown toenails, corns, foot and ankle problems, etc.

Podiatric Treatment

A podiatrist will treat the problematic areas of the feet, ankle or lower leg by prescribing the following:

• Physical therapy
• Drugs
• Orthotic inserts or soles
• Surgery on lower extremity fractures

A common podiatric procedure a podiatrist will use is a scanner or force plate which will allow the podiatrist to know the designs of orthotics. Patients are then told to follow a series of tasks to complete the treatment. The computer will scan the foot a see which areas show weight distribution and pressure points. The podiatrist will read the analysis and then determine which treatment plans are available.

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

Having high levels of uric acid in the blood may lead to developing a condition that is known as gout. It is a form of arthritis, and it can cause debilitating pain and discomfort. The affected toe can be swollen and red, and may consistently ache. Excess uric acid can happen from foods that are eaten that contain purines. These types of foods can include shellfish, red meat, and drinks that are made with large amounts of sugar. Gout generally affects the big toe, where the uric acid converts to crystals that lodge in the joints of the big toe. Effective prevention methods can consist of eating healthy foods and beginning a gentle exercise program. People who are overweight, have diabetes, or chronic kidney disease may be prone to experiencing gout attacks. Additionally, having high blood pressure or thyroid disease may also lead to developing gout. Many people can have one or multiple gout attacks. If this applies to you, it is suggested that you consult with a podiatrist who can guide you toward effective prevention methods and relief options.

Gout is a painful condition that can be treated. If you are seeking treatment, contact one of our podiatrists from Mt Rose Foot & Ankle Specialists. Our doctors will treat your foot and ankle needs.

What Is Gout?

Gout is a form of arthritis that is characterized by sudden, severe attacks of pain, redness, and tenderness in the joints. The condition usually affects the joint at the base of the big toe. A gout attack can occur at any random time, such as the middle of the night while you are asleep.

Symptoms

• Intense Joint Pain - Usually around the large joint of your big toe, and it most severe within the first four to twelve hours
• Lingering Discomfort - Joint discomfort may last from a few days to a few weeks
• Inflammation and Redness -Affected joints may become swollen, tender, warm and red
• Limited Range of Motion - May experience a decrease in joint mobility

Risk Factors

• Genetics - If family members have gout, you’re more likely to have it
• Medications - Diuretic medications can raise uric acid levels
• Gender/Age - Gout is more common in men until the age of 60. It is believed that estrogen protects women until that point
• Diet - Eating red meat and shellfish increases your risk
• Alcohol - Having more than two alcoholic drinks per day increases your risk
• Obesity - Obese people are at a higher risk for gout

Prior to visiting your podiatrist to receive treatment for gout, there are a few things you should do beforehand. If you have gout you should write down your symptoms--including when they started and how often you experience them, important medical information you may have, and any questions you may have. Writing down these three things will help your podiatrist in assessing your specific situation so that he or she may provide the best route of treatment for you.

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