Foot and leg problems in children can appear during early growth as bones, muscles, and joints develop. Bow legs describe a condition in which the legs curve outward when the feet remain together. Knock knees occur when the knees angle inward and touch while the ankles remain apart. In-toeing refers to a walking pattern in which the feet turn inward during movement. Additionally, tiptoe walking occurs when a child walks primarily on the front part of the feet rather than the heels. Wearing proper footwear is important during development, and first shoes should provide support with secure laces or Velcro closures. A podiatrist can evaluate growth patterns and guide treatment. If concerns about walking or foot development arise, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can treat various foot conditions, and help you to monitor your child’s foot health.

Making sure that your children maintain good foot health is very important as they grow. If you have any questions, contact Michael Bess, DPM of Florida. Our podiatrist 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 West Palm Beach, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Mechanical foot pain occurs when bones, joints, tendons, or ligaments are placed under repeated stress. This type of discomfort often results from poor alignment, overuse, wearing improper footwear, or age-related changes in the foot structure. Patients may experience sharp heel pain, arch strain, or forefoot discomfort that worsens with activity. Recent advances in care focus on identifying the exact source of strain and correcting it with targeted treatment. Digital gait analysis allows providers to study walking patterns in real time. Custom-made orthotics are now designed using precise scanning technology to improve weight distribution and reduce joint stress. Shock wave therapy has become a non-invasive option provided by some podiatrists that stimulates tissue repair in chronic conditions. In some cases, regenerative-based treatments are used to support healing in soft tissue injuries. Early evaluation improves long-term outcomes and prevents worsening symptoms. If you have ongoing foot pain that limits daily activity, it is suggested that you see a podiatrist for a proper diagnosis and appropriate treatment.

Foot Pain

Foot pain can be extremely painful and debilitating. If you have a foot pain, consult with Michael Bess, DPM from Florida. Our podiatrist will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

Causes

Foot pain is a very broad condition that could be caused by one or more ailments. The most common include:

• Bunions
• Hammertoes
• Plantar Fasciitis
• Bone Spurs
• Corns
• Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome
• Ingrown Toenails
• Arthritis (such as Gout, Rheumatoid, and Osteoarthritis)
• Flat Feet
• Injury (from stress fractures, broken toe, foot, ankle, Achilles tendon ruptures, and sprains)
• And more

Diagnosis

To figure out the cause of foot pain, podiatrists utilize several different methods. This 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

Treatment depends upon the cause of the foot pain. Whether it is resting, staying off the foot, or having surgery; podiatrists have a number of treatment options available for foot pain.

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

Functional ankle instability is a condition where the ankle repeatedly feels weak, unstable, or prone to giving way, often after previous sprains. Ongoing ankle pain can limit how well the joint moves, especially the up and down motion that is needed for walking and balance. When range of motion is reduced, nearby muscles may weaken because they are not used fully or correctly. This loss of strength can make it harder for the ankle to respond quickly during movement. Balance is also affected, since the ankle plays a major role in sensing position and adjusting to uneven surfaces. When pain, stiffness, and weakness combine, the risk of repeat injury increases. Treatment focuses on restoring motion, improving muscle strength, and retraining balance to improve stability. If ankle pain or repeated instability continues, it is suggested that you see a podiatrist for an evaluation and targeted care.

Ankle pain can be caused by a number of problems and may be potentially serious. If you have ankle pain, consult with Michael Bess, DPM from Florida. Our podiatrist will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

Ankle pain is any condition that causes pain in the ankle. Due to the fact that the ankle consists of tendons, muscles, bones, and ligaments, ankle pain can come from a number of different conditions.

Causes

The most common causes of ankle pain include:

• Types of arthritis (rheumatoid, osteoarthritis, and gout)
• Ankle sprains
• Broken ankles
• Achilles tendonitis
• Achilles tendon rupture
• Stress fractures
• Bursitis
• Tarsal tunnel syndrome
• Plantar fasciitis

Symptoms

Symptoms of ankle injury vary based upon the condition. Pain may include general pain and discomfort, swelling, aching, redness, bruising, burning or stabbing sensations, and/or loss of sensation.

Diagnosis

Due to the wide variety of potential causes of ankle pain, podiatrists will utilize a number of different methods to properly diagnose ankle pain. This can include asking for personal and family medical histories and of any recent injuries. Further diagnosis may include sensation tests, a physical examination, and potentially x-rays or other imaging tests.

Treatment

Just as the range of causes varies widely, so do treatments. Some more common treatments are rest, ice packs, keeping pressure off the foot, orthotics and braces, medication for inflammation and pain, and surgery.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our office located in West Palm Beach, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.

People with diabetes who have nerve damage in the feet may develop bone injuries without realizing it. Reduced sensation can prevent pain signals from warning that a bone is under too much stress. Small cracks in the bones of the foot may form gradually from everyday walking or minor changes in activity. Swelling, warmth, or redness may be the only visible signs, and these are sometimes mistaken for skin or circulation problems. Normal daily activity often continues because pain is absent, allowing the injury to progress unnoticed. Over time, untreated bone stress injuries can lead to collapse of the foot structure or long-term mobility problems. Regular foot checks and early evaluation of swelling or shape changes are essential for prevention. Awareness is especially important for those with long-standing diabetes. If unexplained swelling, warmth, or foot changes appear, it is suggested that you see a podiatrist for a proper diagnosis and appropriate treatment.

Stress fractures occur when there is a tiny crack within a bone. To learn more, contact Michael Bess, DPM from Florida. Our podiatrist can provide the care you need to keep you pain free and on your feet.

How Are They Caused?

Stress fractures are the result of repetitive force being placed on the bone. Since the lower leg and feet often carry most of the body’s weight, stress fractures are likely to occur in these areas. If you rush into a new exercise, you are more likely to develop a stress fracture since you are starting too much, too soon.  Pain resulting from stress fractures may go unnoticed at first, however it may start to worsen over time.

Risk Factors

• Gender – They are more commonly found in women compared to men.
• Foot Problems – People with unusual arches in their feet are more likely to develop stress fractures.
• Certain Sports – Dancers, gymnasts, tennis players, runners, and basketball players are more likely to develop stress fractures.
• Lack of Nutrients – A lack of vitamin D and calcium may weaken the bones and make you more prone to stress fractures
• Weak Bones – Osteoporosis can weaken the bones therefore resulting in stress fractures

Stress fractures do not always heal properly, so it is important that you seek help from a podiatrist if you suspect you may have one. Ignoring your stress fracture may cause it to worsen, and you may develop chronic pain as well as additional fractures.

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