Toddlers' feet grow at an unpredictable rate, just like their ever-changing moods and preferences. Between ages 1 and 3, a child's foot typically grows about 1/2 to 3/4 inches per year, with occasional growth spurts leading to rapid changes in shoe size. Trying to measure their feet monthly can be a challenge, so monitoring how well their shoes fit is the best way to gauge their growth. It is common for toddlers to require two or three different shoe sizes within a year, which may seem costly but is a natural part of their development. After age 3, foot growth slows to about 1/2 inch per year until reaching adult size. When shopping for shoes, it is crucial to check the fit regularly, ensuring there is enough space for the toes. Non-slip soles are essential for toddlers, as they are still developing coordination. Opt for shoes with easy fastening, like hook-and-loop tape, as toddlers are not yet ready to tie laces independently. Parents can support their toddlers' healthy foot development by choosing the right-sized and comfortable shoes during these crucial early years. If you would like more help in understanding your toddlers’ growing feet and proper shoe selection, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist.

The health of a child’s feet is vital to their overall well-being. If you have any questions regarding foot health, contact Andrew Katz, DPM of Allcare Foothealth Center. 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 Palmdale, CA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Normal activity can resume after an ankle fracture, despite it taking considerable time. A broken ankle can happen from falling, or if something heavy drops on the leg. Immediate symptoms can include bruising, swelling, and it is difficult, if not impossible to walk. Prompt medical attention is often sought, and having an X-ray performed can provide an accurate diagnosis. Once confirmed, a protective boot or cast is worn that can provide stability and mobility while the healing process occurs. Many people who run may be concerned about resuming their running or jogging routine after fracturing their ankle. There are specific stretches that can be done which may help to increase ankle strength and range of motion. When these are frequently performed, the average time for people to start running again may be between three and four months. This can depend on whether surgery was performed, how severe the fracture is, and the amount of effort that is put into doing all that is possible to have a healed ankle. If you have fractured your ankle, it is suggested that you confer with a podiatrist who can help you to heal successfully.

Broken ankles need immediate treatment. If you are seeking treatment, contact Andrew Katz, DPM from Allcare Foothealth Center. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet. 

Broken Ankles
A broken ankle is experienced when a person fractures their tibia or fibula in the lower leg and ankle area. Both of these bones are attached at the bottom of the leg and combine to form what we know to be our ankle.

When a physician is referring to a break of the ankle, he or she is usually referring to a break in the area where the tibia and fibula are joined to create our ankle joint. Ankles are more prone to fractures because the ankle is an area that suffers a lot of pressure and stress. There are some obvious signs when a person experiences a fractured ankle, and the following symptoms may be present.

Symptoms of a Fractured Ankle

• Excessive pain when the area is touched or when any pressure is placed on the ankle
• Swelling around the area
• Bruising of the area
• Area appears to be deformed

If you suspect an ankle fracture, it is recommended to seek treatment as soon as possible. The sooner you have your podiatrist diagnose the fracture, the quicker you’ll be on the way towards recovery.

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

Flat feet can be easily recognized by the absence of an arch space while standing on the feet. Instead, the foot lies flat on the floor. Flat feet can lead to pain across the arch and heel, while ill-fitting shoes or exercising on hard surfaces may only make it worse. Because having flat feet can affect your movement, the chances of developing knee and hip pain can increase. Athletes with flat feet are at a higher risk of plantar fasciitis, Achilles tendonitis, and knee injuries. Fortunately, people with flat feet who are experiencing some type of pain can wear an orthotic device to correct the deficiency and improve their gait. A podiatrist can examine the feet to determine the severity of this condition and also test the way you walk to determine what type of proper orthotic device is right for you. This foot doctor will make a mold of your feet that perfectly mirrors their shape and builds an insole specifically for you. For more information on options to deal with flat feet, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist. 

Flatfoot is a condition many people suffer from. If you have flat feet, contact Andrew Katz, DPM from Allcare Foothealth Center. Our doctor 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 Palmdale, CA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

There are specific foot conditions that may require patients to wear orthotics. They can range from having flat feet to other abnormal foot structures. Orthotics are defined as custom-made inserts for shoes and are designed to correct certain foot ailments. Having foot or heel pain may guide a patient toward inquiring about orthotics, and this information is often provided by a podiatrist. This type of doctor will perform a foot examination that can reveal existing deformities. This can be followed by having a conversation about current activities that are performed, which may help to determine the cause of the pain. Medical conditions that may improve by wearing orthotics can include arthritis, bunions, flat feet, and hammertoe. There are various types of orthotics that can be worn, and it is suggested that you confer with a podiatrist who can determine if this is the best course of treatment for you.

If you are having discomfort in your feet and would like to try orthotics, contact Andrew Katz, DPM from Allcare Foothealth Center. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

What Are Orthotics?

Orthotics are inserts you can place into your shoes to help with a variety of foot problems such as flat feet or foot pain. Orthotics provide relief and comfort for minor foot and heel pain but can’t correct serious biomechanical problems in your feet.

Over-the-Counter Inserts

Orthotics come in a wide variety of over-the-counter inserts that are used to treat foot pain, heel pain, and minor problems. For example, arch supports can be inserted into your shoes to help correct overarched or flat feet, while gel insoles are often used because they provide comfort and relief from foot and heel pain by alleviating pressure.

Prescription Orthotics

If over-the-counter inserts don’t work for you or if you have a more severe foot concern, it is possible to have your podiatrist prescribe custom orthotics. These high-quality inserts are designed to treat problems such as abnormal motion, plantar fasciitis, and severe forms of heel pain. They can even be used to help patients suffering from diabetes by treating foot ulcers and painful calluses and are usually molded to your feet individually, which allows them to provide full support and comfort.

If you are experiencing minor to severe foot or heel pain, it’s recommended to speak with your podiatrist about the possibilities of using orthotics. A podiatrist can determine which type of orthotic is right for you and allow you to take the first steps towards being pain-free.

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

Despite the fact that plantar warts are harmless skin growths, they can produce severe pain. They grow inward and can produce discomfort as pressure is exerted while walking. They are considered to be contagious and may spread to other areas of the foot. Plantar warts can develop from exposure to a specific type of fungus, which is found in warm and moist environments. These can include public swimming pools, locker rooms, and similar areas. It is important to refrain from sharing towels, shoes and socks, and this may help to prevent the spread of plantar warts. Many people choose to seek relief from using over the counter remedies, despite this being a temporary fix. If you have a plantar wart, it is suggested that you speak with a podiatrist who can offer a more permanent solution, which may include minor surgery for removal.

Plantar warts can be very uncomfortable. If you need your feet checked, contact Andrew Katz, DPM from Allcare Foothealth Center. 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 Palmdale, CA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Puncture wounds on the feet are caused by injuries to the feet from pointed objects. Such wounds are usually caused by stepping on a sharp object, such as a nail or piece of glass. Penetration is usually deeper if it is on a weight-bearing area of the foot. An infection can quickly develop from such a wound and must be tended to in a timely manner. If you have sustained a puncture wound, the first thing to do is wash your hands and examine the wound to see how deep it is. If the object grazed the skin and it was not rusty or dirty, the scratch should be gently cleaned with soap and water. A minor wound can then be covered with a bandage and checked frequently. If it is deeper, the object is still in the foot, or dirt from the pointed object has entered the wound, it is important to seek treatment immediately. It is suggested that if you have sustained such an injury, you make an appointment with a podiatrist as soon as possible to have the wound checked, tetanus shots updated, and treatment given.

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 Andrew Katz, DPM from Allcare Foothealth Center. 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 contact our office located in Palmdale, CA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Many people welcome the warmer weather for the opportunity to go shoeless and feel the earth beneath their feet. However, if an individual walks barefoot for prolonged periods of time, or if they are in hazardous environments, their feet can endure injury and infections. People who walk barefoot can get blisters or burns from hot cement and injuries from stepping on nails or other sharp objects. Additionally, athlete’s foot may develop from exposure to a fungus that is found in warm and wet environments. Locker rooms or public showers can fall into this category. Athlete’s foot is an infection of the feet that results in red, cracked skin, which can often blister. Patients who have diabetes or poor circulation are slower to heal, and the loss of sensation in their feet can make it difficult to feel pain, possibly increasing the risk of infections. Wearing flip-flops or water shoes around pool areas or at the beach can offer protection to the feet. If you have endured an injury or infection, such as athlete’s foot, from walking barefoot, it is suggested that you see a podiatrist for an evaluation, treatment, and prevention measures.

Athlete’s foot is an inconvenient condition that can be easily reduced with the proper treatment. If you have any concerns about your feet and ankles, contact Andrew Katz, DPM from Allcare Foothealth Center.  Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.

Athlete’s Foot: The Sole Story

Athlete's foot, also known as tinea pedis, can be an extremely contagious foot infection. It is commonly contracted in public changing areas and bathrooms, dormitory style living quarters, around locker rooms and public swimming pools, or anywhere your feet often come into contact with other people.

Solutions to Combat Athlete’s Foot

• Hydrate your feet by using lotion
• Exfoliate
• Buff off nails
• Use of anti-fungal products
• Examine your feet and visit your doctor if any suspicious blisters or cuts develop

Athlete’s foot can cause many irritating symptoms such as dry and flaking skin, itching, and redness. Some more severe symptoms can include bleeding and cracked skin, intense itching and burning, and even pain when walking. In the worst cases, Athlete’s foot can cause blistering as well. Speak to your podiatrist for a better understanding of the different causes of Athlete’s foot, as well as help in determining which treatment options are best for you.

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

A broken foot is painful. It generally happens suddenly from falling and is considered a common type of injury. Bruising, severe pain, and swelling often accompany a broken foot, and the range of motion can be limited. Walking is difficult, if not impossible, and prompt medical attention is typically sought for relief. Dropping a heavy object on the foot is also a common cause of a broken foot, and the severity of the break may depend on the angle the object was dropped from. People who frequently participate in sporting activities may endure a broken foot, and soccer players may be prone to incurring this type of fracture from kicking the ball. A diagnosis consisting of having an X-ray taken can be performed, followed by beginning the correct treatment. Most people who have broken footwear have a cast or protective boot until it has healed, which can take several weeks. If you have broken your foot, it is suggested that you speak with a podiatrist who can correctly diagnose and treat this condition.

A broken foot requires immediate medical attention and treatment. If you need your feet checked, contact Andrew Katz, DPM from Allcare Foothealth Center. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Broken Foot Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment

A broken foot is caused by one of the bones in the foot typically breaking when bended, crushed, or stretched beyond its natural capabilities. Usually the location of the fracture indicates how the break occurred, whether it was through an object, fall, or any other type of injury. 

Common Symptoms of Broken Feet:

• Bruising
• Pain
• Redness
• Swelling
• Blue in color
• Numbness
• Cold
• Misshapen
• Cuts
• Deformities

Those that suspect they have a broken foot shoot seek urgent medical attention where a medical professional could diagnose the severity.

Treatment for broken bones varies depending on the cause, severity and location. Some will require the use of splints, casts or crutches while others could even involve surgery to repair the broken bones. Personal care includes the use of ice and keeping the foot stabilized and elevated.

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