Research has shown it’s equally important to properly care for your child’s feet as it is their teeth and eyes. The foot does not fully develop until age 16, and your child's growing feet would benefit from being monitored by a podiatrist and this may prevent uncomfortable foot conditions from developing. There are some children who demonstrate awkward walking patterns, which may be a result of the toes turning abnormally in or out, or if the toes overlap or turn under. It’s suggested that wearing shoes before the child begins to walk may restrict the muscles and tendons from gaining maximum strength. This may be a result of the feet not being able to move and stretch with ease. When shoes are purchased as walking begins, the child will benefit from wearing shoes that offer comfort and stability. A podiatrist will be able to answer any questions you may have regarding the health of your child’s feet, so please schedule a consultation.

The health of a child’s feet is vital to their overall well-being. If you have any questions regarding foot health, contact Dr. Christine Quinn of New Jersey. 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 Basking Ridge, NJ, near Warren, Stirling, and Bedminster . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Severe pain that is experienced in the big toe and surrounding areas may be a condition referred to as gout. Since this condition is considered to be a form of arthritis, the joints in the toe may be stiff, causing difficulty in freely moving the foot. Research has shown the inflammation that typically accompanies this ailment originates from an overabundance of uric acid in the bloodstream. This is typically caused by crystals in the blood that lodge in the joints, and may form from the type of foods that are ingested. Research suggests that eating excess amounts of seafood, red meat or drinking alcohol may be contributing factors in developing gout. Other reasons may include a genetic trait, obesity, or health issues which involve the kidneys. It is beneficial to have a proper diagnosis performed which is often accomplished by undergoing an ultrasound or CT scan. If you are suffering from gout, it’s advised to speak to a podiatrist who can properly facilitate in implementing correct treatment methods.

Gout is a painful condition that can be treated. If you are seeking treatment, contact Dr. Christine Quinn from New Jersey. Our doctor 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 Basking Ridge, NJ, near Warren, Stirling, and Bedminster . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

If you are experiencing a dull achy feeling in your feet, you may have what is referred to as a stress fracture. It consists of small cracks in the bones of the feet, and is generally caused by a repetitive stress that’s inflicted on the foot. Causes of this type of fracture may include jogging frequently, adding additional intensity to the duration of the run, or extending the period of time the running activity is pursued. There are several symptoms that may be apparent, including weakness in the foot, and pain that won't cease and eventually worsens, specifically at night. It may be possible to prevent stress fractures from occurring by choosing to wear proper footwear, maintaining a proper nutritional lifestyle, and gradually increasing the intensity of running. After a diagnosis is performed, proper treatment may begin, which may include wearing a cast or undergoing surgery for severe stress fractures. Please consult with a podiatrist to learn more about stress fractures of the foot or ankle.

Stress fractures occur when there is a tiny crack within a bone. To learn more, contact Dr. Christine Quinn from New Jersey. Our doctor 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 feel free to contact our office located in Basking Ridge, NJ, near Warren, Stirling, and Bedminster . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

It’s important to maintain proper foot care, and added weight can result in the development of numerous foot conditions. Being overweight may limit the type of exercise that is needed for correct body care, and the feet may be negatively affected. Edema, which is often referred to as swollen ankles, is a common side effect the feet may endure as a result of extra weight. The feet will be among the many parts of the body that will be positively affected after losing weight, which can include better blood circulation and more manageable edema. Choosing shoes with maximum support, which may typically consist of a sturdy sole, can aid the foot in achieving optimum comfort. Please schedule a consultation with a podiatrist to acquire additional information of how obesity can affect the feet

The more you weigh, the harder your feet must work to support your body. If you’re an obese individual and are concerned about your feet, contact Dr. Christine Quinn from New Jersey. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Obesity and Your Feet

People who are overweight are putting more pressure on their ankles, knees, and hips as well as their feet. This unfortunately can lead to variety of different issues.

Problems & Complications Stemming from Obesity

• When the body is overweight, it tries to compensate by changing the way that it moves. An obese person may lean forward and put extra weight on the wrong part of the foot. This puts unnecessary stress on the feet.
• Obese people are also more likely to develop type II diabetes which is a condition that causes a lot of foot problems. People with diabetes often don’t feel the cuts and sores that they may have on their feet, which can lead to more complicated and severe issues.
• Plantar fasciitis is another foot condition that can be caused by obesity. Plantar fasciitis is an inflammation of the tissue along the bottom of the foot, which causes pain and stiffness while walking and climbing stairs.

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