Children's feet undergo remarkable changes and developments as they progress through various stages of infancy and early childhood. In the pre-crawling stage, babies' feet are flexible and mostly fat pads, allowing them to kick and wiggle freely. As they transition to crawling, their feet adapt to bearing weight, developing arches and strengthening muscles necessary for mobility. Throughout the toddler years, a child's feet continue to evolve, with walking and running becoming primary modes of transportation. During this stage, proper footwear becomes vital to support their growing feet and provide stability. By the time children enter kindergarten and beyond, their feet have typically developed arches, and they exhibit more refined coordination and balance. As they engage in more physical activities and sports, maintaining foot health through wearing well-fitted shoes, regular exercise, and proper hygiene becomes essential. If you have any questions about the development of your child’s feet or what type of shoes to purchase, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can address them.

Making sure that your children maintain good foot health is very important as they grow. If you have any questions, contact Dr. Steven Shlonsky of Louisville, Kentucky. Dr. Shlonsky 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 Louisville, KY . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Managing the symptoms of foot drop requires a multifaceted approach aimed at addressing its underlying causes while enhancing stability and mobility. The main symptom of foot drop is difficulty lifting the front part of the foot when you take a step. It can stem from muscular weakness, nerve damage in the leg, or injuries to the brain or spinal cord. Treatment with the help of a podiatrist focuses on strengthening the foot, ankle, and lower leg muscles to improve function and compensate for the lack of dorsiflexion. Wearing an ankle-foot orthosis can also provide support by maintaining proper alignment during walking, which reduces the risk of tripping and falling. Electrical nerve stimulation offers another avenue for improvement, facilitating muscle activation and enhancing walking ability in some cases. For severe or long-term foot drop caused by muscle paralysis, surgical intervention may be necessary to restore movement. Home modifications, such as removing clutter and using non-slip rugs, play a vital role in fall prevention. If you are experiencing symptoms of foot drop, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist to explore appropriate treatment options.

If you have any concerns about your feet, contact Dr. Steven Shlonsky from Louisville, Kentucky. Dr. Shlonsky 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 Louisville, KY . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

A bunion, medically termed hallux valgus, is a bony bump that forms at the base of the big toe. This condition develops when the big toe pushes against the adjacent toe, causing the joint to protrude outward. Bunions can result from various factors, including genetics, wearing tight or ill-fitting shoes, and foot injuries. Individuals with certain foot types, such as flat feet or low arches, are more prone to developing bunions. Additionally, occupations or activities that involve repetitive stress on the feet can increase the risk. Bunions are a relatively common foot ailment, affecting millions of people worldwide, with women being more susceptible than men as a result of wearing high heels or narrow shoes that can worsen the condition. While bunions may initially cause mild discomfort, they can progressively worsen, leading to pain, inflammation, and difficulty walking. A bunion can be uncomfortable, and a podiatrist can offer you effective relief strategies. If you have this condition, it is suggested that you consult this type of doctor who can offer appropriate treatment methods.

If you are suffering from bunions, contact Dr. Steven Shlonsky of Louisville, Kentucky. Dr. Shlonsky can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

What Is a Bunion?

A bunion is formed of swollen tissue or an enlargement of boney growth, usually located at the base joint of the toe that connects to the foot. The swelling occurs due to the bones in the big toe shifting inward, which impacts the other toes of the foot. This causes the area around the base of the big toe to become inflamed and painful.

Why Do Bunions Form?

Genetics – Susceptibility to bunions are often hereditary

Stress on the feet – Poorly fitted and uncomfortable footwear that places stress on feet, such as heels, can worsen existing bunions

How Are Bunions Diagnosed?

Doctors often perform two tests – blood tests and x-rays – when trying to diagnose bunions, especially in the early stages of development. Blood tests help determine if the foot pain is being caused by something else, such as arthritis, while x-rays provide a clear picture of your bone structure to your doctor.

How Are Bunions Treated?

• Refrain from wearing heels or similar shoes that cause discomfort
• Select wider shoes that can provide more comfort and reduce pain
• Anti-inflammatory and pain management drugs
• Orthotics or foot inserts
• Surgery

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

Flat feet, or pes planus, is a condition where the arch of the foot collapses, causing the entire sole to touch the ground. There are two types of flat feet. Flexible flat feet is where the arch appears when the foot is off the ground but flattens when bearing weight. Rigid flat feet is where the arch remains flattened regardless of weight-bearing. Symptoms can include pain, swelling, and fatigue in the feet, ankles, or lower legs. Causes range from genetics and aging to injury, obesity, or conditions like arthritis or diabetes. Flat feet can lead to overpronation, increasing the risk of injuries like plantar fasciitis or shin splints. Diagnosis involves physical examination and sometimes imaging tests like X-rays or CT scans. Treatment options include custom orthotic devices, supportive footwear, stretching exercises, and in severe cases, surgery. With proper management, most individuals with flat feet can lead active lives without significant limitations. If you have flat feet that are causing discomfort, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for relief options.

Flatfoot is a condition many people suffer from. If you have flat feet, contact Dr. Steven Shlonsky from Louisville, Kentucky. Dr. Shlonsky 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 Louisville, KY . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.