Caring for your child’s feet is essential to supporting their overall development, especially as their feet grow rapidly during the early years. Foot bones begin to develop in infancy and continue forming into early childhood, which is why proper care and attention to their feet are so important. Allowing your child to move freely, whether by wiggling their toes or walking barefoot indoors, helps strengthen their muscles and promotes healthy foot development. It is important to regularly check your child’s feet for any signs of swelling, sores, or ingrown toenails, and ensure that their shoes fit properly to prevent discomfort or deformities. If your child complains of foot pain, limps, or shows any signs of uneven or unusual gait, it may indicate an underlying issue that needs attention. A podiatrist can provide expert guidance, examine your child’s feet, and recommend appropriate treatment. If your child is exhibiting foot problems, 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 Dr. Steven Shlonsky of Louisville, Kentucky. Dr. Shlonsky 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 Louisville, KY . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Toenail abnormalities can be a sign of underlying health issues or can result from trauma, infections, or improper nail care. Common problems include thickened nails, discoloration, ridges, and brittleness. Thickened nails might indicate a fungal infection or pressure from wearing ill-fitting shoes. Discoloration, such as yellowing or dark spots, can also signal a fungal infection, injury, or even more serious conditions like melanoma. Ridges, which can run either horizontally or vertically, may be a normal part of aging or a sign of nutritional deficiencies or trauma. Brittle nails, prone to cracking and splitting, can be caused by dehydration, overexposure to water, or a lack of vitamins. Paying attention to changes in your toenails and addressing them promptly with a podiatrist is strongly suggested.

Ingrown toenails may initially present themselves as a minor discomfort, but they may progress into an infection in the skin without proper treatment. For more information about ingrown toenails, contact Dr. Steven Shlonsky of Louisville, Kentucky. Dr. Shlonsky can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Ingrown Toenails

Ingrown toenails are caused when the corner or side of a toenail grows into the soft flesh surrounding it. They often result in redness, swelling, pain, and in some cases, infection. This condition typically affects the big toe and may recur if it is not treated properly.

Causes

• Improper toenail trimming
• Genetics
• Improper shoe fitting
• Injury from pedicures or nail picking
• Abnormal gait
• Poor hygiene

You are more likely to develop an ingrown toenail if you are obese, have diabetes, arthritis, or have any fungal infection in your nails. Additionally, people who have foot or toe deformities are at a higher risk of developing an ingrown toenail.

Symptoms

Some symptoms of ingrown toenails are redness, swelling, and pain. In rare cases, there may be a yellowish drainage coming from the nail.

Treatment

Ignoring an ingrown toenail can have serious complications. Infections of the nail border can progress to a deeper soft-tissue infection, which can then turn into a bone infection. You should always speak with your podiatrist if you suspect you have an ingrown toenail, especially if you have diabetes or poor circulation.

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.

Early detection of foot arthritis can significantly impact treatment and management. Initial signs often include persistent joint pain, particularly in the toes or arches, which may worsen with activity. Swelling and tenderness around the affected joints are common, often accompanied by stiffness, especially in the morning or after periods of inactivity. As arthritis progresses, you may notice a reduced range of motion and difficulty in performing daily tasks, such as walking or climbing stairs. Changes in foot shape, like the formation of bunions or hammer toes, can also signal arthritis. Paying attention to these early symptoms and seeking medical advice promptly from a podiatrist can lead to effective management strategies. If you notice you have any of the above symptoms, it is suggested that you contact this type of doctor who can help you to manage this condition.

Arthritis can be a difficult condition to live with. If you are seeking treatment, contact Dr. Steven Shlonsky from Louisville, Kentucky. Dr. Shlonsky can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Arthritic Foot Care  

Arthritis is a joint disorder that involves the inflammation of different joints in your body, such as those in your feet. Arthritis is often caused by a degenerative joint disease and causes mild to severe pain in all affected areas. In addition to this, swelling and stiffness in the affected joints can also be a common symptom of arthritis.

In many cases, wearing ill-fitting shoes can worsen the effects and pain of arthritis. Wearing shoes that have a lower heel and extra room can help your feet feel more comfortable. In cases of rheumatoid arthritis, the arch in your foot may become problematic. Buying shoes with proper arch support that contour to your feet can help immensely.

Alleviating Arthritic Pain

• Exercises that stretch the foot can prevent further pain and injury and increase mobility
• Most of the pain can be alleviated with anti-inflammatory drugs, heat, and topical medications
• Massages can help temporarily alleviate pain.

It is best to see your doctor for the treatment that is right for your needs and symptoms. Conditions vary, and a podiatrist can help you determine the right method of care for your feet.

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

A foot stress fracture is a small crack in a bone, typically resulting from repetitive force or overuse. This injury commonly occurs in athletes or individuals who suddenly increase their physical activity without adequate preparation. Factors contributing to stress fractures include wearing improper footwear, inadequate training techniques, and sudden changes in exercise intensity. Symptoms often involve localized pain that worsens with activity and improves with rest. To prevent foot stress fractures, it is essential to gradually increase activity levels, choose supportive footwear, and incorporate proper warm-up and stretching routines. Strengthening exercises for the foot and lower leg can also help build resilience. If you have sustained a foot stress fracture, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist who can treat this condition.

Stress fractures occur when there is a tiny crack within a bone. To learn more, contact Dr. Steven Shlonsky from Louisville, Kentucky. Dr. Shlonsky 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 Louisville, KY . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.