Children's feet go through various stages of development, each requiring specific care and attention. During the pre-crawling stage, infants have soft, pliable feet that need freedom to move and grow, so bare feet or socks are ideal. For newborns, shoes are not necessary, but soft, flexible booties can provide warmth. As babies start taking their first steps, known as the first walker stage, they need lightweight, flexible shoes that allow natural foot movement and provide protection. In preschool, children become more active, necessitating sturdy shoes that offer support and durability. By the time they reach school age, kids' feet have developed arches and require well-fitting shoes that support prolonged periods of walking and running. If you have questions regarding your child’s foot development, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can address any concerns you may have.

Making sure that your children maintain good foot health is very important as they grow. If you have any questions, contact one of our podiatrists of Coastal Foot & Ankle Wellness Center, LLC. Our doctors 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 one of our offices located in St. Augustine, and Palatka, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Sandals are a go-to choice for many, especially during the summer, but they can often do more harm than good to your feet. Many sandals lack the necessary support and cushioning, leading to various foot ailments. Flat flip-flops and thin-soled sandals, for instance, provide minimal arch support, which can strain the plantar fascia and cause heel pain. Thong sandals require a gripping action that can lead to toe deformities like hammertoes. Slide sandals, often non-adjustable, can cause blisters and foot fatigue due to their instability. Flat gladiator sandals may look great but typically offer poor arch support and can create painful pressure points. Soleless or minimalist sandals, with little to no cushioning, increase the impact on your feet and joints, leading to fatigue and potential injuries. Sandals with inadequate strapping can cause friction, resulting in blisters and calluses. These types of sandals not only cause immediate discomfort but can also contribute to more serious conditions like bunions and Morton’s neuroma. If you have foot pain after wearing sandals, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist for an exam and treatment options.

Everyday foot care is very important to prevent infection and other foot ailments. If you need your feet checked, contact one of our podiatrists from Coastal Foot & Ankle Wellness Center, LLC. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Everyday Foot Care

Often, people take care of their bodies, face and hair more so than they do for their feet. But the feet are a very important aspect of our bodies, and one that we should pay more attention to. Without our feet, we would not be able to perform most daily tasks.

It is best to check your feet regularly to make sure there are no new bruises or cuts that you may not have noticed before. For dry feet, moisturizer can easily be a remedy and can be applied as often as necessary to the affected areas. Wearing shoes that fit well can also help you maintain good foot health, as well as making it easier to walk and do daily activities without the stress or pain of ill-fitting shoes, high heels, or even flip flops. Wearing clean socks with closed shoes is important to ensure that sweat and bacteria do not accumulate within the shoe. Clean socks help to prevent Athlete’s foot, fungi problems, bad odors, and can absorb sweat.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact one of our offices located in St. Augustine, and Palatka, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Falls are a significant concern for older adults, often resulting in serious injuries and decreased independence. Factors contributing to falls can include poor balance, muscle weakness, and foot problems such as neuropathy, arthritis, or wearing improperly fitted footwear. As we age, changes in vision and the side effects of medications can also increase the risk of falling. Preventing falls requires a proactive approach focusing on foot health. Older adults should regularly check their feet for any abnormalities and wear shoes that provide adequate support and have non-slip soles. Keeping floors clear of clutter, installing grab bars in bathrooms, and ensuring adequate lighting throughout the home can also help reduce fall risks. Engaging in regular physical activity, such as balance exercises and strength training, can improve stability and coordination. Additionally, reviewing medications with a healthcare provider can help identify those that may affect balance. If you are elderly and want to prevent the risk of falls and get help for any foot problems that might play a role, it is suggested that you visit a podiatrist regularly to maintain good foot health.

Preventing falls among the elderly is very important. If you are older and have fallen or fear that you are prone to falling, consult with one of our podiatrists from Coastal Foot & Ankle Wellness Center, LLC. Our doctors will assess your condition and provide you with quality advice and care.

Every 11 seconds, an elderly American is being treated in an emergency room for a fall related injury. Falls are the leading cause of head and hip injuries for those 65 and older. Due to decreases in strength, balance, senses, and lack of awareness, elderly persons are very susceptible to falling. Thankfully, there are a number of things older persons can do to prevent falls.

How to Prevent Falls

Some effective methods that older persons can do to prevent falls include:

• Enrolling in strength and balance exercise program to increase balance and strength
• Periodically having your sight and hearing checked
• Discuss any medications you have with a doctor to see if it increases the risk of falling
• Clearing the house of falling hazards and installing devices like grab bars and railings
• Utilizing a walker or cane
• Wearing shoes that provide good support and cushioning
• Talking to family members about falling and increasing awareness

Falling can be a traumatic and embarrassing experience for elderly persons; this can make them less willing to leave the house, and less willing to talk to someone about their fears of falling. Doing such things, however, will increase the likelihood of tripping or losing one’s balance. Knowing the causes of falling and how to prevent them is the best way to mitigate the risk of serious injury.  

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact one of our offices located in St. Augustine, and Palatka, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

An ingrown toenail occurs when the edge of a toenail grows into the surrounding skin, causing pain and swelling. This often happens due to improper nail trimming, wearing tight shoes, or having naturally curved nails. When the toenail pierces the skin, it can create an entry point for bacteria, leading to an infection. Signs of an infected ingrown toenail can include redness, swelling, warmth, and pus. If the infection is not treated, it can worsen, leading to severe pain, increased swelling, and potentially serious complications such as spreading the infection or a bone infection. To treat an ingrown toenail infection, start by soaking the affected foot in warm, soapy water several times a day to reduce swelling and relieve discomfort. After soaking, apply an antibiotic ointment and cover the area with a clean bandage. Avoid wearing tight shoes and opt for open-toed footwear to reduce pressure on the toe. If the infection persists or worsens, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist who can provide proper treatment, which may include minor procedures to remove part of the nail and prevent further issues.

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 one of our podiatrists of Coastal Foot & Ankle Wellness Center, LLC. Our doctors 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 one of our offices located in St. Augustine, and Palatka, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.