Items filtered by date: February 2024

The development of children's feet is a remarkable journey marked by significant milestones and fascinating facts. At birth, babies' feet are soft and pliable, primarily composed of cartilage and fat pads. As children grow, their feet undergo various changes to support their increasing mobility and weight-bearing activities. By the age of two, the arches of the feet begin to form, providing stability and flexibility for walking and running. Children's feet can grow up to two sizes in a year during early childhood, and many parents marvel at how rapidly they develop.  Another intriguing fact is that children's feet are more susceptible to deformities like flat feet or toe abnormalities due to their growing bones and ligaments. Proper footwear and regular foot checks are essential for monitoring healthy foot development and addressing any concerns early on. Understanding the intricacies of kids' feet empowers parents and caregivers to support their children's foot health and overall well-being as they embark on their journey of growth and exploration. If your child is experiencing foot problems or you are interested in learning more about the changes in your child’s feet, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist who can provide you with treatment or the information you are seeking.

Making sure that your children maintain good foot health is very important as they grow. If you have any questions, contact Patricia A. Kirk, DPM of Kirk Podiatry. Our doctor 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 Lexington, TN . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Bunions develop due to prolonged stress on the metatarsophalangeal joint, often resulting from wearing ill-fitting shoes that force the big toe inward. This pressure causes the first metatarsal to angle outward and the big toe to point in the opposite direction, forming a noticeable bump. Additionally, genetic factors, low arches, flat feet, loose joints, and arthritis can contribute to bunion formation. Narrow, pointed-toe, or high-heeled footwear, commonly worn by women, can also heighten the risk. Furthermore, running in shoes with tapered toe boxes and elevated heels may exacerbate bunions over time. Bunions can lead to pain, discomfort, and even deformities such as hammertoes or corns. Prevention strategies include wearing wide-toed shoes, avoiding high heels, using toe spacers, and performing bunion massages to alleviate symptoms and prevent further complications. If you have a painful bunion, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for an evaluation and treatment that is best for you.

If you are suffering from bunions, contact Patricia A. Kirk, DPM of Kirk Podiatry. Our doctor 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 Lexington, TN . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Foot blisters, those fluid-filled sacs that form on the skin, often arise from a combination of factors, shedding light on the intricate nature of their formation. In scenarios of low friction, prolonged moisture exposure, and ill-fitting footwear, the outer layer of the skin becomes susceptible to damage. Excessive moisture softens the skin, making it more prone to friction and subsequent blistering. Additionally, wearing tight or poorly cushioned shoes can create constant rubbing against the skin, aggravating the vulnerability. Soft tissue distortions, such as bunions or hammertoes, contribute to increased pressure on specific areas of the foot, intensifying the likelihood of blister formation. Understanding the interplay of these factors underscores the importance of proper footwear, moisture management, and addressing foot deformities to prevent blistering. By acknowledging the various causes of foot blisters, patients can take proactive measures to safeguard their feet and maintain optimal skin health. If you have developed blisters on your feet that have become infected, it is suggested that you confer with a podiatrist who can treat this condition, and offer effective blister prevention techniques.

Blisters may appear as a single bubble or in a cluster. They can cause a lot of pain and may be filled with pus, blood, or watery serum. If your feet are hurting, contact Patricia A. Kirk, DPM of Kirk Podiatry. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Foot Blisters

Foot blisters are often the result of friction. This happens due to the constant rubbing from shoes, which can lead to pain.

What Are Foot Blisters?

A foot blister is a small fluid-filled pocket that forms on the upper-most layer of the skin. Blisters are filled with clear fluid and can lead to blood drainage or pus if the area becomes infected.

Symptoms

(Blister symptoms may vary depending on what is causing them)

• Bubble of skin filled with fluid
• Redness
• Moderate to severe pain
• Itching

Prevention & Treatment

In order to prevent blisters, you should be sure to wear comfortable shoes with socks that cushion your feet and absorb sweat. Breaking a blister open may increase your chances of developing an infection. However, if your blister breaks, you should wash the area with soap and water immediately and then apply a bandage to the affected area. If your blisters cause severe pain it is important that you call your podiatrist right away.

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

A diabetic foot ulcer, a grave complication for individuals with diabetes, is a chronic open sore that develops on the feet, typically on the bottom or sides. It arises from a combination of factors intricately linked to the effects of diabetes on the body. Diabetes can lead to neuropathy, causing reduced sensation in the feet and making it challenging to detect injuries or pressure points. Additionally, compromised blood circulation hampers the healing process, increasing the risk of infections and the formation of ulcers. Contributing further, the elevated blood sugar levels associated with diabetes impair the immune system, increasing the risk of infections. Foot ulcers, if left untreated, can escalate into serious complications and be quite painful. Recognizing the effects of diabetic foot ulcers underscores the importance of meticulous foot care in diabetes management. If you have diabetes and have developed a foot ulcer, it is suggested that you are under the care of a podiatrist who can effectively treat this type of wound, and help you to manage this condition.

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 Patricia A. Kirk, DPM from Kirk Podiatry. 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 feel free to contact our office located in Lexington, TN . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.