Ice skating is a fun way for children to build balance and coordination, but the sport places repetitive stress on growing feet and ankles. Falls, tight or poorly fitted boots, and frequent jumping can lead to ankle sprains, tendon irritation, and painful bursitis around the heel or ankle bones. Friction inside the boot may also cause blisters or “lace bite” across the top of the foot. Over time, pressure from narrow skates can contribute to bunions or hammertoes, while repeated impact during landings may result in stress fractures of the metatarsal bones. Because children’s bones are still developing, these problems can affect alignment and performance if not properly evaluated. A podiatrist can assess skating mechanics, examine footwear fit, diagnose structural problems, and provide medical care to relieve pain and prevent further injury. If your child encounters foot pain while ice skating, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist for an exam, diagnosis, and treatment.

The health of a child’s feet is vital to their overall well-being. If you have any questions regarding foot health, 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.

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 Lexington, TN . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Keeping the feet strong can improve balance, stability, and overall movement during daily activities. One helpful exercise is a towel scrunch. Place a small towel on the floor, rest your foot on top, and slowly pull the towel toward you by curling your toes. This strengthens the small muscles that support the arch. Another useful exercise is the heel raise. Stand near a counter for support, lift your heels until you are on the balls of your feet, pause briefly, and lower with control. This helps build strength in the calves and improves ankle stability. While these movements support functional fitness, they are most effective when performed correctly and paired with proper footwear and healthy mechanics. A podiatrist can evaluate your foot structure, recommend appropriate exercises, and address any discomfort that limits progress. If foot pain develops during these activities, it is suggested that you see a podiatrist for effective relief tips and additional guidance on exercising the feet.

Exercising your feet regularly with the proper foot wear is a great way to prevent injuries and build strength. If you have any concerns about your feet, contact Patricia A. Kirk, DPM from Kirk Podiatry. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Exercise for Your Feet

Exercise for your feet can help you gain strength, mobility and flexibility in your feet. They say that strengthening your feet can be just as rewarding as strengthening another part of the body. Your feet are very important, and we often forget about them in our daily tasks. But it is because of our feet that are we able to get going and do what we need to. For those of us fortunate enough to not have any foot problems, it is an important gesture to take care of them to ensure good health in the long run.

Some foot health exercises can include ankle pumps, tip-toeing, toe rises, lifting off the floor doing reps and sets, and flexing the toes. It is best to speak with Our doctor to determine an appropriate regimen for your needs. Everyone’s needs and bodies are different, and the activities required to maintain strength in the feet vary from individual to individual. 

Once you get into a routine of doing regular exercise, you may notice a difference in your feet and how strong they may become.

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.

Well-fitted ski boots play an important role in comfort, performance, and injury prevention on the slopes. Ski boots that are too tight can restrict circulation and increase pressure on the toes, heel, and ankle, while loose boots allow excess movement that strains ligaments and tendons. Poor fit may contribute to numbness, blisters, bruised toenails, arch pain, and ankle instability during turns and sudden stops. Properly fitted ski boots help hold the foot and ankle in a neutral position, improving balance, control, and energy transfer to the skis. Fit concerns are often influenced by foot shape, arch height, calf size, and previous foot or ankle injuries. A podiatrist can evaluate foot structure, identify pressure areas, assess alignment, and recommend adjustments or modifications to reduce stress during skiing. For help with foot or ankle pain caused by skiing, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist.

Sports related foot and ankle injuries require proper treatment before players can go back to their regular routines. For more information, 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.

Sports Related Foot and Ankle Injuries

Foot and ankle injuries are a common occurrence when it comes to athletes of any sport. While many athletes dismiss the initial aches and pains, the truth is that ignoring potential foot and ankle injuries can lead to serious problems. As athletes continue to place pressure and strain the area further, a mild injury can turn into something as serious as a rupture and may lead to a permanent disability. There are many factors that contribute to sports related foot and ankle injuries, which include failure to warm up properly, not providing support or wearing bad footwear. Common injuries and conditions athletes face, including:

• Plantar Fasciitis
• Achilles Tendinitis
• Achilles Tendon Rupture
• Ankle Sprains

Sports related injuries are commonly treated using the RICE method. This includes rest, applying ice to the injured area, compression and elevating the ankle. More serious sprains and injuries may require surgery, which could include arthroscopic and reconstructive surgery. Rehabilitation and therapy may also be required in order to get any recovering athlete to become fully functional again. Any unusual aches and pains an athlete sustains must be evaluated by a licensed, reputable medical professional.

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

Shoes play an important role in foot health because they influence alignment, pressure, and stability. Footwear that fits well and supports the arch helps reduce stress on the heel and forefoot, especially while standing or walking on hard surfaces. A Brannock device is effective in determining what the right shoe is, enabling correct choices to be made for the desired shoe style. Lace-up styles can help the ankle stay aligned, although boots that rise too high can limit ankle movement, so they should fit comfortably around the front of the ankle. High heels force the toes forward and increase pressure under the ball of the foot, which can lead to bunions, claw toes, corns, and thickened nails. Sports shoes need cushioning for shock absorption and a firm back section to cradle the heel. Alternating shoes allows materials to recover and may extend their life. A podiatrist can assess your foot posture, prescribe custom insoles, and recommend shoes that support foot health. If you regularly experience foot pain, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for a diagnosis and appropriate treatment.

It is important to find shoes that fit you properly in order to avoid a variety of different foot problems. For more information about treatment, contact Patricia A. Kirk, DPM from Kirk Podiatry. Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.

Proper Shoe Fitting

Shoes have many different functions. They cushion our body weight, protect our feet, and allow us to safely play sports. You should always make sure that the shoes you wear fit you properly in order to avoid injuries and deformities such as: bunions, corns, calluses, hammertoes, plantar fasciitis, stress fractures, and more. It is important to note that although a certain pair of shoes might be a great fit for someone else, that doesn’t mean they will be a great fit for you. This is why you should always try on shoes before buying them to make sure they are worth the investment. Typically, shoes need to be replaced ever six months to one year of regular use.

Tips for Proper Shoe Fitting

• Select a shoe that is shaped like your foot
• Don’t buy shoes that fit too tight, expecting them to stretch to fit
• Make sure there is enough space (3/8” to ½”) for your longest toe at the end of each shoe when you are standing up
• Walk in the shoes to make sure they fit and feel right
• Don’t select shoes by the size marked inside the shoe, but by how the shoe fits your foot

The shoes you buy should always feel as good as they look. Shoes that fit properly will last longer, feel better, and improve your way of life each day.

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