Items filtered by date: October 2024

The development of children's feet begins during pregnancy when the basic structures form in the early weeks. By the second trimester, the bones of the feet start to develop, and by birth, a newborn's feet contain approximately 26 bones, many of which are still made of cartilage. As children grow, their feet undergo significant changes, with arches developing around age two to three. To support healthy foot development, parents can make proper footwear choices, opting for shoes that provide ample room for toes to move and grow. Allowing children to walk barefoot on safe surfaces helps strengthen foot muscles and improve balance. Regularly monitoring foot growth and ensuring that shoes fit correctly can prevent issues such as flat feet or other alignment problems. If your child’s feet are not growing as expected, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can monitor your child’s foot health and development and provide necessary treatment.

Making sure that your children maintain good foot health is very important as they grow. If you have any questions, contact Desiree Garzon, DPM of County Wide Foot, Ankle, & Wound Care. 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 offices located in Boynton Beach, and Wellington, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Clubfoot is a congenital condition characterized by an abnormal twisting of the foot, causing it to point downward and inward. This condition can affect one or both feet and may lead to difficulties in walking if left untreated. The exact causes of clubfoot remain unclear, but it is believed to result from a combination of genetic and environmental factors. Research suggests that clubfoot may occur due to a family history of the condition, as well as factors such as reduced amniotic fluid levels during pregnancy. Additionally, certain positions of the fetus in the womb may contribute to the development of clubfoot. Early diagnosis and intervention are essential for effective treatment. With appropriate care, including stretching exercises and casting, most children born with clubfoot can lead active and healthy lives. If your child was born with clubfoot, it is strongly suggested that you include a podiatrist on your healthcare team so the appropriate treatment can promptly begin.

Congenital foot problems require immediate attention to avoid future complications. If you have any concerns, contact Desiree Garzon, DPM of County Wide Foot, Ankle, & Wound Care. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Congenital foot problems are deformities affecting the feet, toes, and/or ankles that children are born with. Some of these conditions have a genetic cause while others just happen. Some specific foot ailments that children may be born with include clubfeet, polydactyly/macrodactyly, and cleft foot. There are several other foot anomalies that can occur congenitally. What all of these conditions have in common is that a child may experience difficulty walking or performing everyday activities, as well as trouble finding footwear that fits their foot deformity. Some of these conditions are more serious than others. Consulting with a podiatrist as early as possible will help in properly diagnosing a child’s foot condition while getting the necessary treatment underway.

What are Causes of Congenital Foot Problem?

A congenital foot problem is one that happens to a child at birth. These conditions can be caused by a genetic predisposition, developmental or positional abnormalities during gestation, or with no known cause.

What are Symptoms of Congenital Foot Problems?

Symptoms vary by the congenital condition. Symptoms may consist of the following:

• Clubfoot, where tendons are shortened, bones are shaped differently, and the Achilles tendon is tight, causing the foot to point in and down. It is also possible for the soles of the feet to face each other.
• Polydactyly, which usually consists of a nubbin or small lump of tissue without a bone, a toe that is partially formed but has no joints, or an extra toe.
• Vertical talus, where the talus bone forms in the wrong position causing other bones in the foot to line up improperly, the front of the foot to point up, and the bottom of the foot to stiffen, with no arch, and to curve out.
• Tarsal coalition, when there is an abnormal connection of two or more bones in the foot leading to severe, rigid flatfoot.
• Cleft foot, where there are missing toes, a V-shaped cleft, and other anatomical differences.
• Macrodactyly, when the toes are abnormally large due to overgrowth of the underlying bone or soft tissue.

Treatment and Prevention

While there is nothing one can do to prevent congenital foot problems, raising awareness and receiving neonatal screenings are important. Early detection by taking your child to a podiatrist leads to the best outcome possible.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our offices located in Boynton Beach, and Wellington, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.

Morton's neuroma involves the thickening of a nerve in the foot, most often found between the third and fourth toes. It results from persistent pressure and irritation, which can lead to pain, numbness, or tingling in the toes and the ball of the foot. Symptoms of Morton’s neuroma include a burning sensation or the feeling of a small lump under the foot. Women are more commonly affected, likely due to wearing narrow, high-heeled shoes that force the bones of the feet into unnatural positions. Being overweight can also increase the risk. A podiatrist can diagnose Morton's neuroma by examining the foot and evaluating the pain’s location and severity. They can offer such treatment solutions as custom orthotics, changes in footwear, or in some cases, injections to reduce inflammation. If conservative approaches are not effective, surgery may be considered. If you have symptoms that may indicate Morton's neuroma, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist.

Morton’s neuroma is a very uncomfortable condition to live with. If you think you have Morton’s neuroma, contact Desiree Garzon, DPM of County Wide Foot, Ankle, & Wound Care. Our doctor will attend to all of your foot care needs and answer any of your related questions.  

Morton’s Neuroma

Morton's neuroma is a painful foot condition that commonly affects the areas between the second and third or third and fourth toe, although other areas of the foot are also susceptible. Morton’s neuroma is caused by an inflamed nerve in the foot that is being squeezed and aggravated by surrounding bones.

What Increases the Chances of Having Morton’s Neuroma?

• Ill-fitting high heels or shoes that add pressure to the toe or foot
• Jogging, running or any sport that involves constant impact to the foot
• Flat feet, bunions, and any other foot deformities

Morton’s neuroma is a very treatable condition. Orthotics and shoe inserts can often be used to alleviate the pain on the forefront of the feet. In more severe cases, corticosteroids can also be prescribed. In order to figure out the best treatment for your neuroma, it’s recommended to seek the care of a podiatrist who can diagnose your condition and provide different treatment options.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our offices located in Boynton Beach, and Wellington, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Heel spur surgery is often considered when conservative treatments fail to alleviate persistent pain caused by heel spurs. Heel spurs develop when calcium deposits form on the heel bone, leading to discomfort during walking or standing. Two common surgical procedures are inferior heel spur resection and posterior heel spur resection. The former targets spurs on the bottom of the heel, while the latter addresses spurs located at the back of the heel. Surgery is typically recommended for individuals experiencing severe pain that hinders daily activities or those who have not responded to medications or orthotics. However, certain individuals may not be ideal candidates for surgery, including those with underlying health issues or infections. If you have a heel spur, it is suggested that you are under the care of a podiatrist who can determine if heel spur surgery is right for you.

Foot surgery is sometimes necessary to treat a foot ailment. To learn more, contact Desiree Garzon, DPM of County Wide Foot, Ankle, & Wound Care. Our doctor will assist you with all of your foot and ankle needs.

When Is Surgery Necessary?

Foot and ankle surgery is generally reserved for cases in which less invasive, conservative procedures have failed to alleviate the problem. Some of the cases in which surgery may be necessary include:

• Removing foot deformities like bunions and bone spurs
• Severe arthritis that has caused bone issues
• Cosmetic reconstruction

What Types of Surgery Are There?

The type of surgery you receive will depend on the nature of the problem you have. Some of the possible surgeries include:

• Bunionectomy for painful bunions
• Surgical fusion for realignment of bones
• Neuropathy decompression surgery to treat nerve damage

Benefits of Surgery

Although surgery is usually a last resort, it can provide more complete pain relief compared to non-surgical methods and may allow you to finally resume full activity.

Surgical techniques have also become increasingly sophisticated. Techniques like endoscopic surgery allow for smaller incisions and faster recovery times.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our offices located in Boynton Beach, and Wellington, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Plantar fasciitis affects millions of people every year. This condition occurs when the plantar fascia, a thick band of tissue that supports the arch of the foot, becomes inflamed due to repeated stress. Symptoms of plantar fasciitis typically include sharp pain in the heel or arch, particularly after periods of rest or first thing in the morning. Swelling and tightness in the Achilles tendon may also accompany this pain, which often worsens after prolonged activity or standing in shoes that lack proper support. Risk factors for developing plantar fasciitis include spending long hours on your feet, engaging in high-impact activities, wearing poorly supportive footwear, and having flat feet or high arches. A podiatrist can recommend correct footwear, exercises, and custom orthotics to alleviate pain. If you are experiencing heel pain from plantar fasciitis, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for a diagnosis and treatment.

Plantar fasciitis can be very painful and inconvenient. If you are experiencing heel pain or symptoms of plantar fasciitis, contact Desiree Garzon, DPM  from County Wide Foot, Ankle, & Wound Care. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

What Is Plantar Fasciitis?

Plantar fasciitis is the inflammation of the thick band of tissue that runs along the bottom of your foot, known as the plantar fascia, and causes mild to severe heel pain.

What Causes Plantar Fasciitis?

• Excessive running
• Non-supportive shoes
• Overpronation
• Repeated stretching and tearing of the plantar fascia

How Can It Be Treated?

• Conservative measures – anti-inflammatories, ice packs, stretching exercises, physical therapy, orthotic devices
• Shockwave therapy – sound waves are sent to the affected area to facilitate healing and are usually used for chronic cases of plantar fasciitis
• Surgery – usually only used as a last resort when all else fails. The plantar fascia can be surgically detached from the heel

While very treatable, plantar fasciitis is definitely not something that should be ignored. Especially in severe cases, speaking to your doctor right away is highly recommended to avoid complications and severe heel pain. Your podiatrist can work with you to provide the appropriate treatment options tailored to your condition.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our offices located in Boynton Beach, and Wellington, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.