Selecting the right shoes for children is important for comfort and healthy foot development. In recent studies, children may believe that comfort equates to softness, which may depend on the  age of the child. A well-fitting shoe should provide gentle support, allow natural motion, and avoid pressure on growing feet. Shoes that are too tight or poorly structured can lead to discomfort and conditions like blisters or foot fatigue. Children may not always express discomfort, so observing how they walk and play is essential. A podiatrist can assess foot growth, recommend proper footwear, and address any concerns early. If you have concerns about your child's feet and what shoes they should be wearing, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can provide necessary treatment and offer you informational guidance and helpful tips.

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 Highpoint Foot & Ankle Center. Our practitioners 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 Chalfont, Doylestown, and Hatboro, PA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Sever's disease is a common cause of heel pain in growing children and adolescents, especially those who are active in sports. It occurs when the growth plate in the heel becomes irritated due to repeated stress and tension on the Achilles tendon. This condition often develops during growth spurts when bones grow faster than muscles and tendons can adapt. Symptoms include heel pain, tenderness, and limping during or after activity. It can affect children who participate in running or jumping activities and those with tight calf muscles. A podiatrist can evaluate the condition, recommend stretching, supportive footwear, and activity modifications to reduce strain. If your active child has persistent heel pain, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can accurately diagnose and treat Sever’s disease.

Sever's disease often occurs in children and teens. If your child is experiencing foot or ankle pain, see one of our podiatrists from Highpoint Foot & Ankle Center. Our practitioners can treat your child’s foot and ankle needs.

Sever’s Disease

Sever’s disease is also known as calcaneal apophysitis, which is a medical condition that causes heel pain I none or both feet. The disease is known to affect children between the ages of 8 and 14.

Sever’s disease occurs when part of the child’s heel known as the growth plate (calcaneal epiphysis) is attached to the Achilles tendon. This area can suffer injury when the muscles and tendons of the growing foot do not keep pace with bone growth. Therefore, the constant pain which one experiences at the back of the heel will make the child unable to put any weight on the heel. The child is then forced to walk on their toes.

Symptoms

Acute pain – Pain associated with Sever’s disease is usually felt in the heel when the child engages in physical activity such as walking, jumping and or running.

Highly active – Children who are very active are among the most susceptible in experiencing Sever’s disease, because of the stress and tension placed on their feet.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our offices located in Chalfont, Doylestown, and Hatboro, PA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Diabetes is a chronic condition that affects how the body uses glucose, leading to high blood sugar that can damage nerves and blood vessels. This often affects the feet by reducing sensation and slowing healing, increasing the risk of injury and infection. Proper foot care is essential and includes daily inspection, gentle cleansing, and wearing supportive footwear. Regular exams and careful monitoring of blood sugar, along with consistent exercise and a balanced diet, help reduce complications. Risk factors include poor circulation, long-term elevated glucose, and inadequate foot care. A podiatrist can detect early changes, provide treatment, and guide prevention strategies. If you have diabetes, it is strongly suggested that you are under the care of a podiatrist who can help you to manage this serious condition.

Diabetic foot care is important in preventing foot ailments such as ulcers. If you are suffering from diabetes or have any other concerns about your feet, contact one of our podiatrists from Highpoint Foot & Ankle Center. Our practitioners can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Diabetic Foot Care

Diabetes affects millions of people every year. The condition can damage blood vessels in many parts of the body, especially the feet. Because of this, taking care of your feet is essential if you have diabetes, and having a podiatrist help monitor your foot health is highly recommended.

The Importance of Caring for Your Feet

• Routinely inspect your feet for bruises or sores.
• Wear socks that fit your feet comfortably.
• Wear comfortable shoes that provide adequate support.

Patients with diabetes should have their doctor monitor their blood levels, as blood sugar levels play such a huge role in diabetic care. Monitoring these levels on a regular basis is highly advised.

It is always best to inform your healthcare professional of any concerns you may have regarding your feet, especially for diabetic patients. Early treatment and routine foot examinations are keys to maintaining proper health, especially because severe complications can arise if proper treatment is not applied.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our offices located in Chalfont, Doylestown, and Hatboro, PA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Ingrown toenails develop when the edge of a nail grows into the surrounding skin, often affecting the big toe. Common causes of ingrown toenails include tight-fitting shoes that crowd the toes, improper nail trimming, and injury to the toe. Naturally curved nails, as well as repeated pressure from walking or sports, can increase risk. Symptoms include pain along the nail edge, redness, swelling, and tenderness when pressure is applied. As the ingrown toenail worsens, the skin may become inflamed. Fluid or pus can form if bacteria enter the area. Some people notice slight bleeding or extra skin forming around the nail. A podiatrist can diagnose the severity of the condition, trim or remove the problem portion of the nail, and provide care to reduce infection and prevent recurrence. If you are experiencing pain from an ingrown toenail, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist for a diagnosis and treatment.

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 Highpoint Foot & Ankle Center. Our practitioners 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 offices located in Chalfont, Doylestown, and Hatboro, PA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.