Children’s feet change considerably as they grow, making foot health an important part of their physical development. During infancy, the feet are soft and flexible, and a layer of fat may make the arches appear flat. As toddlers begin walking, their balance improves while the muscles and bones continue developing. By the early school years, the arches often become more noticeable and the feet take on a more defined shape. Growth continues through the preteen years, when rapid changes in foot size may affect comfort and shoe fit. Healthy foot development supports walking, running, and everyday activities. Although many changes are normal, ongoing discomfort or unusual movement patterns may suggest a foot problem. Understanding the stages of growth helps parents recognize when their child may benefit from a foot examination.

Several foot concerns may appear during childhood. Flat feet are common in younger children because the arches are still developing, and they often improve with age. Some children walk with their toes pointing inward or outward, which may also change naturally as they grow. However, persistent walking difficulties or pain deserve attention. Active children sometimes experience heel pain during growth spurts, particularly when irritation develops around the heel's growth plate. Ingrown toenails may cause tenderness and swelling when a nail edge presses into the surrounding skin. Plantar warts may appear as rough spots on the soles, while poorly fitting shoes may contribute to blisters or calluses. Children do not always describe discomfort clearly. Limping, frequent tripping, or avoiding activities may be signs that their feet need evaluation. Changes in walking patterns may also affect balance during play.

Podiatric care helps identify foot problems that may interfere with a child's comfort and development. A podiatrist examines foot structure, joint movement, and walking patterns to determine whether growth is progressing normally. The evaluation may also include checking skin and toenails for signs of irritation or infection. When concerns arise, a podiatrist recommends treatment based on the child's age, symptoms, and foot development. Care may involve guidance on properly fitted footwear, support for painful foot mechanics, or treatment of specific skin and nail problems. Not every flat arch or unusual walking pattern requires treatment, but persistent symptoms deserve assessment. Early attention to foot discomfort may help children participate more comfortably in school and physical activities. If your child experiences ongoing foot pain or walking difficulties, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist for an evaluation and appropriate care.

The health of a child’s feet is vital to their overall well-being. If you have any questions regarding foot health, contact one of our podiatrists of Comprehensive Foot & Ankle Center. Our doctors 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 offices located in Lehigh Ave and Nazareth Hospital in Philadelphia, Collegeville Darby, and Langhorne, PA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

As you get older, your feet naturally change. Aging feet may become wider, flatter, or less flexible as muscles, tendons, and fat padding gradually change. These changes can affect balance, comfort, and walking. Common signs include foot stiffness, swelling, and increased sensitivity. Some changes are normal, but new pain or noticeable changes should not simply be blamed on age. Choosing supportive shoes and checking your feet regularly can help you notice problems before they become more difficult to manage.

Toenails can also look different over time. They may become thicker, harder, or yellow. Slower nail growth can make minor injuries take longer to grow out. Skin may become thinner and drier as natural oils decrease. Cracks can develop around the heels, while reduced sensation can make small injuries harder to notice. Proper moisturizing and regular nail care can help protect aging feet.

Circulation is another important part of foot health. Blood flow can become less efficient with age, especially when underlying health conditions are present. Diabetes, peripheral artery disease, and other conditions can increase the risk of foot problems. Smoking, inactivity, and previous foot injuries can also raise risk. Warning signs include persistent swelling, cold feet, or pain while walking.

A podiatrist can help distinguish normal aging from problems that require treatment. During an evaluation, the podiatrist may inspect the skin and toenails, check circulation, and examine foot structure. Treatment depends on the findings and may include nail care, skin care, or management of pressure areas. Regular foot checks are especially helpful when underlying health conditions increase risk. If you notice changes in your feet, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist for an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment.

If you need your feet checked, contact one of our podiatrists of Comprehensive Foot & Ankle Center. Our doctors will attend to all of your foot and ankle needs and provide you with quality treatment.

Geriatrics and Podiatry
When people age, some common issues that may occur are bone density loss, dry skin, poor circulation, and rough brittle nails. These issues may also affect your foot health if the necessary steps are not taken to alleviate the problems.

It is important to take care of your feet because feet that are injured or diseased can affect your overall health. Having painful feet hinders your ability to do daily activities or may decrease your willingness to do the things that you need to do.

Visiting Your Geriatrician
As we age, health problems become more likely, so it is essential to visit your doctor for check-ups to ensure that you are doing the best you can to take care of your health. It is recommended to check your feet frequently for any possible cuts, bruises, swelling, corns or any other irregularities. 

Taking Care of Elderly Feet
Cracked or dry feet can be treated by applying moisturizer often. It is also important not to wear old socks because the older the sock is, the higher the possibility there will be that there is bacteria there. Wear fresh socks and make sure they fit properly.

Proper foot health means that you can have a more active lifestyle and you will not be bogged down by pain. Foot health also leads to good circulation, which is paramount for overall health.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our offices located in Lehigh Ave and Nazareth Hospital in Philadelphia, Collegeville Darby, and Langhorne, PA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

A bunion develops when the joint at the base of the big toe gradually moves out of its normal position. This change creates a noticeable bump along the inside of the foot. The big toe can also begin pointing toward the smaller toes. Foot structure can play an important role in bunion development, and certain inherited foot shapes can increase the risk. Shoes that place pressure on the front of the foot can make symptoms worse. Bunion symptoms can include pain, redness, and swelling around the big-toe joint. The joint can also become stiff and difficult to move. Corns or calluses can develop where the toes rub together or where increased pressure affects the foot.

A podiatrist can evaluate a bunion by examining the position of the big toe and the affected joint. The examination can include checking joint movement, areas of tenderness, and changes in foot structure. A podiatrist can also assess how the patient stands and walks to determine how the bunion affects foot function. X-rays can help show the position of the bones and the severity of the joint changes. Treatment can focus on reducing pressure and improving comfort while walking. Custom orthotics can help improve foot support and distribute pressure more evenly. A podiatrist can also recommend properly fitted shoes with enough space around the toes to reduce pressure on the bunion.

Bunions can affect balance, movement, and the ability to wear certain shoes comfortably. Patients can change how they walk to avoid pressure on the painful big-toe joint. This change can place added stress on other areas of the foot. A podiatrist can identify these changes and develop a treatment plan based on the patient's symptoms and foot structure. Care can focus on reducing painful pressure, supporting the foot, and maintaining comfortable movement. Regular podiatry evaluations can also track changes in the bunion and determine whether treatment should be adjusted. Addressing discomfort can help patients remain active and reduce problems caused by altered foot mechanics. If you have symptoms of bunions, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist for diagnosis and treatment.

If you are suffering from bunion pain, contact one of our podiatrists of Comprehensive Foot & Ankle Center. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

What Is a Bunion?

Bunions are painful bony bumps that usually develop on the inside of the foot at the joint of the big toe. As the deformity increases over time, it may become painful to walk and wear shoes. Women are more likely to exacerbate existing bunions since they often wear tight, narrow shoes that shift their toes together. Bunion pain can be relieved by wearing wider shoes with enough room for the toes.

Causes

• Genetics – some people inherit feet that are more prone to bunion development
• Inflammatory Conditions - rheumatoid arthritis and polio may cause bunion development

Symptoms

• Redness and inflammation
• Pain and tenderness
• Callus or corns on the bump
• Restricted motion in the big toe

In order to diagnose your bunion, your podiatrist may ask about your medical history, symptoms, and general health. Your doctor might also order an x-ray to take a closer look at your feet. Nonsurgical treatment options include orthotics, padding, icing, changes in footwear, and medication. If nonsurgical treatments don’t alleviate your bunion pain, surgery may be necessary.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our offices located in Lehigh Ave and Nazareth Hospital in Philadelphia, Collegeville Darby, and Langhorne, PA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Athlete’s foot can cause more than temporary irritation. This fungal infection affects the skin of the feet and commonly develops between the toes. Shoes can create a warm, dark, and moist environment that allows fungus to grow. Damp areas around pools, showers, and locker rooms can also expose feet to the fungus. The condition can cause dry-looking skin, itching, or scaling. Some patients develop swelling or blisters that can leave the skin cracked and sore. Athlete’s foot can also spread to the soles of the feet and toenails.

Recognizing the signs can help a podiatrist determine whether athlete’s foot is causing the skin changes. Other skin conditions can look similar, so an accurate diagnosis is important. A podiatrist can examine the affected area and determine whether a fungal infection is present. Treatment can include antifungal medication, which works against the fungus causing the infection. Depending on the location and severity of the infection, medication can be applied directly to the skin or taken by mouth. A podiatrist can also create a treatment plan based on the patient’s symptoms and how the infection has responded to previous care.

Prompt attention can be especially helpful when symptoms continue or spread to other areas of the feet. Athlete’s foot can affect the toenails and can spread to other parts of the body through scratching and touching. A podiatrist can help identify the source of persistent symptoms and determine the appropriate treatment. Podiatric care can also help distinguish athlete’s foot from another condition that causes similar skin changes. Patients should seek evaluation when symptoms do not improve with appropriate care or when the infection continues to return. If you have symptoms of athlete's foot, it is suggested that you promptly schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for effective relief and treatment solutions.

Athlete’s foot is an inconvenient condition that can be easily reduced with the proper treatment. If you have any concerns about your feet and ankles, contact one of our podiatrists from Comprehensive Foot & Ankle Center.  Our doctors will treat your foot and ankle needs.

Athlete’s Foot: The Sole Story

Athlete's foot, also known as tinea pedis, can be an extremely contagious foot infection. It is commonly contracted in public changing areas and bathrooms, dormitory style living quarters, around locker rooms and public swimming pools, or anywhere your feet often come into contact with other people.

Solutions to Combat Athlete’s Foot

• Hydrate your feet by using lotion
• Exfoliate
• Buff off nails
• Use of anti-fungal products
• Examine your feet and visit your doctor if any suspicious blisters or cuts develop

Athlete’s foot can cause many irritating symptoms such as dry and flaking skin, itching, and redness. Some more severe symptoms can include bleeding and cracked skin, intense itching and burning, and even pain when walking. In the worst cases, Athlete’s foot can cause blistering as well. Speak to your podiatrist for a better understanding of the different causes of Athlete’s foot, as well as help in determining which treatment options are best for you.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our offices located in Lehigh Ave and Nazareth Hospital in Philadelphia, Collegeville Darby, and Langhorne, PA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.