Children’s feet go through constant change as they grow, developing from soft, flexible structures into strong, supportive foundations. In infancy and early childhood, the bones are still forming, and the arch is not yet visible because of natural fat padding. As kids become more active and start walking, running, and jumping, the muscles and ligaments strengthen, and the arches begin to take shape. Proper-fitting shoes are essential during these stages, as tight or poorly shaped footwear can interfere with normal development. Flat feet, in-turning toes, or uneven walking patterns are common early on, but should be monitored to ensure they improve with growth. Regular foot checks by a podiatrist help identify any concerns before they cause discomfort or affect mobility. If you notice that your child seems to be experiencing foot discomfort, unusual wear on your child’s shoes, or frequent tripping, it is suggested that you schedule a podiatric evaluation.
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 Crystal Lake 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 office located in Crystal Lake, IL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.
When the big toe starts to angle toward the smaller toes, a bony bump can form at its base, often leading to pain, redness, and swelling. Bunions tend to worsen over time and are commonly linked to inherited foot structure, tight shoes, or repeated stress on the forefoot. As the joint becomes irritated, even walking short distances may feel uncomfortable. Comfort-focused changes can help reduce strain and relieve pressure. Supportive shoes with roomy toe boxes, soft padding, and custom orthotics can make a noticeable difference. Applying cold packs and doing gentle toe exercises may also ease soreness. In some cases, professional treatment is needed to correct alignment or reduce inflammation. If your foot pain or joint swelling continues to interfere with daily activities, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist for expert evaluation and a personalized care plan.
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 Crystal Lake, IL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.
For individuals managing diabetes, a foot wound is not just a minor injury, it represents a serious health risk. Elevated blood sugar over time can damage nerves, called neuropathy, and cause a dulling sensation so a small cut or blister goes unnoticed. Additionally, poor circulation, known as peripheral artery disease, slows healing, turning a simple wound into a chronic, non-healing ulcer that puts you at high risk for infection and potential limb loss. A podiatrist's role involves an important risk assessment to determine your level of vulnerability. This comprehensive exam includes checking for nerve function using specialized tools, assessing blood flow through palpation and Doppler studies, and evaluating any structural deformities that cause pressure points. This detailed information allows us to implement a targeted prevention and treatment plan, which is essential to safeguarding your mobility and overall health. Do not wait for a problem to appear. If you have diabetes and notice any changes to your feet, skin, or nail condition, it is suggested that you promptly schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for an exam and appropriate treatment.
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 one of our podiatrists from Crystal Lake Foot & Ankle Center. Our doctors 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 contact our office located in Crystal Lake, IL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.
Constant care and regular evaluation are important for a foot or ankle fracture. If left untreated, foot or ankle fractures can worsen over time and create more serious problems.
Don't wait to be examined if you believe you've experienced a foot or ankle fracture.
