In-toeing and out-toeing are gait abnormalities seen in children, where the feet point inward or outward, respectively, when walking. In-toeing, often called pigeon-toed, is usually caused by a slight rotation in the shinbone or thigh bone, or a curve in the foot. Out-toeing is less common and often occurs in older children. It can result from conditions like femoral retroversion, where the thigh bone is rotated outward, or from external tibial torsion, involving the outward rotation of the shinbone. Many cases of in-toeing and out-toeing resolve naturally as children grow and their musculoskeletal system matures. Treatment typically involves monitoring the child's growth and development rather than immediate intervention. However, in cases where the condition persists or causes significant walking difficulties, discomfort, or tripping, a podiatrist can offer treatment. It may include specific exercises, orthotics to correct foot positioning, or, in rare instances, surgical options to realign the bones. Regular podiatric check-ups ensure that the child's walking pattern is developing normally and any necessary adjustments are made to promote optimal gait mechanics. If your child is exhibiting abnormal gait patterns, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for evaluation. 

Making sure that your children maintain good foot health is very important as they grow. If you have any questions, contact Franklin Harry, DPM of Best Foot Forward. 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 Festus and St. Louis, MO and Sauget, IL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Ingrown toenails are among the most common and painful foot issues people face. An ingrown toenail occurs when the edge or corner of the toenail grows into the surrounding skin, causing irritation, redness, swelling, and pain. If left untreated, ingrown toenails can become infected, leading to more severe discomfort and potentially serious complications. Podiatrists, or foot doctors, specialize in treating ingrown toenails and offer effective solutions to alleviate the pain associated with this condition. When you visit a podiatrist for an infected ingrown toenail, they will first assess the severity of the problem. Targeted treatment typically involves gently trimming or removing the ingrown portion of the nail, along with providing relief for any associated infection. Podiatrists can also offer guidance on proper nail care techniques to help prevent future occurrences. If you're dealing with the discomfort of an ingrown toenail, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist. 

Ingrown toenails can become painful if they are not treated properly. For more information about ingrown toenails, contact Franklin Harry, DPM of Best Foot Forward. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Ingrown Toenails

Ingrown toenails occur when a toenail grows sideways into the bed of the nail, causing pain, swelling, and possibly infection.

Causes

• Bacterial infections
• Improper nail cutting such as cutting it too short or not straight across
• Trauma to the toe, such as stubbing, which causes the nail to grow back irregularly
• Ill-fitting shoes that bunch the toes too close together
• Genetic predisposition

Prevention

Because ingrown toenails are not something found outside of shoe-wearing cultures, going barefoot as often as possible will decrease the likeliness of developing ingrown toenails. Wearing proper fitting shoes and using proper cutting techniques will also help decrease your risk of developing ingrown toenails.

Treatment

Ingrown toenails are a very treatable foot condition. In minor cases, soaking the affected area in salt or antibacterial soaps will not only help with the ingrown nail itself, but also help prevent any infections from occurring. In more severe cases, surgery is an option. In either case, speaking to your podiatrist about this condition will help you get a better understanding of specific treatment options that are right for you.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our offices located in Festus and St. Louis, MO and Sauget, IL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Ankle osteoarthritis, though less common than arthritis in the knees or hips, can still cause significant discomfort and impairment in affected individuals. This degenerative joint condition typically develops due to wear and tear over time, often as a result of previous injuries, such as ankle fractures or sprains, or conditions like rheumatoid arthritis. Ankle osteoarthritis primarily affects older adults, although younger individuals with a history of joint trauma may also develop the condition. Conservative treatments for ankle osteoarthritis include lifestyle modifications, such as weight management and low-impact exercises, in addition to the use of supportive devices like braces or orthotics. Pain management techniques, including nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs or corticosteroid injections, may provide mild relief. In more severe cases, surgical interventions, such as ankle fusion or replacement may be considered to alleviate pain and improve function. If you have ankle arthritis, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist who can help you manage this condition and guide you toward a treatment plan that is tailored for you.

Ankle pain can have many different causes and the pain may potentially be serious. If you have ankle pain, consult with Franklin Harry, DPM from Best Foot Forward. Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

Ankle pain is any condition that causes pain in the ankle. Due to the fact that the ankle consists of tendons, muscles, bones, and ligaments, ankle pain can come from a number of different conditions.

Causes

The most common causes of ankle pain include:

• Types of arthritis (rheumatoid, osteoarthritis, and gout)
• Ankle sprains
• Broken ankles
• Achilles tendinitis
• Achilles tendon rupture
• Stress fractures
• Tarsal tunnel syndrome
• Plantar fasciitis

Symptoms

Symptoms of ankle injury vary based upon the condition. Pain may include general pain and discomfort, swelling, aching, redness, bruising, burning or stabbing sensations, and/or loss of sensation.

Diagnosis

Due to the wide variety of potential causes of ankle pain, podiatrists will utilize a number of different methods to properly diagnose ankle pain. This can include asking for personal and family medical histories and of any recent injuries. Further diagnosis may include sensation tests, a physical examination, and potentially x-rays or other imaging tests.

Treatment

Just as the range of causes varies widely, so do treatments. Some more common treatments are rest, ice packs, keeping pressure off the foot, orthotics and braces, medication for inflammation and pain, and surgery.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our offices located in Festus and St. Louis, MO and Sauget, IL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Choosing the right shoes is important for people with arthritic feet. Wearing proper footwear can significantly alleviate pain and improve mobility, while the wrong shoes can worsen symptoms of arthritis. Shoes with a wide toe box, cushioned soles, and adequate arch support can help distribute weight evenly, reduce pressure on sensitive areas, and support the foot's natural shape. Additionally, shoes with adjustable closures, such as Velcro straps or laces, can accommodate changes in foot size due to swelling. Podiatrists play a key role in this selection process by evaluating your specific foot structure, identifying areas of concern, and recommending footwear that addresses your unique needs. Podiatrists may also suggest custom orthotics, which are personalized insoles that fit inside your shoe. If you suffer from arthritic feet, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist when choosing shoes for maximum support and comfort. 

Arthritis can be a difficult condition to live with. If you are seeking treatment, contact Franklin Harry, DPM from Best Foot Forward. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Arthritic Foot Care  

Arthritis is a term that is commonly used to describe joint pain.  The condition itself can occur to anyone of any age, race, or gender, and there are over 100 types of it.  Nevertheless, arthritis is more commonly found in women compared to men, and it is also more prevalent in those who are overweight. The causes of arthritis vary depending on which type of arthritis you have. Osteoarthritis for example, is often caused by injury, while rheumatoid arthritis is caused by a misdirected immune system.

Symptoms

• Swelling
• Pain
• Stiffness
• Decreased Range of Motion

Arthritic symptoms range in severity, and they may come and go. Some symptoms stay the same for several years but could potentially get worse with time. Severe cases of arthritis can prevent its sufferers from performing daily activities and make walking difficult.

Risk Factors

• Occupation – Occupations requiring repetitive knee movements have been linked to osteoarthritis
• Obesity – Excess weight can contribute to osteoarthritis development
• Infection – Microbial agents can infect the joints and trigger arthritis
• Joint Injuries – Damage to joints may lead to osteoarthritis
• Age – Risk increases with age
• Gender –Most types are more common in women
• Genetics – Arthritis can be hereditary

If you suspect your arthritis is affecting your feet, it is crucial that you see a podiatrist immediately. Your doctor will be able to address your specific case and help you decide which treatment method is best for you.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our offices located in Festus and St. Louis, MO and Sauget, IL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.