Understanding your child's foot problems is important for early detection and intervention. Sever’s disease, medically known as calcaneal apophysitis, usually affects children ages eight to 14, especially those who are physically active. It is caused by inflammation of the heel growth plate and aggravated by repetitive stress from sports participation. Ingrown toenails in children often result from wearing ill-fitting shoes paired with improper nail cutting. Treatment from a podiatrist and proper shoe fitting changes may be necessary. Intoeing, characterized by walking with inward-turned feet, may require stretching exercises or casting under the guidance of a podiatrist. Metatarsus adductus is a congenital foot deformity that causes the front half of the foot, or forefoot, to turn inward, but typically resolves itself without treatment. However, regular visits to a podiatrist for monitoring are suggested. Pediatric flat feet, while common in babies and toddlers, may warrant intervention to ensure proper arch development if the arch fails to appear with growth. Plantar warts, caused by the human papillomavirus, or HPV, can be painful and affect mobility. If your child has any of these conditions, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for periodic exams and treatment as needed. 

Making sure that your children maintain good foot health is very important as they grow. If you have any questions, contact Sarah Urton, DPM of Kitsilano Foot and Ankle Clinic. 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 office located in Vancouver, BC . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Achilles tendon injuries are common for both athletes and occasional exercisers, presenting significant challenges due to the tendon's pivotal role in mobility. Often triggered by overuse, athletes may push their limits too quickly or neglect proper stretching before physical activity. Also, factors like wearing high heels or foot issues like flat feet can heighten the risk of an Achilles tendon injury. Symptoms typically include pain along the back of the foot and above the heel, and can be worsened by ankle stretching or toe-standing. Diagnosis involves a thorough physical examination by a podiatrist, who also may order imaging tests like an ultrasound or MRI scans to assess the extent of damage. Treatment options vary based on severity and may include prescribing anti-inflammatory medication or certain exercises for rehabilitation. In severe cases or complete tears, surgery may be necessary for tendon repair. If you have injured your Achilles tendon, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for a full exam, diagnosis, and suggested treatment plan. 

Achilles tendon injuries need immediate attention to avoid future complications. If you have any concerns, contact Sarah Urton, DPM of Kitsilano Foot and Ankle Clinic. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

What Is the Achilles Tendon?

The Achilles tendon is a tendon that connects the lower leg muscles and calf to the heel of the foot. It is the strongest tendon in the human body and is essential for making movement possible. Because this tendon is such an integral part of the body, any injuries to it can create immense difficulties and should immediately be presented to a doctor.

What Are the Symptoms of an Achilles Tendon Injury?

There are various types of injuries that can affect the Achilles tendon. The two most common injuries are Achilles tendinitis and ruptures of the tendon.

Achilles Tendinitis Symptoms

• Inflammation
• Dull to severe pain
• Increased blood flow to the tendon
• Thickening of the tendon

Rupture Symptoms

• Extreme pain and swelling in the foot
• Total immobility

Treatment and Prevention

Achilles tendon injuries are diagnosed by a thorough physical evaluation, which can include an MRI. Treatment involves rest, physical therapy, and in some cases, surgery. However, various preventative measures can be taken to avoid these injuries, such as:

• Thorough stretching of the tendon before and after exercise
• Strengthening exercises like calf raises, squats, leg curls, leg extensions, leg raises, lunges, and leg presses

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our office located in Vancouver, BC . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.

Stiffness in the big toe, medically known as hallux rigidus, usually develops due to arthritis, especially in adults between 30 and 60 years old. This stiffness in the big toe is often found to be the result of past sports injuries. Symptoms can worsen over time, leading to persistent pain, difficulty in wearing shoes, and changes in the way you walk. Treatment options include non-surgical approaches, such as modifying footwear, adjusting activities, and using medications to manage pain and inflammation. In more severe cases, surgery may be necessary. One option is cheilectomy, where bone spurs are removed to improve joint movement. Another surgical option is arthrodesis, which involves fusing the joint to reduce pain. These procedures aim to alleviate symptoms and improve big toe function. Given the complexity of hallux rigidus, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist for a thorough evaluation and the appropriate treatment recommendations. 

Toe pain can disrupt your daily activities. If you have any concerns, contact Sarah Urton, DPM of Kitsilano Foot and Ankle Clinic. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

What Causes Toe Pain?

Most severe toe pain is caused due to a sports injury, trauma from dropping something heavy on the toe, or bumping into something rigid. Other problems can develop over time for various reasons.

Toe pain can be caused by one or more ailments. The most common include:

• Trauma
• Sports injury
• Wearing shoes that are too tight
• Arthritis
• Gout
• Corns and calluses
• Hammertoe
• Bunions
• Blisters
• Ingrown toenails
• Sprains
• Fractures (broken bones)
• Dislocations

When to See a Podiatrist

• Severe pain
• Persistent pain that lasts more than a week
• Signs of infection
• Continued swelling
• Pain that prevents walking

Diagnosis

In many cases the cause of toe pain is obvious, but in others, a podiatrist may want to use more advanced methods to determine the problem. These can range from simple visual inspections and sensation tests to X-rays and MRI scans. Prior medical history, family medical history, and any recent physical traumatic events will all be taken into consideration for a proper diagnosis.

Treatment

Treatments for toe pain and injuries vary and may include shoe inserts, padding, taping, medicines, injections, and in some cases, surgery. If you believe that you have broken a toe, please see a podiatrist as soon as possible.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our office located in Vancouver, BC . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.