The journey of a child's first steps is a monumental milestone, prompting many parents to wonder when the right time is for those tiny feet to don their first pair of shoes. In the initial stages of crawling and early walking, experts suggest that barefoot is best. This allows little feet to develop naturally, promoting balance and strength. As a child begins to take more confident steps and explores different surfaces, introducing soft-soled shoes provides protection without impeding the foot's natural growth. Typically, at approximately one year of age, when walking becomes steadier, it is an appropriate time to consider the introduction of shoes. Opting for shoes with a proper fit, flexible soles, and breathable materials is vital to support the natural development of the feet. If you have concerns about a more definite time to purchase the first shoes for your child, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist.

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 Footcare Now. 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 Elmhurst Jackson Heights, Astoria, Rego Park, and Forest Hills, NY . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Corns and calluses are thickened areas of skin that develop from repeated pressure or friction, but they are not the same. Corns are smaller, often round, and usually form on the tops or sides of toes. They can be painful when pressed and may feel like a hard pebble under the skin. Calluses are broader, less defined, and typically appear on the soles or heels, usually without pain. Both conditions are caused by wearing ill-fitting shoes, abnormal gait, or prolonged standing. Visually, corns appear as dense, raised bumps with a hard center, while calluses look like rough, thick patches of skin. A podiatrist can determine the cause and type through physical examination. Treatment may involve gentle removal of thickened skin, padding, custom orthotics, and footwear advice to relieve pressure and prevent recurrence. For persistent or painful corns, minor procedures may be recommended. It is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist to properly treat and prevent corns and calluses.

Corns can make walking very painful and should be treated immediately. If you have questions regarding your feet and ankles, contact one of our podiatrists of Footcare Now. Our doctors will treat your foot and ankle needs.

Corns: What Are They? And How Do You Get Rid of Them?
Corns are thickened areas on the skin that can become painful. They are caused by excessive pressure and friction on the skin. Corns press into the deeper layers of the skin and are usually round in shape.

Ways to Prevent Corns
There are many ways to get rid of painful corns such as:

• Wearing properly fitting shoes that have been measured by a professional
• Wearing shoes that are not sharply pointed or have high heels
• Wearing only shoes that offer support

Treating Corns

Although most corns slowly disappear when the friction or pressure stops, this isn’t always the case. Consult with your podiatrist to determine the best treatment option for your case of corns.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our offices located in Elmhurst Jackson Heights, Astoria, Rego Park, and Forest Hills, NY . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Kohler disease is a rare foot condition that affects the tarsal navicular bone. This small midfoot bone helps connect the ankle to the toes and supports the arch, which becomes compressed and weakened. Kohler disease typically occurs in children between the ages of five and 10. The exact cause is unknown, but possible genetic links and disruptions in blood supply may contribute. Symptoms often include redness of the foot, tenderness along the length of the arch, swelling, and limping due to pain. Although the condition usually resolves with time, early diagnosis is important to relieve discomfort and prevent long-term issues. A podiatrist can provide supportive treatments, recommend protective footwear, and monitor healing. If your child shows signs of Kohler disease or has foot pain of any kind, it is suggested that you promptly consult a podiatrist to schedule an appointment for expert care.

Some foot conditions may require additional professional care. If you have any concerns, contact one of our podiatrists of Footcare Now. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Rare Foot Conditions

The majority of foot conditions are common and can be treated by a podiatrist.  Standard diagnostic procedures are generally used to identify specific conditions and treatment can be rendered. A podiatrist also treats rare foot conditions which can be difficult to diagnose and may need extra attention and care. 

There are many rare foot conditions that can affect children. Some of these can include:

• Freiberg’s disease
• Kohler’s disease
• Maffucci syndrome

Freiberg’s disease - This can be seen as a deterioration and flattening of a metatarsal bone that exists in the ball of the foot. It typically affects pre-teen and teenage girls, but can affect anyone at any age. Symptoms that can accompany this can be swelling, stiffness, and the patient may limp. 

Kohler’s disease - This often targets the bone in the arch of the foot and affects younger boys. It can lead to an interruption of the blood supply which ultimately can lead to bone deterioration. The patient may limp or experience tenderness, swelling, and redness.

Maffucci syndrome - This affects the long bones in a child’s foot leading to the development of abnormal bone lesions. They are benign growths and typically develop in early childhood and the bones may be susceptible to breaking. 

A podiatrist can properly diagnose and treat all types of rare foot conditions. If your child is affected by any of these symptoms or conditions, please don’t hesitate to call our office so the correct treatment method can begin.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our offices located in Elmhurst Jackson Heights, Astoria, Rego Park, and Forest Hills, NY . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Gout is a form of arthritis caused by a buildup of uric acid crystals in the joints, most often affecting the big toe. It differs from turf toe, which is a sprain of the big toe joint caused by repetitive stress or injury. Gout develops from excess uric acid in the bloodstream, often linked to diet, genetics, or kidney issues. Symptoms include sudden joint pain, swelling, redness, and warmth. Risk factors include obesity, high alcohol intake, certain medications, and family history. A podiatrist can help by diagnosing the condition, managing pain, and providing treatment options to prevent flare ups. If you are experiencing symptoms of gout, it is strongly suggested that you promptly schedule an appointment with a podiatrist who can help you to manage this painful condition.

Gout is a foot condition that requires certain treatment and care. If you are seeking treatment, contact one of our podiatrists from Footcare Now. Our doctors will treat your foot and ankle needs.

What Is Gout?

Gout is a type of arthritis caused by a buildup of uric acid in the bloodstream. It often develops in the foot, especially the big toe area, although it can manifest in other parts of the body as well. Gout can make walking and standing very painful and is especially common in diabetics and the obese.

People typically get gout because of a poor diet. Genetic predisposition is also a factor. The children of parents who have had gout frequently have a chance of developing it themselves.

Gout can easily be identified by redness and inflammation of the big toe and the surrounding areas of the foot. Other symptoms include extreme fatigue, joint pain, and running high fevers. Sometimes corticosteroid drugs can be prescribed to treat gout, but the best way to combat this disease is to get more exercise and eat a better diet.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our offices located in Elmhurst Jackson Heights, Astoria, Rego Park, and Forest Hills, NY . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.