Children’s foot health is essential for their overall growth and development. Common conditions that may affect their feet include bowed legs, flat feet, in-toeing, out-toeing, and curly toes. Bowed legs are often seen in toddlers and usually resolve as they grow. Flat feet, where the arch does not develop properly, may cause discomfort or pain but often improve with age. In-toeing and out-toeing, where the feet turn inward or outward while walking, can be normal in young children but may need attention if they persist. Additionally, curly toes, where one or more toes bend toward others, can cause irritation or difficulty finding comfortable shoes. If your child has any kind of foot condition, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can offer appropriate treatment solutions.

The health of a child’s feet is vital to their overall well-being. If you have any questions regarding foot health, contact Kenneth Donovan, DPM of Advanced Care Foot and Ankle. Our doctor 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 Charleston, SC . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Morton's neuroma develops when tissue thickens around a nerve in the forefoot, commonly between the third and fourth toes. This condition often causes a burning sensation, tingling, or the feeling of stepping on a small object. Wearing tight shoes and high heels can increase pressure on the nerve and worsen the pain.  A podiatrist can diagnose Morton’s neuroma by assessing symptoms and using digital imaging as needed. Treatment may involve changing footwear, using orthotics to relieve pressure, or receiving injections to reduce inflammation. If non-surgical methods do not provide relief, surgery may be considered to either remove the affected nerve or release surrounding tissue to reduce compression. Surgical recovery typically allows walking in a protective shoe soon after the procedure, with most people returning to regular footwear within a few weeks. If you are experiencing symptoms of Morton's neuroma, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for an exam, diagnosis, and treatment options, which may include surgery.

Morton’s neuroma is a very uncomfortable condition to live with. If you think you have Morton’s neuroma, contact Kenneth Donovan, DPM of Advanced Care Foot and Ankle. Our doctor will attend to all of your foot care needs and answer any of your related questions.  

Morton’s Neuroma

Morton's neuroma is a painful foot condition that commonly affects the areas between the second and third or third and fourth toe, although other areas of the foot are also susceptible. Morton’s neuroma is caused by an inflamed nerve in the foot that is being squeezed and aggravated by surrounding bones.

What Increases the Chances of Having Morton’s Neuroma?

• Ill-fitting high heels or shoes that add pressure to the toe or foot
• Jogging, running or any sport that involves constant impact to the foot
• Flat feet, bunions, and any other foot deformities

Morton’s neuroma is a very treatable condition. Orthotics and shoe inserts can often be used to alleviate the pain on the forefront of the feet. In more severe cases, corticosteroids can also be prescribed. In order to figure out the best treatment for your neuroma, it’s recommended to seek the care of a podiatrist who can diagnose your condition and provide different treatment options.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in Charleston, SC . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Swollen feet can be a sign of underlying health conditions that affect circulation, fluid balance, or inflammation. Heart disease can lead to fluid retention in the lower extremities due to poor circulation and weakened heart function. Kidney disease affects the body’s ability to remove excess fluids, resulting in swelling in the feet and ankles. Liver disease can cause fluid buildup when the liver fails to produce enough proteins to regulate circulation. Additionally, diabetes may lead to swelling due to poor circulation and nerve damage. Severe infections can cause localized swelling as the body responds to inflammation. Arthritis often results in joint swelling and stiffness, making movement painful. If your feet have become swollen, it is strongly suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can determine what the cause is, and offer appropriate treatment and relief solutions.

Swollen feet can be a sign of an underlying condition. If you have any concerns, contact Kenneth Donovan, DPM of Advanced Care Foot and Ankle. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Swollen feet are a common ailment among pregnant women and people who stand or sit for extended periods. Aging may increase the possibility of swollen feet and patients who are obese often notice when their feet are swelling too. There may be medical reasons why swollen feet occur:

• Phlebitis - A condition that causes the veins to become inflamed and can also cause leg pain.
• Liver disease - This may lead to low blood levels of albumin which is a protein. This can cause fluid in the blood to pass into the tissues and several areas of the body can become swollen.
• Heart failure - When the heart doesn’t pump properly the blood that is normally pumped back to the heart can pool in the veins of the legs causing swollen feet.
• Kidney disease - One of the main functions of the kidneys is releasing excess fluid in the body. This type of condition can make it difficult for the kidneys to function properly, and as a result the feet may become swollen.
• Deep-vein thrombosis (DVT)- This is a serious condition where blood clots form in the veins of the legs. They can block the return of blood from the legs to the heart which may cause the feet to swell. It is important to be treated by a podiatrist if this condition is present.

Swollen feet can also be caused by bone and tendon conditions, including fractures, arthritis, and tendinitis. Additionally, there may be skin and toenail conditions and an infection may cause the feet to swell. Patients who take medicine to treat high blood pressure may be prone to getting swollen feet. 

Many patients elevate their feet to help relieve the swelling and this is generally a temporary remedy. When a podiatrist is consulted the reason behind the swelling can be uncovered and subsequently treated.

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