Flat feet in children occur when the arch of the foot does not fully develop, causing the entire sole to touch the ground. This is common in early childhood, and many children naturally outgrow flat feet by the time they are 6, as the arch forms. However, some children continue to have flat feet and may experience foot pain, fatigue, or sores along the inner side of the foot. Limited movement or changes in walking patterns may also appear over time. The condition can develop due to ligament laxity or inherited foot structure. A podiatrist can assess foot development, monitor changes, and determine if treatment is needed to support proper alignment and prevent future discomfort. If your child has pain from flat feet, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can guide you toward effective relief and management tips.

The health of a child’s feet is vital to their overall well-being. If you have any questions regarding foot health, contact Richard M. Allen, DPM of Idaho. 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 Lewiston, ID . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Arthritis in the feet causes inflammation and damage within the joints, leading to discomfort and reduced mobility. Several types can affect the feet, including osteoarthritis, which involves wear and tear of cartilage. Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune condition that attacks joint lining. Psoriatic arthritis is linked to psoriasis, and gout is caused by crystal buildup in the joints, often affecting the big toe. Symptoms include pain, swelling, stiffness, and difficulty walking. Causes and risk factors include aging, joint injury, genetics, and underlying health conditions. Without proper care, symptoms can worsen over time. A podiatrist can evaluate the condition, provide treatment options, and recommend supportive footwear. If you have symptoms of arthritis in your feet, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can offer effective relief and management tips.

Arthritis can be a difficult condition to live with. If you are seeking treatment, contact Richard M. Allen, DPM from Idaho. our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Arthritic Foot Care  

Arthritis is a joint disorder that involves the inflammation of different joints in your body, such as those in your feet. Arthritis is often caused by a degenerative joint disease and causes mild to severe pain in all affected areas. In addition to this, swelling and stiffness in the affected joints can also be a common symptom of arthritis.

In many cases, wearing ill-fitting shoes can worsen the effects and pain of arthritis. Wearing shoes that have a lower heel and extra room can help your feet feel more comfortable. In cases of rheumatoid arthritis, the arch in your foot may become problematic. Buying shoes with proper arch support that contour to your feet can help immensely.

Alleviating Arthritic Pain

• Exercises that stretch the foot can prevent further pain and injury and increase mobility
• Most of the pain can be alleviated with anti-inflammatory drugs, heat, and topical medications
• Massages can help temporarily alleviate pain.

It is best to see your doctor for the treatment that is right for your needs and symptoms. Conditions vary, and a podiatrist can help you determine the right method of care for your feet.

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

An ingrown toenail develops when the edge of a toenail grows into the surrounding skin instead of over it. This condition most often affects the big toe, and can cause redness, swelling, tenderness, and pain along the nail border. The area may feel sore while  walking, wearing shoes, or applying pressure to the toe. In some cases, the skin may become infected, leading to drainage, warmth, or increased swelling. Common causes include trimming the nails too short, wearing tight footwear, injury to the toe, or naturally curved nails. Repeated pressure from sports or daily activities may also contribute to the problem. A podiatrist can examine the toe, determine the severity of the condition, and recommend appropriate treatment. Care may include trimming or removing the ingrown portion of the nail, treating infection, recommending proper footwear, or performing a minor procedure to help prevent recurrence. If you have an ingrown toenail, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for appropriate treatment.

Ingrown toenails can become painful if they are not treated properly. For more information about ingrown toenails, contact Richard M. Allen, DPM of Idaho. 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

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 office located in Lewiston, ID . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

An avulsion fracture in the foot occurs when a strong pull from a tendon or ligament causes a small piece of bone to separate from the main bone. An avulsion fracture often happens during quick movements, such as twisting the foot or rolling the ankle. It is common among football players, ballet dancers, gymnasts, and skiers. Symptoms include sudden pain at the time of injury, followed by swelling, bruising, and trouble putting weight on the foot. An avulsion fracture often affects the outer edge of the foot or the heel. A podiatrist can evaluate the injury by examining the foot and ordering imaging studies to confirm the location and severity. Care includes protecting the injured area, reducing pressure, and prescribing devices that keep the foot stable. If you have symptoms of an avulsion foot fracture, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for a diagnosis and appropriate treatment.

A broken foot requires immediate medical attention and treatment. If you need your feet checked, contact Richard M. Allen, DPM from Idaho. our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Broken Foot Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment

A broken foot is caused by one of the bones in the foot typically breaking when bended, crushed, or stretched beyond its natural capabilities. Usually the location of the fracture indicates how the break occurred, whether it was through an object, fall, or any other type of injury. 

Common Symptoms of Broken Feet:

• Bruising
• Pain
• Redness
• Swelling
• Blue in color
• Numbness
• Cold
• Misshapen
• Cuts
• Deformities

Those that suspect they have a broken foot shoot seek urgent medical attention where a medical professional could diagnose the severity.

Treatment for broken bones varies depending on the cause, severity and location. Some will require the use of splints, casts or crutches while others could even involve surgery to repair the broken bones. Personal care includes the use of ice and keeping the foot stabilized and elevated.

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