Caring for Growing Feet in Childhood

Children’s feet change quickly as they grow, and paying attention to their comfort can support healthy development. Many kids experience periods of rapid growth that can briefly affect balance or coordination, and it is common for their feet to look flat in early years as the arch gradually forms. Well-fitting shoes with enough room for the toes to move freely are one of the simplest ways to keep young feet comfortable. Noticing how your child walks can also be helpful, especially if they seem to trip often, favor one foot, or complain of pain after activity. Minor aches may come and go, but ongoing discomfort can signal issues that deserve a closer look. A podiatrist can assess alignment, gait, and development to ensure everything is progressing as it should. If concerns about your child’s feet persist, it is suggested that you see a podiatrist for proper guidance.

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 Lexington Foot and Ankle Center, PSC. 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 Harrodsburg, Frankfort, Georgetown, and Lexington, KY . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

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Orthotics as a Supportive Solution for Flat Feet

Orthotics can be an effective solution for anyone with flat feet because they provide stability, support, and improved alignment. Customized orthotics are often better than standard inserts because they are created to match both typical and atypical foot structures. They can be adjusted over time to ensure continued comfort as your needs change. Proper support can reduce pain in the feet, ankles, knees, and lower back, making daily activities more comfortable. A podiatrist can evaluate your foot structure, recommend the right type of orthotic, and make any needed modifications for the best results. If you have discomfort from flat feet or want better support, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist to explore personalized orthotic options.

If you are having discomfort in your feet and would like to try orthotics, contact one of our podiatrists from Lexington Foot and Ankle Center, PSC. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

What Are Orthotics?

Orthotics are inserts you can place into your shoes to help with a variety of foot problems such as flat feet or foot pain. Orthotics provide relief and comfort for minor foot and heel pain but can’t correct serious biomechanical problems in your feet.

Over-the-Counter Inserts

Orthotics come in a wide variety of over-the-counter inserts that are used to treat foot pain, heel pain, and minor problems. For example, arch supports can be inserted into your shoes to help correct overarched or flat feet, while gel insoles are often used because they provide comfort and relief from foot and heel pain by alleviating pressure.

Prescription Orthotics

If over-the-counter inserts don’t work for you or if you have a more severe foot concern, it is possible to have your podiatrist prescribe custom orthotics. These high-quality inserts are designed to treat problems such as abnormal motion, plantar fasciitis, and severe forms of heel pain. They can even be used to help patients suffering from diabetes by treating foot ulcers and painful calluses and are usually molded to your feet individually, which allows them to provide full support and comfort.

If you are experiencing minor to severe foot or heel pain, it’s recommended to speak with your podiatrist about the possibilities of using orthotics. A podiatrist can determine which type of orthotic is right for you and allow you to take the first steps towards being pain-free.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our offices located in Harrodsburg, Frankfort, Georgetown, and Lexington, KY . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

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Why Does Cuboid Syndrome Occur?

Cuboid syndrome is a condition that occurs when the cuboid bone in the foot becomes partially dislocated or misaligned, affecting the surrounding joints and tissues. It is often caused by changes in the cuboid joint structure, overuse, ankle sprains, or repetitive stress during physical activity. Common symptoms include lateral midfoot pain, tenderness, swelling, and discomfort while walking or standing. A podiatrist can accurately diagnose cuboid syndrome through a physical examination and imaging, if needed. Treatment may include manual manipulation, supportive taping, custom orthotics, and targeted exercises to restore alignment and relieve pain. If you have persistent outer foot pain or instability, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist who can accurately diagnose and treat what may be going on.

Cuboid syndrome, also known as cuboid subluxation, occurs when the joints and ligaments near the cuboid bone in the foot become torn. If you have cuboid syndrome, consult with one of our podiatrists from Lexington Foot and Ankle Center, PSC. Our doctors will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

Cuboid syndrome is a common cause of lateral foot pain, which is pain on the outside of the foot. The condition may happen suddenly due to an ankle sprain, or it may develop slowly overtime from repetitive tension through the bone and surrounding structures.

Causes

The most common causes of cuboid syndrome include:

  • Injury – The most common cause of this ailment is an ankle sprain.
  • Repetitive Strain – Tension placed through the peroneus longus muscle from repetitive activities such as jumping and running may cause excessive traction on the bone causing it to sublux.
  • Altered Foot Biomechanics – Most people suffering from cuboid subluxation have flat feet.

Symptoms

A common symptom of cuboid syndrome is pain along the outside of the foot which can be felt in the ankle and toes. This pain may create walking difficulties and may cause those with the condition to walk with a limp.

Diagnosis

Diagnosis of cuboid syndrome is often difficult, and it is often misdiagnosed. X-rays, MRIs and CT scans often fail to properly show the cuboid subluxation. Although there isn’t a specific test used to diagnose cuboid syndrome, your podiatrist will usually check if pain is felt while pressing firmly on the cuboid bone of your foot.

Treatment

Just as the range of causes varies widely, so do treatments. Some more common treatments are ice therapy, rest, exercise, taping, and orthotics.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our offices located in Harrodsburg, Frankfort, Georgetown, and Lexington, KY . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

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Understanding Flat Feet

Flat feet occur when the medial longitudinal arch of the foot collapses, causing it to contact or nearly contact the ground. This condition can be present from birth or develop over time. Causes include aging, injury, obesity, or medical conditions that weaken the tendons and ligaments supporting the arch. Some individuals experience no discomfort, while others may have pain, swelling, or fatigue in the feet, ankles, or legs. A podiatrist can evaluate foot structure, identify the underlying cause, and recommend treatment custom orthotics, supportive footwear, and targeted exercises to improve alignment and relieve pain. If you have pain from flat feet, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can offer you effective relief and management tips.

Flatfoot is a condition many people suffer from. If you have flat feet, contact one of our podiatrists from Lexington Foot and Ankle Center, PSC. Our doctors will treat your foot and ankle needs.

What Are Flat Feet?

Flatfoot is a condition in which the arch of the foot is depressed and the sole of the foot is almost completely in contact with the ground. About 20-30% of the population generally has flat feet because their arches never formed during growth.

Conditions & Problems:

Having flat feet makes it difficult to run or walk because of the stress placed on the ankles.

Alignment – The general alignment of your legs can be disrupted, because the ankles move inward which can cause major discomfort.

Knees – If you have complications with your knees, flat feet can be a contributor to arthritis in that area.  

Symptoms

  • Pain around the heel or arch area
  • Trouble standing on the tip toe
  • Swelling around the inside of the ankle
  • Flat look to one or both feet
  • Having your shoes feel uneven when worn

Treatment

If you are experiencing pain and stress on the foot you may weaken the posterior tibial tendon, which runs around the inside of the ankle. 

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our offices located in Harrodsburg, Frankfort, Georgetown, and Lexington, KY . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

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If left untreated, an ingrown toenail can lead to more serious concerns, such as an infection. Knowing proper nail care can help in the prevention of an ingrown toenail. Give us a call, and get treated!

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