Nearly 15% of children appear to have flat feet, but as most of these children grow older arches will develop. Unless children are complaining of pain there is no need to interfere with the growing process; however, seeing a podiatrist concerning the arches will not cause any harm and may put a parent’s mind at ease. Additionally, parents can easily tell if their children do have foot problems by looking at the wear and tear patterns on their shoes. Bringing in old shoes to a doctor’s visit can help determine if your child has any potential foot issues. In most cases foot problems can be treated while a child is still young since the bones are still soft.

Keeping an eye on your child’s foot growth is one of the best ways to help keep their feet healthy. If you have any concerns contact one of our podiatrists of Active Foot and Ankle Care, LLC. Our doctors will treat your foot and ankle needs.

Keeping Children's Feet Healthy

Having healthy feet in 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 from birth to school-age.

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’.  Be sure the child wears comfortable and protective shoes so that they can grow into their feet properly.

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 of 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

Children of all ages are constantly developing and growing, and as a parent you want to make sure that nothing is hindering their maturation.

If you have any concerns feel free contact our offices located in Fair Lawn, Englewood, and Riverdale, NJ. We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.

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Academy award nominated Hollywood Actor, Jake Gyllenhaal, is known for taking on intense roles where he needs to be extremely fit. Recently Gyllenhaal, the self-proclaimed exercise addict has taken up barefoot running and states that activity has done wonders to reduce the usual muscles soreness he feels after runs with shoes. Although the Southpaw actor particularly enjoys barefoot running, he states, “I’ve had to teach myself how to slow down a bit, because I get so into it, it becomes a real addiction.”

Barefoot running has its own share of benefits and disadvantages. To learn more about this trend, consider speaking to one of our podiatrists of Active Foot and Ankle Care, LLC. Our doctors will explain the facts of barefoot running and help you decide if it’s a practice you’d like to take up.

Barefoot Running

The Impact of Barefoot Running
-Running without shoes changes the motion of your running, as most running is done by landing on the heel of the feet.
-Running barefoot requires a different way of running; the landing is done on the front part of the feet.

The Advantages of Barefoot Running
-When running and landing on the front feet, the impact on the feet and ankle is reduced, this can reduce stress injuries.
-It strengthens muscles in the feet and ankles and the lower legs.
-Balance of the body is improved and there is a greater sensory input from the feet to the rest of the body.

The Drawbacks of Barefoot Running
-No protection while running, makes it likely that runners will land on sharp objects and scrapes, bruises and cuts on the feet will result.
-Blisters may form.
-Possibility of plantar fascia problems.
-Risk of getting Achilles tendonitis.

So what can runners do to make barefoot running safe? It’s best to make a slow transition from running shoes to barefoot running. Once the feet begin to adjust, try walking, then jogging and gradually increasing the distance. Minimalist running shoes may also be an option.

If you have any questions, please contact our offices located in Fairlawn, Riverdale, and Englewood, NJ. We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

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Joel Embiid of the Philadelphia 76ers has broken the bone in his right foot and will have surgery to repair the break making this the second foot injury in less than a year for the 21-year old. Embiid originally broke his foot in June of last year, two months before he signed his rookie contract. Although he was the number three pick during the 2014 NBA draft, the center has missed most of his rookie season and will now most likely miss this upcoming season due to the surgery.

Foot surgery is sometimes necessary to fix a foot ailment. If you have any concerns about your foot and ankle needs contact Dr. Richard T. Braver DPM, FACAS and Dr. Philip S. Messenger, DPM of Active Foot and Ankle Care, LLC. Our doctors will treat your foot and ankle needs.

When Is Surgery Necessary?

Foot and ankle surgery is generally reserved for cases in which less invasive, conservative procedures have failed to help with the problem. Some of the cases in which surgery may be necessary are:

• Removing foot deformities like bone spurs and bunions
• Severe arthritis that has caused bone issues
• Cosmetic reconstruction

What Types of Surgery Are There?

The type of surgery you receive will depend on the nature of the problem you have. Some of the possible surgeries include:

• Bunionectomy for painful bunions
• Surgical fusion for realignment of bones
• Neuropathy decompression surgery to treat nerve damage

Benefits of Surgery

Although surgery is usually a last resort, it can provide more complete pain relief compared to non-surgical methods and may allow you to finally resume full activity.

Surgical techniques have also become increasingly sophisticated. Techniques like endoscopic surgery allow for smaller incisions and faster recovery times.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our offices located in Englewood, Fair Lawn, and Riverdale, NJ. We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.

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Xavier Johnson, senior point guard at University of Colorado recently had surgery to repair a tear in his Achilles tendon. There is no telling if the injury will heal in time for the start of the season on November 13, but the team is still supporting him. Coach Tad Boyle stated, “[We are] looking forward to helping Xavier through this process and getting him back healthy, and help this program win more games.”

Achilles tendon injuries need immediate attention to avoid future complications. If you have any concerns contact one of our podiatrists of Active Foot and Ankle Care, LLC. Our doctors will treat your foot and ankle needs.

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 cause severe 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 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 offices located in Fair Lawn, Englewood, and Riverdale, NJ. We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.

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