Allowing babies to go barefoot offers numerous benefits that contribute to their overall development. When infants walk without shoes, they enhance their awareness of their surroundings, as their feet can feel different textures and temperatures. This sensory experience plays a vital role in brain development and spatial awareness. Furthermore, being barefoot encourages natural foot development, allowing the arches to form properly and strengthening the muscles and ligaments in the feet. As babies navigate different surfaces, they improve their coordination and agility, essential skills for later stages of physical activity. This freedom also fosters balance, helping them gain confidence as they explore their environment. Embracing the barefoot experience not only supports healthy foot growth but also nurtures a sense of exploration and movement that can positively influence their development. If your baby has any type of foot problem, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can treat various foot conditions and guide you on additional benefits of babies walking barefoot.

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 InStride Family Foot Care. 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 Concord, Charlotte, and Salisbury, NC . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Workplace falls are a significant safety concern that can lead to serious injuries, particularly to the feet. Preventing these incidents requires awareness of both unsafe actions and unsafe conditions. Common unsafe actions include rushing, not using handrails on stairs, and failing to keep walkways clear of obstacles. Unsafe conditions often involve wet floors, poor lighting, and uneven surfaces, which can increase the risk of slips and trips. To minimize the likelihood of falls, it is essential that a clean and organized work environment is maintained, proper lighting is ensured, and spills are addressed promptly. Additionally, appropriate footwear with good traction can help protect the feet from injury. Falling can seriously impact the feet and may cause a temporary loss of wages. If you have injured your feet from falling at work, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can offer you effective treatment solutions and appropriate fall prevention advice.

Preventing falls among the elderly is very important. If you are older and have fallen or fear that you are prone to falling, consult with one of our podiatrists from InStride Family Foot Care. Our doctors will assess your condition and provide you with quality advice and care.

Every 11 seconds, an elderly American is being treated in an emergency room for a fall related injury. Falls are the leading cause of head and hip injuries for those 65 and older. Due to decreases in strength, balance, senses, and lack of awareness, elderly persons are very susceptible to falling. Thankfully, there are a number of things older persons can do to prevent falls.

How to Prevent Falls

Some effective methods that older persons can do to prevent falls include:

• Enrolling in strength and balance exercise program to increase balance and strength
• Periodically having your sight and hearing checked
• Discuss any medications you have with a doctor to see if it increases the risk of falling
• Clearing the house of falling hazards and installing devices like grab bars and railings
• Utilizing a walker or cane
• Wearing shoes that provide good support and cushioning
• Talking to family members about falling and increasing awareness

Falling can be a traumatic and embarrassing experience for elderly persons; this can make them less willing to leave the house, and less willing to talk to someone about their fears of falling. Doing such things, however, will increase the likelihood of tripping or losing one’s balance. Knowing the causes of falling and how to prevent them is the best way to mitigate the risk of serious injury.  

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our offices located in Concord, Charlotte, and Salisbury, NC . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

A foot stress fracture is a small, hairline crack in a bone resulting from repetitive stress or overuse, commonly occurring in athletes and active individuals. Symptoms typically include localized pain that intensifies with activity, tenderness when pressure is applied, and swelling around the affected area. Causes often involve increased physical activity, improper footwear, or sudden changes in exercise routines. Conditions like osteoporosis can also contribute to the risk of stress fractures. Diagnosing a foot stress fracture usually begins with a thorough physical examination by a podiatrist who will assess pain levels and check for tenderness. Imaging tests, such as X-rays or MRI scans, may be necessary to confirm the diagnosis and rule out other injuries. Early detection is vital for effective treatment and recovery, allowing individuals to return to their activities safely. If you have sustained a foot stress fracture, contact a podiatrist for treatment.

Activities where too much pressure is put on the feet can cause stress fractures. To learn more, contact one of our podiatrists from InStride Family Foot Care. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep your pain free and on your feet.

Dealing with Stress Fractures of the Foot and Ankle

Stress fractures occur in the foot and ankle when muscles in these areas weaken from too much or too little use.  The feet and ankles then lose support when walking or running from the impact of the ground. Since there is no protection, the bones receive the full impact of each step. Stress on the feet can cause cracks to form in the bones, thus creating stress fractures.

What Are Stress Fractures?

Stress fractures occur frequently in individuals whose daily activities cause great impact on the feet and ankles. Stress factors are most common among:

• Runners                                  
• People affected with Osteoporosis
• Tennis or basketball players
• Gymnasts
• High impact workouts

Symptoms

Pain from the fractures occur in the area of the fractures and can be constant or intermittent. It will often cause sharp or dull pain with swelling and tenderness. Engaging in any kind of activity which involves high impact will aggravate pain.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our offices located in Concord, Charlotte, and Salisbury, NC . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Swollen feet are a common issue among the elderly and can arise from various underlying causes. One significant factor is congestive heart failure, which occurs when the heart struggles to pump blood effectively, leading to fluid accumulation in the extremities. Additionally, certain medications, such as those for high blood pressure or diabetes, can contribute to swelling as a side effect. Edema, a condition noted for fluid retention in the tissues, is also prevalent among older adults and can result from kidney problems or prolonged immobility. Early identification can lead to effective management strategies, improving comfort and overall health for elderly patients. If you are elderly or you are taking care of an elderly person who has swollen feet, it is suggested that you contact a podiatrist who can diagnose the cause and provide treatment.

Proper foot care is something many older adults forget to consider. If you have any concerns about your feet and ankles, contact one of our podiatrists from InStride Family Foot Care. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

The Elderly and Their Feet

As we age we start to notice many changes in our body, but the elder population may not notice them right away. Medical conditions may prevent the elderly to take notice of their foot health right away. Poor vision is a lead contributor to not taking action for the elderly.

Common Conditions 

• Neuropathy – can reduce feeling in the feet and can hide many life-threatening medical conditions.
• Reduced flexibility – prevents the ability of proper toenail trimming, and foot cleaning. If left untreated, it may lead to further medical issues.
• Foot sores – amongst the older population can be serious before they are discovered. Some of the problematic conditions they may face are:
• Gouging toenails affecting nearby toe
• Shoes that don’t fit properly
• Pressure sores
• Loss of circulation in legs & feet
• Edema & swelling of feet and ankles

Susceptible Infections

Diabetes and poor circulation can cause general loss of sensitivity over the years, turning a simple cut into a serious issue.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our offices located in Concord, Charlotte, and Salisbury, NC . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Rheumatoid arthritis, or RA, and gout are two distinct forms of arthritis that can cause significant foot pain. RA is an autoimmune condition that leads to swelling, stiffness, and inflammation in the joints, including those in the feet. This inflammation can result in joint damage if left untreated. Gout occurs when uric acid crystals accumulate in the joints, often causing sudden and intense pain, redness, and swelling. It typically causes painful flare ups in the big toe. While RA tends to cause more generalized joint discomfort, gout pain is more localized and can be severe during flare-ups. Both arthritic conditions can limit mobility and interfere with your daily activities. A podiatrist can evaluate your symptoms and suggest treatment that helps manage pain, reduce inflammation, and prevent further joint damage. Included are certain medications, targeted exercises and lifestyle or diet adjustments. If you have inflammatory pain in your feet, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for a diagnosis and the appropriate treatment.

When dealing with systemic disease of the feet, it is extremely important to check the affected areas routinely so that any additional problems are caught quickly.  If you have any concerns about your feet and ankles contact one of our podiatrists from InStride Family Foot Care. Our doctors will assist you with all of your podiatric needs.

Systemic Diseases of the Feet

Systemic diseases affect the whole body, and symptoms usually are displayed in the feet. This condition can make a patient’s ability to walk unbearable.  Systemic diseases include gout, diabetes mellitus, neurological disorders, and arthritis.

Gout – is caused by an excess of uric acid in the body. Common symptoms include pain, inflammation, and redness at the metatarsal/phalangeal joint of the base big toe. Gout can be treated by NSAIDs to relieve pain and inflammation, and other drugs that lower the acid levels in the body.

Diabetes mellitus – is an increase in the level of blood sugar that the body cannot counteract with its own insulin. Failure to produce enough insulin is a factor in Diabetes.

Diabetes of the Feet

Diabetic Neuropathy – may lead to damaged nerves and affect the feet through numbness and loss of sensation.

Peripheral Vascular Disease – can restrict the blood flow to the feet, and often times lead to amputation of the feet. 

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our offices located in Concord, Charlotte, and Salisbury, NC . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.