Items filtered by date: March 2024

Growing pains are a normal part of development in childhood. Children may experience mild aches or discomfort in the legs and feet due to the rapid growth phases they go through. Typically, these pains occur at night and don’t continue into the following day. However, when children’s foot pain deviates from these patterns, such as being localized, persistent, or severe, it may indicate a more profound issue. For instance, pain that worsens with activity could suggest Sever's disease, an inflammation of the heel's growth plate. Swelling, redness, or tenderness could point towards juvenile idiopathic arthritis. Something else may be amiss if there is a noticeable change in a child’s gait, like limping or reluctance to engage in previously enjoyed activities. If you’re unsure about whether your child is experiencing normal growing pains or something more, it is time for a visit with a foot doctor, otherwise known as a podiatrist. This type of doctor can diagnose any issues, and offer appropriate care and intervention to ensure the best foot health for your child. 

Making sure that your children maintain good foot health is very important as they grow. If you have any questions, contact James Tyler Vestile, DPM of Foot and Ankle Centers of Indiana. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Keeping Children's Feet Healthy

Having healthy feet during 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. Here are some things to consider...

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’. 

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 for 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.

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

Toe cramps are sudden and involuntary muscle contractions that can cause severe pain and immobility. Cramps in the toes, which occur when muscles contract and fail to relax, commonly occur at night. Toe cramps can be triggered by dehydration, electrolyte imbalance, tight footwear, and prolonged body positions, particularly in high-heat conditions. Underlying health issues like arteriosclerosis, which restricts blood flow to the extremities, can also contribute to toe cramps. Certain demographics, including athletes, older adults, and pregnant women, are more likely to experience recurring cramps due to muscle fatigue, age-related muscle loss, and hormonal changes. Toe cramps are generally treatable through certain lifestyle adjustments, increased hydration, and gentle stretching. However, if they continue or get worse, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist. This foot doctor is medically trained to perform a detailed exam and health history to determine the underlying cause of this condition. A podiatrist then can offer the appropriate treatment solutions.

Toe pain can disrupt your daily activities. If you have any concerns, contact James Tyler Vestile, DPM of Foot and Ankle Centers of Indiana. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

What Causes Toe Pain?

Most severe toe pain is caused due to a sports injury, trauma from dropping something heavy on the toe, or bumping into something rigid. Other problems can develop over time for various reasons.

Toe pain can be caused by one or more ailments. The most common include:

• Trauma
• Sports injury
• Wearing shoes that are too tight
• Arthritis
• Gout
• Corns and calluses
• Hammertoe
• Bunions
• Blisters
• Ingrown toenails
• Sprains
• Fractures (broken bones)
• Dislocations

When to See a Podiatrist

• Severe pain
• Persistent pain that lasts more than a week
• Signs of infection
• Continued swelling
• Pain that prevents walking

Diagnosis

In many cases the cause of toe pain is obvious, but in others, a podiatrist may want to use more advanced methods to determine the problem. These can range from simple visual inspections and sensation tests to X-rays and MRI scans. Prior medical history, family medical history, and any recent physical traumatic events will all be taken into consideration for a proper diagnosis.

Treatment

Treatments for toe pain and injuries vary and may include shoe inserts, padding, taping, medicines, injections, and in some cases, surgery. If you believe that you have broken a toe, please see a podiatrist as soon as possible.

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

Experiencing sudden joint pain, swelling, and redness in your big toe? It could be gout, a condition where urate crystals accumulate in the joints. To determine whether you have gout, a podiatrist may recommend various tests. Blood tests are essential to check uric acid levels, although elevated levels don't always signify gout. Joint fluid testing, or arthrocentesis, involves extracting fluid from the affected joint to identify uric acid crystals, confirming a gout diagnosis. Ultrasound imaging can reveal inflammation and the presence of crystals, or tophi, around the joint. Additionally, dual-energy computerized tomography, or DECT, scans provide detailed images to show uric acid crystals within the joints, aiding in diagnosis. If you're experiencing severe and persistent discomfort in the big toe joint, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist. This foot doctor is medically trained to diagnose symptoms of gout and offer the appropriate options to manage this condition. 

Gout is a foot condition that requires certain treatment and care. If you are seeking treatment, contact James Tyler Vestile, DPM from Foot and Ankle Centers of Indiana. Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.

What Is Gout?

Gout is a type of arthritis caused by a buildup of uric acid in the bloodstream. It often develops in the foot, especially the big toe area, although it can manifest in other parts of the body as well. Gout can make walking and standing very painful and is especially common in diabetics and the obese.

People typically get gout because of a poor diet. Genetic predisposition is also a factor. The children of parents who have had gout frequently have a chance of developing it themselves.

Gout can easily be identified by redness and inflammation of the big toe and the surrounding areas of the foot. Other symptoms include extreme fatigue, joint pain, and running high fevers. Sometimes corticosteroid drugs can be prescribed to treat gout, but the best way to combat this disease is to get more exercise and eat a better diet.

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

Lateral foot pain, or pain running down the side of the foot, can happen due to various reasons. One common cause is wearing tight shoes that put pressure on the outside of the foot. Another cause could be overuse or a sudden increase in physical activity, leading to strain or inflammation in the muscles or tendons on the side of the foot. Injuries such as ankle sprains or fractures can also result in lateral foot pain. Additionally, conditions like plantar fasciitis, where the tissue on the bottom of the foot gets inflamed, can sometimes cause pain that radiates to the side of the foot. If you are experiencing persistent or worsening lateral foot pain, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for a proper diagnosis and treatment.

Foot Pain

Foot pain can be extremely painful and debilitating. If you have a foot pain, consult with James Tyler Vestile, DPM from Foot and Ankle Centers of Indiana. Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

Causes

Foot pain is a very broad condition that could be caused by one or more ailments. The most common include:

• Bunions
• Hammertoes
• Plantar Fasciitis
• Bone Spurs
• Corns
• Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome
• Ingrown Toenails
• Arthritis (such as Gout, Rheumatoid, and Osteoarthritis)
• Flat Feet
• Injury (from stress fractures, broken toe, foot, ankle, Achilles tendon ruptures, and sprains)
• And more

Diagnosis

To figure out the cause of foot pain, podiatrists utilize several different methods. This can range from simple visual inspections and sensation tests to X-rays and MRI scans. Prior medical history, family medical history, and any recent physical traumatic events will all be taken into consideration for a proper diagnosis.

Treatment

Treatment depends upon the cause of the foot pain. Whether it is resting, staying off the foot, or having surgery; podiatrists have a number of treatment options available for foot pain.

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