Child athletes frequently experience foot and ankle injuries due to the physical demands of sports. Activities such as soccer, basketball, and gymnastics place significant stress on these areas, increasing the risk of sprains, fractures, and overuse injuries. Ankle sprains are particularly common, often resulting from sudden changes in direction or missteps. Overuse injuries in child athletes, such as stress fractures and tendon inflammation, can develop when repetitive motions strain the bones and soft tissues without adequate recovery time. Growth plate injuries are another concern, as the developing bones in children are more vulnerable to damage, which may affect long-term growth. Ignoring persistent pain or swelling may lead to chronic issues and a higher risk of re-injury. A podiatrist can evaluate your child’s condition, provide treatment to manage the pain and swelling, and recommend ways to prevent future injuries, such as wearing proper footwear and activity modifications. If your child experiences foot pain after sports activities, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for an exam and treatment options.

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 Ankle and Foot Centers of Missouri, P.C.. 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 the Greater Kansas City area . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Foot orthotics are custom or prefabricated inserts designed to support and align the feet, improving comfort and function. These devices help distribute pressure evenly, reduce strain on muscles and joints, and correct abnormal foot mechanics. Orthotics are beneficial for individuals experiencing foot pain, flat feet, high arches, or conditions such as plantar fasciitis and bunions. They are also useful for athletes and individuals who spend long hours on their feet, providing additional cushioning and stability. People with diabetes may use orthotics to prevent pressure sores and ulcers. Wearing properly fitted orthotics can improve posture, reduce fatigue, and enhance overall mobility. If you have foot pain or a specific foot condition, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can discuss the benefits of wearing custom orthotics.

If you are having discomfort in your feet and would like to try orthotics, contact one of our podiatrists from Ankle and Foot Centers of Missouri, P.C.. 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 contact our offices located in the Greater Kansas City area . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

It starts as a mild itch, just a little irritation between your toes. Maybe your skin feels dry or slightly cracked. Then, before you know it, that subtle annoyance turns into relentless burning, peeling, and redness. Athlete’s foot is not just a minor inconvenience. It is a fungal invasion thriving in warm, damp spaces like sweaty socks and shared locker rooms. Many people dismiss it, thinking it is just dry skin, but, left untreated, it spreads. Blisters can form, skin can crack open, and secondary infections can take hold. Some even find the fungus creeping into their toenails, making them thick and discolored. Scratching only makes it worse, spreading the infection to hands and other areas. Mild treatments may help, but if it keeps coming back or worsens, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist who can provide stronger solutions to stop the cycle and restore healthy skin.

Athlete’s Foot

Athlete’s foot is often an uncomfortable condition to experience. Thankfully, podiatrists specialize in treating athlete’s foot and offer the best treatment options. If you have any questions about athlete’s foot, consult with one of our podiatrists from Ankle and Foot Centers of Missouri, P.C.. Our doctors will assess your condition and provide you with quality treatment.

What Is Athlete’s Foot?

Tinea pedis, more commonly known as athlete’s foot, is a non-serious and common fungal infection of the foot. Athlete’s foot is contagious and can be contracted by touching someone who has it or infected surfaces. The most common places contaminated by it are public showers, locker rooms, and swimming pools. Once contracted, it grows on feet that are left inside moist, dark, and warm shoes and socks.

Prevention

The most effective ways to prevent athlete’s foot include:

• Thoroughly washing and drying feet
• Avoid going barefoot in locker rooms and public showers
• Using shower shoes in public showers
• Wearing socks that allow the feet to breathe
• Changing socks and shoes frequently if you sweat a lot

Symptoms

Athlete’s foot initially occurs as a rash between the toes. However, if left undiagnosed, it can spread to the sides and bottom of the feet, toenails, and if touched by hand, the hands themselves. Symptoms include:

• Redness
• Burning
• Itching
• Scaly and peeling skin

Diagnosis and Treatment

Diagnosis is quick and easy. Skin samples will be taken and either viewed under a microscope or sent to a lab for testing. Sometimes, a podiatrist can diagnose it based on simply looking at it. Once confirmed, treatment options include oral and topical antifungal medications.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our offices located in the Greater Kansas City area . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.