A child's gait, or walking pattern, changes as the body grows and develops. Learning to walk is only the beginning because balance, coordination, and muscle control continue to improve throughout childhood. As the feet, legs, and hips mature, children develop longer steps, better stability, and smoother movement. Every child reaches these milestones at a different pace, but healthy foot development plays an important role in normal gait. Some children walk with their toes turned inward or outward, while others walk on their toes or appear flat-footed. Many of these changes improve as children grow. Persistent pain, frequent tripping, uneven shoe wear, or difficulty keeping up with other children can indicate a problem that should be evaluated by a podiatrist.

A podiatrist carefully examines a child's gait to determine whether the feet and legs are developing properly. The evaluation includes checking foot structure, joint movement, and flexibility. The podiatrist also observes how the child walks, runs, and changes direction because each movement provides important information about balance and foot function. Watching a child move can reveal differences in stride length, foot position, or weight distribution that are not noticeable during a seated examination. Early diagnosis allows abnormal movement patterns to be identified before they place unnecessary stress on the feet, knees, or hips. Regular evaluations also help monitor changes as the child continues to grow.

Treatment is based on the child's symptoms, age, and stage of development. A podiatrist can recommend shoes that fit properly and provide good support for growing feet. Care also includes custom orthotics when they improve foot alignment and encourage a healthier walking pattern. Guided exercises can strengthen muscles, improve balance, and support normal gait development. Routine follow-up visits allow the podiatrist to monitor progress as the child's walking pattern continues to mature. If your child has symptoms of foot pain or concerns about gait development, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for diagnosis and treatment.

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 Aurora Foot & Ankle Clinic. 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 office located in Langley, BC . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Peripheral neuropathy develops when nerves outside the brain and spinal cord become damaged. These nerves carry messages between the brain, feet, and the rest of the body. When the nerves do not work correctly, they can send the wrong signals or fail to send signals at all. This problem frequently affects the feet first because the longest nerves travel to the toes. Symptoms include numbness, burning pain, or sharp discomfort. Some patients also notice weakness or a reduced ability to feel heat, cold, or pressure. Balance can become less steady because the feet cannot sense the ground as well while walking. Among the leading causes of peripheral neuropathy is high blood sugar from diabetes. 

A podiatrist plays an important role in diagnosing peripheral neuropathy and preserving foot health. Diagnosis begins with a medical history and a careful foot examination. The podiatrist checks sensation, strength, and circulation. Additional testing can help measure how well the nerves are working or identify another condition causing the symptoms. Regular foot evaluations help detect skin changes, pressure areas, and small injuries before they become more serious. Early diagnosis also helps reduce the risk of infections and other complications that can threaten foot health. Patients with reduced feeling benefit from professional monitoring because even minor foot problems can become more difficult to manage when sensation is limited.

Treatment focuses on the cause of the nerve damage and protecting the feet from further problems. A podiatrist provides routine foot care and treats wounds. This foot doctor also recommends custom orthotics or shoes that provide proper support while reducing pressure on sensitive areas. Additionally, the podiatrist monitors changes in sensation and foot structure while helping lower the risk of ulcers and other complications. Consistent podiatric care supports comfort, mobility, and safer movement while walking. If you have symptoms of peripheral neuropathy, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for a diagnosis and appropriate treatment.

Neuropathy

Neuropathy can be a potentially serious condition, especially if it is left undiagnosed. If you have any concerns that you may be experiencing nerve loss in your feet, consult with One of our podiatrists from Aurora Foot & Ankle Clinic. Our doctors will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment for neuropathy.

What Is Neuropathy?

Neuropathy is a condition that leads to damage to the nerves in the body. Peripheral neuropathy, or neuropathy that affects your peripheral nervous system, usually occurs in the feet. Neuropathy can be triggered by a number of different causes. Such causes include diabetes, infections, cancers, disorders, and toxic substances.

Symptoms of Neuropathy Include:

• Numbness
• Sensation loss
• Prickling and tingling sensations
• Throbbing, freezing, burning pains
• Muscle weakness

Those with diabetes are at serious risk due to being unable to feel an ulcer on their feet. Diabetics usually also suffer from poor blood circulation. This can lead to the wound not healing, infections occurring, and the limb may have to be amputated.

Treatment

To treat neuropathy in the foot, podiatrists will first diagnose the cause of the neuropathy. Figuring out the underlying cause of the neuropathy will allow the podiatrist to prescribe the best treatment, whether it be caused by diabetes, toxic substance exposure, infection, etc. If the nerve has not died, then it’s possible that sensation may be able to return to the foot.

Pain medication may be issued for pain. Electrical nerve stimulation can be used to stimulate nerves. If the neuropathy is caused from pressure on the nerves, then surgery may be necessary.

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

A broken toe can happen in an instant after stubbing your foot or dropping something heavy on it. Even though the injury can be very painful, some people are still able to walk on it. This makes it difficult to know whether a bone is actually broken. A broken toe can cause swelling, bruising, and tenderness. It also causes pain that can get worse while walking or wearing shoes. In some cases, the toe looks crooked or out of place. A more serious injury can leave part of a bone exposed, which requires immediate medical attention. A podiatrist can examine the injured toe and determine with an X-ray whether the damage involves a fracture or a bruise. 

Stubbing a toe against furniture and dropping a heavy object on the foot are leading causes of toe fractures. Sports injuries and falls can also cause a toe to break. Tiny cracks in the bone, called stress fractures, can develop after repeated strain from certain activities, like running. People with weakened bone density have a greater chance of breaking a toe from an injury than someone with stronger bones. Ignoring a broken toe can allow the bones to heal in the wrong position. This can lead to lasting pain, difficulty wearing shoes, and problems with balance while walking.

A podiatrist can provide an exam to determine the type and severity of the injury in order to recommend the best treatment plan. Care includes reviewing symptoms, examining the position of the toe, and ordering X-rays or other imaging. Some broken toes heal with protection and close monitoring, while others require a procedure to restore proper alignment. Surgery is recommended for certain severe fractures. Early diagnosis helps reduce the risk of long-term complications and supports proper healing. If you have broken a toe, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment.

A broken toe can be very painful and lead to complications if not properly fixed. If you have any concerns about your feet, contact One of our podiatrists from Aurora Foot & Ankle Clinic. Our doctors will treat your foot and ankle needs.

What to Know About a Broken Toe

Although most people try to avoid foot trauma such as banging, stubbing, or dropping heavy objects on their feet, the unfortunate fact is that it is a common occurrence. Given the fact that toes are positioned in front of the feet, they typically sustain the brunt of such trauma. When trauma occurs to a toe, the result can be a painful break (fracture).

Symptoms of a Broken Toe

• Throbbing pain
• Swelling
• Bruising on the skin and toenail
• The inability to move the toe
• Toe appears crooked or disfigured
• Tingling or numbness in the toe

Generally, it is best to stay off of the injured toe with the affected foot elevated.

Severe toe fractures may be treated with a splint, cast, and in some cases, minor surgery. Due to its position and the pressure it endures with daily activity, future complications can occur if the big toe is not properly treated.

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