When choosing cleats for your child's sport, it is essential to prioritize both their performance and foot health. Traditional studded cleats, especially those with only two heel studs, can make conditions like Sever’s disease worse by increasing pressure under the heel. Opt for cleats with four or more heel studs. All purpose turf-style cleats can help distribute weight-bearing forces more evenly and alleviate discomfort. Football cleats, while popular, may pose risks in sports like soccer, due to their distal toe stud, although they are functionally similar to lacrosse cleats. Soccer cleats, known for agility, often lack support and padding, which may be problematic for children with loose ligaments. Additionally, the thin and flexible soleplates of soccer cleats may not provide sufficient support, especially for those requiring arch support. Baseball cleats, subject to league regulations, may feature metal spikes, requiring attention to player safety during slides. Turf cleats emerge as a versatile option, offering better support, traction, and weight distribution across the foot. If your child is experiencing foot, toe, or ankle pain related to their sports activity, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist to detect the cause and offer guidance on footwear choices as well as 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 David Carmack, DPM of Texas. Our doctor 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 Marble Falls, TX . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

A foot stress fracture is a common injury resulting from repetitive strain and overuse of the bones in the foot. Unlike acute fractures caused by sudden trauma, stress fractures develop gradually due to the cumulative effect of repetitive stress on the bones, often stemming from activities like running, jumping, or prolonged standing. These microcracks typically occur in weight-bearing bones, such as the metatarsals, and can lead to localized pain, swelling, and tenderness. Foot stress fractures are particularly prevalent among athletes and individuals engaged in high-impact activities. Recognizing the symptoms, which may mimic other foot conditions, is essential for an accurate diagnosis and timely intervention. Rest, along with wearing proper footwear and a gradual return to activity, forms the cornerstone of treatment. If you have endured a foot stress fracture, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can confirm the diagnosis and offer the treatment method that is best for you.

Stress fractures occur when there is a tiny crack within a bone. To learn more, contact David Carmack, DPM from Texas. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain free and on your feet.

How Are They Caused?

Stress fractures are the result of repetitive force being placed on the bone. Since the lower leg and feet often carry most of the body’s weight, stress fractures are likely to occur in these areas. If you rush into a new exercise, you are more likely to develop a stress fracture since you are starting too much, too soon.  Pain resulting from stress fractures may go unnoticed at first, however it may start to worsen over time.

Risk Factors

• Gender – They are more commonly found in women compared to men.
• Foot Problems – People with unusual arches in their feet are more likely to develop stress fractures.
• Certain Sports – Dancers, gymnasts, tennis players, runners, and basketball players are more likely to develop stress fractures.
• Lack of Nutrients – A lack of vitamin D and calcium may weaken the bones and make you more prone to stress fractures
• Weak Bones – Osteoporosis can weaken the bones therefore resulting in stress fractures

Stress fractures do not always heal properly, so it is important that you seek help from a podiatrist if you suspect you may have one. Ignoring your stress fracture may cause it to worsen, and you may develop chronic pain as well as additional fractures.

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

Athlete's foot, a prevalent fungal infection, predominantly affects the feet, with the skin between the toes being especially vulnerable. Athlete's foot is caused by various fungi, with the most common being trichophyton, which thrives in warm, humid environments. Athlete’s foot infections result in a moist, itchy, red, or flaky rash between the toes. Other symptoms are cracked, scaly, or peeling skin and stinging and burning sensations on cracked skin. Itchy blisters that form may burst and leave scales, and result in a dry, scaly rash on the soles and up the sides of the foot. If left untreated, athlete's foot can progress to more severe stages, with symptoms such as bleeding from cracked skin and white, soggy skin in toe webbing. An unpleasant odor, oozing blisters, and pain in affected areas can occur. Thickened, crumbly, or discolored toenails may develop if the fungus spreads. Transmission occurs through contaminated floors in shared spaces like showers and changing rooms, as well as in socks, clothing, and used towels. Prevention involves practicing good foot hygiene, wearing well-ventilated shoes, and avoiding walking barefoot in communal areas. For a severe case of athlete’s foot, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for advanced treatment.

Athlete’s foot is an inconvenient condition that can be easily reduced with the proper treatment. If you have any concerns about your feet and ankles, contact David Carmack, DPM from Texas.  Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.

Athlete’s Foot: The Sole Story

Athlete's foot, also known as tinea pedis, can be an extremely contagious foot infection. It is commonly contracted in public changing areas and bathrooms, dormitory style living quarters, around locker rooms and public swimming pools, or anywhere your feet often come into contact with other people.

Solutions to Combat Athlete’s Foot

• Hydrate your feet by using lotion
• Exfoliate
• Buff off nails
• Use of anti-fungal products
• Examine your feet and visit your doctor if any suspicious blisters or cuts develop

Athlete’s foot can cause many irritating symptoms such as dry and flaking skin, itching, and redness. Some more severe symptoms can include bleeding and cracked skin, intense itching and burning, and even pain when walking. In the worst cases, Athlete’s foot can cause blistering as well. Speak to your podiatrist for a better understanding of the different causes of Athlete’s foot, as well as help in determining which treatment options are best for you.

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

The third trimester of pregnancy often introduces new challenges for expectant mothers, including foot pain. As the baby grows, the added weight places increased pressure on the feet, leading to discomfort and swelling. Hormonal changes further contribute to the relaxation of ligaments, altering the foot's arch and potentially causing pain. Edema, or fluid retention, is a common occurrence in late pregnancy, leading to swollen feet and ankles. The body's increased blood volume and the pressure exerted by the growing uterus on blood vessels can also affect circulation to the lower extremities. Prioritizing comfortable footwear, elevating the feet when possible, and engaging in gentle stretches can provide relief. If you have foot pain during your pregnancy, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can monitor your foot health.

Pregnant women with swollen feet can be treated with a variety of different methods that are readily available. For more information about other cures for swollen feet during pregnancy, consult with David Carmack, DPM from Texas. Our doctor will attend to all of your foot and ankle needs.

What Foot Problems Can Arise During Pregnancy?

One problem that can occur is overpronation, which occurs when the arch of the foot flattens and tends to roll inward.  This can cause pain and discomfort in your heels while you’re walking or even just standing up, trying to support your baby.  

Another problem is edema, or swelling in the extremities. This often affects the feet during pregnancy but tends to occur in the later stages. 

How Can I Keep My Feet Healthy During Pregnancy?

• Wearing orthotics can provide extra support for the feet and help distribute weight evenly
• Minimize the amount of time spent walking barefoot
• Wear shoes with good arch support
• Wear shoes that allow for good circulation to the feet
• Elevate feet if you experience swelling
• Massage your feet
• Get regular, light exercise, such as walking, to promote blood circulation to the feet

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