Lower limb and foot injuries are common in athletic children, partly due to the vulnerability of their growth plates. Growth plates are the developing areas of cartilage at the end of the long bones in the legs where bone growth takes place. These plates are weaker than nearby tendons and ligaments, making them more susceptible to injury. This is especially true when under the stress of repetitive physical activities in sports. Movements like running, jumping, and quick pivoting can place excessive strain on growth plates, leading to conditions such as Sever's disease, or heel pain. Ankle sprains are also common because ligaments in children tend to be more elastic than in adults. The biomechanics of growing children, such as variations in gait, muscle strength, and coordination during growth spurts, can further predispose them to these injuries as their bodies adapt to rapid physical changes. A podiatrist, or foot doctor, can treat these types of injuries common in active children. They may suggest treatments ranging from rest and elevation to custom orthotics that support proper alignment and reduce stress on the growth plates. Treatments vary depending on the injury. If your child is struggling with a lower limb or foot injury, it is suggested you consult with a podiatrist for targeted care. 

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 Granite State Podiatry Associates. 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 Manchester and Bedford, NH . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Toenail fungus, medically termed onychomycosis, is a fungal infection that commonly affects the toenails. It is typically caused by dermatophytes, which are fungi that thrive in warm and moist environments like sweaty shoes or public swimming pools. When these fungi invade the toenail bed, they can cause discoloration, thickening, and crumbling of the nail. Symptoms may include yellowing or darkening of the nail, a distorted shape, and a foul odor. Certain factors increase the risk of developing toenail fungus. Among them are age, poor circulation, weakened immune system, and frequent exposure to moist environments. Common types of fungal infections include distal subungual onychomycosis, white superficial onychomycosis, proximal subungual onychomycosis, and candida onychomycosis. Treatment typically involves prescribed antifungal medications, either topical or oral, depending on the severity of the infection. In severe cases, surgical removal of the nail may be necessary. If you think you have toenail fungus, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for a proper diagnosis and treatment at your earliest convenience.

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 Granite State Podiatry Associates. 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 Manchester and Bedford, NH . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Plantar fibroma, a condition affecting the foot's plantar fascia, is a non-cancerous growth or nodule within the arch. This fibrous tissue thickening can cause discomfort and pain, particularly while walking or standing for prolonged periods. Unlike a cyst or wart, a plantar fibroma feels firm to the touch and typically does not move under the skin. The exact cause of this condition remains unclear, although factors such as trauma or genetics may play a role in its development. Symptoms include a noticeable lump or mass in the arch of the foot, accompanied by tenderness or pain, especially when pressure is applied. Over time, the fibroma may increase in size, potentially affecting mobility and overall foot function. Diagnosis usually involves a physical examination by a podiatrist with treatment options ranging from orthotics and stretching exercises to surgical intervention, in more severe cases. If you have an uncomfortable lump on the sole or arch of your foot, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can diagnose and treat a plantar fibroma.

A plantar fibroma may disrupt your daily activities. If you have any concerns, contact one of our podiatrists of Granite State Podiatry Associates. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Plantar Fibroma

A plantar fibroma is a fibrous knot in the arch of the foot. It is embedded in the plantar fascia which is a band of tissue that extends from the heel to the toes along the bottom of the foot. There can be multiple plantar fibromas in the feet at the same time. There are no known causes for this condition. If you have a plantar fibroma, there will be a bump in the arch of your foot that cannot be missed. Any associated pain is most often due to a shoe rubbing against the nodule. Non-surgical options, such as steroid injections, physical therapy, and orthotics should be tried first. Surgery is a last resort and is the only thing that will remove a plantar fibroma entirely. Consult with a podiatrist for a proper diagnosis and to determine the treatment regimen that is right for you.

What Causes a Plantar Fibroma?

While there are no specific causes identified, a plantar fibroma can possibly come from genetic predisposition or the formation of scar tissue that forms from healing the tears in the plantar fascia.

What Are the Symptoms of a Plantar Fibroma?

There will be a noticeable lump in the arch of the foot that may or may not cause pain. If pain is felt, it is typically because a shoe is rubbing up against the lump or when walking or standing barefoot.

Treatment and Prevention

A plantar fibroma will not disappear without treatment, but it can get smaller and be a non-issue. If pain persists, a podiatrist examines the foot and when the arch of the foot is pressed, pain can be felt down to the toes. An MRI or biopsy might be performed to help diagnose or evaluate the plantar fibroma. The following non-surgical options are generally enough to reduce the size and pain of these nodules:

• Steroid injections
• Orthotics
• Physical therapy to help apply anti-inflammatory creams on the bump 

Surgery is considered if the mass increases in size and the patient continues to feel pain after non-surgical methods are tried.

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

Diabetic foot care is paramount for preserving limb health and preventing serious complications. Diabetes can lead to various foot issues, including neuropathy, microvascular disease, foot ulcers, and biomechanical changes. Neuropathy diminishes sensation, increasing the risk of unnoticed injuries, while microvascular disease impairs circulation, slowing wound healing. Foot ulcers may develop possibly leading to infections and even amputation if left untreated. Biomechanical changes further exacerbate pressure points, contributing to ulcer formation. Regular foot examinations, meticulous hygiene, proper footwear, and prompt treatment of any foot abnormalities are crucial in diabetic foot care. Podiatrists specialize in assessing diabetic foot health, providing preventive care, and offering tailored treatments to minimize complications, ensuring optimal limb preservation and overall well-being. If you have diabetes, it is strongly suggested that you include a podiatrist on your healthcare team.

Diabetic foot care is important in preventing foot ailments such as ulcers. If you are suffering from diabetes or have any other concerns about your feet, contact one of our podiatrists from Granite State Podiatry Associates. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Diabetic Foot Care

Diabetes affects millions of people every year. The condition can damage blood vessels in many parts of the body, especially the feet. Because of this, taking care of your feet is essential if you have diabetes, and having a podiatrist help monitor your foot health is highly recommended.

The Importance of Caring for Your Feet

• Routinely inspect your feet for bruises or sores.
• Wear socks that fit your feet comfortably.
• Wear comfortable shoes that provide adequate support.

Patients with diabetes should have their doctor monitor their blood levels, as blood sugar levels play such a huge role in diabetic care. Monitoring these levels on a regular basis is highly advised.

It is always best to inform your healthcare professional of any concerns you may have regarding your feet, especially for diabetic patients. Early treatment and routine foot examinations are keys to maintaining proper health, especially because severe complications can arise if proper treatment is not applied.

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