In the college realm, recently, you may have heard that Paige Weber, a well-known volleyball player for the University of Arizona's Wildcats twisted her ankle just days leading up to a big match. The significance of this news, other than the fact that it occurred just days prior to the Wildcats match vs. ASU's Sundevils, was how quickly this athlete was able to get back on the volleyball court. Paige was able to compete in the match just 3 days following her injury. Luckily, or unluckily for Sundevils fans, the Wildcats overcame their handicap to defeat the Sundevils.

Volleyball is a non-contact sport and doesn't involve running around, but this doesn't mean you are completely safe from an ankle injury. In fact, volleyball is one sport where injuries occur more often in practice. What you may not realize is that volleyball involves a lot of jumping action, which is when sprains are most likely to occur. When a volleyball player, or any other athlete lands from their jump on the outside of their foot, there is a stress force exerted on that ankle's ligaments and could cause them to break. This is known as the typical "rolling the ankle" phenomenon.

One of the most concerning facts about ankle sprains is the lack of a full recovery. As the pain and swelling go down, athletes start to think that they are ready to pick up the same sport at full speed again and this may have been the case for Weber at the match. For this reason, the re-occurrence rates of ankle sprains is not surprising, but concerning for sure.

In order to bring an ankle back to full recovery to minimize the chances of re-occurrence, proper treatment as well as proper rehabilitation is a must. I usually encourage my patients to pick up the signs of possible ankle sprain, such as the characteristic swelling and bruising around the ankle and sometimes bruising down the foot. At this point, with the pain and swelling you will know to stop activity immediately and see a physician. After a sprain, I usually provide my patients with proper dressing to immobilize their ankle and minimize swelling and even put them in a walking boot. I always recommend "RICE" ( Rest Ice Compression and Elevation) for injuries. I'll be sure to advice them through procedures required for a full recovery of the ankle to be able to compete at 100% onceagain.

Tea tree oil is meant to moisturize and rejuvenate your nail. Its antifungal, antiviral, and antibacterial properties will help fight nail disease caused by fungus, viruses, or bacteria. Wheat protein and added vitamins are there for stronger and healthier looking nails.

Not only will this toxin free product will help the health and strength of your nails, it is also gentle enough to be used on kids, pregnant ladies, or those suffering from nail fungus, brittle or discolored nails. People who are allergic to commercial nail polish will be safe with this polish as well. With all these differences, it will still look just as good and shiny as regular nail polish.

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Athlete's foot is recognized by peeling skin between the toes and on the bottom of the foot. It may be itchy, stinging or burning. Once contracting foot fungus, there are two choices. Kill it, or grow it. Although this appears to be a call for a science project, your podiatrist and I plead that you choose the former. Untreated foot fungus can grow rapid. It can grow and lead to a moccasin foot or begin to infect the nails. It can also lead to secondary problems such as bacterial infections and allergic responses. Once these problems occur, the treatment plan becomes more difficult.

There are a few steps you can take to avoid athlete's foot this year. You need to keep your feet dry. This includes changing into clean socks regularly, alternating pairs of shoes, and possibly using a talc powder such as baby powder. Also, it is necessary to protect your feet in public. This means wearing shower shoes in the gym showers and not borrowing shoes from friends.

If you believe you have foot fungus, go to Walgreens and grab yourself an over the counter antifungal cream. Lotriman, Lamisil, and Tinactin all work. Wash and dry the infected area and apply the cream one to two times daily or as instructed. If your feet sweat during the night, putting cotton balls between your toes can help keep them dry. If the problem persists beyond four weeks, it's time to visit a podiatrist.

Anything for the health and well-being of our children, right? Assuring the appropriate footwear for our child is not very difficult or time consuming; yet it plays a major rule in their podiatric health and athletic performance. Studies have shown that comfortable shoes and overall foot health increase the likeliness of your child taking part in school activities and sports. Aside from encouraging and supporting them to keep active, us parents can also help by providing them with well fitting shoes.

The following tips are to help you help your children with their shoes:

• If your children are involved in sports, provide them with activity appropriate shoes, such as running shoes, soccer cleats and high top basketball shoes.
• Don't let your children wear second hand shoes or share shoes. Old shoes and sharing shoes will increase the risk of foot fungus and its spread.
• Replace shoes when they get old. Worn-out shoes increase can lead to injuries during running and other activities.
• Don't rely on break-in period. A well-fitted shoe should feel comfortable immediately when tried on. Speak with your podiatrist about measuring your child's foot size on a regular basis.
• When purchasing new shoes, make sure the shoe you are purchasing meets all of these 3 steps

1. Squeeze the back of the shoe's heel for stability. The sole should not collapse.
2. The shoe must bend from the toe box, where the base of the toes will be.
3. Hold the shoe from both ends and try to twist it. It must not be easily twistable.

Flip flops were introduced to Northern America during early 1930s. Even though they are convenient, comfortable, and fashionable, flip-flops have never been a podiatrist's favorite. This type of footwear provides almost no support to your feet. There are many safety concerns that rise with this lack of support from flip-flops.

Think about it this way: when wearing flip-flops, your feet are much more prone to scrapes, bruises, and other negative environmental affects. That is only the beginning. The soft rubber material provides no arch support; therefore, could lead to lower back pain and other posture problems. The poor biomechanical securing increases the chances of ankle sprains. Let's not forget about the blisters and calluses that are associated with the shoe being a slip-on.

Not all flip-flops are made the same. Do yourself a favor and choose your flip-flops wisely. Pick a pair that provides good arch support and cushioning for your entire foot. Make sure they are properly fitted and in good condition. Also, make sure you only wear your flip-flops when it is weather and activity appropriate. Flip-flops do not belong at the gyms or hiking trails.

On your next visit to your podiatrist, remember to discuss with him about an appropriate flip-flop for you.

Bunions are bumps on the insides of your feet at the base of your big toe. This enlargement puts pressure on the big toe joint and also causes your big toe to become crooked. Once it begins, if left untreated, it will progress and cause a lot of discomfort.

I know well that it is just not possible to put those pumps away and never use them again. We live in a world where wearing high heels for ladies is quite popular and considered highly fashionable in all types of occasions. They are here to stay. However, here are some ways suggested to protect your feet from developing those painful bunions:

• Wear proper fitting shoes with plenty of toe space
• Avoid wearing shoes with heels higher than 3 inches
• Take anti-inflammatory medication under a physician's supervision
• If swelling occurs, apply a cold pack to the area of the toe that is swollen.
• Visit a podiatrist as soon as the first signs of bunion become visible (swelling and pain around the base of the big toe). A podiatrist can help in prevention of bunion by fitting you to a proper footgear and cushioning

One of the most common running problems, I see in both my North and South Scottsdale offices are stress fractures. Stress fractures are no fun, and they will only slow down your athletic progress. Take a look at Chinese basketball star Yao Ming. A small barely detectable break in his foot, and 12 months later he's finally ready to play, limited minutes... Once the fracture develops you become high risk of re-injury, so the best option is to steer clear. A common mistake the everyday athlete makes is going too hard too fast. Stick to the runner's rule, which is, increasing distance/activity by no more than 10% a week.

Stress fractures occur when a bone withstands too much repeated stress. Unlike most other fractures you may have experienced, a stress fracture doesn't occur all at once. It develops slowly overtime as we continue to run, play sports, and stress the same bone over and over again. As we run everyday the bone breaks down and a stress fracture develops. When this begins the athlete will feel pain near the bone during activity, and the pain gradually gets worse as we continue to compete. Eventually the fracture is bad enough as to cause pain all day and swelling may be noticed. This is definitely the time to visit the doctor.

Treatment for a stress fracture begins with rest. Keep weight-bearing pressure off the fracture as much as you can. Casts, walking boots, and crutches are commonly used by doctors to help patients allow the bone to heal. Depending on how bad the fracture is, it can take anywhere from 4-15 weeks before a patient can stop using the crutches and take off the cast. Some athletes who ignore their stress fractures can let them progress to the point where the two bones separate, called a non-union. As you can imagine these fractures have more problematic recovery. Remember, once out of crutches return to activities slowly.

There are a few things we can do to help protect ourselves from stress fractures. First, get new shoes. Shoes don't provide enough shock absorption after only about 500 miles of wear. Next visit your local podiatrist for a gait analysis and maybe some functional orthotics to improve your gait. Finally, remember to drink milk. Vitamin D and Calcium are needed for bones to grow strong. Lastly, increase running and sports slowly.

The problems of flat-feet extend well beyond cosmetics. When your foot is flat it means your arch has fallen. This causes you to stretch out the soft tissue under your foot, the plantar fascia. Heel pain can soon develop and will feel worst first thing in the morning. Furthermore with flat-feet, your foot joints are not locking properly when you walk. With a flimsy foot your calf muscles work overtime to push off every step. For this reason, often times with flat-feet people experience sore legs at the end of the day as well.

Now we are waking up with a painful heel and going to bed with sore legs. So what to do? Medicine? Surgery? Physical Therapy? No, No, No! The fix is simple, non-intrusive, and easy. Get fitted for custom molded foot orthosis at your local podiatrist. That's it! In a properly fitted shoe orthosis with good arch support, your foot will be forced to function in its proper position. You'll feel a difference the second you wear them. If you think you have flat-feet, see your podiatrist, and let them cure you before it's too late!

The pedicurist's toe separators do however look rather similar to one podiatric version and that is the night splint toe separators. Night splint toe separators as you may have guessed are worn only at night, more specifically in bed. These ones, unlike the ones that the pedicurist uses, serve more than just helping you put on nail polish. For example, they function to provide short term immediate relief of irritation between rubbing crooked toes during bed rest. People who have corns between their toes will also find great irritation relief. Furthermore these night-time toe separators, also known as "splints", train the toes to straighten out which provide long term relief of irritation as well as improve your foot cosmetically. They work simply by holding your toes in a straightened position for extended periods of time while you are sleeping. Over time your toes start to adjust to this position and become straighter, similar to how wearing tight and pointyshoes can cause your toes to become crooked. There are two types of toe separators. One type that was mentioned above, which you use during the night, while resting, and the type that are made for day-time use. Day-time toe separators are designed to be hidden under loose fitting shoes. These separators decrease friction and irritation between crooked toes while wearing shoes. The decreased friction and rubbing allow irritated toes to heal and be free of pain and align.
Toe separators come in variety of sizes, shapes, and materials but the two most common ones are made of foam and gel/silcone. Foam separators are specifically popular for podiatric uses because a trained specialist can trim and shape them with scissors to fit between your toes perfectly. Gel separators are unique for their moisturizing features, meant to help increase healing time of chaffing skin on the toes. According to our consumers, one can feel the benefit a few hours after their first use. Toe separators have been used for years, and are a great way to keep your joint better aligned especially in the case of bunions.

You may wonder how something so simple and basic can actually give patients such great relief. To own a pair of these toe separators for yourself, you can either look for these items at foot-care section of any store, or head to Dr. Forman's store http://www.ourdoctorstore.com/forman/store/item.asp?ITEM_ID=692&DEPARTMENT_ID=50 to feel the benefits first hand.

As some of my favorite podiatric students found working at the podiatry tent at Chicago marathon this past weekend, foot and leg problems are the most common cause of discomfort and extreme pain after reaching the finish line. Caring for your feet and a quest to reduce any risk of injury starts by supervised training.

Of course a pair of new running shoes are one of the most crucial gadgets you'll need to reach the finish line. However, coming up with properly fitting new shoes takes more than just picking it up from a store one day before the race.

Buying a proper pair of shoes starts from the pair of socks that you must purchase before buying shoes. It is recommended to go with wool or synthetic material socks that will reduce perspiration, the number one cause of painful, bloody blisters in runners. Instead of going for traditional cotton athletic socks go for socks made specifically for long distance runners.

When going in to purchase your new shoes, take your socks with you and make sure that the shoes you are about to buy feel comfortable to your foot type in those socks. If you usually wear custom made orthosis or over the counter insoles make sure they work well with the shoes you are about to buy. A comfortable shoe must allow enough space between your longest toe and the shoe to wiggle comfortably without any of your toes getting cramped. Do not rely on shoes getting stretched.

Race day is not a good day to break into your shoes, so start working on this step early. Shoes tend to lose a bit of their shock absorbing property at around 200 miles. The best way to get used to your new shoes without overusing them is to start your training in them 3 weeks in advance for about an hour or two each day.

If you have any podiatric problems, such as calluses, ingrown nails, and shoe fitting problems, take care of them well in advance. Some treatments might require a grace period to heal before any major physical activity. A pre-marathon consultation with your podiatrist is also highly recommended. They can teach you all the little techniques, such as lacing, nail care, blisters and athlete's foot prevention to help you keep your feet healthy all through the race.

Happy Running :)

-- The Pur Your Feet First Team

Tips from Put your Feet First for avoiding Athlete's Foot:

• Keep your feet dry, allowing them to air out as much as possible
• Wear socks that draw moisture away from your feet and change them frequently if you perspire heavily
• Wear light, well-ventilated shoes
• Alternate pairs of shoes, allowing time for your shoes to dry each day
• Always wear waterproof shoes in public areas, such as pools, locker rooms, or communal showers
• Never borrow shoes due to the risk of spreading a fungal infection

Treatment

A mild case of athlete's foot will generally clear up on its own with over-the-counter antifungal creams and sprays. But since re-infection is common due to its contagious nature, many people require prescribed anti-fungal medication to effectively treat the infection. Generally, it's always best to consult with Put your Feet First before choosing a treatment.

Mild cases of athlete's foot can turn severe and even cause a serious bacterial infection. If you notice your rash has become increasingly red, swollen and painful or you develop blisters and sores, call our Scottsdale office right away. Athlete's foot left untreated could eventually spread to other body parts and infect other people around you.

With the right treatment, you'll be cured of your athlete's foot in no time, which means the sooner you can enjoy the activities you love without pain and irritation!

Causes of Bone Spurs in the Feet

When your feet are repeatedly exposed to excessive pressure and stress, a bone spur can form as a result of the body's normal response to repair itself. The following activities and conditions are also common causes of bone spurs in the feet:

• High-impact activities, such as running
• Excessive weight
• Poor-fitting footwear
• Tightening of the plantar fasciitis due to excessive stress
• Aging

Because there are no obvious symptoms associated with bone spurs in the feet, diagnosing the disorder can be difficult. Some people experience unbearable pain in particular areas of their foot when exposed to pressure, which prompts them to seek medical care. Other people can go long periods of time without realizing they even have a bone spur. An x-ray can identify a bone spur in your foot, but if it isn't causing you pain, damaging other tissues or restricting your movement, treatment probably won't be necessary.

Identifying the cause of your bone spur, such as poor-fitting shoes or weight gain, is often times enough to reduce the pressure that is causing the pain.

Conservative treatments for bone spurs include:

• Change in footwear
• Weight loss
• Padding or insoles
• Deep tissue massage and stretching

If you're experiencing chronic foot pain, schedule an appointment at our Scottsdale office. At Put your Feet First, we'll carefully examine your feet and evaluate your symptoms to better understand your condition. If you've developed a bone spur, we can work with you to create a treatment plan that best fits your needs and puts an end to your frustrating foot pain.

Bunions develop due to prolonged abnormal pressure or motion on your big toe joint, most often caused by inherited structural defects, poor-fitting shoes, foot injuries, or congenital deformities. Women are generally more prone to bunions because of the shoe types typically worn, such as high-heels and narrow-toed shoes.

Bunion pain can range from mild to severe, often making it difficult to wear shoes and perform normal activities. You should contact our Scottsdale office if you notice the following symptoms:

• An enlarged, visible bulge on your big toe joint
• Restricted movement of your big toe or foot that prevents you from performing normal activities
• Irritation, corns or calluses caused by the overlap of the first and second toes
• Frequent pain, swelling or redness around your big toe joint

Treatment for a bunion will vary depending on its severity. Identifying the condition in its early stages is important to avoid surgery, with the main objective of early treatment being to relieve pressure and stop the progression of the deformity. Many times conservative treatments, such as padding, modified footwear or orthotic devices can be highly effective for preventing further growth and reducing the pressure and pain.

Put your Feet First recommends the following for reducing pressure and pain caused by bunions:

• Wear comfortable shoes that don't cramp or irritate your toes and avoid high-heeled shoes
• Apply ice to reduce inflammation and pain
• Our podiatrists can show you how to apply padding to your foot to place it in its normal position and reduce stress on the bunion

When early treatments fail or the persistent pain associated with your bunion is interfering with your daily activities, a surgical procedure may be recommended as a last resort to realign the toe joint and alleviate the pressure. Put your Feet First can advise you on the best treatment options available to relieve pressure on the bunion and slow the progression of the joint deformity.

Identifying a Corn or Callus

Corns and calluses are similar in nature, but differ in size and location. Corns are smaller than calluses and usually have a hard, thickened center surrounded by red, inflamed skin. They typically develop on the tops and sides of your toes and can be painful when touched. Calluses generally develop on your heels and balls of your feet. They vary in size and shape, although almost always larger than corns.

For most people who develop calluses or corns, eliminating the source of pressure is usually enough to make the thickened skin disappear. Put your Feet First recommends the following for treating corns and calluses:

• Wear comfortable shoes and socks. When footwear fits properly, there is less opportunity for friction and rubbing to occur.
• Soak your feet in warm, soapy water to help remove corns and calluses. Rub the thickened skin with a pumice stone to remove toughened layers more easily.
• Keeping your feet moisturized with foot cream or lotion will help improve the quality of your skin and rid your feet from calluses or corns.

When to Seek Care from Put your Feet First

When corns and calluses don't respond to conservative care, contact our Scottsdale office for a careful evaluation. We can investigate the possible causes of your corn or callus, safely remove the thick, hardened area of skin, and recommend appropriate footwear and treatment, including padding and inserts. Never attempt to cut away a corn or callus on your own, especially if you have diabetes or poor circulation. Instead, seek advice from Put your Feet First for careful removal and proper care.

Foot Care for Diabetics

Simple daily foot care can help prevent serious health problems associated with diabetes.

At Put your Feet First, we recommend the following tips for keeping your feet healthy and preventing foot complications:

• Wash feet daily. Keep feet clean with mild soap and lukewarm water, and dry thoroughly.
• Moisturize. Moisturize daily to keep dry skin from cracking, and avoid putting lotion between your toes as this may cause infection.
• Trim your toenails carefully. Cut straight across, avoiding the corners; visit our office for assistance
• Never treat corns or calluses on your own. Visit your podiatrist for treatment.
• Protect your feet from hot and cold.
• Keep the blood flowing in your feet and legs. Elevate your feet when sitting; don't sit cross-legged; and stay active.
• Inspect your feet every day. Check your feet for cuts, redness, swelling and nail problems. Contact Put your Feet First if you notice anything unusual- even the slightest change.
• Avoid Smoking. Smoking restricts blood flow in the feet
• Wear comfortable, supportive shoes and never walk barefoot
• Visit Put your Feet First for regular exams. Seeing a podiatrist at our Scottsdale office regularly can help prevent diabetic foot problems.

At Put your Feet First, we understand that living with diabetes can be challenging. Let's discuss simple ways you can reduce your risk of foot injuries. We'll work with you to create a treatment plan that fits your lifestyle and gets you back on your feet so you can enjoy the things you love. Remember to inspect your feet every day. If you detect an injury- no matter how small- come in for an exam right away.
 

One common type of flatfoot is adult-acquired flatfoot. It is caused by overstretching the tendon that supports the arch. Flexible flatfoot is also common and occurs when the foot is flat when standing, but returns to a normal arch in non-weight-bearing positions.

Factors than increase your risk of flat feet include:

• Excess weight
• Age
• Injury to your foot or ankle
• Rheumatoid Arthritis
• Pregnancy

When to See Your Scottsdale Podiatrist

Most adults with a fallen arch experience little to no pain. For these patients, treatment is rarely necessary. A painful flatfoot, however, may be the sign of a congenital abnormality or an injury to the muscles and tendons of the foot. Pain can be severe, making it difficult to walk, wear shoes and perform simple every day tasks. More than achy feet, flatfoot can also lead to other, more serious problems and pain for your ankles, knees, back and hips.

Common symptoms associated with flat feet include:

• Swelling along the inside of the ankle
• Feet that tire easily or ache after standing for an extended period of time
• A lack of mobility in your foot and difficulty standing on your toes
• Sore, swollen feet; especially in the heel or arch of your foot

Steps Away from Flatfoot Pain Relief

If you are experiencing pain caused by flatfoot, visit Put your Feet First for an evaluation. We can identify the cause of your pain and recommend the best treatments for your type of arch.

Talk with your podiatrist about the following treatment options:

• Shoe inserts/ Orthotics
• Shoe modifications
• Rest and ice
• Stretching exercises
• Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications
• Surgery

Whether you were born with flat feet or you acquired fallen arches over time, if your flat feet are causing you pain or interfering with your day to day activities, visit Put your Feet First. We can work with you to determine the best treatment options to eliminate the pain, improve your mobility and get you back to the activities you love.

A Runner's Road Block

While many running-related foot injures can result from a fall or twisted ankle, most running injuries are caused by overuse, meaning the majority of runners experience foot and ankle pain because they do too much for too long. Runners should be aware of the signs of foot problems that can slow them down if not treated promptly. Common foot and ankle injuries experienced by runners include:

Achilles Tendonitis: Achilles tendonitis and other calf-related injuries are prevalent in runners. Poor training, overuse and improper footwear are the three most common reasons for this condition. A sudden increase in distance or pace can strain the muscles and tendons in the foot and ankle, causing small tears within these structures that result in pain and inflammation. Appropriate shoes and training are the most important steps to preventing Achilles tendonitis. Conservative treatment includes, rest, ice, stretching, and sometimes orthotics or physical therapy.

Heel Pain: Runners develop heel pain more than any other foot-related injury. Plantar fasciitis is the most common cause of heel pain, which is the result of excess stress placed on a ligament in the bottom of the foot. Rest, stretching and support are the best ways to ease the pain and inflammation. Reduce your mileage and avoid hill and speed workouts. Stretch before and after you run, and ice your heel after each workout. Special splints and shoe inserts from Put your Feet First may also provide support and relief for your heel pain.

Stress Fractures: Stress fractures are small cracks in the surface of a bone. Runners generally notice gradual muscle soreness, stiffness, and pain on the affected bone, most often in the lower leg or the foot. Early diagnosis is critical as the small fracture can spread and eventually become a complete fracture of the bone. Stress fractures are typically caused by an increase in training that occurs more quickly than the body's ability to build up and strengthen the bone. If you have symptoms of a stress fracture, you should stop running immediately and see a podiatrist at Put your Feet First. This injury can keep a runner off the roads for several weeks and is not an injury that you can run through. Depending on the severity of the stress fracture, a cast may be necessary.

If you experience chronic foot pain from running, make an appointment with a podiatrist at our Scottsdale office. Leaving foot injuries untreated could result in more serious conditions, ultimately keeping you from your best performance. Keep in mind that these are not the only foot ailments caused by running, and when at-home foot care isn't effective, you'll need to be evaluated by a podiatrist. As in most cases, prevention is your best treatment. Good footwear, proper training and recognizing a problem before it becomes serious are your keys to staying on the road and avoiding foot injuries.

Foot odor is a common problem, especially among those who perspire excessively, but it can be both embarrassing and physically uncomfortable. If you suffer from foot odor, rest assured that simple lifestyle changes and improved personal hygiene can help reduce and eliminate the smell.

Easy Ways to Eliminate Foot Odor

Since most foot odor is caused from excess sweat and the growth of odor-causing bacteria, it's relatively easy to control and reduce foot odor on your own. Start by taking the following preventative steps:

• Keep your feet clean by washing them with an antibacterial soap on a regular basis to minimize bacteria.
• Keep feet dry as moisture enables the growth of bacteria.
• Alternate shoes and avoid wearing the same pair for multiple days in a row.
• Choose open shoes such as sandals when possible, allowing air onto the feet which evaporates sweat and slows the growth of bacteria.
• Wear cotton socks which whisk away moisture and absorb perspiration.
• Apply foot sprays and powders to the feet. Ask Put your Feet First for recommended products.
• Disinfect, wash and discard foul smelling shoes as necessary.

The causes of foot odor are typically not harmful to your health, but do create an environment for the growth of fungus and bacteria. It's not unusual for infections such as toenail fungus and athlete's foot to develop as a result.

When improving your foot hygiene doesn't help reduce the smell, you may need to visit Put your Feet First, as persistent foot odor can indicate an infection or a severe case of hereditary sweating. In these cases, a prescription ointment may be required to treat the problem. Visit our Scottsdale office and we'll work with you to determine the cause and most effective treatment for your condition.

Growing pains are often characterized by a sharp, throbbing pain in the leg muscles, usually occurring during the night and sometimes late afternoon without an apparent cause. The nighttime pain can be so intense that it is enough to wake the child from sleep. While there is no evidence that a child's growth is painful, these pains often occur during an active day of running, jumping or swimming.

Whenever a child is afflicted by episodes of recurrent leg pain, it is always best to have them evaluated by Put your Feet First. Other foot and leg conditions should be ruled out before a diagnosis of growing pains is made. If the examination is normal, with no redness, tenderness, swelling, or limitation of movement, then it is generally safe to say the child is suffering from growing pains.

Consult with a physician or a podiatrist at Put your Feet First if aching legs are a chronic complaint or if the pain is so severe it interferes with the child's daily activities. Persistent pain and other unusual symptoms may indicate a more serious problem. The following symptoms are not due to growing pains and should be evaluated by a doctor:

• Persistent pain
• Swelling or redness in one specific area or joint
• Limping
• Fever
• Loss of Appetite
• Weakness
• Fatigue
• Abnormal behavior

There are no treatments or medications available for growing pains, but parents can help ease the pain with simple home remedies.

• Massage and rub the child's ache until the pain passes
• Stretch your child's legs throughout the day and before bed
• Heating pads or warm baths can help soothe sore muscles
• Over-the-counter pain relievers (always consult with physician first)

While growing pains are commonly seen in young children during the growth and development years, lower extremity pain can also be caused by mechanical misalignments and structural imperfections. A thorough evaluation is crucial in order to determine the exact cause of your child's leg pain. If growing pains are the cause of your child's discomfort, rest assured that the pain is only temporary and will pass with time.

The most common cause of hammertoe is a muscle imbalance. Tight-fitting and high-heeled shoes often aggravate the condition, crowding your toes forward. A hammertoe can also be the result of injury in which you break or jam the toe, or from conditions like arthritis or stroke that affect nerves and muscles. In some cases, hammertoes may even be inherited.

Because of their clenched, claw-like appearance, hammertoes will generally be visibly present. Other signs and symptoms include:

• Difficult or painful motion of a toe joint
• Redness or swelling at a toe joint
• Development of calluses and corns
• Open sores in severe cases

The foot and ankle professionals at our Scottsdale office recommend the following for preventing and reducing the symptoms associated with hammertoe:

• Wear comfortable, proper-fitting shoes that provide support and allow enough room for your toes
• Avoid high-heeled or narrow-toed shoes
• Stretch your toe muscles to relieve pressure and pain
• Apply splints, cushions or pads to relieve pressure
• Moisturize with cream to keep the skin soft

Generally, a modification of footwear will reduce the symptoms associated with hammertoe. Other non-surgical treatment includes padding to shield corns and calluses and orthotic devices that are placed in the shoe to help control muscle imbalance. Put your Feet First can help you determine the best treatment for your symptoms. Severe cases that don't respond to conservative measures may require surgery to restore your toe's flexibility and eliminate the pressure.

Hammertoes are progressive - they don't go away by themselves and the condition usually gets worse over time. Once a podiatrist at Put your Feet First has evaluated your hammertoe, a treatment plan can be developed that is suited to your needs.

People develop ingrown toenails for various reasons. Poor nail-trimming is the most common cause, as this encourages the skin to fold over the nail. Other causes include trauma, such as stubbing a toe, or skin conditions, such as fungal infections or nails that are simply too large. In some cases, the condition may even be inherited. Poor-fitting shoes generally aggravate the condition, making it worse.

Many cases of ingrown toenails may be prevented by:

• Wearing well-fitted shoes and socks
• Protecting feet from trauma when possible
• Trimming toenails straight across and avoiding repeated trimming of the nail borders
• Keeping feet clean and dry to prevent infection

If an infection is not suspected of your ingrown, it can usually be safely treated from home by soaking your foot in warm water. Avoid "bathroom surgery" and repeated cutting of the nail as this will only make the condition worse.

When attempts to reduce your symptoms from home fail, or when pain, inflammation, swelling or discharge accompany your ingrown, the toenail is most likely infected and should be treated by a podiatrist at our Scottsdale office. People with diabetes, nerve damage or poor circulation should always seek care immediately if an ingrown nail is detected, regardless of the severity.

A podiatrist can examine the affected toe and determine the best treatment for your condition. For an infection, an antibiotic may be prescribed. Other treatments may involve trimming or removing the infected nail with a minor in-office surgical procedure.

Ingrown toenails may be annoying, but rest assured that they can easily be prevented and treated with the help of your podiatrist. If you think you have an ingrown toenail, visit Put your Feet First for quick and easy treatment.

• Sharp, aching or burning pain in the ball of your foot -- the part of the sole just behind the toes
• Pain that intensifies when you stand, walk or run
• Pain that radiates from the balls of the feet into the toes
• Numbness or tingling in the toes
• A feeling in your feet as if you are walking with a pebble in your shoe
• Pain that increases when walking barefoot

Sometimes a single factor can trigger metatarsalgia. More often, multiple factors contribute to the pain, including:

• Over-training or Over-activity. Extensive training and high-impact sports, especially running, places an abnormal amount of stress on the balls of the feet, causing irritation, inflammation and pain.
• Other foot disorders. High arches, hammertoes, bunions, stress fractures and Morton's neuroma can all trigger metatarsalgia symptoms.
• Poor-fitting footwear. High heels, narrow-toed shoes and shoes without adequate padding can all contribute to metatarsal problems.
• Excess weight. Extra weight places excess pressure on your metatarsals.
• Aging. The fat pads on the metatarsals thin out as a person ages, diminishing the ability of the metatarsal bones to protect themselves.

Although generally not serious, metatarsalgia can disrupt your day to day activities, and when left untreated can lead to additional pain in your unaffected foot, back or hips. Treatment to eliminate metatarsalgia symptoms can be as simple as resting, icing the affected area and wearing proper-fitting shoes to significantly reduce swelling and ease pain.

When conservative treatments aren't affective and pain persists, visit Put your Feet First for a full exam and a proper diagnosis. In most cases, metatarsalgia can be treated non-surgically. An experienced podiatrist at our Scottsdale office may prescribe specially-designed orthotics or shock-absorbing insoles and arch supports to prevent and minimize future problems with metatarsalgia.