Items filtered by date: April 2023

Juvenile plantar dermatosis, also known as atopic winter feet or forefoot dermatitis, is a condition that causes chronic dry skin on the feet. It mainly affects pre-adolescent children between the ages of three and 14. It is slightly more common in boys, and is rarely seen in adults. This problem may happen from repetitive movements causing friction on the feet. Additionally, footwear that is made of synthetic materials, excessive sweating of the feet, or genetic skin sensitivity may contribute to getting this condition. The skin on the weight-bearing parts of the soles of the feet are typically involved. The areas may be itchy, sore, and red, with a glazed appearance. The usual ridge pattern on the soles may be lost, and painful cracking and fissures can develop. Both feet of the child are generally affected. Typically, the affected site is the ball of the big toes. Untreated, this condition can take longer to heal and may lead to a bacterial infection. If you notice your child is experiencing these uncomfortable symptoms, it is strongly suggested that you visit a podiatrist for a proper diagnosis and treatment solutions.

The health of a child’s feet is vital to their overall well-being. If you have any questions regarding foot health, contact Edward S. Pozarny DPM of Arlington Podiatry Center. 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 Arlington, VA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

There is a narrow passageway that is found inside the ankle and is connected by soft tissue and bone. This is known as the tarsal tunnel, and the posterior tibial nerve is located within this area. Tarsal tunnel syndrome may develop if this nerve becomes damaged, and may happen if there is consistent pressure. The symptoms that patients notice are sharp pain, and a tingling or burning sensation. There may be existing medical conditions that may lead to the development of tarsal tunnel syndrome. These can consist of having flat feet, diabetes, or inflammation from arthritis. A proper diagnosis consists of having a Tinel’s sign test performed. This is done by pressing the affected nerve with the intention of triggering symptoms that represent tarsal tunnel syndrome. Resting the foot can bring temporary relief, and it is suggested that you speak with a podiatrist who can offer options for permanent relief.

Tarsal tunnel syndrome can be very uncomfortable to live with. If you are experiencing tarsal tunnel syndrome, contact Edward S. Pozarny DPM of Arlington Podiatry Center. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome

Tarsal tunnel syndrome, which can also be called tibial nerve dysfunction, is an uncommon condition of misfiring peripheral nerves in the foot. The tibial nerve is the peripheral nerve in the leg responsible for sensation and movement of the foot and calf muscles. In tarsal tunnel syndrome, the tibial nerve is damaged, causing problems with movement and feeling in the foot of the affected leg.

Common Cause of Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome

• Involves pressure or an injury, direct pressure on the tibial nerve for an extended period of time, sometimes caused by other body structures close by or near the knee.
• Diseases that damage nerves, including diabetes, may cause tarsal tunnel syndrome.
• At times, tarsal tunnel syndrome can appear without an obvious cause in some cases.

The Effects of Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome

• Different sensations, an afflicted person may experience pain, tingling, burning or other unusual sensations in the foot of the affected leg.
• The foot muscles, toes and ankle become weaker, and curling your toes or flexing your foot can become difficult.
• If condition worsens, infections and ulcers may develop on the foot that is experiencing the syndrome.

A physical exam of the leg can help identify the presence of tarsal tunnel syndrome. Medical tests, such as a nerve biopsy, are also used to diagnose the condition. Patients may receive physical therapy and prescriptive medication. In extreme cases, some may require surgery.

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

It can be exceedingly important for senior citizens to protect the health of their feet by guarding against a detrimental fall. Suffering a fall can exacerbate existing foot problems and lead to the development of new foot conditions. Many seniors might experience a fall in the living room. A senior may help prevent falls in the living room by arranging their furniture so there are clear walking paths to navigate. This can reduce the risk of falling. Additionally, it might be helpful for a senior citizen to minimize clutter by removing furniture or decorative items that are no longer being used. For example, removing non-useful furniture or loose rugs can help clear up the living room space. If you are a senior citizen or are caring for one, it is highly suggested that you contact a podiatrist today to schedule an appointment. 

Preventing falls among the elderly is very important. If you are older and have fallen or fear that you are prone to falling, consult with Edward S. Pozarny DPM from Arlington Podiatry Center. Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality advice and care.

Every 11 seconds, an elderly American is being treated in an emergency room for a fall related injury. Falls are the leading cause of head and hip injuries for those 65 and older. Due to decreases in strength, balance, senses, and lack of awareness, elderly persons are very susceptible to falling. Thankfully, there are a number of things older persons can do to prevent falls.

How to Prevent Falls

Some effective methods that older persons can do to prevent falls include:

• Enrolling in strength and balance exercise program to increase balance and strength
• Periodically having your sight and hearing checked
• Discuss any medications you have with a doctor to see if it increases the risk of falling
• Clearing the house of falling hazards and installing devices like grab bars and railings
• Utilizing a walker or cane
• Wearing shoes that provide good support and cushioning
• Talking to family members about falling and increasing awareness

Falling can be a traumatic and embarrassing experience for elderly persons; this can make them less willing to leave the house, and less willing to talk to someone about their fears of falling. Doing such things, however, will increase the likelihood of tripping or losing one’s balance. Knowing the causes of falling and how to prevent them is the best way to mitigate the risk of serious injury.  

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

Many foot conditions may be avoided when shoes fit correctly. Bunions, hammertoes, and ingrown toenails are uncomfortable ailments that fit this category. To determine the correct shoe size, it is beneficial to have the feet measured. This can be accomplished by using a Brannock device, which is found in the majority of shoe stores. If this is not available, the feet can be measured by tracing them on a piece of paper while standing up. Shoes should be tried on and walked in before determining the proper size. This is successful in noticing if the shoe is too small or too large, and other shoes may need to be chosen if they do not fit correctly. If you would like additional information regarding how to buy shoes that fit properly, it is suggested that you confer with a podiatrist.

It is important to find shoes that fit you properly in order to avoid a variety of different foot problems. For more information about treatment, contact Edward S. Pozarny DPM from Arlington Podiatry Center. Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.

Proper Shoe Fitting

Shoes have many different functions. They cushion our body weight, protect our feet, and allow us to safely play sports. You should always make sure that the shoes you wear fit you properly in order to avoid injuries and deformities such as: bunions, corns, calluses, hammertoes, plantar fasciitis, stress fractures, and more. It is important to note that although a certain pair of shoes might be a great fit for someone else, that doesn’t mean they will be a great fit for you. This is why you should always try on shoes before buying them to make sure they are worth the investment. Typically, shoes need to be replaced ever six months to one year of regular use.

Tips for Proper Shoe Fitting

• Select a shoe that is shaped like your foot
• Don’t buy shoes that fit too tight, expecting them to stretch to fit
• Make sure there is enough space (3/8” to ½”) for your longest toe at the end of each shoe when you are standing up
• Walk in the shoes to make sure they fit and feel right
• Don’t select shoes by the size marked inside the shoe, but by how the shoe fits your foot

The shoes you buy should always feel as good as they look. Shoes that fit properly will last longer, feel better, and improve your way of life each day.

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