My Kid's Foot Doc

APMA's FAQs About Pregnancy and Pediatric Foot Health

2011-12-28T11:58:00.000-08:00

Whether you are expecting your first child or your third, it is natural to be concerned about the child's health. This concern becomes especially prevelant in mother's who are expecting. Pregnancy affects a woman's body in many ways and the feet are no exception. It is also normal to be worried about your child's devolpment. The first step in easing this worry is education. The American Podiatric Medical Association recognizes the need for mother's and father's to have good information about the health of their children and compiled a list of frequently asked questions and answers about foot health for children and pregnant women.

Frequently Asked Questions

Pregnancy and Pediatric Foot Health*

1. How Does Pregnancy Impact the Feet?
Pregnancy can impact the feet in numerous ways, from over pronation and plantar fasciitis due to increased body weight to an increase in foot size related to hormonal changes and leg cramps because of impeded circulation.

2. Is it normal for my baby's feet to look discolored or wrinkled or for his/her skin to peel when he/she is born?
Babies spend anywhere from nine to ten month in a shelter protective fluid. The feet need just as much time to fill out and turn a normal color as the rest of the body Once you give birth, your obscetrician and later your pediatrician will look for obvious abnormalities of your baby's feet and legs.

3. Are there certain things I can do to care for my baby's feet?
Caring for your baby's feed is no different than the care you provide to the rest of his/her body. Trim your child's toenails with baby nail clippers, making sure to cut straight across to avoid ingrown toenails. Also, be sure to thouroghly dry your baby's feet after a bath. Try Smartknit Kid's Seamless Sensitivity Socks - these soft anti-microbial socks don't wrinkle or bunch and are proven to reduce irritation on your tot's tootsies.

4. At What age should my child take his/her first step?
When physically and emotionally ready, your child will walk. Comparisons with other children are misleading, since the age for independent walking ranges from 10 - 18 months.

5. When should I put my baby in his/her first pair of shoes?
When your child first begins to walk, shoes are not necessary indoors. Allowing your youngster to go barefoot or to wear only socks helps the foot to grow normally and to develop musulature and strength, as well as the grasping action of toes. Of course, when walking outside or on rough surfaces, babies' feet should be protected in lightweight, flexible foot wear made of natural materials. Try Pedipeds- designed for infants and toddlers up to two years old, these soft, hand-stitched shoes provide a safe environment for tiny toes while allowing plenty of room for foot growth and muscle development.

6. When shoud I take my child to see a podiatrist?
The APMA recommends having your child examined by an APMA member podiatrist, if there is a family history of foot problems, once he/she begins to walk to make sure his/her feet are progressing normally. Many APMA member podiatrists special pediatrics.

7. When is a child's foot fully developed and why is this important?
Full skeletal maturity takes place in most individuals between the ages of 18-23 years of age. Foot maturity continues while many children are active on their feet. It is important to have your child's feet checked regularly by an APMA member podiatrist.

8. What steps should be taken to make sure a child's feet are not at risk when participating in sports?
When you child participates in sports, make sure he/she wears sport-specific shoes that fit properly. He/she should also warm up and cool down before and after participating in a sport and avoid poor outside playing conditions, such as very wet grass.

*source http://www.apma.org/

Juvenile Arthritis

2011-12-20T13:25:00.000-08:00

We tend to think of arthritis as a disease that affects only the older generation. However, around 294,000 children under the age of eighteen are affected by juvenile arthritis. Arthritis literally means the inflammation of joints. The cause of arthritis is unknown. It is not contagious and there is no evidence food, toxins, or vitamins play a role.

Arthritis usually affects the hands, knees, and feet and is worse in the morning. Doctors can prescrible treatment to reduce swelling, maintain joint movement and relieve pain. They also try to prevent, identity, and treat problems that result from the arthritis. Most children with arthritis need a blend of treatments - some treatments include drugs and others do not.

Flexstat topical pain relieve is available through our online store and can be applied to help relieve the pain of juvenile arthritis. It is a deep penetration topical pain reliever that provides quick, effective relief from muscle and joint pain due to arthritis. By utilizing a powerful blend of traditional medicines with the purest herbal extracts such as DMSO, MSM, Eucalyptus Oil, Vitamin E and Menthol, Flexstat provides a superior solution for treating foot and ankle pain. This lightly scented formula is proven to relieve pain, dramatically reduce inflammation, and improve joint movement. For best results, apply a generous amount of Flexstat cream to affected area and rub in thoroughly 3 to 4 times daily. Cover the area with an elastic wrap for increased penetration.

Arthritis.org's List of Symptoms

Pain, swelling, tenderness, and stiffness of joints, causing limited range of motion.
Joint contracture which results from holding a painful joint in a flexed position for a long period of time.
Damage to joint cartilage and bone leading to joint deformity and impaired use of the joint.
Altered growth of bone and joints leading to short stature.

If you suspect your child may be suffering from juvenile arthritis and notice any of these symptoms in your child's hands or feet, call your doctor. Another good thing for parents to do upon learning their child has been diagnosed with juvenile arthritis is to join a support group. It is also important to treat your child as normal as possible. You should also try to learn as much as you can about your child's disease, this blog is a good start.

Does Your Child Have a Wart?

2011-08-05T07:47:00.000-07:00

Plantar warts, or common warts, develop on the feet as a result of the human papillomavirus, or HPV. According to mayoclinic.com, this virus enters your body through cuts, breaks, and other vulnerable places on the skin. The virus may be contracted through walking around pools or gyms, making summertime the perfect time for a child to develop plantar warts.

Symptoms of plantar warts include grainy lesions or growths on the soles of feet, callus over a spot on the foot where a wart has grown inwards, black pinpoints, pain or tenderness in the bottom of the foot when walking or standing.

To prevent warts your child should wash hands thoroughly after touching his or her warts, avoiding contact with warts and picking at warts, keep feet clean and dry, should not go barefoot in a public area. In the summer months, this means wearing flip flops in public pools and showers.

Your child should see the doctor if the warts are painful, the lesions change in color, he or she has diabetes, the warts interfere with activities, or the warts multiply or recur. There are also some over the counter products for the treatment of plantar warts. Try Tripod Labs Plantarstat Wart Remover available at the advanced footcare clinic product store. It is a safe, highly effective formula for the treatment of plantar warts (warts on the bottom of the feet), as well as common warts (warts on any other part of the body). This unique blend combines traditional medicines, retinoic acid and salicylic acid, with powerful herbal extracts, mandrake root and Sanguinaria Canadensis, for a quick, pain free removal of any wart. The easy to use applicator tip directly applies the medication to the wart for maximum results without any harm to the surrounding normal skin. Plantarstat® offers a simple, effective treatment for all types of warts. For best results, apply a thin layer of Plantarstat® liquid with the enclosed wand over entire wart once or twice daily, avoiding unaffected skin. To enhance results, gently file the wart after bathing, with an emery board or pumice stone, before applying Plantarstat® liquid and then cover the wart with adhesive tape (best to use a small piece of duct tape) after applying the medicine. Remove the tape and continue the treatment daily. Continue treatment until wart is completely removed. If you are a diabetic, have poor circulation, or other medical problems, we suggest that you check with your family doctor before using this medication.

Don't let warts ruin your child's summer! Use the preventative tips above and if your child is suffering from warts call our office or visit our website to request an appointment.

2011-01-05T06:43:00.000-08:00

Advanced Footcare Clinic Top Pediatric Shoes

The following children's shoes are given our 'top' recommendation for both functionality and comfort:

ASICS America Corporation

Young runners and athletes will receive superior cushioning and durability in the performance oriented Asics line of athletic shoes. Features of Asics athletic shoes include GEL® Cushioning System, the lightweight stability of the Trusstic System®, airmesh upper, and durable reinforced stitched toe caps.

Gel-Cumulus 12 GS - Pictured above

Our Recommendations: Gel-Nimbus 12 GS, Gel-1160 GS, Gel-Cumulus 12 GS, Gel-Trabuco 13 GS, Gel-160 TR GS, GT-2150 GS

Pediped™ Footwear

Pediped™ Footwear: All lines especially the Originals and Flex.

Officially recognized by the American Podiatric Medical Association as contributing to better foot health, Pediped™ footwear is a smart choice for parents concerned with the long-term development of children's feet. Pediped™ has been awarded the prestigious APMA seal of acceptance for both it's Originals and Flex lines in support of their many beneficial attributes that promote quality foot health including soft cushioned leather soles, a wide toe box and soft leather uppers.

Pediped™ Adrian - Pictured above

As babies' and toddlers' feet begin to develop, a soft, pliable shoe, such as pediped footwear, is essential to not only provide the foot protection, but also enough mobility for the foot to properly form.

Reebok

These Reebok athletic shoes have low-cut designs for increased stability, synthetic/mesh uppers for comfort, support and breathability, forefoot flexibility and air cushioning for comfort.
Reebok Flash-Alac.

Our Recommendations: Flash-Alac, Motion Lace (Grade School), Bet on this Laces (Grade School/Pre-School), Wind Magic II (Grade School/Pre-School), Back to It Lace (Grade School/ Pre-School), Wind Magic Lace (Grade School/Pre-School), FlexRide Road III

Brooks

Brooks offers neutral shoes for very small children and more supportive shoes for kids who overpronate.

Defyance Sneaker - Pictured above

Our Recommendations:
Little Kid/Big Kid Defyance Sneaker, Kids Adrenaline GTS, Kids Ghost Defyance Kids Sneaker

New Balance

At New Balance not all shoes are created equal! New youth sizing accommodates all kids' sizes from toddler to teen and they have shoes specifically designed for infants, pre-school and Grade school.

Our Recommendations: Style 631 (infants), Style 687 (Pre-school), and Style 759 (Grade School)
Adidas

Adidas athletic shoes have air mesh uppers for maximum ventilation, textile lining and EVA insole for comfort , TORSION® SYSTEM for midfoot integrity; adiPRENE®+ in the forefoot to maintain propulsion and efficiency, and adiPRENE® under the heel for superior cushioning at impact.

Supernova Glide X XTD - Pictured above

Our Recommendations: Supernova Sequence, Supernova Glide X XTD, Adilastic Bounce and the Hyperrun 3

Robeez by Stride-Rite - Baby Shoes

The best shoe mimics bare feet, by supporting - not constricting tiny growing feet. Robeez footwear flex and bend with every step. They promote good balance and unrestricted growth, while protecting little feet from the world. They stay on too, with elasticized ankles to ensure a perfectly snug fit. From crawling to cruising, walking to running, for indoors and out, Robeez makes different shoes for newborns to four-year-olds.

Robeez 1st Stepz - Pictured above

Our Recommendations: Robeez Luxury Soft Sole Collection, Robeez Mini Shoez Collection, Robeez Soft Soles and Bootie, Robeez 1st Stepz, Robeez Eco Collection

See Kai Run

The advantages to See Kai Run shoes are many! While podiatrists and pediatricians now agree that barefoot is best for proper foot and muscular development, it is not always practical. Flexible soles are recommended because they are protective for indoor and outdoor wear, yet not restrictive. The soles of See Kai Run Smaller booties are made from soft suede, with non-slip rubber pads for traction. 'See Kai Run' shoes incorporate a very flexible, yet durable rubber for the soles of first walkers. Both allow plenty of freedom for developing little feet.

Our Recommendations: See Kai Run Children's soft booties, See Kai Run Children's First Walkers, Eleven by See Kai Run for bigger kids.

Here are two great companies for Kids insoles and socks!

Spenco

Kids Polysorb Insoles - Pictured above

Today’s active kids need foot support and cushioning that’s designed for growing feet. After the age of five, when the bones, muscles and ligaments of the foot begin to fully develop, Spenco Kids® Insoles (along with quality shoes and pediatric care) are an important part of a kid’s foot future.

SmartKnitKIDS Seamless Socks

SmartKnit Kids Socks are completely free of seams providing comfort and relief to children who struggle with “bumps & lumps” in their socks. They also feature a non-binding Halo Top™ that fits comfortably without slipping down the leg. Regular socks often have elastic bands at the tops of the sock that can often pinch, bind or be a source of irritation. Lastly, high-tech ﬁbers wick moisture away helping ensure a drier sock and help prevent “stinky feet”.

Dr. Thomas F. Vail, DPM

1725 Western Ave.

Findlay, OH 45840

419-423-1888

http://www.vailfoot.com/

Winter skin care for your child

2010-12-09T09:58:00.000-08:00

During the winter months, you really need to pay special attention to your skin. In many ways the winter elements are harsher on your skin because of artificial heating, dryer air, extreme cold and wind, and all the layers of clothing you wear. Because of these conditions, you really need take care of your child's skin during this time of year. A child's skin is more sensitive than an adults, so you need to be careful what you put on them.

Because the elements are much harsher around you durning winter, your skin is more likely to dry out. This can lead to itchy skin if you don't moisturize it properly. Itchy skin can then turn into eczema.

You don't just want to put on any old moisturizing lotion on your child. You need to make sure that it is suitable for children. Look at your products ingredients before you buy them. Make sure the lotion has natural ingredients and even perfume and dye free. Moisturizers come in a variety of thickness, make sure you get one that will moisturize the skin as well as allow the skin the be flexible which will help cut down on the itching. A good recommendation would be Theraplex HydroLotion. This lotion not only moisturizes and protects the skin from harsh drying effects of the environment, it is also fragrance free, hypoallergenic, non-comdeogenic and does not contain any dyes or irritants. You will also want to apply lotion at least twice a day to avoid dryness. If your child's skin needs the extra nourishment, you can apply more frequently.

Always dress your children in cotton clothing that is next to the skin. Cotton fabrics allow your skin to breath and this will avoid skin chaffing from the friction that wool fabrics can cause. You will also want to consider changing your detergent that the clothing is washed in for the winter months. Depending on the type of laundry detergent you use, this could add to your dry skin problem.

Just because it is winter does not mean you can forget about sunscreen. Sunscreen will protect them from the sun's UV rays and also give an extra protective barrier against the environmental elements that can affect the skin.

If you have any questions regarding your child's footcare during the winter, please contact our office at 419-423-1888 or visit us on our website at www.vailfoot.com.

Pediatric Heel Pain

2010-10-13T07:11:00.000-07:00

What is pediatric heel pain? Heel pain is a very common childhood complaint. This doesn't mean that it should be ignored. Heel pain is a symptom, not a disease. This means that the pain is a warning sign that your child has a condition that deserves attention. The most common cause of pediatric heel pain is a disorder called calcaneal aphpysitis, and usually affects 8 to 14 year olds. However, pediatric heel pain can be a sign of many other problems and can occur at younger or older ages.
Pediatric heel pain is very different than adult heel pain. With adult heel pain, the pain is intense when getting out of bed in the mornings or after sitting for long periods of time. The pain subsides after walking around a bit. In pediatric heel pain, the pain usually doesn't improve in the same manner, it usually becomes worse with walking around. Heel pain is common in children because of the very nature of their growing feet. Because their feet are continually growing, the heel bone (the calcaneus) is not fully developed until the age of 14 or older. Until the heel bone is developed, new bone is forming at the growth plate (the physis). This is a weak area located at the back of the heel. Too much stress on the growth plate is the most common cause of pediatric heel pain.

Symptoms of pediatric heel pain include:

Pain in the back or bottom of the heel
Limping
Walking on toes
Difficulty participating in usual activities or sports

If your child has any of these symptoms, you should see a podiatric specialist to determine the underlying cause of the pain to determine a plan of treatment. There are a number of possible causes for a child's heel pain. Some of these causes may include:

Calcaneal apophysitis. More commonly known as Sever's disease, this is the most common cause of children's heel pain. This is not a true "disease", it is an inflammation of the heel's growth plate due to muscle strain and repetitive stress. This especially occurs in children who are active or obese. This condition usually causes pain and tenderness in the back and bottom of the heel when walking and is painful when touched. This condition can occur in one or both feet.
Tendo-Achilles bursitis. This condition is an inflammation of the fluid-filled sac (bursa) located between the Achilles tendon and the heel bone. Tendo-Achilles bursitis can result from injuries to the heel, certain diseases like juvenile rheumatoid arthritis or wearing poorly cushioned shoes.
Overuse syndromes. The heel's growth plate is sensitive to repeated running and pounding on hard surfaces. Because of this, pediatric heel pain often reflects overuse. Children and adolescents are especially vulnerable if they are involved in soccer, track or basketball. A common overuse syndrome is Achilles tendonitis. This inflammation of the tendon usually occurs in children over the age of 14. Another common overuse syndrome is plantar fasciitis. This is an inflammation of the band of tissue (the plantar fascia) that runs along the bottom of the foot from heel to toes.
Fractures. Heel pain is sometimes caused by a break in the bones. Stress fractures(hairline breaks resulting from repeated stress on the bone) often occur in adolescents engaged in athletics, especially when the intensity of training suddenly changes. In children under the age of 10 acute fractures can simply result from jumping 2 or 3 feet from a couch or stairway.

Arch Angel Childrens Comfort Insoles

Treatment depends on the diagnosis and the severity of pain. For mild heel pain, some treatment options may include to reduce or stop any activity that may be causing the pain. You might want to try an insole like Arch Angel Childrens Comfort Insoles that will help cushion the heel when walking, running, and standing. Your doctor may also have your child take a non steroidal anti-inflammatory drug like ibuprofen to help reduce the pain and inflammation. Physical therapy and stretching exercises are sometimes used to promote healing of the inflamed tissue. Your doctor may also recommend getting custom molded orthotics to support the foot properly.

You can also reduce your chances of developing heel pain by avoiding obesity, choosing well-constructed and supportive shoes that are designed appropriately for your child's activity. Also avoid or limit the wear of cleated athletic shoes as well as avoiding activity that is beyond your child's ability.

If your child has any of the symptoms listed above or concerned about your child's foot health, please contact our office at 419-423-1888 to schedule an appointment with Dr. Vail or visit our website at http://www.vailfoot.com/.

Your Baby's Feet

2010-08-24T07:31:00.000-07:00

Starting at birth, you need to pay close attention to your child's feet from proper grooming to their gait. This will provide for a solid foundation as your little one grows. The foot is one of the most complicated parts of the body. It has 26 bones, an intricate system of ligaments, muscles, blood vessels and nerves. A young child's feet are very pliable and any abnormal body force can cause deformities. Your child's feet grow very rapidly during their first year. This is the most critical developmental stage for the foot.

To help with normal development you should:

Carefully check your baby's feet. If you should notice anything that looks out of the normal, contact Dr. Vail's office to schedule an appointment. Most deformities cannot correct themselves if they are not treated.
Don't restricted your baby's feet. Shoes and booties are not necessary for infants. They can actually restrict their movement and can inhibit the toes and feet from normal development.
Give your baby the opportunity to exercise their feet. Lie your baby uncovered so they are able to kick and perform other related motions which prepare the feet for weight bearing.
Change your baby's position several times during the day. If they lie too long in one spot it can put an excessive strain on the feet and legs. Also, make sure you limit the time your baby spends in a standing activity center. It is recommended no more than 15 minutes at a time.

When your baby is ready to walk
You should never force your child to walk. Your child will walk when they are physically and mentally ready. Never compare your child with other children when it comes to walking milestones. Each child is different and can start walking anywhere between 10 to 18 months of age. When your baby does start to walk, you do no need to place them in shoes when indoors. Walking barefoot allows the foot to grow normally and to develop its musculature and strength and well as the grasping action of the toes. When your child is walking outdoors, make sure their feet is protected in a natural made lightweight and flexible footwear.

Warning signs when your child starts walking

Once your child is on the move, pay attention to their walking pattern or gait. It's not uncommon for little ones to walk on their tip toes, but persistently doing so is. Dr. Vail will be able to examine your child to make the proper diagnosis and determine the best treatment options. Children with a family history of foot problems should see a podiatrist once they start walking to ensure the feet are developing normally.

Other common childhood walking irregularities are in-toeing and Metatarsus Aductus. With in-toeing, one or both of the feet point toward each other due to a rotation in the foot, leg, thigh, or hip. Excessive tripping, like with many walking irregularities, can reveal a more serious condition such as in-toeing. Some ways to combat in-toeing at home include having your child stand with their heels touching and feet pointing outward and sitting with their legs crisscrossed. Metatarsus Adductus is a bending of the foot inward at the instep resembling the letter "C". This is prevalent in early walkers. Tripping is also a warning sign of Metatarsus Adductus. The Arch Angels Childrens Insoles will be able to help in maintaining your child feet in a neutral position along with stabilizing the feet and ankles. Your podiatrist can also diagnosis and treat Metatarsus Adductus with serial casting and in more severe cases, surgery.

Since most children aren't quick to tell their parents when they are experiencing foot pain and discomfort, you should pay attention to the unspoken signs such as limping, tripping, taking one or both shoes off frequently or unevenly worn footwear. Your young child's feet may be unstable which can make walking difficult or even uncomfortable. A thorough examination by a podiatrist may detect an underlying defect or condition which may require immediate treatment.

If you have any questions regarding your child's foot care, please contact us at 419-423-1888 or log onto our website at http://www.vailfoot.com/.

Flat Feet in Children

2010-08-23T10:11:00.000-07:00

What are flat feet?

Flat feet is a condition in which the foot doesn't have a normal arch. It may affect one foot or both feet. At first, all babies' feet look flat because an arch hasn't formed yet. Arches should form by the time your child is 2 or 3 years old. Flat feet, even in older children, usually do not cause any problems.

What causes flat feet?

Most flat feet are caused by loose joint connections and baby fat between the foot bones. These conditions make the arch fall when your child stands up. This is why you sometimes hear flat feet called "fallen arches." The feet may look like they have arches when your child is sitting or when the big toe is bent backward, but the arch flattens when the child puts weight on the foot.

Should I take my child to the doctor?

If your child complains of foot or ankle pain, take him or her to the doctor. Flat feet in an older child may cause pain in the heel or arch, or may cause pain when the child is walking and running. Your doctor will look at your child's feet to make sure that the pain isn't caused by a problem in the hip or the knee. Rarely, flat feet can be caused by foot bones that are joined together. In this case, the bones can't move, and the foot hurts. Your child may need to have x-rays, but your doctor probably can tell you what the problem is just by looking at your child's feet.

Will my child need special shoes or inserts?

Probably not. Your child's foot development will be the same whether arch supports are worn or not. High-top or special orthopedic shoes, "cookies" or wedges are only useful to keep the shoe on your child's foot. If your child has foot pain, your doctor may recommend a heel cup or a shoe insert. One of the products Dr. Vail may recommend is the Dr. Jill Arch Stepper (click link to view product)

Will some activities make flat feet worse?

No. You don't need to limit your child's activities. If flat feet become painful from overuse, your doctor may recommend rest. Wearing a certain style of shoe, walking barefoot, running, doing foot exercises or jumping will not make flat feet worse or better.

Can surgery help?

Surgery is not helpful for most patients with flat feet. If your child's flat feet are caused by fused foot bones, and if shoe inserts and casts have not helped, surgery may be considered. Your doctor can help you make that decision.

To view the rest of our helpful products for flat feet (click here)

Off to College and Communal Showers

2010-08-16T08:35:00.000-07:00

It is that time of year again, back to school! If you have a first time college student there are plenty of things to be concerned about, books, tuition, and new sheets but be sure not to overlook your student's feet! Many colleges have communal style showers which can be a breeding ground for infection. High school athletes are also commonly exposed to public showers. Athlete's foot is one infection that is commonly spread through public areas like pools and showers.

Athlete’s foot is a rash on the skin of the foot. It is caused by a fungus that is found and thrives on warm, damp surfaces such as around pools, public showers and locker rooms. The fungus can cause infection when it comes in contact with conditions that allow it thrive; for example, on bare damp feet. Because of this, teenage boys are especially prone to the infection.

Symptoms include itching; burning; cracked, blistered or peeling areas between the toes; redness and scaling on the soles of the feet; rash that spreads to the instep, and raw skin. Occasionally the open skin can become infected with bacteria that will cause pain and spreading redness. The fungus that causes athlete’s foot can spread to other parts of the foot, including toenails. It can also infect other parts of the body—such as the groin, inner thighs and underarms.

Tineastat is a product that clears most fungal infections in three to seven days. Broad spectrum formula treats a wide range of associated fungi with Clortrimazole, tea tree and sunflower oils, phenol, oregano, tannic acid, lavender and garlic extracts. Contains rich emollients that helps the skin retain the active ingredients long after application. This prevents immediate re-infection. Active ingredient: Clortrimazole 1%. To order tinestat visit our product store.

Ways to avoid athlete’s foot:

-Wash your feet every day and dry them thoroughly, especially between the toes
-Wear footwear that allows your feet to “breathe”
-Wear shower sandals or shoes in pool areas, public showers and gyms
-Use antifungal powder in your sneakers or shoes
-Keep home bathroom surfaces clean — especially showers and tubs

If you suspect your child may have athlete's foot, visit vailfoot.com and schedule an appointment today.

sources: uclahealth.com

Back To School Shoes

2010-08-11T07:30:00.000-07:00

Back to school means new shoes. This year, ensure you're purchasing shoes that will keep your children and their feet healthy.
Although tempting, do not use hand me down shoes as they could impact the development of your child's foot. Have your child's shoe size and sock size re-measured because children's feet grown and change rapidly. Consider comfort, support, and fit before purchasing a pair of shoes.

Properly fitting shoes are equally as important for the scholar athlete. Shoes should be specified to the sport or activity your child is involved in.

Tips For Choosing Footwear

-Have your feet measured each time you shop. Feet change size over time

-Put weight on your feet while they are being measured.

-Shop for shoes at the end of the day. Your feet swell throughout the day and this ensures a better fit.

-Fit shoes to the larger foot if your feet are different sizes.

-Have shoes fitted to your heel as well as your toes.

-Always try on shoes! Sizes vary depending on the brand.

-Walk around in the shoes to make sure they are comfortable.

-Leave a 1/2" space from the end of your longest toe to the end of the shoe.

-Always allow for "wiggle room" for your toes.

-Avoid shoes with a heel 2 inches or higher.

Tips modified from the footwear recommendations guide of The American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons.

Call us or Visit Vailfoot.com to schedule a foot exam. You can also try Deodorizing Foot Wash from out product store to keep you child's new school shoes smelling fresh.

Children's healthy feet tips

2010-08-10T08:32:00.000-07:00

Problems noticed at birth will not disappear by themselves. You should not wait until the child begins walking to take care of a problem you've noticed earlier.

- Remember that lack of complaint by a youngster is not a reliable sign. The bones of growing feet are so flexible that they can be twisted and distorted without the child being aware of it.

- Walking is the best of all foot exercises, according to most podiatrists. They also recommend that walking patterns be carefully observed. Does the child toe in or out, have knock knock knees, or other gait abnormalties? These problems can be corrected if they are detected early.

- Going barefoot is a healthy activity for children under the right conditions. However, walking barefoot on dirty pavements exposes children's feet to the dangers of infection through accidental cuts and to severe contusions, sprains, or fractures. Another potential problem is plantars warts, a condition caused by a virus which invades teh sole of the foot through cuts and breaks in the skin. They require protracted treatment and can keep children from school and other activities.

- Be careful about applying home remedies to children's feet.

- Preparations strong enough to kill certain types of fungus, and can harm the skin.

If you would like a free copy of our "Got Feet" booklet, please fill out the request form provided in this link.

Children and Warts

2010-03-02T10:41:00.000-08:00

Did you know that children and youth are more susceptible to warts that adults? That's right. Warts are caused by a virus which inhabits the human body. Warts can appear anywhere on your skin, but when they occur on your feet they are called plantar warts. Sometimes a group or cluster of warts called a mosaic wart can grow. Your immune system naturally fights these warts, often preventing or controlling actual wart formation on your skin. When you do get a wart, your body will usually fight it off, but this can take up to two years. Sometimes plantar warts can become painful, since you have to walk on them to get around. Most people try to treat their warts because they are painful, or because they do not like the way they look.

There are many options for treating your warts. If you want to use an over-the-counter product be sure to follow all instructions. But sometimes these over-the-counter medicines are not enough to remove the wart. If this is the case, you should see your podiatrist for more treatment options. We are able to offer many options which are not available in a pharmacy, including stronger topical treatments, freezing the wart with liquid nitrogen, injections to remove the wart, and even cutting out problem warts. Seeing your podiatrist is the best way to treat a wart.

Common Problems for Children

2010-02-15T13:34:00.000-08:00

Your children's growing feet get a lot of use. Your kids spend a lot of time on their feet, and a lot of it at high speeds. This is great. Lots of exercise is good for kids physically and mentally. But encouraging your kids to be active is hard when their feet hurt. Keep in mind these common foot problems seen in children and youth so you'll know what you're dealing with.

First of all, don't ignore signs that your child may be having a foot problem. Children injure themselves often, but serious or ongoing problems should cause concern. If you notice your child limping often this may be a sign that they are experiencing foot pain. Look for other signs of abnormal walking, like walking only on their toes, an abnormal gate, in-toeing, out-toeing, or a turning in or out of the knees. These can all be signs of injury or biomechanical problems. If your child complains about pain often or severe pain, you should make an appointment with the podiatrist.

Many children experience an over-use problem with their feet. They are have problems like stress fractures or plantar fasciitis which come from extended use of the feet or a lot of contact with hard surfaces. If your child is involved in sports or is very active, be on the look out for these conditions and other signs of overuse.

The second category of foot problems children and youth experience is biomechanical problems. These are problems which have to do with the alignment or construction of the feet. Since young feet are still growing and forming (like all parts of a growing body) they are susceptible to problems like flat feet or fallen arches. These problems can cause a lot of pain. Often if the problem is corrected (like with an orthotic) while the child is growing, their bones and tendons will form correctly and result in a normal adult foot.

The last type of problem is dermatological, or problems with the skin. Young people are more susceptible to fungal problems of the nails or skin. They often get plantar warts or athlete's foot. Children should be cautious as breaks in the skin can make them more susceptible to these problems. Also, places that are warm, dark, and wet are good places for fungi to grow. Children and youth should wear flip flops in in pool or school (and other community) showers. Often, they only have one pair of shoes, since they outgrow them so fast. A child with fungal problems should be rotating two pair of shoes, so that they have time to dry out completely before being worn again. They may also benefit from foot powder to help absorb the moisture in their shoes.

Young people have many similar conditions to consider to adults when it comes to foot care. But they have specific problems as well. Luckily, podiatrists are trained to deal with the specific needs of pediatric as well as adult foot care. If you or your child notice a foot problem, simply make an appointment and we will be happy to get them feeling normal and back to their daily activities.

Outdoor Winter Activities

2009-12-30T11:18:00.000-08:00

Many people enjoy staying inside during the winter. They are content with their hot cocoa, a good book and a warm blanket. Other people get a little taste of cabin fever during the snowy winter season. Winter is a great time to be outside. The air is crisp, snow is abundant and you can withstand the weather with a little preparation. For those of you looking for opportunities to enjoy the great outdoors with your family in winter, try some of these ideas:

1. Skiing/Snowboarding. This has become the great winter classic recreational sport. There are many places to do this activity as a day trip, and most offer rentals and lessons for beginners. If you have never had the opportunity to go, you should plan a trip. You can also cross country ski in areas where hills are less abundant. The Hancock county parks district offers cross country ski rentals at Riverbend Park just outside of Findlay.

2. Ice Skating. Winter is a great time to participate in this long-time favorite. And if you live around a pond, you can participate in this sport outside (make sure that the ice is thick enough first). You can also play hockey on the newly frozen ice. Don't have skates or hockey equipment? Have everyone bring a broom and use a tennis ball to play broomball. The rules are like hockey, but it is played on foot and not skates.

3. Turn your favorite sport into a winter activity. Bundle up and play your favorite sports in the snow. Try replacing white colored balls (like baseballs and golf balls) with colored versions or tennis balls. This may change the game, but so will the snow. Play golf in your neighborhood with designated holes (like a lone tree or fire hydrant) and treat shoveled areas like roads and sidewalks as water traps. Shorten the field in games like football or soccer since the snow will slow you down. The snow also makes for a great workout. Try jogging cross country in the snow, but expect to tire easier and travel shorter distances.

4. Have an organized snowball fight. Give each team a set time to prepare (5 minutes to just make snow balls or a half hour to rig a fort) and then: ready, set, throw! You can organize your games with rules and boundaries, and you can play in rounds. Perhaps getting hit means you're out for that round. You can even set up a dodge-ball size court where everyone has a ball (since you can pick them up and make them).

5. Go sledding. In an area like Findlay that may require a little travel, but it is well worth it. The reservoir is a favorite local sledding hill. The whole family can enjoy sledding, and fresh snow makes it even more fun. Don't want to invest in a sled? Get creative. Trash can lids work great, and even large pieces of cardboard can do in a pinch. Inner tubes are a popular favorite. Perhaps you like to take one swimming and it can double for sledding as well.

6. Nature walks. Don't be afraid to explore nature just because of the weather. Prepare adequately for the weather and hit the trails. Animals are still out to be observed during the winter, you can be too. There are even unique finds in nature during winter, like deer antler sheds. Many people like to feed the local wildlife at feeders over the winter. This is a great way to see birds and other animals up close, and you may get a few surprise visitors to your feeds (like deer or wild turkey showing up at your bird feeders). Just remember that once you start stocking a feeder you need to continue to do so throughout the winter. Animals remember where food is and disrupting their pattern may cost them valuable time that they could spend searching for food elsewhere.

7. Camping. Yes, although a little more extreme, camping is still fun in winter. The weather adds a challenge which many outdoor enthusiasts love to face. If you aren't prepared to face a winter backpacking or tent camping trip, take your RV (or rent one) or find a campground which offers cabins for rent. That way you can avoid the cold of the outdoors by warming up near a fire or a heater. And when you're ready to brave the elements again, you can bundle up and face them on your terms.

8. Yard work. Shoveling is a necessary part of the winter season, but it is also good exercise. Don't hesitate to tackle those few outdoor chores, they may end up being good for you, and they certainly get you out of the house. You can turn chores into games or competitions and involve your children in them. Perhaps give them equal sized lengths of sidewalk to shovel and see who can do it in the least amount of time.

9. Snowmen. Building snowmen is an old favorite. Pushing the balls through the snow until they get big enough to make a snowman or snow woman can be serious work, but the end result is rewarding. Your snowman's style can be as unique as your own. You don't have to dress your snowman in clothes. Try fashioning his nose and other features out of food items for local wildlife to enjoy. You can use grasses and other plants to fashion clothes for your person. Try making a completely green snowman whose melting will benefit the ground he once occupied.

Keep this in mind when buying shoes as gifts...

2009-12-10T08:58:00.000-08:00

To help busy parents with shoe choices, foot and ankle surgeons recommend some simple guidelines to prevent or minimize possible foot problems from inappropriate shoes, such as painful ingrown toenails, blisters, heel pain and flat feet.

When choosing kids’ shoes, size and shock absorption are the key considerations, especially if your child has flat feet that can worsen from improper fitting or worn-out shoes. Also, a child’s foot can grow a size or two within six months, so it’s critical to allow room for growth in the toe box—about a finger’s width from the longest toe. Snug shoes put pressure on the toes, causing ingrown nails. The nail compresses and grows down into the skin. According to FootPhysicians.com, the ACFAS consumer website, infection can occur when an ingrown nail breaks through the skin.If there’s pain, redness and fluid draining from the area, it’s probably infected. The ingrown nail can be removed in a simple, in-office procedure. Don’t try to remove a child’s ingrown nail at home; this can cause the condition to worsen.

Tight-fitting shoes also cause blisters, corns and calluses on the toes and blisters on the back of the heels.

Never buy shoes that feel tight and uncomfortable in the store. Don’t assume they will stretch or break in over time.

Conversely, shoes that are too loose can cause problems, too. If a shoe is too loose, the foot slides forward and puts excessive pressure on the toes.

Parents should carefully inspect both new and old shoes to check for proper cushioning and arch support. Shoes lose their shock absorption over time, and wear and tear around the edges of the sole usually indicate it’s worn out and should be replaced. If a child keeps wearing worn-out or non-supportive dress or athletic shoes, it elevates the risk for developing heel pain, Achilles tendonitis and even ankle sprains and stress fractures.

A good tip for parents when buying new shoes: The toe box should flex easily and the shoe shouldn’t bend in the middle of the sole.

For children with flat feet, parents should buy oxford, lace-up shoes that have enough depth for an orthotic insert, if necessary. Unfortunately, there isn’t much choice for kids with flat, wide feet. They need shoes with a wide toe box and maximum arch support and shock absorption. Slip-on loafers aren’t right for them.

Please contact Dr. Vail if you have questions about buying the correct shoe for your child. 419-423-1888 or www.vailfoot.com

Thinking of a Holiday Gift?

2009-12-08T08:30:00.000-08:00

Before you buy your best friend's newborn a pair of cute baby shoes...keep this in mind:

It is ill-advised to force a child to walk. When physically and mentally ready, the child will walk. Comparisons with other children are misleading, since age for independent walking ranges from 10 to 18 months.When a baby first begins to walk, shoes are not necessary indoors. As a toddler, walking barefoot allows the youngster's foot to grow normally and to develop its musculature and strength, as well as the grasping action of toes. Of course, when walking outside or on rough surfaces, babies' feet should be protected in lightweight, flexible footwear made of natural materials.

If you have any questions or concerns about what appropriate footwear to provide for your child, please call the office to set up an appointment (419-423-1888).

Educate Yourself!

2009-12-03T07:14:00.000-08:00

If you're looking for information you can trust about kids and teens that's free of "doctor speak," you've come to the right place. KidsHealth is the most-visited site on the Web for information about health, behavior, and development from before birth through the teen years.On a typical weekday, more than 500,000 people visit KidsHealth. One of the things that makes KidsHealth special is that it's really three sites in one: with sections for parents, for kids, and for teens.

KidsHealth is more than just the facts about health. As part of The Nemours Foundation's Center for Children's Health Media, KidsHealth also provides families with perspective, advice, and comfort about a wide range of physical, emotional, and behavioral issues that affect children and teens.

http://kidshealth.org/kid/

No More Winter Ho-Hums...

2009-12-01T09:16:00.001-08:00

Kids - here is an excellent way to express your creative side and CHASE AWAY THE WINTER BLUES!

FOOTPRINT T-SHIRT
Make a fun T-shirt full of real footprints and a special message. A great gift idea!
Instructions: Simply step into a shallow dish with fabric paint in it and then step on the t-shirt. Once the footprints are dry, use a permanent marker to write your message!
http://www.artistshelpingchildren.org/handprintsfootprintsartscraftsideaskids.html

Books! Books! Books!

2009-11-24T07:45:00.000-08:00

Check out these books (and many more) at the Findlay-Hancock County Public Library!

Amazing Animal Feet - Linda Bozzo
Let's Look at Feet - Simona Sideri
One is a Snail, Ten is a Crab: A Counting by Feet Book - April Pulley Sayre and Jeff Sayre
Feet - Dana Meachen Rau
Impatient Pamela Asks: Why Are My Feet So Huge? - Mary Koski
My Feet - Aliki

Our Website has many more educational features to learn about your feet! Check it out!

Traumatic Injuries

2009-11-19T05:38:00.000-08:00

Ankle Fractures
Ankle fractures in the skeletally immature usually involve the growth plates of the tibia or fibula (the two shin bones). They usually occur as a result of a twisting injury to the ankle. An adult with the same type of injury would have an ankle sprain (a tear in a ligament). Most of the ankle fractures seen in children do not require operative management, but do if the fracture line extends into the joint. Injury to the growth plate may, on occasion, result in a growth disturbance.

Ankle Sprains
Ankle sprains in children are rare because the ligaments are stronger than the growth plate, and the growth plate fails first under the "load" of injury. When they do occur, some form of immobilization (cast or brace) is indicated in order for the ligaments to heal at their normal length. Ligaments that heal in a "lengthened" position result in long-term disability and the increased likelihood of repeated ankle sprains under even minimally vigorous loads.

Please contact Dr. Vail for an evaluation of your child's feet - especially if you notice any of the problems mentioned above. Prevention is the key to helping your child to develop properly.

www.vailfoot.com

419-423-1888

Overuse Injuries

2009-11-12T10:12:00.000-08:00

Achilles Tendonitis

Achilles tendonitis is an overuse injury seen rarely in children under age 14 but seen with greater frequency as skeletal maturity approaches. It is characterized by pain with activity, particularly jumping sports in the region of the Achilles tendon. Rest, activity modification, a stretching program, shoe change, icing, and the use of an anti-inflammatory medication will usually promote healing and the ability to return to sports. The Achilles tendon should never be injected with cortisone, as rupture due to weakening can occur.

Sever's Disease

Sever's disease is a pre-skeletal maturity condition resulting from inflammation of the calcaneal (heel bone) growth plate near where the Achilles tendon attaches. The treatment is similar to Achilles' tendonitis, with the addition of a heel pad or heel cup. Occasionally this condition will plague a youngster off and on for 23 years until the growth plate closes. Casting to completely immobilize the ankle joint may be required.

Plantar Fasciitis

Plantar fasciitis is an inflammation of the plantar (sole of foot) fascia (a tough band of ligament-type tissue that runs along the bottom of the foot). Again, treatment is directed at relieving inflammation and gently stretching the involved tissues. Arch supports also help here to support the foot and decrease pain. While injection is occasionally indicated in the adult, it is typically not done in the younger population.

Stress fractures

Stress fractures are sustained as a result of repeated "micro trauma." A sudden change in training intensity is the classic cause of these injuries that typically involve the metatarsals (the bones in the mid-part of the foot). Stopping the activity that is causing the problem and casting are the mainstays of treatment. If the activity continues prior to healing, these micro fractures can become "real fractures".

Please contact Dr. Vail for an evaluation of your child's feet - especially if you notice any of the problems mentioned above. Prevention is the key to helping your child to develop properly.

419-423-1888
www.vailfoot.com

Have You Checked Out Our Store?

2009-11-10T09:23:00.000-08:00

Our On-Line Store is available for you 27/7/365 to meet any and all over the counter foot care products you may need. Click here to go directly to our store.

Foot care products are not just for adults! Here is one example of several products that are available for children, too:

Arch Angels Childrens Comfort Insoles

Doctor Designed Children’s Insoles (prefabricated orthotics) that comfortably fit in your child's shoes.

Maintain children’s feet in a neutral position.
Stabilize the feet and ankles.
Support the developing arch.
Arch Angels insoles (prefabricated pediatric orthotics) help ensure proper arch and foot development.
Made of comfortable, semi-flexible materials.

Use To Treat Children's:
Flat feet
Pronation
Supination
Arch and heel pain
Feet that easily tire

Click here for more information about this product.

Developmental Disorders of the Young Foot

2009-11-10T09:17:00.000-08:00

Flatfoot: Flatfeet are very common and typically genetic (inherited) in nature. It is caused by lax ligaments and/or tendons in the foot. The most common childhood flatfoot is supple, not stiff, and usually not painful. An additional underlying cause for a stiff flatfoot must be sought. Shoe wear has not been shown to promote arch development. An arch is usually present on standing by age 5. Arch supports (orthotics) are indicated for painful, supple feet and for patients with additional symptoms related to the feet (certain gait, knee, and back disorders). Arch supports are also indicated for those who wear out shoes extremely quickly. Surgery can tighten the ligaments or tendons but is reserved for the most severe flat feet.

In-toeing: In-toeing ("pigeon-toed") is typically not related to the feet but to lower extremity rotation. Tibial (shin bone) torsion (twist) is the most common cause of in-toeing in children aged 12. Femoral (thigh bone) torsion is the usual culprit in children aged 3-15. Bracing is controversial for tibial torsion, and fully ineffective for the femur. Surgery is performed only on asymmetric limbs or those with debilitating torsional abnormalities

Knock-knees: Knock-knees are typical in children aged 3-7. Knock-knees come after bowlegs and usually improve by age 11. Bracing is rarely required as resolution is typically dramatic. Surgery is rarely required.

Bowlegs: Bowlegs are typical in infants to age 1214 months, and may be normal to age 2. Most bowlegs are symmetric, stable, and spontaneously resolve. Bracing has shown benefit to age 34. Surgery is most often indicated for those with an abnormality of the growth plate, a condition known as Blount's disease.

Please contact Dr. Vail for an evaluation of your child's feet - especially if you notice any of the problems mentioned above. Prevention is the key to helping your child to develop properly.

www.vailfoot.com
419-423-1888

How Socks Make The Feet

2009-11-05T09:51:00.000-08:00

Sometimes kids do not like to wear socks: Either because it is fashionable not to do so or they simply would rather have their feet as least restricted as possible throughout the day. However, click here for an article from The American Academy of Podiatric Sports Medicine that details why it is important for everyone to wear socks.

Congenital Disorders

2009-11-03T10:21:00.000-08:00

Disorders of the foot and ankle are a common cause for orthopedic referral in infant, pediatric, and adolescent patients. The spectrum of problems is wide: While most, fortunately, are not serious, some of the congenital abnormalities do require significant operative intervention and a prolonged period of treatment. Even many of the less serious problems are a source of major irritation to patients because they often put limitations on the routine activities of daily living.

The following are common foot and ankle congenital disorders:

Metatarsus adductus: Metatarsus adductus is a common congenital (present at birth) foot abnormality and is caused by a persistence of fetal positioning. It is one of the several congenital abnormalities known as a "packaging problem." "Metatarsus adductus" is a frightening sounding term but means simply that the metatarsals (the long bones in the mid-portion of the foot) are adducted, or angled toward the midline. As with any medical condition, metatarsus adductus can run the gamut from mild to severe. While one classification defines the degree of metatarsus adductus based on the amount of curvature, a better classification relies on flexibility. Feet are very supple and typically require no treatment. Those feet that are least supple require manipulation and stretching and the use of reverse last shoes, or perhaps a short period of corrective casting. Without treatment, most feet do spontaneously improve by age 3. After age 4, surgery may be considered to correct the residual deformity.

Clubfoot: Clubfoot is a more serious disorder that is not related to the intrauterine environment, but to a growth abnormality that can be strongly influenced by inheritance. The clubfoot is hooked like the adducted foot, but has true structural abnormalities that cause it to roll inward and point downward. Untreated, this results in a major disability. Treatment begins with casting; in about 40% of cases, minor surgical intervention is necessary for complete correction.

Congenital vertical talus: Congenital vertical talus is a fairly rare but serious condition. The position of the foot is a classic "rocker bottom." It must be differentiated from a hyper flexible foot, and if stiff, a cast is minimally useful and surgery is required.

http://my.clevelandclinic.org/healthy_living/childrens_health/hic_pediatric_and_adolescent_foot_and_ankle_problems.aspx

If you notice your child is having any problems with her or her feet, please call Dr. Vail. He is here to help your child's feet be as healthy as can be.

419-423-1888
www.vailfoot.com

MONSTER TOES!!!

2009-10-29T07:16:00.000-07:00

You can have a great Halloween party by making these SCARY PODIATRIC TREATS!

Prep Time: 30 minutes

Ingredients:
Biscuit dough
Green food coloring
Cocktail franks
Honey mustard
Black olives

Preparation:
1. If you make your own biscuit dough, add 5 drops of green food coloring to your batter before you kneed it and roll it out.
2. If you buy ready made, brush the dough with green food coloring after the toes are made.
3. Roll out your dough.
4. Spread mustard on the dough.
5. Cut pieces big enough to cover one cocktail frank.
6. Roll it and seal shut.
7. Cut a black olive in half.
8. Push one half into the dough on the edge of the cocktail frank. This is the toenail.
9. Place all of the toes on a cookie sheet.
10. Bake at 350 degrees for twenty minutes.

Children and Sports

2009-10-29T06:44:00.000-07:00

Children and Sports
All parents know that children take to sports like ducks to water. Almost as soon as they start to walk, they're chasing balls, swinging sticks, and running races against nobody in particular.
Children's sports used to mean baseball, basketball, or football. That's changed. Soccer has leapt onto the youth sports scene, as have wrestling, tennis, and lacrosse with older children. The starting age for training in individual sports such as swimming, skating, track, and gymnastics grows younger every year.

Parents should encourage their children to participate in sports, but never forget that competition should be fun. Too much emphasis on winning can alienate a child from athletic competition.

Children active in sports programs will improve their cardiovascular and musculoskeletal systems, coordination, and state of mind. Participation in sports develops a sense of self discipline, teamwork, and recognition of the importance of a healthy body -- good habits that last a lifetime.

Training Emphasis
Every child physically matures at his or her own rate, and has a different degree of athletic ability. No amount of training can improve a child's natural athletic ability, but training helps improve coordination, and therefore performance.
Early training should emphasize proper technique and basic movement skills in all sports, especially in children younger than 10. Podiatric physicians, specialists in treating the lower extremities, say children who concentrate on a single sport at too young an age are more likely to develop injuries of the foot and ankle. Save specialization in sports for the late teens, they advise.

Warming up before participating in sports is more important for adults than children, but it helps loosen the muscles and prevent injuries in athletes of all ages. Light jogging and smooth stretching exercises (be sure not to bounce when stretching) are all that's necessary for young athletes. Learning to stretch at an early age will set a good pattern for sports activities as the body develops.

Footwear
Whether parents like it or not, part of a child's image revolves around footwear. Expensive sneakers have become fashion statements as much as athletic equipment. But for good foot health, the condition of the shoe is more important than the price tag or brand name.
Podiatric physicians agree it's often better to buy a child two $50 pairs of shoes than a single $100 pair, so the shoes can be rotated, to avoid rapid wear deterioration. Excessive wearing of the outsole, loss of shoe counter support, or wearing out in the midsole indicate it's time to replace the shoes.

Because a child's feet are constantly growing, it is important to allow at least one finger's width from the end of the longest toe when buying shoes. Remember, proper fit is very important. You can have the best shoe in the world, but if it doesn't fit right, it doesn't do its job.
In the shoe store, children should put on both shoes, with their athletic socks and the laces tied tight, for several minutes to properly check the shoes' fit. Shop for shoes in the afternoon, when the feet are naturally slightly swollen.

In young children, an "all purpose" sports shoe works well for most sports. A running-specific shoe is not suitable as an all purpose shoe; moving laterally in a running shoe is more difficult and presents greater risk of injury for children. After the age of 10, sport-specific shoes can help improve performance and protect the feet. With the exception of the running shoe, a degree of crossover between sporting shoes is usually not harmful to the feet of a child athlete.
Rubber cleats are not usually necessary for children under 10, though they pose little potential harm for them. They are most useful on a soft-field sport such as soccer. Podiatric physicians recommend molded shoe rubber cleats rather than the screw-on variety. Metal baseball spikes can be dangerous and should not be used until the teenage years.

Growing Bones and Ligaments
The immature bones of children are different from those of adults. The "growth plates" in children's bones do not finish closing until age 15-17 in boys and 13-15 in girls. When stressed, these plates are more susceptible to injury than the tendons and ligaments that support the joints. Ligaments tend to "give" before bones in adults.

Podiatric physicians warn repetitive overuse can cause inflammation of the growth plates. They advise parents to promote diverse physical activities for their children rather than one sport. This is especially important with individual sports such as running, gymnastics, and tennis, which require long hours of practice.

Statistics show children who concentrate on just one sport for long hours at a time are setting themselves up for injuries. Because of the susceptibility of bones with open growth centers to overuse injuries, sponsors of the Boston Marathon recently increased the minimum age to participate from 16 to 18.

A sports medicine podiatrist can offer a thorough examination of the entire lower extremity, and identify a leg length imbalance, weakness, or biomechanical imbalances that may need to be addressed to prevent injuries on the athletic field.

Injuries and Treatments
Many children suffer from mild "torsional" imbalances, commonly known as in-toeing and out-toeing. Most children outgrow these imbalances without medical treatment. However, if a child has obvious torsional imbalances, he or she may be more susceptible to injury. If that is the case, keep a close eye out for foot and ankle injuries associated with sports activity. Foot injuries commonly seen in very active children include:

Ankle Sprains. In older children, stretched or torn ligaments in the ankle, known as sprains, are more common than fractures. A sprain may cause extensive swelling around the ankle just like a fracture. Immediate treatment is crucial to quick healing. A podiatric physician can provide treatment as well as recommend balancing and strengthening exercises to restore coordination quickly.

Fractures. Fractures from overuse in child-athletes are commonly seen in podiatric medical offices. Growth plates are particularly susceptible to injuries, but mid-shaft fractures of the bone also occur. If a fracture is not severe, rest and immobilization may be the best treatment. More complicated injuries may require casting or surgical correction. If swelling and pain persist, see a podiatric physician.

Sever's Disease. An inflammation of a growth plate, Sever's Disease is often felt as pain behind the heel caused by inflammation of the apophysis, a growth center where a tendon is attached to the bone. Rest, ice, and heel lifts are usually prescribed.
Shin splints and stress fractures. Shin splints are microtears or inflammation of the anterior leg muscles, as are Achilles tendon pulls in the posterior region of the leg. Again, rest is most important in healing these injuries. If pain is persistent, see a podiatrist, who can recommend strengthening exercises, certain shoes, or, if indicated, prescribe custom-made shoe inserts known as orthoses.

A Word to Parents
All parents want to see their children do well in sports. But putting too much pressure on a child to become a star athlete may result in both physical and emotional injury to the child. A child should enjoy playing a sport, but if forced, could be turned away from all sports for a lifetime.
Especially with individual sports such as swimming, figure skating, and gymnastics that require long hours of practice every day, be certain the child's heart is in the endeavor, not just yours. When it comes to sports, overzealous parents can potentially do their children more harm than good.

Based on a document produced in cooperation with the: American Podiatric Medical Association.
http://www.aapsm.org/children_sports.html

Don't Become A Statistic

2009-10-27T11:29:00.000-07:00

Here is a study completed by Kelton Research for The American Podiatric Association of America in February 2008. The report details how parents view podiatric treatment for their children:

If ever there was a health issue that can stop you in your tracks, it’s foot problems. Even more minor issues such as ingrown toenails can become a crippling condition if not treated properly. Unfortunately, when it comes to their children, many parents don’t seem to be keeping these issues top-of-mind—and aren’t seeking the most appropriate care when problems arise.

1) MAKING MISSTEPS
Not Seeking Professional Help. While there are some podiatric problems that would send parents running to the doctor, other issues simply aren’t on their radar. Just one in two (50%)* would bother to take their child to the doctor for warts, and only 49 percent would bring them in for ingrown toenails. Parents give athlete’s foot (39%) and flat feet (34%) even less priority.

A Lack Of Experience. Perhaps one of the reasons parents aren’t attentive enough to their children’s foot care is their lack of experience with many key foot ailments. For example, just two in ten (20%) moms and dads have dealt with sports injuries affecting their children’s feet, and even fewer (10%) have had to address warts.

2)SIDELINING SPECIALISTS
General Practitioners Are Default Docs. When parents do choose to bring their child to a professional for their foot issues, most choose their family doctor or a pediatrician over a specialist such as a podiatrist or orthopedist.

Nearly half (48%) of parents whose children have received professional medical care for their feet have sought treatment from their family doctor. Another 41 percent have taken their child to a pediatrician.

Not So Special. Just one in four (25%) parents have taken their children to an actual foot specialist for their problems, and less than one in five (15%) have visited an orthopedist.

3) FATHERS AND FEET: OUT OF STEP
Father Knows Best? Not So Much. When it comes to getting a jump on potential foot problems, moms have a leg up on dads. They’re more likely to bring their children to a medical professional for everything from a foot injury to athlete’s foot.

Remember that it is imperative that you keep your child's footcare a top priority. If you suspect any prblems occurring with your child's feet, please call Dr. Vail for an appointment. He is more than happy to help your child grow up with strong and healthy feet!

Children's Soccer Linked To Ingrown Toenails

2009-10-14T07:28:00.000-07:00

Snug Cleats, Repeated Kicking Can Contribute To A Painful Problem

Although soccer season is nearing its end, it is important to take note of the following important information.

Toes and feet can take a beating, especially from sports. Dr. Vail treats many soccer-playing children for ingrown toenails. He blames improper toenail trimming, snug soccer cleats and repetitive kicking for creating this painful problem.

“Many kids wear hand-me-down cleats that don’t fit,” says Dr. Vail. “Older children like tighter cleats. They believe it gives them a better feel for the ball and the field.”

Dr. Vail says there are steps parents can take to prevent their children from suffering a painful ingrown toenail. First, teach children how to trim their toenails properly. Trim toenails in a fairly straight line, and don’t cut them too short. Second, make sure cleats fit properly. A child’s shoe size can change within a single soccer season.

If a child develops a painful ingrown toenail, soaking their foot in room-temperature water and gently massaging the side of the nail fold can reduce the inflammation. But Dr. Vail warns parents against home treatments, which can be dangerous. If your son’s or daughter’s ingrown toenails show signs of infection, it’s definitely time to seek medical care.

A foot and ankle surgeon can remove a child’s ingrown toenail, and prevent it from returning, with a simple, 10-minute surgical procedure. During the short procedure, the doctor numbs the toe and removes the ingrown portion of the nail. Various techniques can permanently remove part of a nail’s root too, preventing it from growing back. Most children experience very little pain afterwards and can resume normal activity the next day.

For more information on ingrown toenails and other pediatric foot problems please refer to our website, www.vailfoot.com.

Medication and Mercury Collection Day

2009-10-13T08:01:00.000-07:00

Saturday, October 24
9:00AM-Noon
Findlay Municipal Building Parking Lot (off Crawford Street)

FREE AND OPEN TO THE PUBLIC

Do you have any unwanted, expired, or un-needed medicine or mercury around your home? Help protect your family, community, and the environment by properly disposing of them.

It's EASY!
Bring your un-wanted, un-needed or expired medication and mercury to the drive thru drop-off location. Keep medication in their original containers if possible. No need to leave your car.

ITEMS THAT CAN BE COLLECTED:
Prescription medications, over-the-counter medications, medication samples, medications for pets, vitamins, medicated ointments and lotions, inhalers, liquid medication in glass or leak-proof containers, mercury, narcotics or other controlled substances

ITEMS THAT CAN NOT BE COLLECTED:
IV bags, bloody or infectious waste, personal care products, business waste, empty containers, hydrogen peroxide, aerosol cans, used syringes

Questions? Contact the Community Partnership at 419-424-1985 or http://www.paragonapproved.org/

KEEP OUR KIDS SAFE AND THE ENVIRONMENT CLEAN!

This event is sponsored and supported by:
Hancock County Community Partnership
Findlay Health Department
City of Findlay Water Pollution Control
Findlay City Police Department
The University of Findlay College of Pharmacy
Rader Environmental Services, Inc.

Sport Foot Health Awareness

2009-10-12T05:24:00.000-07:00

This article is from the American Podiatric Medical Association:

After several exciting weeks in the 2009 football season, one of the most talked-about storylines is not the amount of game-changing interceptions or which player to watch for MVP—but who is latest star to succumb to a foot injury. In the National Football League, several players have been forced to the sidelines with lower limb injuries. New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning has been diagnosed with severe plantar fasciitis, an irritation of the foot’s connective tissue. Meanwhile, Pittsburgh Steelers Super Bowl champion running back Willie Parker continues to battle a case of turf toe that has left him absent from the playing field.

With foot injuries abounding in the sports headlines, athletes are reminded once again by the American Podiatric Medical Association (APMA), in partnership with the American Academy of Podiatric Sports Medicine (AAPSM), of the importance of both preventing and caring for foot and ankle injuries. Professional and amateur athletes alike in fall sports, such as football and lacrosse, are considered at very high risk for injuring lower limbs during play. This is due to the extreme amounts of stress placed on the ligaments and joints of the feet.

"Many fall sports athletes look to compete their hardest on the field—even after being diagnosed with a foot or ankle injury by a podiatrist or other medical professional," said Dr. Bruce Williams, Past President of AAPSM. "However, not taking foot injuries such as plantar fasciitis, sprains and turf toe seriously—and continuing to play a sport on an injured foot or ankle—can aggravate and worsen these ailments, and delay or significantly worsen the healing process."
Athletes can avoid being tackled by foot ailments by educating themselves on how to prevent putting themselves at risk. The following are some of the most common foot and ankle injuries that occur in fall sports, as well as treatments and preventative tips recommended by the APMA:

Plantar Fasciitis – A common injury in sports that include running and jumping, plantar fasciitis is caused by an irritation of the band of connective tissue on the bottom of the foot.
Treatment – Resting the injured fascia is paramount to quick recovery. Applied cold therapy, gentle stretching, night splints and custom foot orthotics may all be prescribed by a podiatrist.
Tips – Spending time stretching before and after all practices and games may help prevent this condition.

Turf Toe – Named for the artificial playing field on which it is common, turf toe is a painful hyperextension of the big toe joint. Competing on artificial turf is the leading cause of this condition, but it can also occur on natural surfaces such as grass.
Treatment – Treatment usually includes the “RICE” regimen—which stands for Rest, Ice, Compression and Elevation—as well as taping and initially limiting the range of motion utilizing graphite toe plates. Tips – Wearing a stiffer shoe can prevent aggravating turf toe further. Customized foot orthotics prescribed by a podiatrist may also be worn during play to protect the toes and foot.

Sprains/Strains – Hard sprinting in practices and games often leads to stretched or torn ligaments (known as sprains) or muscles and tendons (strains). Severe sprains may also cause significant swelling and bruising.
Treatment – Sprains that don’t show improvement in three days should be seen by a podiatrist immediately. Possible casting, immobilization and a rehabilitation regimen may all be prescribed. Tips – Take part in proper warm-up exercises before and after home workouts, practice and games. Spend five to 10 minutes stretching, holding and relaxing muscles. Seek input from a podiatrist for chronic ankle sprains. Orthotics may also be prescribed.

Please call our office to schedule an appointment if your child is has an sport related injury!

Foot Health TV

2009-10-08T10:07:00.001-07:00

Click on the link below for a collection of news segments about foot health.

http://video.google.com/videosearch?hl=en&q=foot%20health&um=1&ie=UTF-8&sa=N&tab=wv

Even The Pros Need A Podiatrist!

2009-10-06T11:32:00.000-07:00

ELI MANNING, THE QUARTERBACK OF THE NEW YORK GIANTS WAS JUST DIAGNOSED WITH PLANTAR FASCIITIS. IT’S UNCERTAIN IF HE WILL PLAY IN THEIR NEXT GAME!

Well, just what is plantar fasciitis and what can Eli do to get back in the game?

Plantar Fasciitis, also known as heel spurs and a common cause of heel pain, is a bony growth on the underside of the heel bone. If there is no evidence of bone enlargement the condition is sometimes referred to as "heel spur syndrome." Heel spurs are caused by strain on the muscles and ligaments of the foot and result in the tearing away of the lining of the membrane that covers the heel bone. Wearing improperly fit shoes, excessively worn shoes, or failing to stretch before exercise can contribute to plantar fasciitis.

So...did Eli wear worn out shoes or not stretch before practice? Maybe so. Eli can also be treated with conservative measures, such as the use of anti-inflammatory medications, ice packs, stretching exercises, orthotic devices, and physical therapy. In persistent cases, Extracorporeal Shock Wave Treatment (ESWT) may be used to treat the heel pain.

Do you have something in common with Eli? Hopefully you are taking good care of your feet and are using preventative measures to keep yourself from having plantar fasciitis. However, if you are experiencing pain, call Dr. Vail for an appointment! He is here to help you have the healthiest feet possible!

When To Call A Podiatrist

2009-10-05T07:00:00.001-07:00

Podiatrists are the experts on feet and ankles and should be the first doctor you call when your child is experiencing pain or discomfort.

Podiatrists treat foot and ankle problems for patients of all ages, especially children. If you notice any change to your child's nails or skin on the feet or ankles, that is when you know your child should be evaluated by a podiatrist.

If your child has diabetes or poor circulation or develops abnormal symptoms, call Dr. Vail immediately. A diabetic patient is at much greater risk for serious complications. A diabetic patient should see a podiatrist at least once a year where on not symptoms are present. Regular check ups are a great way to keep your feet and ankles healthy.

Most importantly, call Dr. Vail first when you have pain or any issue that affects your child's feet and ankles.

419-423-1888

Sand Removal

2009-10-01T07:00:00.000-07:00

Although summer has past, here is a great video-tip about how to remove pesky beach sand from your child's feet and hands. Keep this tip handy for summer 2010!!!

http://www.howcast.com/videos/24871-How-To-Get-the-Sand-Off-Your-Kids-Feet

Keep in mind: If your child has an injury to their foot, do not delay in getting it treated. Call the office for an appointment 419-423-1888.

Use extra caution when going barefoot

2009-09-29T08:42:00.000-07:00

We know that kids like to go barefoot as much as possible. However, there is always a risk that going barefoot can cause injury. Below is an article written by Robert Weiss on August 3, 2009.

Going barefoot, whether it's in spring or summer or all year round, can cause a multitude of injuries. Most injuries are seen in the summer months. Some of the most common barefoot injuries are lacerations and abrasions, as they relate to glass and sharp objects (such as seashells) on the beach. If dirt or sand enters into the wound it can become painful and get infected. With deep lacerations, it maybe necessary to get a tetanus injection or a few stitches, which will certainly slow you up and keep you out of the water during the summer months. Those people diagnosed with diabetes are more prone to infection from a cut and have a more difficult time healing the infected wound. This is due to circulation of the lower extremities in the more advanced cases. If it's a minor cut, the individual will be fine after the foreign body is removed and the wound is cleaned with antiseptic and topical antibiotic cream. Sometimes, dry sterile dressings are helpful. But, if the wound is deep and bleeding and doesn't stop after 10-15 minutes with pressure applied, then it is time to seek emergency medical help.

Columnist Robert Weiss, a sports podiatrist, was a member of the Medical Advisory Committee of the 1984 and 1988 Olympic Trials and has a practice in Darien, The Foot & Ankle Institute of Darien. His column runs every other Thursday in The Hour. For more information, visit his Web site at www.therunningdoctor.net

If your child has an injury to their foot, do not delay in getting it treated. Call the office for an appointment 419-423-1888.

Common Childhood Foot Complications - Continued

2009-09-25T05:22:00.000-07:00

STRESS FRACTURE - Pain; Swelling
RECOMMENDED TREATMENTS - Immobilization; Surgery

SEVER'S DISEASE (HEEL PAIN) - Pain with side-to-side pressure of the heel; Pain with activity; Pain with soccer or baseball cleats
RECOMMENDED TREATMENTS - Rest; Ice; Shoe change

TOE-WALKERS - Walking on toes
RECOMMENDED TREATMENTS - Stretching exercises; Neurological exam; Surgery in severe cases

PLANTAR FASCIITIS (HEEL PAIN) - Pain when standing or walking
RECOMMENDED TREATMENTS - Stretching; Arch supports; Custom foot orthotics

ANKLE/FOOT FRACTURE - Pain in the area of fracture; Protruding bone
RECOMMENDED TREATMENTS - Casting, Rehabilitation

ANKLE SPRAIN - Pain, Swelling, Bruising
RECOMMENDED TREATMENTS - Immobilization; Casting; Bracing

PLANTAR WARTS - Painful thickening of the skin; Hard and flat; elevated surface most often on the sole of the foot
RECOMMENDED TREATMENTS - Mild acids; Lasers; Freezing temperature; Surgical removal; Medication

As always, if you notice any of these symptoms, please call the Office for an appointment - 419-423-1888.

Common Childhood Foot Complications

2009-09-24T06:43:00.000-07:00

As early as birth, foot complications can present themselves in children. Some complications, such as flatfoot and ingrown toenails, can be inherited or caused in the womb. Others can occur as children begin their walk through life, from the occasional fall to an injury suffered playing a sport. No matter the cause or severity of the problem, the health of a child’s feet should not be taken for granted. However, according to an American Podiatric Medical Association (APMA) survey of parents with children under the age of 18, only 35 percent said that they would not be motivated to take their child to a doctor’s office for foot or leg pain treatment. Furthermore, only 25 percent of those surveyed would take their child to see a podiatrist—a foot and specialist. Member podiatrists from the APMA can help make sure your child stays on his/her feet by offering expert medical diagnosis and treatment options for all issues associated with the feet. From the time a child begins to walk, he/she should be seen by a podiatrist who can make sure his/her feet are progressing normally, especially if there is a family history of foot problems. The following list details common inherited and developmental foot complications in children, possible signs and symptoms and treatment options.

CLUBFOOT - Hooked foot that twists inward and downward
TREATMENTS - Casting; Surgery in more severe cases

METATARSUS ADDUCTUS (MTA) - Front of foot bent inward at the instep resembling the letter "C"; Excessive tripping when walking
TREATMENTS - Stretching exercises; Shoe option that are straight; Serial casting; Surgery in more severe cases

POLYDACTYLY (Multiple Toes) - Eleventh or twelfth toe
TREATMENTS - Remove extra toes if they interfere with walking or wearing shoes

SYNDACTYLY (Webbed Toes) - Skin fails to separate between the toes
TREATMENTS - Surgical separation of webbed toes

FLATFOOT - Pain; Slow walking; Difficulty keeping up with other children
TREATMENTS - Custom foot orthotics; Change in the type of shoe; Surgery in some cases

IN-TOEING -One or both feet pointed inward; Tripping; Sitting on knees in "W" position
TREATMENTS - Exercises (first position ballet, sitting Indian style, riding "big wheel"); Casting; Bracing

ACHILLES TENDONITIS - Pain with activity at the back of the leg and heel; Swelling
TREATMENTS - Rest; Icing; Stretching; Physical therapy; Heel lifts; Custom foot orthtics; Soft casting

As always, if you notice any of these symptoms, please call the Office for an appointment - 419-423-1888.

Frequently Asked Questions

2009-09-22T08:50:00.000-07:00

Pregnancy and Pediatric Foot Care

1. How does pregnancy impact the feet?
Pregnancy can impact the feet numerous ways from over-pronation and plantar fasciitis due to
increased body weight to an increase in foot size related to hormonal changes and leg
cramps because of impeded circulation.
2. Is it normal for my baby’s feet to look discolored, wrinkled or for his/her skin to peel when he/she is born?
Babies spend anywhere from nine to10 months in a shelter of protective fluid. The feet need just as much time to fill out and turn a normal color as the rest of the body. Once you give birth, your OB and then later your pediatrician will look for obvious abnormalities of your baby’s feet and legs.
3. Are there certain things I can do to care for my baby’s feet?
Caring for your baby’s feet is no different than the care you provide to the rest of his/her body. Trim your child’s toenails with baby nail clippers, making sure to cut straight across to prevent ingrown toenails. Also, be sure to thoroughly dry your baby’s feet after a bath. Additionally, purchase items, such as an activity gym, which will allow your baby to move his/her legs and feet around. This will help him/her strengthen his/her muscles in preparation to walk. Try SmartKnit Kids Seamless Sensitivity Socks* – these soft, anti-microbial socks don’t wrinkle or bunch and are proven to reduce irritation in your tot’s tootsies.
4. At what age should my child take his/her first step?
When physically and emotionally ready, your child will walk. Comparisons with other children are misleading, since the age for independent walking ranges from 10 to 18 months.
5. When should I put my baby in his/her first pair of shoes?
When your child first begins to walk, shoes are not necessary indoors. Allowing your youngster to go barefoot or to wear only socks helps the foot to grow normally and to develop its musculature and strength, as well as the grasping action of toes. Of course, when walking outside or on rough surfaces, babies' feet should be protected in lightweight, flexible footwear made of natural materials. Try Pediped’s* – designed for infants and toddlers up to two years old, these soft, hand-stitched shoes provide a safe environment for tiny toes while allowing plenty of room for foot growth and muscle development.
6. When should I take my child to child to see a podiatrist?
The APMA recommends having your child examined by an APMA member podiatrist once he/she begins to walk to make sure his/her feet are progressing normally, especially if there is a family history of foot problems. Many APMA member podiatrists specialize in pediatrics. You can search for a podiatrist in your area by visiting APMA’s Web site, www.apma.org, and clicking on "Find a Podiatric Physician." You will find a list of podiatrists who you can call to see if they specialize in pediatrics.
7. When is a child’s foot fully developed, and why is this important?
Full skeletal maturity takes place in most individuals between the ages of 18 to 23 years of age. Foot maturity continues while many children are active on his/her feet. It is important to have your child’s feet checked regularly by an APMA member podiatrist.
8. What steps should be taken to make sure a child’s feet are not at risk when participating in sports?
When your child participates in sports, make sure they wear sport-specific shoes that fit properly. They should also warm up and cool down before and after participating in a sport and avoid poor outside playing conditions, such as very wet grass. *These products have been awarded APMA’s Seal of Acceptance. For more information about APMA’s Seal, visit www.apma.org/seal.

Baby's First Shoes

2009-09-21T07:26:00.001-07:00

It is ill-advised to force a child to walk. When physically and mentally ready, the child will walk. Comparisons with other children are misleading, since age for independent walking ranges from 10 to 18 months.

When a baby first begins to walk, shoes are not necessary indoors. As a toddler, walking barefoot allows the youngster's foot to grow normally and to develop its musculature and strength, as well as the grasping action of toes. Of course, when walking outside or on rough surfaces, babies' feet should be protected in lightweight, flexible footwear made of natural materials.

If you have any questions or concerns about what appropriate footwear to provide for your child, please call the office to set up an appointment (419-423-1888).

Your Baby's Feet

2009-09-21T06:23:00.000-07:00

The human foot - one of the most complicated parts of the body - has 26 bones, including an intricate system of ligaments, muscles, blood vessels and nerves. Because the feet of young children are soft and pliable, abnormal body forces can cause deformities.

A child's feet grow rapidly during the first year. For this reason, podiatric physicians, also known podiatrists, consider this period to be the most critical stage of the foot's development.

Here are some suggestions to help ensure normal development:

1. Look carefully at your baby's feet. If you notice something that does not look normal to you, contact an APMA podiatric physician (Dr. Vail). Many deformities will not correct themselves if left untreated.
2. Keep your baby's feet unrestricted. No shoes or booties are necessary for infants. These can restrict movement and can inhibit toes and feet from normal development.
3. Change the baby's position several times a day. Lying too long in one spot can put excessive strain on the feet and legs. Be sure to limit how much time your baby spends standing in an activity center to no more than 15 minutes at a time.

As always, if you have any concerns or questions, please call our office to set up an appointment to see Dr. Vail (419-423-1888).

More Children Shoe Tips

2009-09-18T07:33:00.000-07:00

As a child's feet continue to develop, it may be necessary to change their shoe and sock size every few months to allow room for the feet to grow. Although foot problems result mainly from injury, hereditary factors, deformity, or illness, improper footwear can aggravate pre-existing conditions.

Before parents invest in a new pair of children's footwear, some foot factors need to be considered:

Shoes that don't fit properly can aggravate the feet. Always measure a child's feet before buying shoes and fit the shoe to the foot.

Never hand down footwear. Just because a shoe size fits one child comfortably doesn't mean it will fit another the same way. Not to mention that the practice of sharing shoes can spread fungi like athlete's foot and nail fungus.

Watch for signs of irritation. Redness is a sure sign that a shoe is too tight or too loose. If your child always wants to remove one or both of his/her shoes, this may be an unspoken sign that the shoes don't fit properly.

Examine the heels. When children begin to show in-toeing, they may wear through the heels of their shoes much quicker that outgrowing the shoes themselves. Uneven heel wear can indicate a foot problem that should be checked by a podiatrist.

Dr. Vail wants to ensure that your child's feet are developing properly and are as healthy as possible. If you have any questions or concerns about your child's feet, please call the office for an appointment - 419-423-1888.

Advice for Parents

2009-09-17T08:03:00.000-07:00

Problems noticed at birth will not always disappear by themselves. You should not wait until the child begins walking to take care of a problem you've noticed earlier. It is best to take action when the child is a toddler to ensure better responsiveness to conservative treatment options.

Remember that lack of complaint by a youngster is not a reliable sign. The bones of growing feet are so flexible that they can be twisted and distorted without the child being aware of it.

Walking is the best of all exercises, according to podiatric physicians. They also recommend that walking patterns be carefully observed. Does the child toe in or out, have knock knees, or other gait abnormalities? These problems can be corrected if they are detected early.

With the exception of infancy, going barefoot is not encouraged among children. Walking barefoot on dirty pavements exposes children's feet to a variety of dangers including infection through accidental cuts, sprains or fractures. Another potential problem is plantar warts, a condition caused by a virus which invades the sole of the foot through cuts and breaks in the skin. They require extensive treatment and can keep children from school and other activities.

Be careful about applying home remedies to children's feet. Preparations strong enough to kill certain types of fungus can harm the skin.

Five Shoe Buying Tips for Children

2009-09-15T08:28:00.000-07:00

The following steps are recommendations from the American Podiatric Medical Association:

1. Take your child shoe shopping. It's important to have your child's feet measured before buying shoes. Letting a child have a say in the shoe buying process promotes healthy foot habits down the road.

2. Shop for shoes later in the day. Feet tend to swell during the day; it's best to be fitted while they are swollen.

3. Buy shoes that do not need a "break-in" period; shoes should be comfortable immediately.

4. Always buy for the larger foot. Feet are seldom precisely the same size.

5. Have your child try on shoes with socks or tights, if that's how they will be worn.

Kids and Sports

2009-09-10T06:51:00.000-07:00

Sports play a significant role in millions of American children’s lives, whether on a team or played as individuals. Parents should be mindful of sports that require a substantial amount of running and turning, or involve contact. These can easily translate into injuries. Protective taping of the ankles is often necessary to prevent sprains or fractures. Parents should consider
discussing these matters with their family podiatric physician if they have children participating in active sports. Sports-related foot and ankle injuries are on the rise as more children participate actively in sports.

Buying a sport-specific shoe – a shoe designed for the exact sport your child will be participating in – not only improves your child’s performance on the court or field, but also helps keep him/her free from serious foot and ankle injuries.

Don’t Forget the Socks!

Without the right sock, even the best athletic shoe won’t score points on the field or off. If your child exhibits signs of hyperhydrosis (excess sweating) or bromhydrosis (foot odor), selection of the appropriate athletic sock may reduce incidences of these conditions. The right athletic sock should be made of a natural/synthetic blend, as this helps “wick” away moisture best, and not contain any large seams that can cause blisters or irritation.

Keep Your Kids Healthy!

2009-09-08T08:49:00.000-07:00

As school begins a new year, it is always to keep your child's health in check. If you are new to the area and are looking for a doctor, below is a list of local pediatricians.

Robert Beck
Blanchard Valley Pediatrics
1818 Chapel Dr. Suite D
419-424-1922

Jana Doone
Pediatric Hospitalists of Northwest Ohio
1900 S. Main St.
419-423-5346

Martin Hanawalt
Pediatric Hospitalists of Northwest Ohio
1900 S. Main St.419-423-5346

Cheryl Huffman
Caughman Health Clinic
1800 N. Blanchard St. Suite 121
419-427-0809

Ramalingam Maruthavanan
Pediatric Hospitalists of Northwest Ohio
1900 S. Main St.
419-423-5346

Ami Orr
Blanchard Valley Pediatrics
1818 Chapel Dr. Suite D
419-424-1922

Andrew Ritz
Blanchard Valley Pediatrics
1818 Chapel Dr. Suite D
419-424-1922

Donald Savage, Jr.
Blanchard Valley Pediatrics
1818 Chapel Dr. Suite D
419-424-1922

Lynn Taylor
Physicians Plus
3949 N. Main St.
419-423-3888

Thomas Wojciechowski
Pediatric Hospitalists of Northwest Ohio
1900 S. Main St.
419-423-5346

Physical Education Precautions

2009-08-24T08:43:00.000-07:00

Physical education classes are needed because of the more sedentary lifestyle of many children, but phys ed teachers and the students need to be aware of the potential for injury in physical education class. In fact, the incidence of injury has been rising - by 150% in 10 years (1997 to 2007). This statistic was gathered by the Center for Injury Research and Policy of The Research Institute at Nationwide Children’s Hospital.

In order to identify the frequency of injuries, researchers examined the types of injuries that occurred most often during PE class and the ages of the children involved. The study’s findings were published in the most recent online issue of the journal Pediatrics.

The injuries overall are:
23% – leg, knee, ankle and foot sprains and strains (lower extremity)
14% – fingers, hands, wrists, arms, elbows and shoulders sprains and strains (upper extremity)
14% – fractures

While children from 5 to 10 years old had twice the chance of having a head injury over any other, children from 11 to 14 years were the largest group represented, making up 52% of the injury numbers.

Which activities caused the most injuries?
While any physical activity may cause an injury, the most common ones, making up 70% of the injuries during PE were:

basketball
football
gymnastics
soccer
running
volleyball

Interestingly, there was no difference between boys and girls in terms of the increase in injuries; both groups were equally affected.

Researchers point out that the goal of such studies is to make administrators and teachers aware of what injuries have the higher risks of causing injury, giving them an opportunity to be more vigilant and take safety precautions.

Article from:
http://www.blisstree.com/articles/physical-education-injuries/

Turf Toe Help!

2009-08-21T08:40:00.000-07:00

Turf toe is a condition of pain at the base of the big toe, located at the ball of the foot. The condition is usually caused from either jamming the toe, or pushing off repeatedly when running or jumping. The most common complaint is pain at the base of the toe, but you may also have symptoms of stiffness and swelling.

The name turf toe comes from the fact that this injury is especially common among athletes who play on artificial turf. The hard surface of artificial turf, combined with running and jumping in football and soccer, make turf toe a frequent consequence of artificial turn play. There has also been some blame on athletic footwear. The more flexible shoes, especially used in competition, provides less support to the forefoot joints, possibly contributing to the prevalence of turf toe.

Visit our On-Line Store for the following product to help give comfort to your turf toe:

http://www.ourdoctorstore.com/vail/store/item.asp?ITEM_ID=622&DEPARTMENT_ID=72

Dr. Jills "Turf Toe" Insoles 1/2 Steel
Doctor Recommended For The Treatment Of Turf Toe.
The steel acts as a means of partial immobilization of the big toe joint to prevent it from bending during walking and sports, thus hindering the healing process.

These insoles combine the benefits of a special spring steel insert with the cushioning of a padded top. Used to prevent and correct metatarsophalangeal joint pain and injuries.

Ideal for preventing turf toe and other foot problems requiring a rigid or semi-ridged foot bed.
Plates are constructed to limit Dorsiflexion at the MP joints.

Can be used for Hallux Limitus, Hallux Rigidus, Arthritis, Post operatively in everyday shoes to limit MP Dorsiflexion for examples; bunionectomy, fractured rays, and distal implants.

A New School Year and H1N1

2009-08-20T08:00:00.000-07:00

Below is important information from the CDC to assist you in keeping your child healthy during this new school year.

As you may know, flu can be easily spread from person to person, especially when students are close to each other in a school setting.

Here are a few things you can do to help (it's common sense, but it is always good to have a simple review now and then):

Teach your children to wash their hands often with soap and water or an alcohol-based hand rub. You can set a good example by doing this yourself.

Teach your children not to share personal items like drinks, food or unwashed utensils, and to cover their coughs and sneezes with tissues. Covering up their coughs or sneezes using the elbow, arm or sleeve instead of the hand when a tissue is unavailable.

Know the signs and symptoms of the flu. Symptoms of the flu include fever (100 degrees Fahrenheit, 37.8 degrees Celsius or greater), cough, sore throat, a runny or stuffy nose, body aches, headache, and feeling very tired. Some people may also vomit or have diarrhea.
Keep sick children at home for at least 24 hours after they no longer have fever or do not have signs of fever, without using fever-reducing drugs. Keeping children with a fever at home will reduce the number of people who may get infected.

Do not send children to school if they are sick. Any children who are determined to be sick while at school will be sent home.

We certainly hope that your child will maintain a healthy school year, but please take heed to the precautions above to prevent possible infection.

Be Aware

2009-08-18T08:19:00.001-07:00

Here are a couple more potential foot injuries to know about that may become a possibility with your child's increased activity level. Please take note of this information:

Ankle fractures: Ankle fractures in the skeletally immature usually involve the growth plates of the tibia or fibula (the two shin bones). They usually occur as a result of a twisting injury to the ankle. An adult with the same type of injury would have an ankle sprain (a tear in a ligament). Most of the ankle fractures seen in children do not require operative management, but do if the fracture line extends into the joint. Injury to the growth plate may, on occasion, result in a growth disturbance.

Ankle sprains: Ankle sprains in children are rare because the ligaments are stronger than the growth plate, and the growth plate fails first under the "load" of injury. When they do occur, some form of immobilization (cast or brace) is indicated in order for the ligaments to heal at their normal length. Ligaments that heal in a "lengthened" position result in long-term disability and the increased likelihood of repeated ankle sprains under even minimally vigorous loads.

Please call the office, 419-423-1888, to schedule an appointment if you feel that your child should have his/her feet checked by Dr. Vail. Dr. Vail welcomes patients of all ages and is eager to assist you with your child's footcare needs.
As always, additional information can be found at our website:www.vailfoot.com

Take Care of Your Feet this New School Year

2009-08-18T08:15:00.000-07:00

As you get ready to leave for your first day of school, please be sure to take note of the important information below concerning caring for your feet. If you follow these helpful suggestions, you should be able to avoid complications with your feet!

Wash your feet regularly, especially between your toes. Make sure to dry your feet completely.

Trim toenails straight across but not too short. Be careful not to cut nails in the corners or on the sides of the toes – this can lead to ingrown toenails.

Make sure that your shoes fit properly.

Purchase new shoes later in the day because feet tend to be at their largest during this time due to normal swelling.

Replace worn out shoes as soon as possible.

Select and wear the right shoe for the activity you are engaged in, for example, use running shoes for running.

Alternate shoes – don’t wear the same pair of shoes every day.

Avoid walking barefoot to prevent infection or injury.

When wearing sandals at the beach or pool, put sunscreen on your feet to protect them from sunburn.

New School Year, New Activites, New Injuries

2009-08-17T08:10:00.000-07:00

Parents:
As your child begins a new school year, his/her activity level may be greater now that gym class is back in session and sport teams practice. Please take note of the information below and be on the look out for possible problems your child may develop as they continue vigorous activities:

OVERUSE INJURIES
Achilles tendonitis: Achilles tendonitis is an overuse injury seen rarely in children under age 14 but seen with greater frequency as skeletal maturity approaches. It is characterized by pain with activity, particularly jumping sports in the region of the Achilles tendon. Rest, activity modification, a stretching program, shoe change, icing, and the use of an anti-inflammatory medication will usually promote healing and the ability to return to sports. The Achilles tendon should never be injected with cortisone, as rupture due to weakening can occur.

Sever's disease: Sever's disease is a pre-skeletal maturity condition resulting from inflammation of the calcaneal (heel bone) growth plate near where the Achilles tendon attaches. The treatment is similar to Achilles' tendonitis, with the addition of a heel pad or heel cup. Occasionally this condition will plague a youngster off and on for 23 years until the growth plate closes. Casting to completely immobilize the ankle joint may be required.

Plantar fasciitis: Plantar fasciitis is an inflammation of the plantar (sole of foot) fascia (a tough band of ligament-type tissue that runs along the bottom of the foot). Again, treatment is directed at relieving inflammation and gently stretching the involved tissues. Arch supports also help here to support the foot and decrease pain. While injection is occasionally indicated in the adult, it is typically not done in the younger population.

Stress fractures: Stress fractures are sustained as a result of repeated "micro trauma." A sudden change in training intensity is the classic cause of these injuries that typically involve the metatarsals (the bones in the mid-part of the foot). Stopping the activity that is causing the problem and casting are the mainstays of treatment. If the activity continues prior to healing, these micro fractures can become "real fractures".

Please call the office, 419-423-1888, to schedule an appointment if you feel that your child should have his/her feet checked by Dr. Vail. Dr. Vail welcomes patients of all ages and is eager to assist you with your child's footcare needs.

As always, additional information can be found at our website:
www.vailfoot.com

Keep Growing Your Foot Knowledge

2009-08-17T08:08:00.001-07:00

BLOOD VESSELS, NERVES, SKIN AND NAILS

Blood vessels help to give the foot its shape and provide important nutrients for cell regeneration and muscular nourishment.

Nerves allow you to feel and help control the movements of your foot.

Skin is the protective covering of your feet. Every square inch of skin contains thousands of cells, sweat glands, oil glands, nerve endings and their own system of blood vessels. Skin is made up of three layers – epidermis, dermis, and subcutaneous – and is constantly regenerating itself.

Nails are epidermis cells that collect, flatten and press tightly together. These compacted cells create thin plates that pile into layers. Your nails can grow from ½-4 inches per year.

As always, for more extensive footcare information, check:

www:vailfoot.com

A Whole Lot of Brawn

2009-08-14T08:05:00.000-07:00

We continue our lesson on the anatomy of the feet. Below is a list of the muscles that are associated with keeping your feet strong and in motion:

Anterior Tibial – enables the foot to move upward
Posterior Tibial – supports the arch of the foot
Proneal Tibial – controls the movement on the outside of the ankle
Extensors – help the ankle raise the toes
Flexors – help stabilize the toes

In order to allow the muscles to work, tendons and ligaments are needed. Tendons and ligaments help keep the muscles in place. Below is a list:

Tendons connect muscles to the bones and joints.
The Achilles tendon connects the calf to the heel.
Ligaments hold tendons in place and stabilize the joints of the foot.
The Plantar Fascia forms the arch and connects to midfoot bones to the hindfoot bones.
This ligament stretches and contracts, curves and flattens, and helps to provide balance when you walk.

As always, for more extensive footcare information, check:
www:vailfoot.com

Developmental Phases

2009-08-13T06:51:00.001-07:00

What are they?
Developmental phases are stages that one's lower extremities undergo until a final growth period has been achieved. There are certain terms that are used which refer to these developmental phases. They are genu valgum or "knocked knee" and genu varum or "bowlegged ness". Genu varum or bowlegs are common/normal for toddlers until about 18 months of age. Genu valgum or knocked knees are normal in children between 2-4 years of age. A majority of these developmental conditions correct themselves and the child usually grows out of it. As your child grows you may notice the different configurations that their legs undergo but in most cases, these are normal and require no specific care. If there is any concern that these earlier growth phases are becoming permanent, a physical examination should be performed by your foot specialist.

What causes it?
In general, these developmental phases are considered normal. However, in certain cases, abnormal growth patterns can produce obvious orthopedic problems. The main etiology or cause of such a problem is growth in the uterus. Often times, the uterus becomes a very "tight" environment as the child grows. When this occurs, the child rests his/her feet and legs against the uterine wall, which can cause certain foot and leg deformities. Hereditary factors are another possible etiology to this condition. If one of your family members suffers from a growth condition, your tendency to develop a similar growth deformity significantly increases.

How is it treated?
The treatment of developmental growth phase abnormalities, is usually determined by the presence or absence of symptomatology. Many times if a child has a severe case of bowlegs or knocked knees he or she will complain of painful feet which are frequently flat in appearance. If this occurs, certain orthotics or "cookies" can be made to support the feet and can be worn in the shoes. Stretching exercises can also be performed to stretch muscles in the legs or feet that seem to be tensed. Occasionally, foot and leg braces are used and in rare and severe cases, surgery is utilized. These developmental phases are quite difficult to manage. Therefore, a proper and timely exam needs to be performed by a well-trained specialist. The treatment of prolonged developmental growth phases in the lower extremities largely depends upon whether or not there are symptoms. In the absence of clinical symptoms or patient complaints, these growth stages are rarely treated.

Please call the office, 419-423-1888, to schedule an appointment if you feel that your child should have his/her feet checked by Dr. Vail. Dr. Vail welcomes patients of all ages and is eager to assist you with your child's footcare needs.

As always, additional information can be found at our website:

www.vailfoot.com

Do You Know The Bones of Your Feet?

2009-08-13T06:40:00.001-07:00

Below is a list of the 26 bones in your feet!
Become a foot expert!

Hallux – the big toe bone

Phalanx – the smaller toe bones

Metatarsal – the long connecting bones

Tarsal – the midfoot bones, 5 irregular shape bones

Talus – the ankle bone

Calcaneus – the heel bone

Tibia and Fibula – the long lower leg bones

The big toe has 2 larger bones, 2 tiny bones and 1 joint.

The other toes have 3 bones and 2 joints.

As always, for more extensive footcare information, check:

www:vailfoot.com

Some Cool Foot Facts!

2009-08-11T08:43:00.000-07:00

Kids! As you prepare to go back to school, you can impress your teachers - especially your health teacher - with these cool foot facts.

Don't be shy...show off your foot knowledge!

There are 26 bones in your foot – 25% of the bones in your body are in your feet.

There are 33 joints in each foot.

There are more than 100 muscles, tendons, and ligaments in your feet.

Your feet have a large network of blood vessels and nerves.

There are over 250,000 sweat glands in your feet.

Your feet are protected on the outside by skin and nails.

The FOREFOOT includes the five toes and bears ½ your body weight.

The MIDFOOT is the middle or arch of the foot and acts as a shock absorber.

The HINDFOOT contains the heel and ankle which are the largest bones in the foot. The heel is protected by a layer of fat.

You can also check out Dr. Vail's website...it has so much more information about your feet...become a FOOT EXPERT!

www.vailfoot.com

Back To School Tips

2009-07-31T05:57:00.000-07:00

As you prepare your child for a return to school, keep these tips in mind to be sure they have a safe and happy school year.

The following health and safety tips are from the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP):

MAKING THE FIRST DAY EASIER
Remind your child that she is not the only student who is a bit uneasy about the first day of school. Teachers know that students are anxious and will make an extra effort to make sure everyone feels as comfortable as possible.

Point out the positive aspects of starting school: It will be fun. She'll see old friends and meet new ones. Refresh her positive memories about previous years, when she may have returned home after the first day with high spirits because she had a good time.

Find another child in the neighborhood with whom your youngster can walk to school or ride with on the bus.

If you feel it is appropriate, drive your child (or walk with her) to school and pick her up on the first day.

BACKPACK SAFETY
Choose a backpack with wide, padded shoulder straps and a padded back.

Pack light. Organize the backpack to use all of its compartments. Pack heavier items closest to the center of the back. The backpack should never weigh more than 10 to 20 percent of the your child’s body weight.

Always use both shoulder straps. Slinging a backpack over one shoulder can strain muscles.
Consider a rolling backpack. This type of backpack may be a good choice for students who must tote a heavy load. Remember that rolling backpacks still must be carried up stairs, and they may be difficult to roll in snow.

EATING DURING THE SCHOOL DAY
Most schools regularly send schedules of cafeteria menus home. With this advance information, you can plan on packing lunch on the days when the main course is one your child prefers not to eat.

Try to get your child's school to stock healthy choices such as fresh fruit, low-fat dairy products, water and 100 percent fruit juice in the vending machines.

Each 12-ounce soft drink contains approximately 10 teaspoons of sugar and 150 calories. Drinking just one can of soda a day increases a child's risk of obesity by 60%. Restrict your child's soft drink consumption.

As always, if you have any concerns about your child's foot health, please call the office to set up an appointment. 419-423-1888

Parents: Avoid kids' foot problems with the right shoes

2009-07-30T07:29:00.000-07:00

It's about time to go back to school! As you prepare your child for his or her first day, keep the following tips in mind before you buy those stylish new shoes that every child wants.

SHOES SHOULD FIT

Your child’s feet can grow up to two sizes in six months, so you need to account for growth when buying shoes. That doesn’t mean you should buy shoes that are too big—oversized shoes cause the foot to slide forward, putting excessive pressure on the toes. A good fit is about a finger's width from the end of the shoe to the tip of the big toe. Tight shoes can cause blisters, corns and calluses on your child’s toes, blisters on the back of the heels or worse, ingrown nails, which can become infected. Signs of infection from ingrown nails include pain, redness or fluid draining from the area. If you notice any of these symptoms, schedule an appointment with a foot and ankle surgeon, who can perform a simple, safe in-office procedure to remove the nail.

SHOES WEAR OUT

Shoes lose their shock absorption over time, so inspect new and old shoes for proper cushioning and arch support. Replace any shoes with wear and tear around the edges of the sole. When buying shoes, check to see that the toe box flexes easily and the shoe doesn’t bend in the middle of the sole. Worn-out shoes elevate the risk for heel pain, Achilles tendonitis and even ankle sprains and stress fractures.

CHILDREN WITH FLAT FEET

Children with flat feet need shoes with a wide toe box, maximum arch support and shock absorption. The best shoes to buy are oxford, lace-up shoes that have enough depth for an orthotic insert, if necessary.

Pediatric Heel Pain

2009-07-24T07:19:00.000-07:00

What is Pediatric Heel Pain?

Heel pain is a symptom, not a disease. In other words, heel pain is a warning sign that a child has a condition that deserves attention. Heel pain problems in children are often associated with these signs and symptoms:

Pain in the back or bottom of the heel
Limping
Walking on toes
Difficulty participating in usual activities or sports

The most common cause of pediatric heel pain is a disorder called calcaneal apophysitis (see below), which usually affects 8- to 14-year olds. However, pediatric heel pain may be the sign of many other problems, and can occur at younger or older ages.

What is the Difference Between Pediatric and Adult Heel Pain?

Pediatric heel pain differs from the most common form of heel pain experienced by adults (plantar fasciitis) in the way pain occurs. Plantar fascia pain is intense when getting out of bed in the morning or after sitting for long periods, and then it subsides after walking around a bit. Pediatric heel pain usually doesn't improve in this manner. In fact, walking around typically makes the pain worse.
Heel pain is so common in children because of the very nature of their growing feet. In children, the heel bone (the calcaneus) is not yet fully developed until age 14 or older. Until then, new bone is forming at the growth plate (the apophysis), a weak area located at the back of the heel. Too much stress on the growth plate is the most common cause of pediatric heel pain.

Calcaneal apophysitis.

Also known as Sever's disease, this is the most common cause of heel pain in children. Although not a true "disease," it is an inflammation of the heel's growth plate due to muscle strain and repetitive stress, especially in those who are active or obese. This condition usually causes pain and tenderness in the back and bottom of the heel when walking, and the heel is painful when touched. It can occur in one or both feet.
Tendo-Achilles bursitis. This condition is an inflammation of the fluid-filled sac (bursa).

You can find more information about heel pain at www.vailfoot.com

If you are concerned that your child may be experiencing heel pain, please give the office a call to set up an appointment with Dr. Vail (419-423-1888).

MARATHON KIDS

2009-07-20T09:39:00.000-07:00

Healthy Alternatives...Check it Out!

MARATHON KIDS

Our mission is to build joyful community around children and be quickly accepted into public, private and home schools as a free, innovative, celebratory fitness and nutrition program, resonating with the child...and with the child's family. The goal is for the child to develop the love and habit of moving through space and to carry forward the power of muscular, nutritional and psychological well being.

http://www.marathonkids.org/

A Safe Alternative, Non-toxic Nail Polish For Kids

2009-07-13T08:12:00.000-07:00

Piggy Paint™ is a water-based nail polish. There are no toxic chemicals. The resins are polyacrylic and polyurethane latexes with residual monomers well below 100 parts per million.
The acrylic and polyurethane resins are present in the polish in the form of latexes-emulsions in water-very similar in form and function to milk. The term “resin” is quite generic and refers to any polymer which can form a film as it dries. In this sense, proteins, celluloses, sugars, and DNA, to name a few “natural” polymers, are resins and none of these are any less harmful than the resins we use in our polish.

The only co-solvent is a diglycol ether. All colorants are FDA-certified for cosmetic use. Not only is it manufactured in the United States, but all of the raw materials come from United States suppliers as well.

http://www.safbaby.com/a-safe-alternative-non-toxic-nail-polish-for-kids

CAMP JOBS

2009-07-10T08:47:00.000-07:00

Perhaps your child is old enough to become a camp counselor! Check out this site:

http://campjobs.com/

Kids Camps

2009-07-09T08:45:00.000-07:00

Looking for a summer camp for your child? KidsCamps.com, the Internet's Premier Summer Camp Directory, has been the destination website for finding summer camps and summer programs in the United States, Canada and worldwide since 1995. Start your search for camps!

http://www.kidscamps.com/

Summer Foot Safety - By the editors of Parents Magazine

2009-07-07T06:57:00.000-07:00

Don't let common foot problems plague your kids' tootsies -- get quick fixes with these doctor-backed tips. Thanks to flip-flops, sandy sneakers, and infections that lurk at public pools, kids are particularly likely to have foot problems during the summer. You can treat most of them at home, but call your pediatrician if you have any concerns.

Problem: Blister
Cause: Friction makes the outer layer of skin separate from the lower layers.
Treatment: Keep it clean and bandaged, and apply antibiotic ointment if it ruptures.
Prevention: Make sure your child wears socks with her sneakers. Put petroleum jelly or moleskin on problem spots to reduce friction.

Problem: Athlete's Foot
Cause: Scaly, itchy skin or painful cracks between toes are caused by a fungus that likes dark or wet environments.
Treatment: Thoroughly wash and dry feet, and apply an over-the-counter athlete's-foot spray. Call your pediatrician if symptoms don't improve in three to four days.
Prevention: Don't let your child share shoes. Frequently air out his shoes and insoles, and have him wear sandals at public pools and in locker rooms.

Problem: Ingrown Toenails
Cause: If the big toenail hasn't been cut straight across, it can dig into the skin.
Treatment: Ease pain and swelling by soaking the foot in warm water three to four times a day for 20 to 30 minutes.
Prevention: Trim nails straight across so they don't extend past the tip of his toe.

Problem: Plantar Warts
Cause: These hard, painful growths on the sole are caused by a strain of the human papillomavirus (different from sexually transmitted ones).
Treatment: Start with over-the-counter wart remedies; however, plantar warts are often resistant and need prescription medicine. Sometimes, a dermatologist or podiatrist will burn, cut, or laser off the wart.
Prevention: Don't let your child share shoes, and make sure he wears sandals in public locker rooms and at pools.

Problem: Stubbed Toe
Cause: Young children can bump a toe when they're learning to walk or if they're barefoot or wearing sandals.
Treatment: Apply an ice pack. Call your doctor if your child can't move his toe, the nail is loose or detached, or there's blood under more than one-third of his nail.
Prevention: Try to cushion or remove low-lying hard edges around your home and keep high-traffic areas clear.

Copyright © 2007. Reprinted with permission from the August 2007 issue of Parents magazine.

Nationwide Children's Hospital Specialty Areas

2009-06-30T08:53:00.001-07:00

Adolescent medicine
Cardiology – heart
Child and adolescent psychiatry
Clinical and laboratory immunology
Critical care medicine – intensive care
Dermatology – skin
Developmental-behavioral pediatrics
Emergency medicine
Endocrinology – glands
Gastroenterology – digestive system
Hematology-oncology – blood, cancer
Infectious disease
Medical toxicology – poisons, toxins
Neonatal-perinatal medicine – newborns
Nephrology – kidneys
Neurodevelopmental disabilities – nervous system/brain
Otolaryngology – ear, nose and throat
Pathology – study of disease
Pediatric surgery
Pulmonology – lungs
Radiology
Rehabilitation medicine
Rheumatology – joints and connective tissue
Sports medicine

Nationwide Children's Hospital Does Its Research!

2009-06-29T06:55:00.000-07:00

Below is a list of current medical issues Nationwide Children's Hospital in Columbus, Ohio diligently researches to ensure that your child receives the best care possible should he or she need to visit the facility:

Adolescent medicine
Cardiology – heart
Child and adolescent psychiatry
Clinical and laboratory immunology
Critical care medicine
Dermatology – skin
Developmental-behavioral pediatrics
Emergency medicine/traumatic injury
Endocrinology – glands
Gastroenterology – digestive system
Genetics/genomics
Hematology/oncology – blood, cancer
Immunology/vaccines
Infectious disease/virology
Medical toxicology – poisons, toxins
Neonatal-perinatal medicine – newborns
Nephrology – kidneys
Neurodevelopmental disabilities – nervous system/brain
Obesity/diabetes
Otolaryngology – ear, nose and throat
Pathology – study of disease
Pediatric surgery
Pulmonology – lungs, asthma, allergies
Radiology
Rehabilitation medicine
Rheumatology – joints and connective tissue
Sports medicine

Clinical applications of research projects include vaccines for Human Immunodeficiency Virus (AIDS), Hepatitis C and otitis media.

Molecular Oncology is developing new ways to detect and treat cancer as well as study genes that control cancer cells.

Researchers in molecular medicine are working on ways to place the correct gene into patients who have the defective gene.

Human and Molecular Genetics is studying how certain childhood diseases are inherited by deciphering specific sequences of DNA.

Vascular and Cell Biology study chemicals that send "messages" to specific cells and cause them to react in a predetermined way.

Camps for Kids and Parents

2009-06-26T07:59:00.000-07:00

The Nationwide Children's Hospital in Columbus, Ohio offers various camps to assist you with any medical needs you may have with your children. Please take a look at the following camps and see if any would help you in your journey with your child to recovery.

Camp Berry for Diabetic Children
Aug. 22-24, 2009
http://www.daily-diabetic.com/50226711/register_for_the_greater_northwest_ohio_diabetes_camp.php

Myelo Fall Getaway - Weekend camp for patients ages eight and older who are followed through the Myelomeningocele (spina bifida) program
Contact: Chris Glaser614-722-6341

Rehabilitation Camp - Two-day camp for current and former rehabilitation patients
Contact: Karen Principe614-722-6556

Heart Camp - Weekend camp for cardiology/thoracic surgery patients ages seven to 18
Contact: Holly Miller-Tate614-722-2530

Trailblazers Camp - Open for severely emotionally disturbed Behavioral Health Program clients ages 11 to 14
Contact: Kim Davis614-221-9922

Heme Camp - Weekend camp for current and former hematology/oncology patients ages five to 18
Contact: Carol Jacob614-722-3554

Rheumatology Weekend Retreat - Camping retreat sponsored with the Arthritis Foundation for youth ages nine to 17 with pediatric rheumatic disease
Contact: Karla Jones614-722-5525

Interesting...

2009-06-22T07:57:00.000-07:00

Inchworms are kids' shoes whose size can be adjusted up to three sizes -- press a button on the underside and pull or push to change the size.

http://www.boingboing.net/2006/10/13/resizable-kids-shoes.html

Summer Fun

2009-06-18T07:54:00.000-07:00

Does it matter what kids do on their summer vacation? After all, they are in school 10 months of the year and most do take some art classes. Don’t they get enough art classes in school?

Creative and artistic are not the same thing. Creativity is an approach to life. Creative thinkers know that problems have many different solutions. When they encounter an obstacle, they find a way around rather than giving up. They have to be willing to take risks as they learn new skills. These are important life skills that need to be encouraged in children.

Summer activities, children's crafts and science projects give children the opportunity to learn and practice these skills. Even if they follow a project guide exactly, they will still to make decisions about shades of colors and where to place items. Once they are familiar with the project, most children will want to make it again. That is when they get really creative. First the colors change, then the shapes, and suddenly it is a new project from their own imagination.
Creative projects encourage children to find the resources to make what they want, rather than opening up a box that has all the supplies in one place. The first project in the weekly project list (see below) uses an old knee-hi or pair of pantyhose. What if none are available? Should the children wait until someone else finds all the ‘right’ materials. No, have them start thinking about what they could substitute. Would an old sock work? How about a dish cloth? It is fun to sit back and watch children solve their own problems.

These Summer Activities encourage children to work with a wide variety of materials. One of the best things about summer projects is that they can be done outside. Less mess to clean up!

Check out the following website for activity ideas: http://www.creativekidsathome.com/summerkidsactivities.html

Don't forget to be ACTIVE, too!

Dr. Vail!

2009-06-15T14:39:00.000-07:00

The Advanced Footcare Clinic is the office of Dr. Thomas F. Vail, DPM, located in Findlay, Ohio. Dr. Vail is originally a native of Cleveland, Ohio. He is a cum laude graduate of Xavier University, located in Cincinnati, Ohio. Dr. Vail then went on to receive his medical degree (DPM) at the Ohio College of Podiatric Medicine in Cleveland, Ohio. He completed his surgical residency in Youngstown, Ohio, and completed an addition year specializing in minimal incision technologies in South Bend, Indiana.Dr. Vail is currently on staff at the Blanchard Valley Regional Health Center in Findlay and Bluffton, as well as the Findlay Surgery Center. He is a member of the American Podiatric Medical Association, as well as its Ohio Affiliate. He is board certified by the American Board of Podiatric Surgery (ABPS) as well as being a fellow of the American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons.

A wealth of information.

2009-06-15T08:51:00.000-07:00

Check out the websites for the children's hospitals listed to the right. Each site provides valuable information about pediatric health!

CHECK IT OUT!

2009-06-09T08:11:00.000-07:00

If you're looking for information you can trust about kids and teens that's free of "doctor speak," you've come to the right place. KidsHealth is the most-visited site on the Web for information about health, behavior, and development from before birth through the teen years.
On a typical weekday, more than 500,000 people visit KidsHealth. One of the things that makes KidsHealth special is that it's really three sites in one: with sections for parents, for kids, and for teens.

KidsHealth is more than just the facts about health. As part of The Nemours Foundation's Center for Children's Health Media, KidsHealth also provides families with perspective, advice, and comfort about a wide range of physical, emotional, and behavioral issues that affect children and teens.

http://kidshealth.org/kid/

Twenty Tips to Help Prevent Medical Errors in Children

2009-06-03T06:58:00.000-07:00

From the US Department of Health and Human Services

http://www.ahrq.gov/consumer/20tipkid.htm

2009-06-01T07:50:00.000-07:00

Foot Care for Your Child:
Exams of the feet and ankles ensure that your child's bones are growing correctly. Your doctor can also make sure that your child is walking right. This helps prevent some future foot problems. And if a problem does arise, it can be handled early—when it is easiest to treat.

When Foot Care Is Needed:
During a foot exam, the doctor will watch your toddler walk. If a gait problem exists, the doctor works to identify its cause.

To help with severe flat feet, special shoes or orthoses (custom-made shoe inserts) may be prescribed.
To correct mild toeing-in, your toddler may need to sit in a different position while playing or watching TV.
If your child's feet turn in or out a lot, corrective shoes, splints, or night braces may be prescribed. Wearing these devices can help reposition the foot as it grows.

Your Child`s Active Feet:
The foot`s bone structure is pretty well formed by the time your child reaches age 7 or 8. But if a growth plate (the area where bone growth begins) is injured, the damaged plate may cause the bone to grow oddly. With a doctor's care, however, the risk of future bone problems is reduced.

When to Call the Doctor:
If an injury is mild, your child probably will not remember it for very long. But if your child keeps complaining of pain, have the injury checked by a doctor. Also, call the doctor anytime an injury causes serious swelling, localized tenderness, limping, or ongoing night pains.

Treating an Injury:
If a bone or growth plate is damaged, your child may need to use crutches to take weight off the injury as it heals. In the case of fracture, a cast, splint, or brace may be needed to hold the bone in place during healing.

Frannie's Feet

2009-05-18T08:47:00.000-07:00

Where will my feet take me today?… Each 11-minute animated segment follows five-and-a-half-year-old Franny on a magical adventure. The shoes she tries on in her grandfather’s shoe repair shop transport her to destinations around the globe, where she meets new friends and tries to help them solve problems. When Franny dons a pair of hiking boots she is transported to middle of the African Savannah. In a pair of sandals, she twirls into a Mexican fiesta. Mukluks take her on a wild trip to the frozen arctic. In zoris, she travels to a tea ceremony in Japan. Sensitive and cooperative, Franny shows that you are never too small or too young to be a big help.

Franny’s Feet, targeted to four- to seven-year-old children, is rooted in the excitement, learning, and joyful discoveries that exploration can bring. In each episode, Franny discovers a new place, new people, and new situations that broaden her – and the viewer’s – understanding of the world. Problem solving, global awareness, science, and vocabulary development are woven together with delightful storytelling for a seamless, interdisciplinary learning experience.
Following each 11-minute story is an interactive segment called Franny’s Treasures, in which Franny speaks directly to viewers, asking for their help as she tries to figure out answers to game-like challenges. The educational content of the segments will expand on concepts explored in the preceding story. A sing-along music video follows Franny’s Treasures.

Online, kids can join Franny on adventures around the world. They also can engage in a variety of entertaining and educational games, including those that help build vocabulary.

http://pbskids.org/frannysfeet/index_flash.html

Foot Growth

2009-05-13T07:39:00.000-07:00

As children grow, bones grow and change shape until they reach the adult foot size during the late teenage years. Most bones are present at birth, but some appear at specific ages. Most long bones grow along the shaft near the joint, the epiphysis, but some bones, such as the heel bone grow by forming a cap, almost like an eggshell as the main body of the heel bone ossifies to enlarge and meet this cap, the apophysis. Between the ages of 10 and 15 the bones are forming and soft, easily damaged, especially in sports such as soccer, with thin-soled cleated shoes, or basketball, jumping and pounding on hard surfaces.

Please be sure your child's feet are always protected from unnecessary damage.

More On Children's Shoes

2009-05-12T07:36:00.000-07:00

When a child begins to walk, shoes generally are not necessary. An infant should be allowed to go barefoot indoors or to wear only a pair of socks thus helps the foot grow normally and develop its muscles and strength, as well as the grasping ability of the toes.

As children become more active, and their feet start to develop, the need for shoes becomes apparent. It becomes necessary to change shoe sizes at a pace that frequently surprises and even dismays parents.

When purchasing shoes for children, remember these tips:

Examine the shoe itself. It should have a firm heel counter (stiff material on either side of the heel), adequate cushioning of the insole, and a built-in arch. It should be flexible enough to bend where the foot bends—at the ball of the foot, not in the middle of the shoe.

The child’s foot should be measured while he or she is standing up with full weight-bearing.
There should be about one-half inch of space (or a thumb’s width) between the tip of the toes and the end of the shoe. The child should be able to comfortably wiggle his or her toes in the shoe.

Have the child walk around the store for more than just a few minutes wearing the shoe with a normal sock. Ask the child if he or she feels any pressure spots in the shoe. Feel the inside of the shoe for any staples or irregularities that could cause irritation. Examine where the inside stitching hits the foot. Look for signs of irritation on the foot after the shoe is worn.

Shoes should not slip off at the heels. Children who tend to sprain their ankles will do better with high-top shoes or boots.

Both feet should be measured, and if feet differ in sizes, shoes should be chosen that fit the larger foot best.

The Right Shoe...

2009-05-11T09:09:00.000-07:00

PARENTS ARE YOUR KIDS WEARING THE RIGHT SHOES?

Did you know your child’s feet can grow up to two sizes in six months? You need to account for growth when buying shoes. But don’t buy shoes that are too big – oversized shoes cause the foot to slide forward, putting excessive pressure on the toes. A good fit is about a finger’s width from the end of the shoe to the tip of the big toe. Check to see that the toe box flexes easily and the shoe doesn’t bend in the middle of the sole. Don’t let your child choose shoes if they already feel tight and uncomfortable in the store – they won’t fit any better when you get home.

If you haven’t checked your child’s shoes recently, now is a good time. Follow these basics of a good fit:
• Look for proper cushioning and arch support. Shoes lose their shock absorption over time.
• Wear and tear around the edges of the sole usually means it’s worn out and needs to be replaced.
• Shoes that are too tight can cause blisters, corns and calluses on your child’s toes, blisters on the back of the heels or ingrown toenails.
• Children with flat feet need shoes with a wide toe box, maximum arch support and shock absorption. The best shoes to buy are oxford, lace-up shoes that have enough depth for an orthotic insert, if necessary.

The basics of a good fit also apply to athletic shoes. Also, for comfort and injury prevention, children who regularly participate in a sport should wear shoes designed specifically for the demands of that sport. For example, tennis shoes are designed for side-to-side motion. When shopping for a general athletic shoe, cross trainers are a suitable choice. If specific socks are required as part of a uniform, have your child wear these socks, or ones of the same thickness, to try on the shoes.

If a child is having trouble walking and running, and is experiencing pain despite properly fitting shoes, a check-up by a foot and ankle surgeon is advised.

More Interesting Baby Foot Facts

2009-05-07T07:08:00.000-07:00

The easiest way to trim a babies nails is simply by peeling them with your fingers. They should be soft enough to avoid using scissors but, if required, only cut when two adults are around: one to hold wriggly feet, the other to do the careful cutting. Special baby scissors with rounded ends are available.

The flat footed appearance of some baby feet is normal and is caused by an extra layer of fat filling out the arches. This layer generally disappears at the end of toddler years when muscles strengthen and arches begin to develop. The curling of a babies foot when touched is known as the “plantar reflex” and is a indication of a healthy connection between the brain and spinal cord. When touched under the foot, the toes of a young baby (less than a few months) will fan out while those of an older baby will curl.

Experts agree that when possible, barefoot is best for babies. Footwear should be used when needed for warmth and protection (and sometimes to make an outfit!). When footwear is worn it should be appropriate to developmental stage.

Medical experts agree that flexible, soft-sole shoes are best for optimal growth and development of young feet. Traditional stiff, high-top, hard-sole shoes are actually detrimental to the growth and development of little feet.

Interesting Baby Foot Facts

2009-05-01T07:58:00.000-07:00

A baby who's just started walking takes 176 steps a minute!

At birth your baby only has 22 out of the full 26 bones in their feet and the remaining few develop slowly throughout childhood, with the whole process finishing at around 16 to 18 years old. That means, baby feet are plumper and softer than adult feet and as such, need to grow and develop in soft, flexible shoes.

To avoid compressing and restricting baby’s feet, it is important to make sure that a baby’s shoes, socks and clothes are loose enough that they are able to move around easily. At least 18mm of growing room should be allowed between the end of the longest toe and the end of the shoe.

Due to the exertion of so much energy when learning to stand and balance, a baby’s foot sweats twice as much as adults! Because of this, it is important to only dress little feet in shoes and socks made of material that is breathable and absorbent. Also, make sure that a baby’s foot is completely dry after bathing.

Growth of babies’ feet is seasonal with faster growth in the warmer months. On average, children’s feet grow 2 full sizes a year until they are four years old. Little feet should be measured monthly the first year, every two months between the ages of 12 months and 24 months, and every 3 months from 24 to 36 months.

Be smart about shoe fitting

2009-04-30T07:24:00.000-07:00

To help busy parents with shoe choices, foot and ankle surgeons recommend some simple guidelines to prevent or minimize possible foot problems from inappropriate shoes, such as painful ingrown toenails, blisters, heel pain and flat feet.

When choosing kids’ shoes, size and shock absorption are the key considerations, especially if your child has flat feet that can worsen from improper fitting or worn-out shoes. Also, a child’s foot can grow a size or two within six months, so it’s critical to allow room for growth in the toe box—about a finger’s width from the longest toe.

Snug shoes put pressure on the toes, causing ingrown nails. The nail compresses and grows down into the skin.

According to FootPhysicians.com, the ACFAS consumer website, infection can occur when an ingrown nail breaks through the skin.

If there’s pain, redness and fluid draining from the area, it’s probably infected. The ingrown nail can be removed in a simple, in-office procedure. Don’t try to remove a child’s ingrown nail at home; this can cause the condition to worsen.

Tight-fitting shoes also cause blisters, corns and calluses on the toes and blisters on the back of the heels.

Never buy shoes that feel tight and uncomfortable in the store. Don’t assume they will stretch or break in over time.

Conversely, shoes that are too loose can cause problems, too.

If a shoe is too loose, the foot slides forward and puts excessive pressure on the toes.

Parents should carefully inspect both new and old shoes to check for proper cushioning and arch support.

Shoes lose their shock absorption over time, and wear and tear around the edges of the sole usually indicate it’s worn out and should be replaced. If a child keeps wearing worn-out or non-supportive dress or athletic shoes, it elevates the risk for developing heel pain, Achilles tendonitis and even ankle sprains and stress fractures.

A good tip for parents when buying new shoes: The toe box should flex easily and the shoe shouldn’t bend in the middle of the sole.

For children with flat feet, parents should buy oxford, lace-up shoes that have enough depth for an orthotic insert, if necessary.

Unfortunately, there isn’t much choice for kids with flat, wide feet. They need shoes with a wide toe box and maximum arch support and shock absorption. Slip-on loafers aren’t right for them.

Please contact Dr. Vail if you have questions about buying the correct shoe for your child. 419-423-1888 or www.vailfoot.com

Sports Season Linked to Ankle Injuries

2009-04-29T07:43:00.001-07:00

If your children are playing sports, pay attention to six tips that could protect them from serious ankle injuries.

Many foot and ankle surgeons notice an increase in ankle injuries among young athletes. Football, soccer and basketball are the sports most likely to lead to sprains, broken bones and other problems.

Podiatrists’ top recommendation is for parents to get ankle injuries treated right away.

What seems like a sprain is not always a sprain; in addition to cartilage injuries, your son or daughter might have injured other bones in the foot without knowing it. Have a qualified doctor examine the injury. The sooner rehabilitation starts, the sooner you can prevent long-term problems like instability or arthritis, and the sooner your child can get back into competition.

Podiatrists say parents should also follow these additional tips from the American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons' Web site, FootPhysicians.com:

--Have old sprains checked by a doctor before the season starts. A medical check-up can reveal whether your child's previously injured ankle might be vulnerable to sprains, and could possibly benefit from wearing a supportive ankle brace during competition.

--Buy the right shoe for the sport. Different sports require different shoe gear. Players shouldn't mix baseball cleats with football shoes.

--Children should start the season with new shoes. Old shoes can wear down like a car tire and become uneven on the bottom, causing the ankle to tilt because the foot can't lie flat.

--Check playing fields for dips, divots and holes. Most sports-related ankle sprains are caused by jumping and running on uneven surfaces. That's why some surgeons recommend parents walk the field, especially when children compete in non-professional settings like public parks, for spots that could catch a player's foot and throw them to the ground. Alert coaching officials to any irregularities.

--Encourage stretching and warm-up exercises. Calf stretches and light jogging before competition helps warm up ligaments and blood vessels, reducing the risk for ankle injuries.

Prevent your child from getting this painful foot problem...

2009-04-28T07:49:00.001-07:00

Ingrown toenails are one of the most frequent conditions podiatrists treat in children. Many kids hide their ingrown toenails from their parents, even though the condition can cause significant pain. An ingrown nail can break the skin and lead to dangerous infections.

Podiatrists blame tight shoes, tight socks and incorrect nail trimming for most cases. In others, the children may inherit the tendency for nails to curve. The following tips from the American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons can help to prevent this problem:

Teach children how to trim their toenails properly. Trim toenails in a fairly straight line, and don't cut them too short.

Make sure children's shoes fit. Shoe width is more important than length. Make sure that the widest part of the shoe matches the widest part of your child's foot.

If a child develops a painful ingrown toenail, reduce the inflammation by soaking the child's foot in room-temperature water and gently massaging the side of the nail fold.

The only proper way to treat a child's ingrown toenail is with a minor surgical procedure at a doctor's office. Parents should never try to dig the nail out or cut it off. These dangerous "bathroom surgeries" carry a high risk for infection. Podiatrists may prescribe antibiotics to children with infected ingrown toenails.

Cool Foot Pics! Kids - Ever wonder what the inside of your foot looks like? Check out these pics:

2009-04-24T06:11:00.000-07:00

FLIP-FLOPS TIED TO SURGE IN TEENAGE HEEL PAIN

2009-04-23T07:20:00.001-07:00

Many of us are welcoming the warmer weather sporting flip-flop sandals, however, their popularity among teens and young adults is responsible for a growing epidemic of heel pain in this population.

There is more heel pain than ever in patients 15 to 25 years old, a group that usually doesn’t have this problem. A major contributor is wearing flip-flop sandals with paper-thin soles everyday to school. Flip-flops have no arch support and can accentuate any abnormal biomechanics in foot motion, and this eventually brings pain and inflammation.

Many podiatrists recommend wearing sandals with reasonably strong soles and arch support.
Especially for girls and young women, thicker soled sandals with supportive arches might not be considered stylish, but if you want to wear sandals most of the time, you’ll avoid heel pain if you choose sturdier, perhaps less fashionable styles.

It is estimated that 15 percent of all adult foot complaints involve plantar fasciitis, the type of heel pain caused by chronic inflammation of the connective tissue extending from the heel bone to the toes. Being overweight and wearing inappropriate footwear are common contributing factors.

The pain is most noticeable after getting out of bed in the morning, and it tends to decrease after a few minutes and returns during the day as time on the feet increases. Not all heel pain, however, is caused by plantar fasciitis. It also can occur from inflammation of the Achilles tendon, bursitis, arthritis, gout, stress fractures, or irritation of one or more of the nerves in the region. Therefore, diagnosis by a foot and ankle surgeon to rule out other causes is advised.

Initial treatment options for heel pain caused by plantar fasciitis should include anti-inflammatory medications, padding and strapping of the foot and physical therapy. Patients also should stretch their calf muscles regularly, avoid wearing flat shoes and walking barefoot, use over-the-counter arch supports and heel cushions, and limit the frequency of extended physical activities.

Most patients with plantar fasciitis respond to non-surgical treatment within six weeks. However, surgery is sometimes necessary to relieve severe, persistent pain.

In Honor of Earth Day - April 22, 2009

2009-04-22T06:46:00.000-07:00

Looking for a creative way to recycle? Try this!

CRAFT MATERIALS:
Clean plastic bottle
Double-sided tape
Yarn (we used 24 yards to cover a 10-inch-tall bottle)
Scissors
Wooden spoon
Paint, markers, or crayons
Optional Materials
Accessories such as googly eyes, ribbon, beads, and tacky glue

1. Place 4 equally spaced strips of double-sided tape vertically up the sides of the bottle. Wrap double-sided tape horizontally around the bottom and top edges of the bottle and around any contours where the yarn might slip.

2. Attach one end of the yarn near the bottom edge of the bottle with a small piece of double-sided tape. Then, working from the bottom up, wrap the entire bottle with the yarn. Make your rows tight enough that you no longer see the plastic, but not so snug that the yarn is stretched thin.

3. To switch to a different color, simply knot the new shade to the old and snip off any dangling threads. Once the entire bottle is covered, tie off the yarn at the neck.

4. Draw facial features on the bowl of the spoon with paint, markers, or crayons. Decorate the rest of the doll any way you like. You might glue on yarn hair, tie on a pretty necklace, or add clothing, such as a doily skirt. Once you're finished, drop the handle of the spoon into the bottle. (If yours is top-heavy, put some dry lentils or rice in the bottom.)

Overweight Children and Foot Problems

2009-04-21T08:15:00.000-07:00

Many podiatrists say they are noticing more and more overweight and obese children with foot and ankle pain in their examining rooms, mirroring a national epidemic of childhood obesity.

An estimated 16 percent of U.S. children ages six to 19 are overweight, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Poor diet, lack of exercise and genetics can play a role. A “vicious cycle" of foot pain and obesity traps some children.

“You want overweight children to exercise and lose weight, but because of their weight, their feet hurt and they can’t exercise.” How can this problem be solved?

The foot is a complex structure consisting of 26 bones, 33 joints and more than 100 muscles, tendons and ligaments. Last November, researchers in Britain reported “alarming new evidence that childhood obesity changes foot structure and results in instability when walking.” Being overweight flattens the foot, straining the plantar fascia, a band of tissue which runs from the heel to the base of the toes, causing heel pain.

Because the heel bone is not fully developed until age 14 or older, overweight children are more prone to Sever’s disease. Although not an actual disease, it involves an inflammation of the heel’s growth plate due to muscle strain and repetitive stress. Walking makes the pain worse. Being overweight may also cause stress fractures, or hairline fractures (breaks) in a child’s heel bone.
According to the ACFAS Web site FootPhysicians.com, some overweight children suffer foot pain from congenital or inherited foot conditions, such as bunions, hammertoes, pediatric flatfoot and tarsal coalition, an abnormal connection between two or more bones in the back of the foot. Children with these deformities may be less active because of pain. Sometimes a child will complain of calf or arch pain. This results from a flatfoot that is flexible. The collapsing of the arch can require more energy, making it more difficult for a child to walk and run.

Foot and ankle surgeons treat many overweight children with custom orthotic devices (shoe inserts), physical therapy and other conservative measures to reduce or eliminate pain. But treating painful feet and ankles is only part of the childhood weight loss equation.

Foot and ankle surgeons can reduce the aches and pains so these children can run around and play like all the other kids, but parents need to take responsibility for watching their children’s’ lifestyles and diet.

Toes and feet can take a beating, especially from sports...

2009-04-16T07:26:00.000-07:00

Snug cleats, repeated kicking can contribute to a painful problem:

Foot and ankle surgeons treat many soccer-playing children for ingrown toenails. Doctors blame improper toenail trimming, snug soccer cleats, and repetitive kicking for creating this painful problem.

“Many kids wear hand-me-down cleats that don’t fit,” says one podiatrist. “Older children like tighter cleats. They believe it gives them a better feel for the ball and the field.”

Many podiatrists say there are steps soccer moms and dads can take to prevent their children from suffering a painful ingrown toenail. First, teach children how to trim their toenails properly. Trim toenails in a fairly straight line, and don’t cut them too short. Second, make sure cleats fit properly.

A child’s shoe size can change within a single soccer season.

If a child develops a painful ingrown toenail, soaking their foot in room-temperature water and gently massaging the side of the nail fold can reduce the inflammation. But doctors warn parents against home treatments, which can be dangerous. The American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons lists myths about ingrown toenail home treatments on its Web site, FootPhysicians.com.

If your son’s or daughter’s ingrown toenails show signs of infection, it’s definitely time to seek medical care.

A foot and ankle surgeon can remove a child’s ingrown toenail, and prevent it from returning, with a simple, 10-minute surgical procedure. During the short procedure, the doctor numbs the toe and removes the ingrown portion of the nail. Various techniques can permanently remove part of a nail’s root too, preventing it from growing back.

Most children experience very little pain afterwards and can resume normal activity the next day.

If you child has an ingrown toenail, do not delay, call Dr. Vail for an appointment!

More Books About Feet!

2009-04-15T07:17:00.001-07:00

It's Always Good To Check...

2009-04-15T07:02:00.000-07:00

Parents anxiously await their child's first steps. All eyes and video recorders are positioned to catch this momentous occasion. However, according to the America College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons, all the steps a child takes after that are just as important.

ACSAS recommends that parents observe their child's walking and shoe wear patterns. Things to watch out for include:

Walking with the toes pointed inward or outward is a common cause for concern. In some cases, these types of walking are normal. Excessive out-toeing or in-toeing needs to be evaluated.

Excessively flat feet - This is a common finding when infants first begin to walk. As they become older, this becomes less of an issue. Excessively flat feet may become painful with time and may need to be treated for this reason.

High arches - This is not a part of normal development and it needs to be investigated to be sure it is not part of a larger problem.

If you have concerns about your child's feet, please call Dr. Vail to set up an appointment! 419-423-1888

Some Interesting Foot Facts!

2009-04-14T06:56:00.000-07:00

Twenty-five percent of the bones in the human body are located in the feet.

The average person walks about 10,000 steps a day. During a lifetime it is thought that a person has walked enough steps to have traveled around the planet more that four times, which is approximately 115,000 miles!

The largest feet in the world belong to Matthew McGory who lives in the USA. He is 7 feet, 4 inches tall and has a shoe size of 28.5!

One in four children sleepwalk at least once between the ages of 7 and 12.

You need to use 200 muscles in your body to walk.

The feet contain approximately 250,000 sweat glands that produce as much as half a pint of moisture every day.

Feet are strong enough to support up to four times the body's weight during high impact activities, yet sensetive enough to detect a grain of sand.

Be Cautious of Flip-Flop(ers)

2009-04-10T07:31:00.000-07:00

Flip-flops are the summer footwear of choice for many kids. But while these sandals are inexpensive and stylish, they don’t cushion or support the foot, leading to problems. After wearing flip-flops all summer, some kids will develop foot pain and even injuries. Dr. Vail reminds parents and kids that foot pain isn’t normal and can be reduced or eliminated.

“People may not realize that even into your mid-teens, there’s new bone growing in your heel,” says Dr. Vail. “Flip-flops don’t cushion the heel, so repetitive stress from walking can inflame that heel bone growth area and cause pain and tenderness.”

Heel pain and arch pain rank among the most common complaints among kids who wear flip-flops. Other flip-flop feet problems include inflammation of the Achilles tendon, painful pinched nerves, sprained ankles, broken or sprained toes, cuts and scrapes, plantar warts, Athlete’s foot, and callus build-up on the heels and toes.

Foot and ankle surgeons can usually reduce or eliminate foot pain with simple treatment methods including stretching exercises, ice massage, anti-inflammatory medications, and custom or over-the-counter shoe inserts.

If the Shoe Fits... Does Your Child Have Healthy Feet?

2009-04-09T08:29:00.000-07:00

It seems that every few months your children need new shoes and you may try to stretch your budget by fixing their current shoes or by giving them a pair a big sister or brother has discarded. Unfortunately, either solution may not be good for the feet of the child who needs a shoe fix. Some health issues caused by improperly fitted, worn out or hand me down shoes include plantar fasciitis, Morton's neuroma, excessive sweating, hammertoes, corns, bunions and blisters.

Feet are critical to the overall health of the human body. Your children have 26 bones in their feet with almost half of them located in the toes. In addition to bones they have 19 muscles, 107 ligaments and 33 joints making their feet incredibly complex. As an adult you know from experience what problems foot pain or injuries can cause in your day-to-day life and this is even more frustrating for a child.

One way you can reduce or eliminate the possibility of problems with your children's feet is by inspecting their feet and shoes frequently. A foot inspection will alert you to problems your child has not yet found painful, and a shoe inspection will help you decide whether or not you want to repair or replace them. Following is a suggested checklist of issues to be considered.

Let's start with the foot inspection:
1. What is the size of the feet being inspected? Most people have one foot larger than the rest. If you are not sure of the size take your child to a shoe store to be sized properly.
2. Are there any obvious defects such as blisters, fissures, bunions, corns or spots that are just plain red and irritated?
3. Do you see any large patches of excessively dry skin?
4. Give your child a foot massage and watch for signs of pain or cramping.
5. Make note of any problems that necessitate a visit to your pediatrician.

Next, we'll move on to the shoe inspection:
1. Pay attention to the size of the shoes as compared to the current size your child wears. It may be possible to continue wearing shoes slightly bigger than the current size but never let them wear shoes that are to small.
2. How does the sole of the shoe look? Was it thin to begin with or has it thinned in response to use?
3. Is either heel loose?
4. Ask your child to put the shoes back on and check if they have adequate toe room or places where there the shoe causes friction against their skin.
5. Have your child walk in the shoes so you can see their gait.

When you have finished looking at your child's feet and shoes consider if you can repair any issues without harming the feet that wear the shoes. If there is no toe room but the shoes otherwise fit you may be able to stretch the toe box with stretching spray and a shoe stretcher depending on the fabric of the shoes.

If the soles of the shoe have become very flimsy or stretch easily in response to pressure then your child may develop plantar fasciitis which is a painful inflammation of the connective tissues in the arch of the foot. If you can flex the shoes below the toe box then the shoes need to be replaced.

When the heel of your child's shoes are too loose compared to the rest of the shoe, use a heel insert made for children. You want to avoid having your child develop hammertoes caused by using their toes to keep the shoes from slipping off. Calluses on the tops of the toes is a giveaway that the heels of the shoes are too lose.

If the shoes fit well but there a few spots of pressure, try using different socks. Socks now come in a variety of thickness and weight. Your little one may need a thicker sock to prevent pressure wear particularly if they often wear sports shoes.

If the issues with your child's feet seem ongoing despite new and well fitting shoes, they may need an orthotic device. Ask your pediatrician to recommend an orthopedist or podiatrist for an evaluation. Most orthotic devices are made of plastic and help distribute body weight evenly and realign the foot.

The feet your child is born with are the feet they need to carry them throughout their life. Paying attention to their feet can improve their overall health by eliminating leg, back and neck pain. A child will walk the distance around the earth three or four times during their lifetime.

Don't you want to make that journey as pain free and comfortable as possible?

http://www.articlesbase.com/parenting-articles/if-the-shoe-fits-do-your-children-have-healthy-feet-695430.html

Be sure to set up an appointment with Dr. Vail to make sure you have the right shoes for your child! www.vailfoot.com

A Drawing Contest

2009-04-08T07:56:00.000-07:00

The American Podiatric Medical Association sponsors a monthly drawing contest...and if your drawing is selected, you could win a new pair of shoes!

Log on and find out more! http://www.apma.org/kidszone/drawing-competition.html

Not to Worry!

2009-04-07T07:06:00.000-07:00

The following study abstract was provided by the National Center for Biotechnology Information - a service of U.S National Library of Medicine and the National Institutes of Health:

OBJECTIVE: Because the controversy about the relation of foot morphology and foot function is still present, we find it surprising that there are no studies published dealing with motor skills and athletic performance in flat-footed school children. Our aim in this study was to determine if there is an association between the degree of foot flatness and several motor skills that are necessary for sport performance.

METHODS: The feet of 218 children aged 11 to 15 years were scanned, and the arch index was determined. The value of the arch index was corrected for the influence of age, and then the entire sample was categorized into 4 groups according to the flatness of their feet. The children were tested for eccentric-concentric contraction and hopping on a Kistler force platform, speed-coordination polygon (Newtest system), balance (3 tests), toe flexion (textile crunching), tiptoe standing angle, and repetitive leg movements. Altogether, 17 measures of athletic performance were measured.

RESULTS: No significant correlations between the arch height and 17 motor skills were found. Categorizing the sample into 4 groups did not reveal any differences between the groups in athletic performance. Also, several multivariate analysis of variance sets of multiple independent variables referring to a particular motor ability were not found to be significant. The differences were not found even after comparing only the 2 extreme groups, meaning children with very low and children with very high arches.

CONCLUSIONS: No disadvantages in sport performance originating from flat-footedness were confirmed. Children with flat and children with "normal" feet were equally successful at accomplishing all motor tests; thus, we suggest that there is no need for treatment of flexible flat feet with the sole purpose of improving athletic performance, as traditionally advised by many.

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19254974?dopt=Abstract

Be sure to contact Dr. Vail if you have any questions or concerns. www.vailfoot.com

No More Yellow Journalism!

2009-04-01T07:31:00.000-07:00

Kids - are you interested in becoming a roving reporter who wants to be the one to get the first exclusive scoop on the latest news about the most stylish but yet podiatrist-approved shoes to wear at your next school dance? Check out this website and begin creating your own newspaper and you might just one day become the next Walter Cronkite!

CRAYON is a tool for managing news sources on the Internet and the World Wide Web.

CRAYON uses a simple analogy that everyone can understand - a newspaper to organize periodical information.

The result is a news page customized for you with the daily information that you are most interested in.

http://www.crayon.net/

Activities...

2009-03-30T08:18:00.000-07:00

Here are a few activities that can be entertaining, but also help keep foot health in mind:

Study animal tracks in the snow
Make painted human foot prints on paper
Obtain rubber animal paws and press into dough or clay

Make a collage of footwear (cut from magazines, draw from reference books, collect from families and community)
Get into multicultural and historical aspects-what people wear on their feet in different parts of the world
Relate that to environment, weather, seasons, geography, gender, etc.

Sensory Walk
On long strip of poster paper, set up a path with different textures to walk on
Start with sand, move to hay or grass, then to cotton, then to paint or pudding to make footprints, then to shaving cream, and finally to water
Be sure to have several helpers to hold hands while walking

Keeping Your Child's Feet Healthy

2009-03-30T08:09:00.000-07:00

OVERUSE SYNDROMES

Because the heel’s growth plate is sensitive to repeated running and pounding on hard surfaces, pediatric heel pain often reflects overuse. Children and adolescents involved in soccer, track, or basketball are especially vulnerable. One common overuse syndrome is Achilles tendonitis. This inflammation of the tendon usually occurs in children over the age of 14. Another overuse syndrome is plantar fasciitis, which is an inflammation of the band of tissue (the plantar fascia) that runs along the bottom of the foot fromthe heel to the toes.

If your child is experiencing any of these problems, please call Dr. Vail's office immediately for an appointment. Do not let these problems go unchecked!

www.vailfoot.com

The Anatomy of Your Foot

2009-03-25T08:37:00.000-07:00

The foot, or pes, contains the 26 bones of the ankle, instep, and the five toes. The ankle, or tarsus, is composed of the 7 tarsal bones which correspond to the carpals in the wrist. The largest tarsal bone is called the calcaneus or heel bone. The talus rests on top of the calcaneus and is connected to the tibia. Directly in front of the talus is the navicular bone. The remaining bones from medial to lateral are the medial, intermediate, the lateral cuneiform bones, and the cuboid bone.

The metatarsal and phalanges bones of the foot are similar in number and position to the metacarpal and phalanges bones of the hand. The five metatarsal bones are numbered I to V starting on the medial side with the big toe. The first metatarsal bone is larger than the others because it plays a major role in supporting the body's weight. The 14 phalanges of the foot, as with the hand, are arranged in a proximal row, a middle row, and a distal row, with the big toe, or hallux, having only a proximal and distal phalanx.

The foot's two arches are formed by the structure and arrangement of the bones and are maintained by tendons and ligaments. The arches give when weight is placed on the foot and spring back when the weight is lifted off of the foot. The arches may fall due to a weakening of the ligaments and tendons in the foot.

Kid friendly version to come...