Toe-walking occurs when a child walks on their toes without letting their heels touch the ground. While many children learn a normal heel-to-toe walking pattern as they grow, persistent toe-walking beyond five years old, called idiopathic toe walking, can negatively affect the feet and ankles. Toe-walking can lead to tightness in the calf muscles and limited ankle movement, making it difficult for the heels to contact the floor. Over time, this can place stress on the Achilles tendon and alter normal gait mechanics. A podiatrist can assess whether the cause is related to shortened tendons, muscle imbalance, or another structural issue. Treatment may involve a stretching program and supportive custom orthotics to improve flexibility and promote proper walking patterns. Early evaluation helps prevent stiffness, balance issues, and discomfort in your child’s lower legs. If you notice persistent toe-walking in your child, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for an exam and appropriate treatment options.

The health of a child’s feet is vital to their overall well-being. If you have any questions regarding foot health, contact one of our podiatrists of Lakewood Family Foot and Ankle. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Tips for Keeping Children's Feet Healthy

• Make sure their shoes fit properly
• Look for any signs of in-toeing or out-toeing
• Check to see if they have Clubfoot (condition that affects your child’s foot and ankle, twisting the heel and toes inward) which is one of the most common nonmajor birth defects.
• Lightly cover your baby’s feet (Tight covers may keep your baby from moving their feet freely, and could prevent normal development)
• Allow your toddler to go shoeless (Shoes can be restricting for a young child’s foot)
• Cut toenails straight across to avoid ingrown toenails
• Keep your child’s foot clean and dry
• Cover cuts and scrapes. Wash any scratches with soap and water and cover them with a bandage until they’ve healed.

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

High heels place significant stress on the feet by altering natural posture and shifting weight onto the forefoot. This increased pressure on the metatarsal heads often leads to pain across the ball of the foot and strain in the toes. The elevated heel forces the ankle into a pointed position, which shortens the Achilles tendon over time and increases tension along the calf and heel. Wearing high heels also affects the arch of the foot, sometimes leading to flattening or instability, which can contribute to midfoot discomfort. Prolonged use makes balance more difficult and raises the risk of falls or ankle sprains due to the narrowed base of support. Chronic wear has also been linked to bunions, hammertoes, and nerve irritation between the toes. A podiatrist can evaluate these issues, recommend strategies to reduce long-term damage, and provide the appropriate treatment. If you have foot pain after wearing high heels, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for an exam and appropriate treatment.

High heels have a history of causing foot and ankle problems. If you have any concerns about your feet or ankles, contact one of our podiatrists from Lakewood Family Foot and Ankle. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Effects of High Heels on the Feet

High heels are popular shoes among women because of their many styles and societal appeal.  Despite this, high heels can still cause many health problems if worn too frequently.

Which Parts of My Body Will Be Affected by High Heels?

• Ankle Joints
• Achilles Tendon – May shorten and stiffen with prolonged wear
• Balls of the Feet
• Knees – Heels cause the knees to bend constantly, creating stress on them
• Back – They decrease the spine’s ability to absorb shock, which may lead to back pain.  The vertebrae of the lower back may compress.

What Kinds of Foot Problems Can Develop from Wearing High Heels?

• Corns
• Calluses
• Hammertoe
• Bunions
• Morton’s Neuroma
• Plantar Fasciitis

How Can I Still Wear High Heels and Maintain Foot Health?

If you want to wear high heeled shoes, make sure that you are not wearing them every day, as this will help prevent long term physical problems.  Try wearing thicker heels as opposed to stilettos to distribute weight more evenly across the feet.  Always make sure you are wearing the proper shoes for the right occasion, such as sneakers for exercising.  If you walk to work, try carrying your heels with you and changing into them once you arrive at work.  Adding inserts to your heels can help cushion your feet and absorb shock. Full foot inserts or metatarsal pads are available. 

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

Proper athletic shoe fitting is essential for protecting the feet, toes, and ankles from injury and strain. Shoes should bend where the foot bends, which is usually near the ball of the foot. The width must match the natural shape of the foot without squeezing the toes together. Because many people have feet of different sizes, both shoes should be tried on, with sizing based on the longest toe, which may not always be the big toe. Proper heel support helps prevent slipping and ankle instability, and adequate midfoot support allows smoother movement during activity. Shoe design features like rocker soles, stack height, and heel-to-toe drop are important factors. A podiatrist can evaluate the structure of the foot, leg length differences, or issues like Morton’s toe to guide shoe selection and help prevent injury. If you experience foot pain from the shoes you wear for your sport or activity, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for an exam, appropriate treatment, and guidance.

Finding a properly-fitting shoe is important in reducing injuries and preventing foot problems. For more information about treatment, contact one of our podiatrists from Lakewood Family Foot and Ankle. Our doctors will treat your foot and ankle needs.

Proper Shoe Fitting

A common concern when it comes to foot health, having properly fitted shoes can help prevent injuries to the foot. Out feet affect our posture and gait, which in turn affects the biomechanics and overall bodily structure. With 33 joints, 26 bones, and over 100 ligaments, the potential for serious injury is much greater than one realizes. Although the feet cease growth in adulthood, they still change shape as they mature. Here are some factors to consider when it comes to investing in proper fitting shoes:

• Be sure the shoes fit correctly right away
• Ensure the ball of your foot fits comfortably in the widest portion of the shoes
• Even though they may look fashionable, improper fitting shoes can either create adverse conditions or exacerbate existing ones you may already have
• Walk along a carpeted surface to ensure the shoes comfortably fit during normal activity

Keeping in mind how shoes fit the biomechanics of your body, properly-fitting shoes are vitally important. Fortunately, it is not difficult to acquire footwear that fits correctly. Be sure to wear shoes that support the overall structure of your body. Do your feet a favor and invest in several pairs of well-fitted shoes today.

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