Babies do not need shoes when they are learning to crawl, pull up, or take early steps. Bare feet help them feel the ground, strengthen their muscles, and improve balance. Once a child begins walking confidently outdoors, shoes become important for protection from rough surfaces, heat, cold, and sharp objects. While indoors, it is still best for little ones to stay barefoot or wear soft, flexible socks with grips so their feet can continue developing naturally. When choosing a child’s first shoes, look for a lightweight, flexible sole that bends easily, a wide toe box for natural movement, and a secure fit that does not squeeze or rub. Avoid stiff or thick soles that limit foot motion. Healthy foot development lays the foundation for strength, balance, and comfort as children grow. If you notice unusual walking patterns, frequent tripping, or foot discomfort, it is suggested that you see a podiatrist for expert guidance.

The health of a child’s feet is vital to their overall well-being. If you have any questions regarding foot health, contact Michael Bess, DPM of Florida. Our podiatrist 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 West Palm Beach, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Gout and pseudogout both cause sudden joint pain in the feet, but they come from different types of crystal buildup. Gout occurs when uric acid crystals form in a joint, usually in the big toe, causing redness, swelling, and intense pain. Pseudogout occurs when calcium crystals form in the cartilage and move into the joint, often affecting the ankle or midfoot. Both can cause warmth, tenderness, and stiffness that make it difficult to stand or walk. The pain from pseudogout can last longer and affect more than one joint, while gout usually affects one joint at a time. A podiatrist can determine which condition is present by examining the joint, ordering X-rays, or testing a small sample of joint fluid. Early diagnosis helps reduce pain and protect the joints from lasting damage. If you suffer from gout flare-ups, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist for a diagnosis and treatment.

Gout is a painful condition that can be treated. If you are seeking treatment, contact Michael Bess, DPM from Florida. Our podiatrist will treat your foot and ankle needs.

What Is Gout?

Gout is a form of arthritis that is characterized by sudden, severe attacks of pain, redness, and tenderness in the joints. The condition usually affects the joint at the base of the big toe. A gout attack can occur at any random time, such as the middle of the night while you are asleep.

Symptoms

• Intense Joint Pain - Usually around the large joint of your big toe, and it most severe within the first four to twelve hours
• Lingering Discomfort - Joint discomfort may last from a few days to a few weeks
• Inflammation and Redness -Affected joints may become swollen, tender, warm and red
• Limited Range of Motion - May experience a decrease in joint mobility

Risk Factors

• Genetics - If family members have gout, you’re more likely to have it
• Medications - Diuretic medications can raise uric acid levels
• Gender/Age - Gout is more common in men until the age of 60. It is believed that estrogen protects women until that point
• Diet - Eating red meat and shellfish increases your risk
• Alcohol - Having more than two alcoholic drinks per day increases your risk
• Obesity - Obese people are at a higher risk for gout

Prior to visiting your podiatrist to receive treatment for gout, there are a few things you should do beforehand. If you have gout you should write down your symptoms--including when they started and how often you experience them, important medical information you may have, and any questions you may have. Writing down these three things will help your podiatrist in assessing your specific situation so that he or she may provide the best route of treatment for you.

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

Strengthening the arches of your feet is an important step toward better stability, balance, and comfort. Simple exercises such as big toe movement and toe yoga can activate the small muscles that support the arch and improve overall foot function. These movements help train the foot to work more efficiently while walking and standing. A podiatrist can assess your arch strength, provide guidance on proper technique, and recommend additional exercises or supportive devices, when needed. If you want to improve your foot strength or reduce discomfort related to weak arches, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist to receive expert care and a personalized relief plan that supports healthier feet.

Exercising your feet regularly with the proper foot wear is a great way to prevent injuries and build strength. If you have any concerns about your feet, contact Michael Bess, DPM from Florida. Our podiatrist can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Exercise for Your Feet

Exercise for your feet can help you gain strength, mobility and flexibility in your feet. They say that strengthening your feet can be just as rewarding as strengthening another part of the body. Your feet are very important, and we often forget about them in our daily tasks. But it is because of our feet that are we able to get going and do what we need to. For those of us fortunate enough to not have any foot problems, it is an important gesture to take care of them to ensure good health in the long run.

Some foot health exercises can include ankle pumps, tip-toeing, toe rises, lifting off the floor doing reps and sets, and flexing the toes. It is best to speak with Our podiatrist to determine an appropriate regimen for your needs. Everyone’s needs and bodies are different, and the activities required to maintain strength in the feet vary from individual to individual. 

Once you get into a routine of doing regular exercise, you may notice a difference in your feet and how strong they may become.

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

As people age, even small changes in foot function can influence how they walk, stand, and maintain balance. Reduced flexibility, muscle weakness, or loss of sensation in the feet can make it harder to adjust to uneven surfaces, often leading to discomfort or instability. Chronic foot pain, whether from arthritis, deformities, or circulation issues, can cause people to alter their gait, which further increases the risk of falls. Wearing supportive footwear and targeted foot-strengthening exercises can improve stability and reduce pressure on painful joints. Podiatrists play an important role in assessing balance, identifying biomechanical problems, and recommending custom orthotics or footwear designed to restore comfort and mobility. If foot pain or unsteadiness is affecting your daily confidence, it is suggested that you visit a podiatrist for personalized evaluation and fall-prevention strategies.

Preventing falls among the elderly is very important. If you are older and have fallen or fear that you are prone to falling, consult with Michael Bess, DPM from Florida. Our podiatrist will assess your condition and provide you with quality advice and care.

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

How to Prevent Falls

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

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

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

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