Children’s feet change quickly as they grow, and paying attention to their comfort can support healthy development. Many kids experience periods of rapid growth that can briefly affect balance or coordination, and it is common for their feet to look flat in early years as the arch gradually forms. Well-fitting shoes with enough room for the toes to move freely are one of the simplest ways to keep young feet comfortable. Noticing how your child walks can also be helpful, especially if they seem to trip often, favor one foot, or complain of pain after activity. Minor aches may come and go, but ongoing discomfort can signal issues that deserve a closer look. A podiatrist can assess alignment, gait, and development to ensure everything is progressing as it should. If concerns about your child’s feet persist, it is suggested that you see a podiatrist for proper guidance.

Making sure that your children maintain good foot health is very important as they grow. If you have any questions, contact Leonard Talarico, DPM of Georgia. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Keeping Children's Feet Healthy

Having healthy feet during childhood can help prevent medical problems later in life, namely in the back and legs. As children grow, their feet require different types of care. Here are some things to consider...

Although babies do not walk yet, it is still very important to take care of their feet.

Avoid putting tight shoes or socks on his or her feet.

Allow the baby to stretch and kick his or her feet to feel comfortable.

As a toddler, kids are now on the move and begin to develop differently. At this age, toddlers are getting a feel for walking, so don’t be alarmed if your toddler is unsteady or ‘walks funny’. 

As your child gets older, it is important to teach them how to take care of their feet.

Show them proper hygiene to prevent infections such as fungus.

Be watchful for any pain or injury.

Have all injuries checked by a doctor as soon as possible.

Comfortable, protective shoes should always be worn, especially at play.

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

Pain in the ball of the foot, also known as metatarsalgia, occurs when the tissues in this area become irritated or strained. This discomfort can develop from a sprain, Morton’s neuroma, bursitis, arthritis, or a bunion that changes pressure on the front of the foot. People may feel aching, burning, or sharp sensations that worsen when walking or standing. These issues often result from improper footwear, high impact activity, or changes in foot structure. A podiatrist can identify the exact cause, reduce inflammation, improve foot alignment, and recommend supportive footwear or custom inserts to ease pressure. If you have ongoing pain in the ball of your foot, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can determine the cause and offer effective relief and treatment solutions.

Foot Pain

Foot pain can be extremely painful and debilitating. If you have a foot pain, consult with Leonard Talarico, DPM from Georgia. Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

Causes

Foot pain is a very broad condition that could be caused by one or more ailments. The most common include:

• Bunions
• Hammertoes
• Plantar Fasciitis
• Bone Spurs
• Corns
• Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome
• Ingrown Toenails
• Arthritis (such as Gout, Rheumatoid, and Osteoarthritis)
• Flat Feet
• Injury (from stress fractures, broken toe, foot, ankle, Achilles tendon ruptures, and sprains)
• And more

Diagnosis

To figure out the cause of foot pain, podiatrists utilize several different methods. This can range from simple visual inspections and sensation tests to X-rays and MRI scans. Prior medical history, family medical history, and any recent physical traumatic events will all be taken into consideration for a proper diagnosis.

Treatment

Treatment depends upon the cause of the foot pain. Whether it is resting, staying off the foot, or having surgery; podiatrists have a number of treatment options available for foot pain.

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

Plantar fasciitis is a common cause of heel pain that occurs when the thick band of tissue along the bottom of the foot becomes inflamed. This condition often results from overuse, wearing poor footwear, or tight calf muscles. Gentle stretches can help relieve discomfort and improve flexibility. Heel raises strengthen the supporting muscles, while toe movements increase mobility in the arch. Additionally, bending forward at the hips with one leg extended helps stretch the calf and ease tension in the plantar fascia. A podiatrist can evaluate your condition, recommend tailored exercises, and provide custom orthotics or other treatments to promote healing. If heel pain is limiting your daily activities, it is suggested that you schedule a visit with a podiatrist who can offer effective relief and treatment solutions.

Why Stretching Is Important for Your Feet

Stretching the feet is a great way to prevent injuries. If you have any concerns with your feet consult with Leonard Talarico, DPM from Georgia. Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

Stretching the Feet

Stretching the muscles in the foot is an important part in any physical activity. Feet that are tight can lead to less flexibility and make you more prone to injury. One of the most common forms of foot pain, plantar fasciitis, can be stretched out to help ease the pain. Stretching can not only ease pain from plantar fasciitis but also prevent it as well. However, it is important to see a podiatrist first to determine if stretching is right for you. Podiatrists can also recommend other ways to stretch your feet. Once you know whether stretching is right for you, here are some excellent stretches you can do.

• Using a foam roller or any cylindrical object (a water bottle or soda can will do), roll the object under your foot back and forth. You should also exert pressure on the object. Be sure to do this to both feet for a minute. Do this exercise three times each.
• Similar to the previous exercise, take a ball, such as a tennis ball, and roll it under your foot while seated and exert pressure on it.
• Grab a resistance band or towel and take a seat. If you are using a towel, fold it length wise. Next put either one between the ball of your foot and heel and pull with both hands on each side towards you. Hold this for 15 seconds and then switch feet. Do this three times for each foot.
• Finally hold your big toe while crossing one leg over the other. Pull the toe towards you and hold for 15 seconds. Once again do this three times per foot.

It is best to go easy when first stretching your foot and work your way up. If your foot starts hurting, stop exercising to ice and rest the foot. It is advised that you then see a podiatrist for help.

If you have any questions please contact our office located in Pooler, GA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Plantar fibromatosis is a condition in which firm, fibrous nodules develop within the plantar fascia, the thick band of tissue that runs along the bottom of the foot. These nodules usually appear in the arch and can cause pain or discomfort while standing or walking. The exact cause is not always known, but factors such as genetics, repeated trauma, or certain medical conditions may contribute to its development. Symptoms include small lumps in the arch, tenderness, and tightness in the foot. A podiatrist can diagnose the condition through a physical exam and imaging tests, then recommend custom orthotics, stretching, or advanced therapies. If you have a lump in the arch of your foot, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist for an expert evaluation and effective treatment solutions.

A plantar fibroma may disrupt your daily activities. If you have any concerns, contact Leonard Talarico, DPM of Georgia. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Plantar Fibroma

A plantar fibroma is a fibrous knot in the arch of the foot. It is embedded in the plantar fascia which is a band of tissue that extends from the heel to the toes along the bottom of the foot. There can be multiple plantar fibromas in the feet at the same time. There are no known causes for this condition. If you have a plantar fibroma, there will be a bump in the arch of your foot that cannot be missed. Any associated pain is most often due to a shoe rubbing against the nodule. Non-surgical options, such as steroid injections, physical therapy, and orthotics should be tried first. Surgery is a last resort and is the only thing that will remove a plantar fibroma entirely. Consult with a podiatrist for a proper diagnosis and to determine the treatment regimen that is right for you.

What Causes a Plantar Fibroma?

While there are no specific causes identified, a plantar fibroma can possibly come from genetic predisposition or the formation of scar tissue that forms from healing the tears in the plantar fascia.

What Are the Symptoms of a Plantar Fibroma?

There will be a noticeable lump in the arch of the foot that may or may not cause pain. If pain is felt, it is typically because a shoe is rubbing up against the lump or when walking or standing barefoot.

Treatment and Prevention

A plantar fibroma will not disappear without treatment, but it can get smaller and be a non-issue. If pain persists, a podiatrist examines the foot and when the arch of the foot is pressed, pain can be felt down to the toes. An MRI or biopsy might be performed to help diagnose or evaluate the plantar fibroma. The following non-surgical options are generally enough to reduce the size and pain of these nodules:

• Steroid injections
• Orthotics
• Physical therapy to help apply anti-inflammatory creams on the bump 

Surgery is considered if the mass increases in size and the patient continues to feel pain after non-surgical methods are tried.

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