Items filtered by date: June 2025

Children have clear opinions about the shoes they wear, and their feedback offers important insight. While adults may focus on fit or durability, children often base their choices on how shoes feel during play, how easy they are to put on, or even how they look to peers. Comfort is often described in ways that reflect movement, whether shoes feel tight, squishy, or too hard. When kids resist wearing certain shoes, it may not just be about style. It could signal that the shoes feel restrictive, awkward, or even painful. Engaging with children about what they notice helps caregivers and providers make better choices that support growing feet without causing frustration or discomfort. The right shoes can promote healthy development and make activity more enjoyable. If a child regularly avoids wearing shoes or complains of foot discomfort, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for a diagnosis and appropriate treatment.

Making sure that your children maintain good foot health is very important as they grow. If you have any questions, contact one of our podiatrists of Southwest Podiatry. Our doctors 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 offices located in Dallas, and Carrollton, TX . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Wearing the right shoes is essential for safe and effective fitness. Ill-fitting shoes can lead to discomfort, blisters, or even injury. When selecting workout shoes, it is best to shop later in the day when your feet are slightly swollen, mimicking their size during exercise. Ensure the shoe fits both the width and length of your foot, providing enough room for toes to move comfortably. The right shoe should support your arch and cushion impact based on your activity. A podiatrist can evaluate your foot type, recommend suitable footwear, and address any underlying issues. If you have foot pain during or after your workout, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can treat various foot conditions, and offer you personalized guidance regarding the proper shoes to wear.

It is important to find shoes that fit you properly in order to avoid a variety of different foot problems. For more information about treatment, contact one of our podiatrists from Southwest Podiatry. Our doctors will treat your foot and ankle needs.

Proper Shoe Fitting

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

Tips for Proper Shoe Fitting

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

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

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

Gout is a form of arthritis that often affects the feet, especially the big toe joint. It is caused by a buildup of uric acid in the blood, which leads to sharp urate crystals forming in joints. These crystals trigger intense pain, redness, warmth, and swelling. Common triggers for elevated uric acid include genetic factors, obesity, certain medications, and kidney disease. The first metatarsophalangeal, or MTP, joint of the big toe is the most frequently affected site, although the ankle and other parts of the foot may also become inflamed. Gout flare-ups often begin suddenly, with severe pain that may make even the lightest pressure intolerable. Repeated episodes can lead to joint stiffness, permanent damage, and deformities. In more advanced cases, firm uric acid deposits, called tophi, may form under the skin. A podiatrist can help diagnose gout and recommend treatment, which may include medication or surgery, if joint damage is present. If you have had one or more gout flare-ups, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for an exam and appropriate treatment options.

Gout is a foot condition that requires certain treatment and care. If you are seeking treatment, contact one of our podiatrists from Southwest Podiatry. Our doctors will treat your foot and ankle needs.

What Is Gout?

Gout is a type of arthritis caused by a buildup of uric acid in the bloodstream. It often develops in the foot, especially the big toe area, although it can manifest in other parts of the body as well. Gout can make walking and standing very painful and is especially common in diabetics and the obese.

People typically get gout because of a poor diet. Genetic predisposition is also a factor. The children of parents who have had gout frequently have a chance of developing it themselves.

Gout can easily be identified by redness and inflammation of the big toe and the surrounding areas of the foot. Other symptoms include extreme fatigue, joint pain, and running high fevers. Sometimes corticosteroid drugs can be prescribed to treat gout, but the best way to combat this disease is to get more exercise and eat a better diet.

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

Multiple sclerosis, or MS, is a neurological condition that can indirectly contribute to foot problems like plantar fasciitis. MS often causes muscle weakness, changes in gait, and altered foot mechanics, which may place abnormal stress on the plantar fascia, a thick band of tissue that supports the arch of the foot. Over time, this stress can lead to inflammation and pain. Plantar fasciitis typically causes a sharp, stabbing pain in the heel, especially with the first steps in the morning or after periods of rest. The bottom of the foot may feel tight, sore, or swollen, making walking uncomfortable. A podiatrist can help manage plantar fasciitis in patients with MS by addressing biomechanical issues, recommending supportive footwear, and creating custom orthotics. Treatment may also include stretching exercises, anti-inflammatory medication, and, in some cases, advanced options like corticosteroid injections. If you are experiencing symptoms of plantar fasciitis, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for appropriate treatment.

Plantar fasciitis can be very painful and inconvenient. If you are experiencing heel pain or symptoms of plantar fasciitis, contact one of our podiatrists  from Southwest Podiatry. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

What Is Plantar Fasciitis?

Plantar fasciitis is the inflammation of the thick band of tissue that runs along the bottom of your foot, known as the plantar fascia, and causes mild to severe heel pain.

What Causes Plantar Fasciitis?

• Excessive running
• Non-supportive shoes
• Overpronation
• Repeated stretching and tearing of the plantar fascia

How Can It Be Treated?

• Conservative measures – anti-inflammatories, ice packs, stretching exercises, physical therapy, orthotic devices
• Shockwave therapy – sound waves are sent to the affected area to facilitate healing and are usually used for chronic cases of plantar fasciitis
• Surgery – usually only used as a last resort when all else fails. The plantar fascia can be surgically detached from the heel

While very treatable, plantar fasciitis is definitely not something that should be ignored. Especially in severe cases, speaking to your doctor right away is highly recommended to avoid complications and severe heel pain. Your podiatrist can work with you to provide the appropriate treatment options tailored to your condition.

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