Items filtered by date: May 2023

A baby’s foot contains more cartilage than bone, but will eventually have 26 bones in each foot when fully formed. Children's feet grow at a faster rate the younger they are. Within the first 3 years, a baby's foot coot could grow up to 9 sizes. Research has shown children have feet that are more durable than adult feet and can endure more stress. When it is time for the first pair of shoes to be purchased, it is beneficial that they effectively absorb shock and have strong soles. Many parents choose to have their children wear shoes that are made of leather and canvas materials, which are flexible and breathable fabrics. It is helpful to buy shoes that are the right size. If the shoe doesn’t fit correctly, unwanted foot conditions may develop that can include blisters and ingrown toenails. If you have questions about what type of shoes to buy for your child, it is suggested that you contact a podiatrist who can help you with the right footwear choices.

Making sure that your children maintain good foot health is very important as they grow. If you have any questions, contact Philip K. Schrumpf, DPM of Active Feet Clinic. 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 Missoula, MT . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Although many men and women enjoy wearing flip flops during the summer time because the shoe is convenient and fashionable, it can wreak havoc on the health of the feet. One of the main reasons why flip flops are not always a desirable choice can be that this type of shoe lacks arch support. Due to insufficient arch support, a flip flop can make conditions such as plantar fasciitis more likely. However, not all flip flops have insufficient arch support. Namely, some flip flops have cushions in the arch of the foot to provide extra support. However, even these extra supportive flip flops still may be detrimental in the sense that the absence of a back strap causes the toes to scrunch up in order to keep the shoe on the foot. If you are someone that often wears flip flops, it is suggested that you contact a podiatrist today for more information and potential treatment.

Flip-flops are not always the best choice of footwear. If you have any concerns about your feet or ankles, contact Philip K. Schrumpf, DPM from Active Feet Clinic. Our doctor will assist you with all of your foot and ankle needs.

Flip-Flops and Feet

When the weather starts warming up, people enjoy wearing flip-flops.  Flip-flops are comfortable, stylish, and easy to slip on and off; they're perfect for any summer beach goer.  However, these shoes can cause harm to the feet.

How Can Flip-Flops Affect Me Long-Term?

• Ankle problems
• Hip problems
• Lower back problems
• Pain in the balls of the feet
• Problems with foot arches
• Changes in the way you walk

Are There Injuries Associated with Flip-Flops?

Yes.  Since flip-flops are relatively weak and do not provide the same amount of support as sneakers, people who wear flip-flops regularly are more susceptible to injuries. On top of that, the open nature of the shoe makes your feet more prone to other problems, such as cuts and even infections.  Common injuries and ailments include:

• Sprained ankles
• Blisters
• Infections
• Cuts and Scrapes

I like Wearing Flip-Flops. Are There Safe Alternatives?

When buying flip-flops, try to find ones that have sturdy soles and that are made of high-quality materials that will support for your feet.  These flip-flops will cost more but will also last longer as a result.

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

Most broken toes are the result of falling, dropping something heavy on it, or bumping it into a hard object. Symptoms of a broken, rather than sprained, toe include severe throbbing pain that does not subside, swelling, bruising, and redness of the skin. The inability to put weight on the toe is another sign, as standing or walking is likely to send shooting pain up through the body. Worse, it may even cause you to lose your balance and fall. A telltale sign of a broken toe is a popping or cracking noise heard when the injury occurs. If you have a broken toe it will become extremely tender to the touch. Putting on shoes, or even socks, may become impossible to bear. An obvious sign that a toe is broken is if the bone becomes visible through a break in the skin. Besides being painful, the toe is then more likely to be exposed to infection. Further, if not properly healed, this can lead to a permanent deformity. If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist for treatment. 

Broken toes may cause a lot of pain and should be treated as soon as possible. If you have any concerns about your feet, contact Philip K. Schrumpf, DPM from Active Feet Clinic. Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.

What Is a Broken Toe?

A broken toe occurs when one or more of the toe bones of the foot are broken after an injury. Injuries such as stubbing your toe or dropping a heavy object on it may cause a toe fracture.

Symptoms of a Broken Toe

• Swelling
• Pain (with/without wearing shoes)
• Stiffness
• Nail Injury

Although the injured toe should be monitored daily, it is especially important to have a podiatrist look at your toe if you have severe symptoms. Some of these symptoms include worsening or new pain that is not relieved with medication, sores, redness, or open wounds near the toe.

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

Tending to the health of the feet is critical in helping seniors maintain balance, mobility, and independence for as long as possible. Senior feet need extra care since aging takes its toll on them. As one ages, the feet flatten and become wider. The padding on the foot wears away, and bones and joints are less protected. One foot injury or problem, such as an ingrown toenail, can lead to further health issues in this population. Foot care tips to help seniors maintain the health of their feet include keeping the feet clean, dry, and moisturized, in addition to trimming the nails straight across, and wearing properly fitted footwear. Caregivers can help seniors who cannot take care of their feet on their own to maintain foot health. If you are a senior, or are caring for one, it is suggested that you include a podiatrist on your health care team. If problems arise, this medical professional can promptly help you to them.

Proper foot care is something many older adults forget to consider. If you have any concerns about your feet and ankles, contact Philip K. Schrumpf, DPM from Active Feet Clinic. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

The Elderly and Their Feet

As we age we start to notice many changes in our body, but the elder population may not notice them right away. Medical conditions may prevent the elderly to take notice of their foot health right away. Poor vision is a lead contributor to not taking action for the elderly.

Common Conditions 

• Neuropathy – can reduce feeling in the feet and can hide many life-threatening medical conditions.
• Reduced flexibility – prevents the ability of proper toenail trimming, and foot cleaning. If left untreated, it may lead to further medical issues.
• Foot sores – amongst the older population can be serious before they are discovered. Some of the problematic conditions they may face are:
• Gouging toenails affecting nearby toe
• Shoes that don’t fit properly
• Pressure sores
• Loss of circulation in legs & feet
• Edema & swelling of feet and ankles

Susceptible Infections

Diabetes and poor circulation can cause general loss of sensitivity over the years, turning a simple cut into a serious issue.

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

Athlete’s foot, or tinea pedis, is a common fungal infection that causes redness, itching, and flakiness. The skin may also begin to crack between the toes and on the soles of the feet. Additionally, changes in skin color and a foul smell may accompany athlete’s foot. One does not have to be an athlete to get athlete’s foot. This ailment got its name from being common among athletes who frequent gyms and locker rooms, that are breeding grounds for athlete’s foot fungus. Anyone can get athlete’s foot, and the chances may increase with a weakened immune system, poor foot hygiene, or possibly from diabetes. This condition is contagious, and can be spread through contact with infected skin or through indirect contact with clothing, towels, or floors. It is beneficial for athlete’s foot to be treated promptly, and if left untreated, it may become worse, and affect the toenails. If you have athlete’s foot, it is suggested that you consult with a podiatrist who can provide you with treatment and prevention methods.

Athlete’s foot is an inconvenient condition that can be easily reduced with the proper treatment. If you have any concerns about your feet and ankles, contact Philip K. Schrumpf, DPM from Active Feet Clinic.  Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.

Athlete’s Foot: The Sole Story

Athlete's foot, also known as tinea pedis, can be an extremely contagious foot infection. It is commonly contracted in public changing areas and bathrooms, dormitory style living quarters, around locker rooms and public swimming pools, or anywhere your feet often come into contact with other people.

Solutions to Combat Athlete’s Foot

• Hydrate your feet by using lotion
• Exfoliate
• Buff off nails
• Use of anti-fungal products
• Examine your feet and visit your doctor if any suspicious blisters or cuts develop

Athlete’s foot can cause many irritating symptoms such as dry and flaking skin, itching, and redness. Some more severe symptoms can include bleeding and cracked skin, intense itching and burning, and even pain when walking. In the worst cases, Athlete’s foot can cause blistering as well. Speak to your podiatrist for a better understanding of the different causes of Athlete’s foot, as well as help in determining which treatment options are best for you.

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