March 2023

An infants foot is made of soft, flexible cartilage, which gradually hardens as the baby develops and will be formed in the late teenage years. Most babies are born with flat feet, and the shape of the foot is often evident at approximately two years of age. The foot shape is important to consider when choosing the right shoes. If the big toe is the longest of all the toes, it is considered to be tapered. Conversely, a rounded foot shape consists of the second or third toe being the longest, and when the toes are the same length, this is considered to be a square foot shape. Children’s foot health may include having the toddler crawl and walk barefoot while indoors, this helps strengthen the entire foot. The toes can also become stronger as they grip the floor and stretch. When it is time for the first pair of shoes to be purchased, it is beneficial they are made of soft leather material, and have flexible soles. If you would like additional information about how to take proper care of your child's feet, it is suggested that you consult with a podiatrist who can provide you with helpful information.

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 JB Jenkins & Associates. 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 Chicago, IL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Runners, both professional and recreational, need to take particular care of the health of their feet. If a runner is not taking certain measures, they might be putting themselves at risk of developing a foot injury or condition from running. One of the measures that runners may consider taking is running on even surfaces. When an individual chooses to run on uneven surfaces, the unbalanced surface can create an off-center force in the runner’s feet. As a result, a runner may be more likely to develop certain foot conditions such as tendonitis, joint inflammation or a fracture of the foot. If you are someone that frequently engages in running or similar physical activities, it is strongly suggested that you are under the care of a podiatrist. This foot specialist will be able to treat your foot conditions, and answer any questions you may have about running on uneven surfaces. 

All runners should take extra precaution when trying to avoid injury. If you have any concerns about your feet, contact one of our podiatrists of JB Jenkins & Associates. Our doctors will treat your foot and ankle needs.

How to Prevent Running Injuries

There are a lot of mistakes a runner can make prior to a workout that can induce injury. A lot of athletes tend to overstretch before running, instead of saving those workouts for a post-run routine. Deep lunges and hand-to-toe hamstring pulls should be performed after a workout instead of during a warmup. Another common mistake is jumping into an intense routine before your body is physically prepared for it. You should try to ease your way into long-distance running instead of forcing yourself to rush into it.

More Tips for Preventing Injury

• Incorporate Strength Training into Workouts - This will help improve the body’s overall athleticism
• Improve and Maintain Your Flexibility – Stretching everyday will help improve overall performance
• “Warm Up” Before Running and “Cool Down” Afterward – A warm up of 5-10 minutes helps get rid of lactic acid in the muscles and prevents delayed muscle soreness
• Cross-Training is Crucial
• Wear Proper Running Shoes
• Have a Formal Gait Analysis – Poor biomechanics can easily cause injury

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

Morton’s neuroma is a benign foot condition that causes pain between the third and fourth toes. Wearing tight shoes, such as high heels, may cause the nerve between these two toes to become compressed or irritated, which may cause pain and discomfort. Some patients explain the sensation of Morton’s neuroma as stepping on a marble or small rock stuck inside their shoe. Some also say it feels like pins and needles. Relief may come from wearing custom-made orthotics, in addition to performing stretches to help strengthen the foot. In severe cases, surgery may be necessary to remove the affected nerve for permanent healing. If you have pain in this part of your foot, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist who can effectively diagnose and treat Morton’s neuroma.

Morton’s neuroma is a very uncomfortable condition to live with. If you think you have Morton’s neuroma, contact one of our podiatrists of JB Jenkins & Associates. Our doctors will attend to all of your foot care needs and answer any of your related questions.  

Morton’s Neuroma

Morton's neuroma is a painful foot condition that commonly affects the areas between the second and third or third and fourth toe, although other areas of the foot are also susceptible. Morton’s neuroma is caused by an inflamed nerve in the foot that is being squeezed and aggravated by surrounding bones.

What Increases the Chances of Having Morton’s Neuroma?

• Ill-fitting high heels or shoes that add pressure to the toe or foot
• Jogging, running or any sport that involves constant impact to the foot
• Flat feet, bunions, and any other foot deformities

Morton’s neuroma is a very treatable condition. Orthotics and shoe inserts can often be used to alleviate the pain on the forefront of the feet. In more severe cases, corticosteroids can also be prescribed. In order to figure out the best treatment for your neuroma, it’s recommended to seek the care of a podiatrist who can diagnose your condition and provide different treatment options.

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

Stretching the feet can be important for a number of different reasons. First, stretching the feet strengthens the muscles in the feet, making them stronger and more resilient. Second, stretching the feet can also improve one’s stability and mobility. Stretching the feet can be accomplished in many different settings, and yoga is one important way. While standing up straight on a yoga mat, an individual can stretch their toes by placing them against a yoga block. Alternatively, a person might stretch their toes while on a mat by placing them on top of a tennis ball. Another important yoga stretch that incorporates the feet is by sitting on one’s knees and tucking the toes under, so that the toes are stretched out onto the yoga mat. If you are someone that wants to perform more foot stretches as part of your daily routine, consider taking up yoga. It is suggested to contact a podiatrist for more information.

Stretching the feet is a great way to prevent injuries. If you have any concerns with your feet consult with one of our podiatrists from JB Jenkins & Associates. Our doctors will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

Stretching the Feet

Being the backbone of the body, the feet carry your entire weight and can easily become overexerted, causing cramps and pain. As with any body part, stretching your feet can serve many benefits. From increasing flexibility to even providing some pain relief, be sure to give your feet a stretch from time to time. This is especially important for athletes or anyone performing aerobic exercises, but anyone experiencing foot pain or is on their feet constantly should also engage in this practice.

Great ways to stretch your feet:

• Crossing one leg over the others and carefully pull your toes back. Do 10-20 repetitions and repeat the process for each foot
• Face a wall with your arms out and hands flat against the wall. Step back with one foot and keep it flat on the floor while moving the other leg forward. Lean towards the wall until you feel a stretch. Hold for 30 seconds and perform 10 repetitions for each foot
• Be sure not to overextend or push your limbs too hard or you could risk pulling or straining your muscle

Individuals who tend to their feet by regular stretching every day should be able to minimize foot pain and prevent new problems from arising.

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