Idiopathic toe walking is a phenomenon where children habitually walk on their toes without any underlying medical condition or known cause. While toe walking is common in toddlers who are learning to walk, persistent toe walking beyond the age of three without any identifiable cause can be a cause for concern. Children with idiopathic toe walking typically walk on their toes with their heels off the ground during most or all of their walking activities. This behavior can affect their balance, coordination, and overall motor development. While the exact cause of idiopathic toe walking remains unclear, it is believed to involve a combination of factors including tightness in the calf muscles, sensory processing issues, or developmental delays. Early intervention is vital in addressing idiopathic toe walking and preventing potential complications such as muscle stiffness or contractions. Treatment may involve specific stretches that can strengthen the calf muscles, orthotic devices to encourage heel contact, and monitoring to track developmental progress and address any underlying issues. If your child has this condition, it is strongly suggested that you seek the advice of a podiatrist who can guide you toward appropriate treatment measures.

Making sure that your children maintain good foot health is very important as they grow. If you have any questions, contact Pasquale Cancelliere, DPM of Candria Foot and Ankle Specialists. 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 offices located in Londonderry, NH and Salem, NH . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Gout is a type of arthritis notorious for its sudden and excruciating pain. Gout typically targets one joint at a time, and commonly strikes in the big toe joint. Flares, which are periods of intense symptoms, alternate with remission phases. The primary culprit behind gout is an excess of uric acid in the body, which forms crystals that accumulate in joints, fluids, and tissues, sparking inflammation. While gout has no cure, it can be effectively managed with medication and certain lifestyle adjustments. Diagnosis by a podiatrist usually occurs during a flare up, involving symptom assessment, physical examination, and lab tests to detect uric acid crystals. Seeking diagnosis and treatment from a podiatrist is important due to gout’s nonspecific symptoms that resemble other inflammatory disorders. Treatment typically involves pain management during flare ups with nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, NSAIDs, or colchicine. Other preventive measures can include dietary changes to eliminate foods rich in purines and weight management to reduce future attacks and complications. If you are experiencing symptoms like sudden joint pain or swelling, especially in the big toe, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist.

Gout is a foot condition that requires certain treatment and care. If you are seeking treatment, contact Pasquale Cancelliere, DPM from Candria Foot and Ankle Specialists. Our doctor 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 Londonderry, NH and Salem, NH . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Severe ankle sprains that do not respond well to conservative treatment methods, such as rest and elevation, may require surgical intervention to restore stability and function to the ankle. A podiatrist, or foot doctor, might suggest surgical procedures like arthroscopy, where a small camera and instruments are inserted through tiny incisions to visualize, diagnose, and repair damage to the ligaments inside the ankle. Severe tearing of the ligaments may require reconstructive surgery, which involves replacing the damaged ligament with a tendon graft taken from another part of the body or using synthetic materials to stabilize the ankle. These surgical options aim to alleviate pain, restore stability, and prevent chronic issues such as ankle instability or recurrent sprains. Post-surgery, a rehabilitation program with targeted exercises to strengthen the muscles around the ankle is important. This helps patients who have undergone ankle surgery regain full mobility and recover successfully. If you have a sprained ankle, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist promptly for proper care. 

Foot surgery is sometimes necessary to treat a foot ailment. To learn more, contact Pasquale Cancelliere, DPM of Candria Foot and Ankle Specialists. Our doctor will assist you with all of your foot and ankle needs.

When Is Surgery Necessary?

Foot and ankle surgery is generally reserved for cases in which less invasive, conservative procedures have failed to alleviate the problem. Some of the cases in which surgery may be necessary include:

• Removing foot deformities like bunions and bone spurs
• Severe arthritis that has caused bone issues
• Cosmetic reconstruction

What Types of Surgery Are There?

The type of surgery you receive will depend on the nature of the problem you have. Some of the possible surgeries include:

• Bunionectomy for painful bunions
• Surgical fusion for realignment of bones
• Neuropathy decompression surgery to treat nerve damage

Benefits of Surgery

Although surgery is usually a last resort, it can provide more complete pain relief compared to non-surgical methods and may allow you to finally resume full activity.

Surgical techniques have also become increasingly sophisticated. Techniques like endoscopic surgery allow for smaller incisions and faster recovery times.

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

Working on your feet for extended periods can pose significant health risks. While physical activity is generally beneficial, excessive standing or walking can lead to various health issues. Surprisingly, approximately 75 percent of the global population works on their feet, especially in industries like retail, hospitality, healthcare, and manufacturing. Prolonged standing can cause fatigue, joint pain, and musculoskeletal disorders, contributing to conditions like plantar fasciitis and Achilles tendonitis. Additionally, it increases the risk of developing foot problems, such as bunions, corns, and calluses. To mitigate these risks, it is important to prioritize foot health. Wearing supportive footwear, taking regular breaks to elevate and stretch the feet, and using cushioned mats can help alleviate discomfort. Furthermore, engaging in foot exercises and maintaining a healthy weight can reduce strain on the feet. If you spend most of your workday on your feet and have persistent foot pain or complications, it is suggested that you seek guidance from a podiatrist. This foot doctor can provide personalized recommendations and treatments to alleviate discomfort and prevent long-term damage.

While working on the feet, it is important to take the proper care of them. For more information about working on your feet, contact Pasquale Cancelliere, DPM from Candria Foot and Ankle Specialists. Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.

Working on Your Feet

Standing on your feet for long periods of time can cause stress and pain in your feet. Your whole body may experience change in terms of posture, back pain, bunions, callouses and or plantar warts. There are ways to avoid these conditions with proper foot care, smart choices and correct posture.

Positive Changes

Negative heeled shoe – Choosing this shoe type places the heel slightly lower than the ball of the foot. These are great for overall foot health. Find shoes that fit you correctly.

Go barefoot – Our feet were not designed to be enclosed for all hours of the day. Try to periodically expose your feet to air.

Eliminate Pain

Foot Exercises – Performing simple exercises, incorporating yoga and doing stretches are beneficial. This will allow increased blood flow to the area and muscles of the foot.

Achilles tendon – Stretching the foot out flat on the floor will relax the calf muscles and tendon. These exercises can be performed almost anywhere. Make sure you add these exercises to your daily regimen. 

With a little bit of this information and knowing more about foot health, you will notice changes. Foot stretches and proper footwear will help with pain and prevent further issues.

If you have any questions please contact our offices located in Londonderry, NH and Salem, NH . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.