Items filtered by date: July 2025

Children may not always be able to explain what hurts, but changes in how they walk, run, or play can signal that something is wrong. Foot pain in children can come from several causes, including growth plate irritation, flat feet, or overuse from sports. Some may develop heel pain linked to rapid growth, while others may complain of aches in the arch or ball of the foot. Wearing ill-fitting shoes, tight muscles, or minor injuries can also lead to discomfort. Often, kids will try to avoid activities they once enjoyed or begin limping without a clear reason. Since early foot issues can affect development and posture, it is important not to overlook these signs. If your child is showing signs of foot discomfort or walking differently than usual, it is suggested that you see a podiatrist to determine what may be causing the issue, and how to best treat it.

The health of a child’s feet is vital to their overall well-being. If you have any questions regarding foot health, contact Alice Kim, DPM of 101 Foot and Ankle. Our doctor 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 Camarillo, CA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

The health of your feet can often reflect what is happening elsewhere in the body. Certain medical conditions that affect multiple systems can also cause foot-related symptoms. Diabetes is one of the most well-known, often leading to nerve damage, circulation problems, and delayed healing. Autoimmune diseases such as lupus or rheumatoid arthritis can cause joint pain, swelling, and changes in foot structure. Kidney or liver disease may lead to fluid retention, causing swelling in the feet and ankles. Additionally, neurological disorders can affect muscle control and sensation, sometimes leading to imbalance or unusual wear on the feet. Even conditions like peripheral artery disease or thyroid dysfunction may contribute to discomfort or changes in the appearance of the feet. Paying attention to new or ongoing symptoms can help with early detection of a broader issue. If your feet are showing signs of an underlying condition, it is suggested that you speak with a podiatrist for further guidance and care.

When dealing with systemic disease of the feet, it is extremely important to check the affected areas routinely so that any additional problems are caught quickly.  If you have any concerns about your feet and ankles contact Alice Kim, DPM from 101 Foot and Ankle. Our doctor will assist you with all of your podiatric needs.

Systemic Diseases of the Feet

Systemic diseases affect the whole body, and symptoms usually are displayed in the feet. This condition can make a patient’s ability to walk unbearable.  Systemic diseases include gout, diabetes mellitus, neurological disorders, and arthritis.

Gout – is caused by an excess of uric acid in the body. Common symptoms include pain, inflammation, and redness at the metatarsal/phalangeal joint of the base big toe. Gout can be treated by NSAIDs to relieve pain and inflammation, and other drugs that lower the acid levels in the body.

Diabetes mellitus – is an increase in the level of blood sugar that the body cannot counteract with its own insulin. Failure to produce enough insulin is a factor in Diabetes.

Diabetes of the Feet

Diabetic Neuropathy – may lead to damaged nerves and affect the feet through numbness and loss of sensation.

Peripheral Vascular Disease – can restrict the blood flow to the feet, and often times lead to amputation of the feet. 

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

Hammertoe is a deformity where the toe becomes bent at the middle joint, causing pain, corns, and difficulty wearing shoes. It often results from muscle imbalance, wearing ill-fitting footwear, trauma, or genetic factors. Risk of developing a hammertoe increases with age, arthritis, and certain foot shapes. When conservative treatments no longer relieve discomfort, surgery may be necessary to realign the toe and restore function. Recovery time varies but often includes rest, limited activity, and wearing special footwear until healing is complete. A podiatrist evaluates the severity of the deformity, guides the surgical plan, and supports rehabilitation for optimal results. If you experience persistent pain or difficulty walking due to hammertoe, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist to discuss your treatment options.

Foot surgery is sometimes necessary to treat a foot ailment. To learn more, contact Alice Kim, DPM of 101 Foot and Ankle. 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 office located in Camarillo, CA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.