Foot pain in children can happen for many reasons, including activity, injury, or an underlying foot problem. Common symptoms are aching, tenderness, or pain after sports. Children may also complain that their feet feel tired or hurt while walking. Foot pain can affect the heel, arch, or ankle, depending on the cause.

Several types of foot pain can affect children. Blisters and pressure spots may develop when shoes rub the skin. Sprains can happen during play. Flat feet, heel pain, and problems with foot alignment may also cause discomfort. Risk factors include high activity levels, previous injuries, and structural differences. Children may not always explain pain clearly, so parents should watch for changes in walking, frequent shoe removal, or avoiding activities.

Proper footwear can help protect growing feet during everyday activities. Shoes should provide enough room for toes without allowing the foot to slide inside. A supportive heel counter can improve stability, while flexible materials allow comfortable movement. Good cushioning can reduce pressure during walking and sports. Children often react quickly when shoes feel uncomfortable. They may complain, remove their shoes, or refuse to wear them. Parents should take these reactions seriously and check for tight areas, rubbing, or worn-out soles.

When foot pain continues, a podiatrist can examine the child's feet, walking pattern, and footwear. The evaluation may include checking alignment, range of motion, and signs of injury. Treatment depends on the cause and may include activity changes, supportive shoes, or care for an injury. A podiatrist can also recommend footwear and monitor healing. If your child has foot pain, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist for effective relief tips, and additional guidance on how to know if your child’s shoes are comfortable.

The health of a child’s feet is vital to their overall well-being. If you have any questions regarding foot health, contact Troy Fowler, DPM of Foot & Ankle Medical Center . Our practitioner 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 offices located in Nampa and Fruitland, ID . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Athlete’s foot is a fungal infection that affects the skin of the feet. It often begins between the toes, where moisture can become trapped. The infection may cause itching between the toes, burning, or irritation. Red patches of skin may also develop as the infection progresses. Some people notice cracked or peeling skin that can become sore. Symptoms may affect one or both feet, and become more noticeable after wearing shoes.

Athlete’s foot is caused by fungi called dermatophytes. They thrive in warm, damp environments and can spread through contact with infected skin or contaminated surfaces. Locker rooms and shared shower and pool areas can provide conditions where the fungus spreads easily. Wearing damp socks or shoes for extended periods can also encourage fungal growth. The infection can spread when feet remain moist after bathing.

Certain factors can increase the risk of developing athlete’s foot. People who use communal showers or locker rooms may have greater exposure to the fungus. Wearing tight or poorly ventilated footwear can trap heat and moisture around the feet. Heavy sweating can create another favorable environment for fungal growth. A weakened immune system may also increase susceptibility. Scratches or small breaks in the skin can give fungi an easier way to enter.

A podiatrist can examine the skin and determine whether athlete’s foot is causing your symptoms. If the diagnosis is uncertain, a small skin sample may be examined for fungus. Treatment may include an antifungal medication and guidance on keeping the feet clean and dry. Your podiatrist may also recommend changing socks regularly and allowing shoes to dry between uses. Additionally, avoiding shared towels can help reduce spreading. If you have symptoms of athlete’s foot, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can accurately diagnose and treat this condition, which may include prescribed medication.

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 Troy Fowler, DPM from Foot & Ankle Medical Center .  Our practitioner 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 offices located in Nampa and Fruitland, ID . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Thick toenails can become uncomfortable inside shoes and difficult to trim. The nail may turn yellow, brown, or white. It can develop ridges, crumble at the edges, or lift away from the skin beneath it. A  fungal toenail infection is one possible cause. The fungus grows in warm, moist places and can enter through a crack in the nail or skin. Thickening can also result from repeated pressure, an earlier injury, or psoriasis, which is a condition that causes inflamed, scaly skin. Some patients notice little discomfort at first, but the nail can press against the shoe and cause pain while walking.

A thick toenail does not always mean that fungus is present. Aging, poor circulation, and long-term health conditions can also change nail growth. For this reason, an accurate diagnosis is important before treatment begins. A podiatrist can examine the nail, surrounding skin, and toes. A nail clipping or sample from beneath the nail can be tested for fungus. The examination can reveal pressure from a poorly fitting shoe or signs of another foot problem. Patients with diabetes or reduced circulation should seek prompt care because even a minor nail injury can raise the risk of infection.

Treatment depends on the cause and severity of the thickening. A podiatrist can safely trim and thin the nail to reduce pressure and make shoes more comfortable. Care for a fungal infection includes a treatment plan based on test results and the patient's health. Because toenails grow slowly, improvement can take several months and follow-up visits can help track progress. A podiatrist may also suggest roomier shoes, protective padding, or professional nail care. In severe cases, removing part or all of the damaged nail may be considered. Prompt attention can prevent increased pain, skin irritation, and difficulty with walking. If you have developed thick toenails that are causing discomfort, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for a diagnosis and appropriate treatment.

For more information about treatment, contact Troy Fowler, DPM of Foot & Ankle Medical Center . Our practitioner can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Toenail Fungus Treatment

Toenail fungus is a condition that affects many people and can be especially hard to get rid of. Fortunately, there are several methods to go about treating and avoiding it.

Antifungals & Deterrence

Oral antifungal medicine has been shown to be effective in many cases. It is important to consult with a podiatrist to determine the proper regiment for you, or potentially explore other options.

Applying foot powder on the feet and shoes helps keep the feet free of moisture and sweat.

Sandals or open toed shoes – Wearing these will allow air movement and help keep feet dry. They also expose your feet to light, which fungus cannot tolerate. Socks with moisture wicking material also help as well.

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

Running is a great way to stay active, but repeated stress on the feet and legs can increase the risk of injury. Runners of all experience levels can develop problems, especially when training intensity rises too quickly. Overuse injuries are particularly common because repetitive running places continued stress on muscles, tendons, and bones. Stress fractures can develop in the foot or lower leg from repeated pounding and continuing to run through early pain. Gradually increasing mileage and pace can help the body adjust to the demands of running while reducing unnecessary strain.

A well-planned training schedule plays an important role in running-injury prevention. Alternating shorter and longer mileage days can reduce repetitive stress, while avoiding constant training on hills or uneven surfaces may also lower injury risk. Rest days are important because excessive training does not allow enough time for recovery. Running mechanics also matter. Poor form during long-distance running may increase the chance of repeated injuries. Strength throughout the legs, hips, and core can support better running performance and help protect the body from injury. Pain that continues while walking or does not improve with rest should be evaluated by a podiatrist.

Foot and ankle health are especially important for runners because these areas repeatedly absorb force with every step. A podiatrist can evaluate running-related foot pain and look for problems that may affect movement or increase injury risk. An assessment can help identify concerns involving foot mechanics and determine whether an injury needs further treatment. Seeking podiatry care early may also prevent a minor running injury from becoming a more serious problem. This is especially important for persistent pain that affects walking or normal activity. If foot or ankle pain is interfering with your running or continuing between workouts, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist for an evaluation and appropriate treatment options.

Exercising your feet regularly with the proper foot wear is a great way to prevent injuries. If you have any concerns about your feet, contact Troy Fowler, DPM of Foot & Ankle Medical Center . Our practitioner will treat your foot and ankle needs.

How to Prevent Running Injuries

Many common running injuries are caused by overuse and overtraining. When the back of the kneecap starts wearing out and starts causing pain in your knee, this is commonly referred to as runner’s knee. Runner’s knee is a decrease in strength in your quadriceps and can occur if you’re not wearing properly fitted or supporting shoes. To prevent runner’s knee, focusing on hip strengthening is a good idea, as well as strengthening your quads to keep the kneecaps aligned.

What Are Some Causes of Running Injuries? 
- One cause of a common running injury is called iliotibial band syndrome.
- Plantar fasciitis is also another common injury.
- Stress fractures can occur from overtraining, lack of calcium, or even your running style.

Best Ways to Prevent Running Injuries
- Wear footwear that fits properly and suits your running needs.
- Running shoes are the only protective gear that runners have to safeguard them from injury.
- Make a training schedule. Adding strengthening exercises as well as regular stretching can help keep you strong and limber and can lessen the possibility of injuries.
- Stretching keeps muscles limber; this will help you gain better flexibility.

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