The process of learning to walk is a significant milestone in a child's foot development, marking the transition from dependency to independence. As infants, babies typically begin to explore their surroundings by lifting their heads, rolling over, and eventually crawling. Over time, they develop the strength and coordination needed to pull themselves up and stand with support. As they gain confidence and stability, they take their first tentative steps, often holding onto furniture or caregivers for balance. With practice and encouragement, children gradually refine their walking skills, progressing from unsteady toddling to confident, independent walking. Along the way, they learn to coordinate their movements, maintain balance, and navigate obstacles in their environment. Walking not only facilitates physical exploration but also fosters cognitive and social development, enabling children to engage more actively with their surroundings and interact with others. If your child is delayed in walking, it is suggested that you confer with a podiatrist who can address any concerns you may have.

Making sure that your children maintain good foot health is very important as they grow. If you have any questions, contact Glenn Aufseeser, DPM of Lakewood 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 Lakewood and Manchester Township, NJ . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Bunionettes, also known as tailor's bunions, are bony bumps that develop on the outside of the foot, near the base of the pinky toe. Understanding the definition and underlying causes of these foot deformities is vital for effective management and prevention. Essentially, a bunionette forms when the bone at the base of the fifth toe protrudes outward, often accompanied by the misalignment of the toe joint. This condition is primarily attributed to structural imbalances in the foot, including inherited foot shapes, abnormal foot mechanics, or wearing narrow shoes that compress the toes. Over time, pressure and friction on the affected area can exacerbate the deformity, leading to pain, inflammation, and difficulty wearing certain footwear. While bunions and bunionettes share similar characteristics, they affect different areas of the foot. Bunionettes typically develop on the outer edge of the foot, whereas bunions occur at the base of the big toe. If you have developed a bunion or bunionette, it is suggested that you visit a podiatrist who can determine what the best course of treatment is for you.

If you are suffering from bunion pain, contact Glenn Aufseeser, DPM of Lakewood Foot and Ankle Specialists. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

What Is a Bunion?

Bunions are painful bony bumps that usually develop on the inside of the foot at the joint of the big toe. As the deformity increases over time, it may become painful to walk and wear shoes. Women are more likely to exacerbate existing bunions since they often wear tight, narrow shoes that shift their toes together. Bunion pain can be relieved by wearing wider shoes with enough room for the toes.

Causes

• Genetics – some people inherit feet that are more prone to bunion development
• Inflammatory Conditions - rheumatoid arthritis and polio may cause bunion development

Symptoms

• Redness and inflammation
• Pain and tenderness
• Callus or corns on the bump
• Restricted motion in the big toe

In order to diagnose your bunion, your podiatrist may ask about your medical history, symptoms, and general health. Your doctor might also order an x-ray to take a closer look at your feet. Nonsurgical treatment options include orthotics, padding, icing, changes in footwear, and medication. If nonsurgical treatments don’t alleviate your bunion pain, surgery may be necessary.

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

Gout, often characterized by sudden and intense joint pain, is a type of inflammatory arthritis that predominantly affects men. This condition occurs when uric acid levels in the blood become elevated, leading to the formation of urate crystals in the joints. Men are more susceptible to gout than women, with the risk increasing with age. Several factors contribute to this gender disparity, including hormonal differences, genetic predisposition, and lifestyle factors such as diet and alcohol consumption. The symptoms of gout typically appear in the joint of the big toe, causing swelling, redness, and extreme pain, although other joints may also be affected. Beyond the physical discomfort, gout can have a significant impact on quality of life, leading to decreased mobility, increased risk of disability, and psychological distress. Managing gout involves a combination of medication, lifestyle modifications, and dietary changes aimed at reducing uric acid levels and preventing recurrent attacks. If you have experienced one or more gout attacks, it is suggested that you are under the care of a podiatrist who can help you manage this condition.

Gout is a painful condition that can be treated. If you are seeking treatment, contact Glenn Aufseeser, DPM from Lakewood Foot and Ankle Specialists. Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.

What Is Gout?

Gout is a form of arthritis that is characterized by sudden, severe attacks of pain, redness, and tenderness in the joints. The condition usually affects the joint at the base of the big toe. A gout attack can occur at any random time, such as the middle of the night while you are asleep.

Symptoms

• Intense Joint Pain - Usually around the large joint of your big toe, and it most severe within the first four to twelve hours
• Lingering Discomfort - Joint discomfort may last from a few days to a few weeks
• Inflammation and Redness -Affected joints may become swollen, tender, warm and red
• Limited Range of Motion - May experience a decrease in joint mobility

Risk Factors

• Genetics - If family members have gout, you’re more likely to have it
• Medications - Diuretic medications can raise uric acid levels
• Gender/Age - Gout is more common in men until the age of 60. It is believed that estrogen protects women until that point
• Diet - Eating red meat and shellfish increases your risk
• Alcohol - Having more than two alcoholic drinks per day increases your risk
• Obesity - Obese people are at a higher risk for gout

Prior to visiting your podiatrist to receive treatment for gout, there are a few things you should do beforehand. If you have gout you should write down your symptoms--including when they started and how often you experience them, important medical information you may have, and any questions you may have. Writing down these three things will help your podiatrist in assessing your specific situation so that he or she may provide the best route of treatment for you.

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