Intoeing, commonly known as pigeon toes, is a condition where a child's feet turn inward instead of pointing straight ahead. This condition often appears in infants and young children and can involve one or both feet. In many cases, intoeing is due to natural variations in bone alignment and often improves as the child grows. For infants, the inward curve may be caused by a condition called metatarsus adductus, where the front part of the foot turns inward. As children get older, intoeing may be related to the twisting of the tibia, or shinbone, or the femur, or thighbone. While intoeing in children often resolves on its own without treatment, a podiatrist can evaluate the condition to determine if stretches, braces, or in rare cases, surgery may be required. Early consultation helps to ensure that your child's gait develops normally and prevents future complications. If your child is intoeing, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for an evaluation and treatment options.

The health of a child’s feet is vital to their overall well-being. If you have any questions regarding foot health, contact Gregory T. Loo, DPM of Elite Podiatry. 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 one of our offices located in Ahwatukee, and Phoenix, AZ . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

A bunion is a bony bump that forms at the base of the big toe, causing the toe to angle toward the second toe. This condition often leads to discomfort and changes in foot shape. Several factors contribute to the development of bunions, including genetic predisposition, wearing tight or ill-fitting shoes, and certain foot conditions such as flat feet. Signs of a bunion include redness, swelling, and pain surrounding the affected joint, particularly when wearing shoes. Individuals may also notice a visible bump on the side of the foot, which can become more pronounced over time. In some cases, the condition can lead to difficulty in walking or participating in physical activities. If you see the beginning signs of a bunion forming, it is suggested that you contact a podiatrist who can monitor its progression, and offer you relief tips.

If you are suffering from bunion pain, contact Gregory T. Loo, DPM of Elite Podiatry. 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 one of our offices located in Ahwatukee, and Phoenix, AZ . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Ankle pain can arise from various causes that affect your mobility and quality of life. Common sources of ankle pain include sprains, strains, fractures, and conditions like osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis. An ankle sprain occurs when the ligaments, which connect bones, are overstretched or torn. A strain involves damage to muscles or tendons in the ankle joint. Fractures are breaks in the bone, often resulting from trauma. Other causes, like gout or infections, can lead to severe swelling and pain. Flatfoot disorder and rheumatoid arthritis are also linked to ankle pain, often worsening over time. Managing ankle pain early is important to avoid further injury. A podiatrist can diagnose these conditions through physical exams and imaging studies, followed by a treatment plan to reduce pain and prevent complications. If you are suffering from ankle pain, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for a diagnosis and treatment.

Ankle pain can be caused by a number of problems and may be potentially serious. If you have ankle pain, consult with Gregory T. Loo, DPM from Elite Podiatry. Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

Ankle pain is any condition that causes pain in the ankle. Due to the fact that the ankle consists of tendons, muscles, bones, and ligaments, ankle pain can come from a number of different conditions.

Causes

The most common causes of ankle pain include:

• Types of arthritis (rheumatoid, osteoarthritis, and gout)
• Ankle sprains
• Broken ankles
• Achilles tendonitis
• Achilles tendon rupture
• Stress fractures
• Bursitis
• Tarsal tunnel syndrome
• Plantar fasciitis

Symptoms

Symptoms of ankle injury vary based upon the condition. Pain may include general pain and discomfort, swelling, aching, redness, bruising, burning or stabbing sensations, and/or loss of sensation.

Diagnosis

Due to the wide variety of potential causes of ankle pain, podiatrists will utilize a number of different methods to properly diagnose ankle pain. This can include asking for personal and family medical histories and of any recent injuries. Further diagnosis may include sensation tests, a physical examination, and potentially x-rays or other imaging tests.

Treatment

Just as the range of causes varies widely, so do treatments. Some more common treatments are rest, ice packs, keeping pressure off the foot, orthotics and braces, medication for inflammation and pain, and surgery.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact one of our offices located in Ahwatukee, and Phoenix, AZ . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Gout is a form of arthritis caused by the accumulation of uric acid crystals in the joints. It often affects the feet and results in severe pain, redness, swelling, and stiffness. Gout commonly affects the big toe, but it can also target the ankles and any of the many other foot joints. Gout can be triggered by a diet high in purines, which are found in red meats and certain seafood. Alcohol consumption, obesity, and certain medications are other common factors. People with a kidney condition or who take diuretics for blood pressure control are at a higher risk. During a gout flare-up, the affected area may become hot and extremely sensitive to touch, making everyday activities challenging. Although gout is not curable, it can be managed with the help of a podiatrist through guidance on minimizing future flare-ups. This may include addressing risk factors, such as dietary habits, and prescribing medication to lower uric acid levels. If you are experiencing flare ups of gout, 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 Gregory T. Loo, DPM from Elite Podiatry. 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 one of our offices located in Ahwatukee, and Phoenix, AZ . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Diabetic neuropathy is a common complication of diabetes that primarily affects the feet. It often starts with feelings of tingling, burning, or numbness. Over time, the damage to nerves can lead to decreased sensitivity. This makes it harder to notice cuts, blisters, or sores, which can later become infected if untreated. The lack of sensation from diabetic neuropathy can also alter how you walk, increases the risk of injuries, or may result in formation of foot ulcers. Untreated foot infections can worsen and may even lead to gangrene or limb loss. A podiatrist plays a key role in helping patients with diabetic neuropathy. This foot doctor can identify early symptoms, treat foot complications, and provide strategies to protect the feet from further damage. Regular checkups, foot exams, and proper foot care routines are essential for maintaining foot health and preventing serious issues. If you suffer from diabetic neuropathy, it is suggested that you schedule regular appointments with a podiatrist for exams and treatment.

Neuropathy

Neuropathy can be a potentially serious condition, especially if it is left undiagnosed. If you have any concerns that you may be experiencing nerve loss in your feet, consult with Gregory T. Loo, DPM from Elite Podiatry. Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment for neuropathy.

What Is Neuropathy?

Neuropathy is a condition that leads to damage to the nerves in the body. Peripheral neuropathy, or neuropathy that affects your peripheral nervous system, usually occurs in the feet. Neuropathy can be triggered by a number of different causes. Such causes include diabetes, infections, cancers, disorders, and toxic substances.

Symptoms of Neuropathy Include:

• Numbness
• Sensation loss
• Prickling and tingling sensations
• Throbbing, freezing, burning pains
• Muscle weakness

Those with diabetes are at serious risk due to being unable to feel an ulcer on their feet. Diabetics usually also suffer from poor blood circulation. This can lead to the wound not healing, infections occurring, and the limb may have to be amputated.

Treatment

To treat neuropathy in the foot, podiatrists will first diagnose the cause of the neuropathy. Figuring out the underlying cause of the neuropathy will allow the podiatrist to prescribe the best treatment, whether it be caused by diabetes, toxic substance exposure, infection, etc. If the nerve has not died, then it’s possible that sensation may be able to return to the foot.

Pain medication may be issued for pain. Electrical nerve stimulation can be used to stimulate nerves. If the neuropathy is caused from pressure on the nerves, then surgery may be necessary.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact one of our offices located in Ahwatukee, and Phoenix, AZ . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.