Choosing shoes for a toddler is an important step because their feet are still developing and the bones are soft. Bare feet at home help new walkers learn balance, but shoes for outdoors are needed to protect the feet from rough or cold ground. When selecting shoes for a toddler, look for soft materials, flexible soles, and fastenings that hold the foot securely without squeezing the toes. There should be enough space at the front for toes to move and spread, and the heel should not slip. Canvas, cotton, or leather help keep the feet cool, while synthetic materials can trap moisture. Your toddler’s shoes should be checked frequently because their feet grow quickly and tighter shoes can inhibit normal foot growth. A podiatrist can evaluate your toddler’s feet and offer advice on proper fit. For help in selecting the proper footwear for a toddler or to address any existing foot problems, it is suggested that you schedule  an appointment with a podiatrist for a diagnosis and  appropriate treatment.

Making sure that your children maintain good foot health is very important as they grow. If you have any questions, contact David Lambarski, DPM of Northeast Foot Care. 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 Amsterdam and Clifton Park, NY . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Newborn feet can look unusual at first, and much of this comes from how the baby was positioned in the womb. Some infants have feet that curve inward, called metatarsus adductus, which often improves naturally as they begin to move and grow. Others may appear flat-footed because the arch has not yet formed. Occasionally, a foot may point upward or downward due to soft tissues still adjusting after birth. Most of these early differences resolve over time with gentle movement and normal development, but some may benefit from closer observation. A podiatrist can evaluate flexibility, check alignment, and offer guidance to support healthy growth. If your newborn’s feet look unusual or if you notice little improvement as they grow, it is suggested that you see a podiatrist for proper evaluation and reassurance.

Congenital foot problems require immediate attention to avoid future complications. If you have any concerns, contact David Lambarski, DPM of Northeast Foot Care. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Congenital foot problems are deformities affecting the feet, toes, and/or ankles that children are born with. Some of these conditions have a genetic cause while others just happen. Some specific foot ailments that children may be born with include clubfeet, polydactyly/macrodactyly, and cleft foot. There are several other foot anomalies that can occur congenitally. What all of these conditions have in common is that a child may experience difficulty walking or performing everyday activities, as well as trouble finding footwear that fits their foot deformity. Some of these conditions are more serious than others. Consulting with a podiatrist as early as possible will help in properly diagnosing a child’s foot condition while getting the necessary treatment underway.

What are Causes of Congenital Foot Problem?

A congenital foot problem is one that happens to a child at birth. These conditions can be caused by a genetic predisposition, developmental or positional abnormalities during gestation, or with no known cause.

What are Symptoms of Congenital Foot Problems?

Symptoms vary by the congenital condition. Symptoms may consist of the following:

• Clubfoot, where tendons are shortened, bones are shaped differently, and the Achilles tendon is tight, causing the foot to point in and down. It is also possible for the soles of the feet to face each other.
• Polydactyly, which usually consists of a nubbin or small lump of tissue without a bone, a toe that is partially formed but has no joints, or an extra toe.
• Vertical talus, where the talus bone forms in the wrong position causing other bones in the foot to line up improperly, the front of the foot to point up, and the bottom of the foot to stiffen, with no arch, and to curve out.
• Tarsal coalition, when there is an abnormal connection of two or more bones in the foot leading to severe, rigid flatfoot.
• Cleft foot, where there are missing toes, a V-shaped cleft, and other anatomical differences.
• Macrodactyly, when the toes are abnormally large due to overgrowth of the underlying bone or soft tissue.

Treatment and Prevention

While there is nothing one can do to prevent congenital foot problems, raising awareness and receiving neonatal screenings are important. Early detection by taking your child to a podiatrist leads to the best outcome possible.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our offices located in Amsterdam and Clifton Park, NY . 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 on the feet. It is often caused by exposure to fungi found in warm, moist environments, such as public showers, locker rooms, or sweaty shoes. It may look like red, scaly patches, peeling skin, or small blisters, often appearing between the toes or on the soles of the feet. Many individuals experience itching, burning, or stinging sensations, and in severe cases the skin may crack or bleed, increasing the risk of a secondary infection. Athlete’s foot is highly contagious and can spread to other parts of the body or to other individuals through direct contact or shared surfaces. A podiatrist can help by examining the affected areas to confirm the diagnosis and rule out other skin conditions. Treatment may include topical or oral antifungal medications, proper foot hygiene, and advice on footwear to reduce moisture and prevent recurrence. Early intervention relieves discomfort and helps stop the spread of infection. If you notice persistent itching, redness, or peeling on your feet, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist.

Athlete’s Foot

Athlete’s foot is often an uncomfortable condition to experience. Thankfully, podiatrists specialize in treating athlete’s foot and offer the best treatment options. If you have any questions about athlete’s foot, consult with David Lambarski, DPM from Northeast Foot Care. Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality treatment.

What Is Athlete’s Foot?

Tinea pedis, more commonly known as athlete’s foot, is a non-serious and common fungal infection of the foot. Athlete’s foot is contagious and can be contracted by touching someone who has it or infected surfaces. The most common places contaminated by it are public showers, locker rooms, and swimming pools. Once contracted, it grows on feet that are left inside moist, dark, and warm shoes and socks.

Prevention

The most effective ways to prevent athlete’s foot include:

• Thoroughly washing and drying feet
• Avoid going barefoot in locker rooms and public showers
• Using shower shoes in public showers
• Wearing socks that allow the feet to breathe
• Changing socks and shoes frequently if you sweat a lot

Symptoms

Athlete’s foot initially occurs as a rash between the toes. However, if left undiagnosed, it can spread to the sides and bottom of the feet, toenails, and if touched by hand, the hands themselves. Symptoms include:

• Redness
• Burning
• Itching
• Scaly and peeling skin

Diagnosis and Treatment

Diagnosis is quick and easy. Skin samples will be taken and either viewed under a microscope or sent to a lab for testing. Sometimes, a podiatrist can diagnose it based on simply looking at it. Once confirmed, treatment options include oral and topical antifungal medications.

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

An avulsion fracture occurs when a small piece of bone is pulled away by a tendon or ligament after a sudden force or twisting motion. In the foot, these injuries can affect several areas. The most frequent type involves the fifth metatarsal, located on the outer edge of the foot, often resulting from rolling the ankle outward. The calcaneus, or heel bone, can also experience an avulsion fracture at the back where the Achilles tendon attaches. Less common sites include the cuboid, navicular, and talus bones, where strong tendons can pull off small bone fragments during intense movements. Symptoms of avulsion fractures include swelling, bruising, and pain that worsens with walking or bearing weight. A podiatrist can diagnose the specific fracture location using imaging and determine whether immobilization or surgery is necessary to restore alignment and prevent chronic pain. If you have unexplained foot pain, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist for a diagnosis and suggested treatment.

A broken foot requires immediate medical attention and treatment. If you need your feet checked, contact David Lambarski, DPM from Northeast Foot Care. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Broken Foot Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment

A broken foot is caused by one of the bones in the foot typically breaking when bended, crushed, or stretched beyond its natural capabilities. Usually the location of the fracture indicates how the break occurred, whether it was through an object, fall, or any other type of injury. 

Common Symptoms of Broken Feet:

• Bruising
• Pain
• Redness
• Swelling
• Blue in color
• Numbness
• Cold
• Misshapen
• Cuts
• Deformities

Those that suspect they have a broken foot shoot seek urgent medical attention where a medical professional could diagnose the severity.

Treatment for broken bones varies depending on the cause, severity and location. Some will require the use of splints, casts or crutches while others could even involve surgery to repair the broken bones. Personal care includes the use of ice and keeping the foot stabilized and elevated.

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