As infants and toddlers grow, their feet go through various developmental stages that require different types of footwear. In the early stages, when babies are crawling and shuffling, barefoot is often best as it allows for natural movement. However, if footwear for your child is necessary for protection, their shoes should be soft, flexible, and roomy to accommodate delicate feet. Pre-walking shoes offer gentle support and protection while still allowing for free movement of the toes and heels. As toddlers begin to walk independently, they will need more structured shoes for support, especially as they spend more time on their feet. At this stage, it is important to focus on fit, as poorly fitting shoes can cause discomfort, even though toddlers may not be able to communicate this. When children reach the toddler and preschool stages, they require footwear that promotes coordination and accommodates their growing feet. For guidance on the kind of shoes needed for your child, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for expert advice and guidance.

The health of a child’s feet is vital to their overall well-being. If you have any questions regarding foot health, contact one of our podiatrists of Cleveland Foot & Ankle Clinic. Our doctors 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 Cleveland, Independence, and Kent, OH . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Foot arches play a vital role in balance, movement, and shock absorption. There are three main types, which are high arches, or pes cavus, flat feet, also called pes planus, and normal arches. Each type affects how the foot functions and bears weight. Weak or imbalanced arches can lead to discomfort or injury. Arch strengthening exercises such as arch lifts, heel raises, and towel pickups can help improve stability and support. A podiatrist can assess your arch type, recommend custom orthotics, and guide you through exercises tailored to your needs. If you experience foot fatigue, imbalance, or pain, it is suggested that you seek professional help from a podiatrist who can guide you on a custom plan to strengthen your arches and promote long-term foot health and comfort.

Exercising your feet regularly with the proper foot wear is a great way to prevent injuries and build strength. If you have any concerns about your feet, contact one of our podiatrists from Cleveland Foot & Ankle Clinic. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Exercise for Your Feet

Exercise for your feet can help you gain strength, mobility and flexibility in your feet. They say that strengthening your feet can be just as rewarding as strengthening another part of the body. Your feet are very important, and we often forget about them in our daily tasks. But it is because of our feet that are we able to get going and do what we need to. For those of us fortunate enough to not have any foot problems, it is an important gesture to take care of them to ensure good health in the long run.

Some foot health exercises can include ankle pumps, tip-toeing, toe rises, lifting off the floor doing reps and sets, and flexing the toes. It is best to speak with Our doctors to determine an appropriate regimen for your needs. Everyone’s needs and bodies are different, and the activities required to maintain strength in the feet vary from individual to individual. 

Once you get into a routine of doing regular exercise, you may notice a difference in your feet and how strong they may become.

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

Working in construction exposes your feet to heavy equipment, sharp debris, and uneven surfaces, making foot protection essential. Wearing high-quality steel-toe boots, slip-resistant soles, and cushioned insoles helps prevent injuries, blisters, and long-term strain. Proper hygiene and moisture control are also key to avoiding infections and skin conditions. A podiatrist can evaluate foot pain, provide custom orthotics, and treat injuries to ensure you stay safe and mobile on the job. Ignoring foot discomfort can lead to chronic issues that affect work performance and quality of life. If you have endured a foot injury, it is suggested that you schedule a visit with a podiatrist who can treat various foot conditions, keeping your feet healthy and strong throughout your construction career.

While working on the feet, it is important to take the proper care of them. For more information about working on your feet, contact one of our podiatrists from Cleveland Foot & Ankle Clinic. Our doctors will treat your foot and ankle needs.

Working on Your Feet

Standing on your feet for long periods of time can cause stress and pain in your feet. Your whole body may experience change in terms of posture, back pain, bunions, callouses and or plantar warts. There are ways to avoid these conditions with proper foot care, smart choices and correct posture.

Positive Changes

Negative heeled shoe – Choosing this shoe type places the heel slightly lower than the ball of the foot. These are great for overall foot health. Find shoes that fit you correctly.

Go barefoot – Our feet were not designed to be enclosed for all hours of the day. Try to periodically expose your feet to air.

Eliminate Pain

Foot Exercises – Performing simple exercises, incorporating yoga and doing stretches are beneficial. This will allow increased blood flow to the area and muscles of the foot.

Achilles tendon – Stretching the foot out flat on the floor will relax the calf muscles and tendon. These exercises can be performed almost anywhere. Make sure you add these exercises to your daily regimen. 

With a little bit of this information and knowing more about foot health, you will notice changes. Foot stretches and proper footwear will help with pain and prevent further issues.

If you have any questions please contact our offices located in Cleveland, Independence, and Kent, OH . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.