Kohler’s Disease, which typically occurs in children between 3 and 7 years of age, is a rare bone disease which affects the tarsal navicular bone in the foot. This boat-shaped bone connects the ankle with the lower bones in the feet. In Kohler’s Disease, this bone suddenly loses its blood supply causing it to degenerate. The child usually feels pain and tenderness along the arch and there may be swelling and redness. It is popularly believed that Kohler’s disease may be caused by strain or injury to the navicular and its blood vessels before the bone becomes completely hardened. The good news is that the navicular bone usually recovers and regains its density, size, and structure within time. However, until such time, the child may limp or walk on the side of the affected foot to compensate for the pain they experience while walking. A podiatrist can diagnose Kohler disease in your child and ease their pain with special supportive shoes and, or orthotics, casting, and pain relievers.

Making sure that your children maintain good foot health is very important as they grow. If you have any questions, contact Jeffrey L. Bober, DPM of Maryland. 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 office located in Glen Burnie, MD . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

In arthroscopic surgery, a small incision in the skin is made to allow a narrow instrument (arthroscope)—with a light and video camera attached—to be inserted into the ankle. The video from the camera transmits a signal to a large screen which the surgeon views to see and diagnose damage inside the ankle. The surgeon can look at this video to guide them during arthroscopic surgery, using tiny surgical instruments inserted through other small incisions. Arthroscopic ankle surgery can be used to restore damage to cartilage, remove bone spurs, scar tissue and debris, and treat certain conditions in the small area at the back of the ankle. Arthroscopic surgery offers shorter hospital stays and recovery time, and it has a lower risk of infection due to small incisions being made—as opposed to larger incisions associated with open surgeries. Make an appointment with your podiatrist to see if arthroscopic surgery is appropriate for your ankle condition.

Foot surgery is sometimes necessary to treat a foot ailment. To learn more, contact Jeffrey L. Bober, DPM of Maryland. Our doctor will assist you with all of your foot and ankle needs.

When Is Surgery Necessary?

Foot and ankle surgery is generally reserved for cases in which less invasive, conservative procedures have failed to alleviate the problem. Some of the cases in which surgery may be necessary include:

• Removing foot deformities like bunions and bone spurs
• Severe arthritis that has caused bone issues
• Cosmetic reconstruction

What Types of Surgery Are There?

The type of surgery you receive will depend on the nature of the problem you have. Some of the possible surgeries include:

• Bunionectomy for painful bunions
• Surgical fusion for realignment of bones
• Neuropathy decompression surgery to treat nerve damage

Benefits of Surgery

Although surgery is usually a last resort, it can provide more complete pain relief compared to non-surgical methods and may allow you to finally resume full activity.

Surgical techniques have also become increasingly sophisticated. Techniques like endoscopic surgery allow for smaller incisions and faster recovery times.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in Glen Burnie, MD . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Many children wear flip-flops, especially during the warm summer months. However, those flip-flops can impact their feet long after the end of summer vacation. Heel and arch pain are common complaints among children who wear flip-flops. The heel bone continues to grow even into the midteen years and requires adequate cushioning and support. Flip-flops provide no support to the heel, causing the growth plates in the heel bones to become inflamed, tender, and painful. Frequent flip-flop wearing also makes various foot and ankle problems, such as Achilles tendonitis, ankle sprains, broken toes, plantar warts, and athlete’s foot more likely. If your child complains of foot pain, it is suggested that you schedule them an appointment with a podiatrist. 

Flip-flops can cause a lot of problems for your feet. If you have any concerns about your feet or ankles, contact Jeffrey L. Bober, DPM from Maryland. Our doctor will assist you with all of your foot and ankle needs.

Flip-Flops and Feet

Flip-flops have managed to become a summer essential for a lot of people. While the shoes may be stylish and easy to slip on and off, they can be dangerous to those who wear them too often. These shoes might protect you from fungal infections such as athlete’s foot, but they can also give you foot pain and sprained ankles if you trip while wearing them.

When Are They Okay to Wear?

Flip-flops should only be worn for very short periods of time. They can help protect your feet in places that are crawling with fungi, such as gym locker rooms. Athlete’s foot and plantar warts are two common fungi that flip-flops may help protect your feet against.

Why Are They Bad for My Feet?

These shoes do not offer any arch support, so they are not ideal for everyday use. They also do not provide shock absorption or heel cushioning which can be problematic for your feet. Additionally, you may suffer from glass cuts, puncture wounds, and stubbed toes since they offer little protection for your feet.

More Reasons Why They Are Bad for Your Feet

• They Slow You Down
• May Cause Blisters and Calluses
• Expose Your Feet to Bacteria

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in Glen Burnie, MD . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Cold treatment is a simple and useful way to treat foot and ankle injuries by applying ice to the affected area. Ice helps with injuries by cooling down the affected soft tissues, making blood vessels constrict and reducing blood flow and bleeding in the area. Reducing blood flow to the injured area also reduces swelling, and therefore pain and inflammation. The ice that you use should never be placed directly on your skin, as this could cause an ice burn. Instead, wrap the ice in a towel before putting it on the injury. You should ice an injury for approximately 10-15 minutes, then wait at least two hours before applying ice again. If you have certain medical conditions, such as a loss of sensation in your feet, high blood pressure, heart problems, open wounds, or Raynaud’s disease, you should not use cold treatment without a doctor’s approval. To learn more about the benefits of cold treatment for foot and ankle injuries, please consult with a podiatrist. 

Sports related foot and ankle injuries require proper treatment before players can go back to their regular routines. For more information, contact Jeffrey L. Bober, DPM of Maryland. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Sports Related Foot and Ankle Injuries

Foot and ankle injuries are a common occurrence when it comes to athletes of any sport. While many athletes dismiss the initial aches and pains, the truth is that ignoring potential foot and ankle injuries can lead to serious problems. As athletes continue to place pressure and strain the area further, a mild injury can turn into something as serious as a rupture and may lead to a permanent disability. There are many factors that contribute to sports related foot and ankle injuries, which include failure to warm up properly, not providing support or wearing bad footwear. Common injuries and conditions athletes face, including:

• Plantar Fasciitis
• Achilles Tendinitis
• Achilles Tendon Rupture
• Ankle Sprains

Sports related injuries are commonly treated using the RICE method. This includes rest, applying ice to the injured area, compression and elevating the ankle. More serious sprains and injuries may require surgery, which could include arthroscopic and reconstructive surgery. Rehabilitation and therapy may also be required in order to get any recovering athlete to become fully functional again. Any unusual aches and pains an athlete sustains must be evaluated by a licensed, reputable medical professional.

If you have any questions please contact our office located in Glen Burnie, MD . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.