A gait abnormality is an unusual walking pattern that affects how a child places the feet, moves the legs, or maintains balance while walking. Normal gait develops as children grow, but changes in walking can sometimes indicate pain, weakness, or an underlying condition. One common example is an antalgic gait, which is caused by pain. A child with an antalgic gait may spend less time bearing weight on the affected side, and quickly shift weight to the opposite leg. Other causes include leg length discrepancy, flat feet, and joint problems. Early recognition can help prevent worsening discomfort and movement limitations.

Symptoms of gait abnormalities can vary depending on the underlying cause. Parents may notice limping, uneven steps, walking on the toes, or reluctance to participate in physical activities. Children may also complain of foot, ankle, or lower back pain. Risk factors include congenital foot differences, developmental problems, and significant differences in leg length. 

A podiatrist can evaluate the child’s walking pattern and determine whether the problem originates in the feet, ankles, or another part of the lower body. Treatment begins with a medical history and physical examination, followed by gait assessment and an evaluation of foot alignment. They may also look at joint movement, muscle strength, and leg length. Imaging may be recommended when structural concerns are suspected. Treatment can include wearing supportive footwear, custom orthotics, or treatment for an underlying foot condition. A leg length discrepancy may require specific correction based on its severity and cause.

Early treatment can improve walking efficiency, reduce pain, and support healthy movement as a child develops. Parents should not ignore persistent limping or noticeable changes in walking, especially when symptoms interfere with school, sports, or daily activities. If your child has developed an unusual walking pattern, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist for a thorough evolution and proper management and treatment solutions. 

The health of a child’s feet is vital to their overall well-being. If you have any questions regarding foot health, contact Emil Babayev, DPM of New York. 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 our offices located in Midwood and Kensington in Brooklyn, NY . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Some diseases that affect the entire body can also produce noticeable problems in the feet. Peripheral artery disease, or PAD, is one example. PAD develops when atherosclerosis causes arteries in the legs to become narrowed. Atherosclerosis is the buildup of fatty material called plaque inside artery walls. As the arteries narrow, less blood can reach the lower legs and feet. Some people with PAD have no noticeable symptoms, while others experience discomfort when walking. Because the feet are far from the heart, circulation problems can become especially noticeable in this area of the body.

Foot-related signs of peripheral artery disease can become more serious as blood flow decreases. The feet may feel cool, while the skin can become thin or pale. Hair loss may also occur on the lower legs and feet. Some people develop aching or burning pain even while resting. More advanced PAD can lead to painful sores on the toes or heels that may have difficulty healing. Severe loss of circulation can eventually damage tissue. PAD is considered a systemic disorder because atherosclerosis may affect arteries elsewhere in the body as well. Diabetes, high blood pressure, and increasing age are among the factors associated with greater PAD risk.

A podiatrist can play an important role in recognizing changes in the feet that may indicate poor circulation. A foot examination can identify skin changes, sores, or abnormal pulses that may require further medical evaluation. Testing may also be needed to determine how well blood is reaching the lower extremities. Because reduced circulation can interfere with healing, professional foot care is particularly important when wounds or other skin problems develop. A podiatrist can provide appropriate foot care while coordinating with other medical professionals when necessary. If you notice persistent foot pain, skin changes, or slow-healing sores, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist for an evaluation and appropriate treatment options.

When dealing with systemic disease of the feet, it is extremely important to check the affected areas routinely so that any additional problems are caught quickly.  If you have any concerns about your feet and ankles contact Emil Babayev, DPM from New York. Our doctor will assist you with all of your podiatric needs.

Systemic Diseases of the Feet

Systemic diseases affect the whole body, and symptoms usually are displayed in the feet. This condition can make a patient’s ability to walk unbearable.  Systemic diseases include gout, diabetes mellitus, neurological disorders, and arthritis.

Gout – is caused by an excess of uric acid in the body. Common symptoms include pain, inflammation, and redness at the metatarsal/phalangeal joint of the base big toe. Gout can be treated by NSAIDs to relieve pain and inflammation, and other drugs that lower the acid levels in the body.

Diabetes mellitus – is an increase in the level of blood sugar that the body cannot counteract with its own insulin. Failure to produce enough insulin is a factor in Diabetes.

Diabetes of the Feet

Diabetic Neuropathy – may lead to damaged nerves and affect the feet through numbness and loss of sensation.

Peripheral Vascular Disease – can restrict the blood flow to the feet, and often times lead to amputation of the feet. 

If you have any questions please contact our offices located in Midwood and Kensington in Brooklyn, NY . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Pain in the ball of the foot affects the area beneath the toes and may make walking uncomfortable. This discomfort may develop after a foot injury, repeated pressure, or changes in foot structure. A common cause is pain in the ball of the foot, which involves irritation around the metatarsal bones. Another possible cause is Morton’s neuroma, a thickened nerve between the toes that can create burning pain or a pebble-like sensation inside the shoe. Symptoms may include tenderness, tingling, or pain that worsens while standing or walking.

Several risk factors can increase the chance of developing ball of foot pain. Physically active people may place repeated stress on the forefoot when running or jumping. High heels and narrow shoes can also increase pressure. Other risks include foot deformities, high arches, and excess body weight. A sudden increase in exercise or an untreated foot injury can contribute to symptoms.

A podiatrist begins by discussing your symptoms, activities, and any recent injury. A careful foot examination can identify tenderness, nerve irritation, or alignment problems. X-rays may be recommended when a bone problem or structural concern is suspected. Treatment may include activity changes, wearing supportive footwear, or medication when appropriate. For Morton’s neuroma, targeted injections or other treatments may be considered. The goal is to reduce pressure and treat the cause.

You do not have to ignore pain in the ball of your foot and hope it disappears. Early evaluation can help prevent ongoing irritation and improve everyday comfort. A podiatrist can create a treatment plan based on your symptoms and the condition causing them. If pain continues, becomes severe, or affects how you walk, podiatric care is important. If you have pain in the ball of your foot, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist for an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment.

Foot Pain

Foot pain can be extremely painful and debilitating. If you have a foot pain, consult with Emil Babayev, DPM from New York. Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

Causes

Foot pain is a very broad condition that could be caused by one or more ailments. The most common include:

• Bunions
• Hammertoes
• Plantar Fasciitis
• Bone Spurs
• Corns
• Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome
• Ingrown Toenails
• Arthritis (such as Gout, Rheumatoid, and Osteoarthritis)
• Flat Feet
• Injury (from stress fractures, broken toe, foot, ankle, Achilles tendon ruptures, and sprains)
• And more

Diagnosis

To figure out the cause of foot pain, podiatrists utilize several different methods. This can range from simple visual inspections and sensation tests to X-rays and MRI scans. Prior medical history, family medical history, and any recent physical traumatic events will all be taken into consideration for a proper diagnosis.

Treatment

Treatment depends upon the cause of the foot pain. Whether it is resting, staying off the foot, or having surgery; podiatrists have a number of treatment options available for foot pain.

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

A broken toe, also called a toe fracture, can happen after a direct injury to the foot. Dropping a heavy object on the toes or striking a toe against furniture or other hard object can cause a break. Symptoms include pain, swelling, and bruising around the injured toe. Walking can also become uncomfortable, especially when pressure is placed on the front of the foot. A broken lesser toe, meaning any toe other than the big toe, usually heals without surgery. However, proper evaluation is important to determine the position and severity of the fracture.

Most lesser-toe fractures heal in about six weeks, although discomfort can continue longer in some patients. Swelling can also remain after the bone has healed. Patients can usually place weight on the injured foot as comfort allows. Shoes with a firm sole can provide support and protect the toe when walking. Some fractures can cause the toe to look crooked or out of position. A podiatrist can determine whether the toe needs to be realigned. Continued pain, significant changes in toe position, or difficulty returning to normal activities can indicate that further evaluation is necessary.

A podiatrist can examine the injured toe and determine how the fracture is affecting foot function. The evaluation can include checking alignment, swelling, and tenderness around the injury. A podiatrist can recommend appropriate support to protect the toe while the bone heals. Treatment can also address changes in walking that develop because of pain. In some cases, imaging can help show the location and extent of the fracture. More complex fractures can require additional treatment, especially when the toe is badly displaced. If you have broken your toe, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for effective relief and treatment solutions.

A broken toe can be very painful and lead to complications if not properly fixed. If you have any concerns about your feet, contact Emil Babayev, DPM from New York. Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.

What to Know About a Broken Toe

Although most people try to avoid foot trauma such as banging, stubbing, or dropping heavy objects on their feet, the unfortunate fact is that it is a common occurrence. Given the fact that toes are positioned in front of the feet, they typically sustain the brunt of such trauma. When trauma occurs to a toe, the result can be a painful break (fracture).

Symptoms of a Broken Toe

• Throbbing pain
• Swelling
• Bruising on the skin and toenail
• The inability to move the toe
• Toe appears crooked or disfigured
• Tingling or numbness in the toe

Generally, it is best to stay off of the injured toe with the affected foot elevated.

Severe toe fractures may be treated with a splint, cast, and in some cases, minor surgery. Due to its position and the pressure it endures with daily activity, future complications can occur if the big toe is not properly treated.

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