Understanding Early Foot Stiffness in Newborns

When a newborn’s foot will not flex easily, it can be concerning for parents, but early evaluation helps ensure healthy development. Limited foot motion may be related to positioning in the womb, tight tendons, or a structural issue such as congenital clubfoot or metatarsus adductus. A podiatrist begins by gently assessing the foot’s range of motion, checking muscle tone, and noting whether the stiffness changes with soft stretching. Most flexible positional conditions improve with simple hands-on therapy, guided stretching, and monitoring as the baby grows. When the foot remains rigid or shows signs of deformity, treatment may include splinting, casting, or other corrective techniques to support proper alignment. Early care makes a significant difference in long-term mobility and comfort. It is suggested that you see a podiatrist promptly if your newborn’s foot does not move or flex as expected.

The health of a child’s feet is vital to their overall well-being. If you have any questions regarding foot health, contact Terri Quebedeaux, DPM of Agave 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 our offices located in Seguin, LaVernia, Gonzales, and Lockhart, TX . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Read more about What to Do to Keep Your Child’s Feet Healthy

Choosing the Right Running Shoes for Marathon Success

Selecting the right running shoes for a marathon is essential for comfort, performance, and injury prevention over long distances. Shoe qualities such as proper cushioning, adequate support, breathability, and durability help protect the feet from repeated impact and fatigue. These features matter because marathon running places continuous stress on the feet, ankles, and legs, increasing the risk of overuse injuries when shoes do not match individual needs. Running style and gait play an important role, as foot strike patterns and motion affect how forces travel through the body. Finding the right fit ensures the toes have room to move, the midfoot feels supported, and the heel remains secure without rubbing. A podiatrist can help by evaluating gait, foot structure, and training demands to recommend appropriate footwear or custom orthotics. If you are preparing for a marathon or have foot pain from training, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can treat various foot conditions, and guide you on the appropriate shoes to wear, helping you to perform your best on race day.

You should always make sure your running shoes fit properly in order to avoid injury. For more information, contact Terri Quebedeaux, DPM from Agave Podiatry . Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Choosing the Right Running Shoe for Your Foot Type

Improper shoe sizing can cause a myriad of problems for your feet. Shoes that don’t fit you properly can lead to muscular imbalances in your body, which can result in foot, knee, and hip injuries.

Tips for Finding the Right Running Shoe

  • Make sure you have a thumb’s width of wiggle room between the end of your longest toe and the front of the shoe.
  • There should be little to no slipping at the heel
  • Don’t assume your size in one shoe brand will be your size in another
  • Do not lace up your shoes too tightly
  • Walk around in the store with your new shoes before you buy them

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our offices located in Seguin, LaVernia, Gonzales, and Lockhart, TX . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Read more about Walking Shoes vs. Running Shoes

Tips for Buying Shoes

Wearing shoes that fit correctly may help prevent unwanted foot conditions from developing. Bunions, ingrown toenails, and hammertoe may all occur from wearing shoes that do not fit properly. Choosing the correct shoe size begins with measuring the feet. This can be done by using a Brannock device which is found in the majority of shoe stores. Conversely, some people prefer to measure their feet at home. To measure your feet at home, stand barefoot on a piece of paper and trace the width and length of the feet. A conversion table is used to determine what the size is. It is beneficial to purchase shoes at the end of the day when the feet are at their largest, in addition to trying on the shoes and walking around in the store. If you are interested in learning more about how to buy shoes that fit correctly, it is suggested that you consult with a podiatrist who can provide you with helpful information.

It is important to find shoes that fit you properly in order to avoid a variety of different foot problems. For more information about treatment, contact Terri Quebedeaux, DPM from Agave Podiatry . Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.

Proper Shoe Fitting

Shoes have many different functions. They cushion our body weight, protect our feet, and allow us to safely play sports. You should always make sure that the shoes you wear fit you properly in order to avoid injuries and deformities such as: bunions, corns, calluses, hammertoes, plantar fasciitis, stress fractures, and more. It is important to note that although a certain pair of shoes might be a great fit for someone else, that doesn’t mean they will be a great fit for you. This is why you should always try on shoes before buying them to make sure they are worth the investment. Typically, shoes need to be replaced ever six months to one year of regular use.

Tips for Proper Shoe Fitting

  • Select a shoe that is shaped like your foot
  • Don’t buy shoes that fit too tight, expecting them to stretch to fit
  • Make sure there is enough space (3/8” to ½”) for your longest toe at the end of each shoe when you are standing up
  • Walk in the shoes to make sure they fit and feel right
  • Don’t select shoes by the size marked inside the shoe, but by how the shoe fits your foot

The shoes you buy should always feel as good as they look. Shoes that fit properly will last longer, feel better, and improve your way of life each day.

If you have any questions please contact our offices located in Seguin, LaVernia, Gonzales, and Lockhart, TX . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Read more about How to Get a Proper Shoe Fit

Heel Pain From Sever’s Disease

Sever’s disease is a common source of heel discomfort in growing children, especially those who are active in sports. The condition develops when the growth plate at the back of the heel becomes irritated by repeated impact or tight calf muscles. A child may complain of soreness during running or jumping, and the pain often improves with rest, but returns quickly once activity resumes. Swelling or tenderness at the back of the heel can appear, and some children begin to walk on their toes to avoid pressure. Although the name sounds serious, the condition improves with proper guidance and activity adjustments. Wearing supportive footwear and gentle stretching can also help ease symptoms. If your child has recurring heel pain or limps after activity, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for an accurate diagnosis and care plan.

Sever's disease often occurs in children and teens. If your child is experiencing foot or ankle pain, see Terri Quebedeaux, DPM from Agave Podiatry . Our doctor can treat your child’s foot and ankle needs.

Sever’s Disease

Sever’s disease is also known as calcaneal apophysitis, which is a medical condition that causes heel pain I none or both feet. The disease is known to affect children between the ages of 8 and 14.

Sever’s disease occurs when part of the child’s heel known as the growth plate (calcaneal epiphysis) is attached to the Achilles tendon. This area can suffer injury when the muscles and tendons of the growing foot do not keep pace with bone growth. Therefore, the constant pain which one experiences at the back of the heel will make the child unable to put any weight on the heel. The child is then forced to walk on their toes.

Symptoms

Acute pain – Pain associated with Sever’s disease is usually felt in the heel when the child engages in physical activity such as walking, jumping and or running.

Highly active – Children who are very active are among the most susceptible in experiencing Sever’s disease, because of the stress and tension placed on their feet.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our offices located in Seguin, LaVernia, Gonzales, and Lockhart, TX . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Read more about Sever's Disease

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