Items filtered by date: December 2025

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 Amy DeGirolamo, DPM of Florida Foot and Ankle Associates. Our practitioner 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 Miami,FL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

A well-fitting shoe supports the foot without creating pressure points or leaving too much room for the foot to slide. The toes should have enough space to move comfortably, with about a thumb’s width between the longest toe and the front of the shoe. The heel should sit securely without slipping, and the sides of the shoe should feel snug, but not tight. A supportive arch and a stable sole help maintain proper alignment during walking. Trying on shoes later in the day, when the feet are slightly larger, gives a more accurate sense of fit. Paying attention to comfort from the first step is important because shoes that feel uncomfortable at the start rarely improve with wear. If you experience rubbing, pressure, or discomfort in new shoes, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for footwear advice.

Getting the right shoe size is an important part of proper foot health. Seek the assistance of Amy DeGirolamo, DPM from Florida Foot and Ankle Associates. Our practitioner will provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Getting the Right Shoe Size

There are many people who wear shoes that are the incorrect size, negatively affecting their feet and posture. Selecting the right shoes is not a difficult process, so long as you keep several things in mind when it comes to choosing the right pair.

• When visiting the shoe store, use the tools available to measure your foot.
• Be sure there is ‘wiggle room’. There should be about an inch between your toes and the tip of your shoes.
• Do not always assume you are the same size, as manufacturers run differently.
• Purchase shoes later in the day, as your feet swell as the day progresses.
• If a shoe is not comfortable, it is not suitable. Most shoes can’t be ‘broken in’, and comfort should be the ultimate goal when it comes to choosing the right pair of shoes

As our feet hold our body weight and keep us moving, it is important to treat them right. Picking the right pair of shoes can provide your feet comfort and mobility without pain.

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

Type one diabetes is an autoimmune condition in which the body no longer produces insulin, requiring lifelong management to keep blood sugar within a healthy range. These ongoing shifts can influence foot health in subtle, but important ways. Circulation may become less efficient over time, leading to dry skin, slower healing, and a higher chance of infection. Nerve changes can cause tingling, burning, or numbness, making it harder to feel small injuries or areas of pressure. Even minor cuts, blisters, or cracks can worsen if they go unnoticed. Daily foot checks, wearing supportive footwear, and prompt care for any new concern can help protect long-term comfort and mobility. If you notice numbness, dryness, or wounds that heal slowly, it is suggested that you are under the care of a podiatrist who can help you to manage this serious condition.

Diabetic foot care is important in preventing foot ailments such as ulcers. If you are suffering from diabetes or have any other concerns about your feet, contact Amy DeGirolamo, DPM from Florida Foot and Ankle Associates. Our practitioner can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Diabetic Foot Care

Diabetes affects millions of people every year. The condition can damage blood vessels in many parts of the body, especially the feet. Because of this, taking care of your feet is essential if you have diabetes, and having a podiatrist help monitor your foot health is highly recommended.

The Importance of Caring for Your Feet

• Routinely inspect your feet for bruises or sores.
• Wear socks that fit your feet comfortably.
• Wear comfortable shoes that provide adequate support.

Patients with diabetes should have their doctor monitor their blood levels, as blood sugar levels play such a huge role in diabetic care. Monitoring these levels on a regular basis is highly advised.

It is always best to inform your healthcare professional of any concerns you may have regarding your feet, especially for diabetic patients. Early treatment and routine foot examinations are keys to maintaining proper health, especially because severe complications can arise if proper treatment is not applied.

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

A diabetic foot ulcer is an open wound that develops when high blood sugar levels affect circulation and nerve function in the feet. These changes make the skin more vulnerable to injury and slow the body’s ability to heal. Ulcers often begin as a small blister, callus, or unnoticed cut, especially in areas that bear pressure. As sensation decreases, many people do not feel pain, allowing the wound to worsen before it is discovered. Early recognition is essential because untreated ulcers can lead to infection and more complex complications. Regular foot checks, proper footwear, and prompt attention to any skin changes help protect overall foot health. A podiatrist can evaluate the ulcer, determine its severity, and recommend appropriate treatment to promote healing. If you notice an open sore on your foot, it is suggested that you see a podiatrist for timely care.

Wound care is an important part in dealing with diabetes. If you have diabetes and a foot wound or would like more information about wound care for diabetics, consult with Amy DeGirolamo, DPM from Florida Foot and Ankle Associates. Our practitioner will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

What Is Wound Care?

Wound care is the practice of taking proper care of a wound. This can range from the smallest to the largest of wounds. While everyone can benefit from proper wound care, it is much more important for diabetics. Diabetics often suffer from poor blood circulation which causes wounds to heal much slower than they would in a non-diabetic. 

What Is the Importance of Wound Care?

While it may not seem apparent with small ulcers on the foot, for diabetics, any size ulcer can become infected. Diabetics often also suffer from neuropathy, or nerve loss. This means they might not even feel when they have an ulcer on their foot. If the wound becomes severely infected, amputation may be necessary. Therefore, it is of the upmost importance to properly care for any and all foot wounds.

How to Care for Wounds

The best way to care for foot wounds is to prevent them. For diabetics, this means daily inspections of the feet for any signs of abnormalities or ulcers. It is also recommended to see a podiatrist several times a year for a foot inspection. If you do have an ulcer, run the wound under water to clear dirt from the wound; then apply antibiotic ointment to the wound and cover with a bandage. Bandages should be changed daily and keeping pressure off the wound is smart. It is advised to see a podiatrist, who can keep an eye on it.

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

A painful pinky toe can make every step feel uncomfortable, and the causes are often more varied than expected. Wearing tight shoes that squeeze the toes can lead to irritation, corns, or calluses along the sides of the toe. Some people develop a small bony bump that rubs against footwear, while others may experience pain from a minor fracture or a soft tissue injury after stubbing the toe. The pinky toe can also shift inward over time, creating pressure points and swelling. Although gentle padding and wider shoes may ease early symptoms, pain that persists or worsens should not be ignored. A podiatrist can examine the toe, identify the exact source of discomfort, and recommend treatments that reduce irritation and prevent further problems. If your pinky toe continues to hurt or makes daily walking difficult, it is suggested that you see a podiatrist for proper evaluation and appropriate care.

Toe pain can disrupt your daily activities. If you have any concerns, contact Amy DeGirolamo, DPM of Florida Foot and Ankle Associates. Our practitioner can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

What Causes Toe Pain?

Most severe toe pain is caused due to a sports injury, trauma from dropping something heavy on the toe, or bumping into something rigid. Other problems can develop over time for various reasons.

Toe pain can be caused by one or more ailments. The most common include:

• Trauma
• Sports injury
• Wearing shoes that are too tight
• Arthritis
• Gout
• Corns and calluses
• Hammertoe
• Bunions
• Blisters
• Ingrown toenails
• Sprains
• Fractures (broken bones)
• Dislocations

When to See a Podiatrist

• Severe pain
• Persistent pain that lasts more than a week
• Signs of infection
• Continued swelling
• Pain that prevents walking

Diagnosis

In many cases the cause of toe pain is obvious, but in others, a podiatrist may want to use more advanced methods to determine the problem. These 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

Treatments for toe pain and injuries vary and may include shoe inserts, padding, taping, medicines, injections, and in some cases, surgery. If you believe that you have broken a toe, please see a podiatrist as soon as possible.

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