A baby’s feet are soft, flexible, and still developing, which makes proper care essential for healthy growth. Gently wash and dry your baby’s feet daily, and trim toenails straight across to prevent ingrown nails. Avoid wearing tight socks or shoes that restrict natural movement and allow the feet to move freely. Encourage gentle foot exercises such as kicking or grasping to strengthen muscles and improve coordination. Common foot concerns in babies include in-toeing, out-toeing, and curly toes, which often improve as they grow. A podiatrist can evaluate your baby’s feet, provide guidance on healthy development, and address any concerns early. If your child has any foot pain or has symptoms of specific foot conditions, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist who can provide effective treatment solutions.

Making sure that your children maintain good foot health is very important as they grow. If you have any questions, contact Tanya R. Sellers-Hannibal, 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 Owings Mills, MD . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Many people experience common foot problems that can cause pain and limit mobility. Bunions are bony bumps that form at the base of the big toe, often due to genetics or wearing poorly fitting shoes, and can cause swelling and discomfort. Fallen arches, or flat feet, can lead to pain in the arch or heel, and may result from aging, injury, or genetics. Hammertoes cause one or more toes to bend abnormally, creating stiffness and difficulty wearing shoes. Ingrown toenails occur when the nail grows into the surrounding skin, leading to redness, swelling, and possible infection. Additionally, plantar fasciitis is a inflammation of the tissue along the bottom of the foot, causing sharp heel pain, especially in the morning. A podiatrist can diagnose these conditions through a thorough exam and imaging  tests when needed. Treatment options include custom orthotics, footwear changes, medications, or minor procedures. It is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for proper care and relief.

Foot Pain

Foot pain can be extremely painful and debilitating. If you have a foot pain, consult with Tanya R. Sellers-Hannibal, DPM from Maryland. 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 office located in Owings Mills, MD . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Rheumatoid arthritis often affects the small joints of the feet, leading to pain, stiffness, and deformity that can make walking difficult. Inflammation can weaken ligaments and change the alignment of the toes and arches, increasing pressure in certain areas and raising the risk of corns, calluses, and ulcers. Proper foot care plays a vital role in managing these symptoms and maintaining mobility. Wearing supportive shoes with cushioned soles, a wide toe box, and custom orthotics help reduce stress on painful joints. Regular podiatric care allows early detection of changes that may require adjustments in footwear or treatment. Stretching, gentle exercise, and controlling inflammation through medical management can further protect joint function. If you are suffering with foot or ankle pain from rheumatoid arthritis, it is suggested that you seek professional guidance from a podiatrist.

Because RA affects more than just your joints, including the joints in your feet and ankles, it is important to seek early diagnosis from your podiatrist if you feel like the pain in your feet might be caused by RA. For more information, contact Tanya R. Sellers-Hannibal, DPM of Maryland. Our doctor will assist you with all of your podiatric concerns.

What Is Rheumatoid Arthritis?

Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) is an autoimmune disorder in which the body’s own immune system attacks the membranes surrounding the joints. Inflammation of the lining and eventually the destruction of the joint’s cartilage and bone occur, causing severe pain and immobility.

Rheumatoid Arthritis of the Feet

Although RA usually attacks multiple bones and joints throughout the entire body, almost 90 percent of cases result in pain in the foot or ankle area.

Symptoms

• Swelling and pain in the feet
• Stiffness in the feet
• Pain on the ball or sole of feet
• Joint shift and deformation

Diagnosis

Quick diagnosis of RA in the feet is important so that the podiatrist can treat the area effectively. Your doctor will ask you about your medical history, occupation, and lifestyle to determine the origin of the condition. Rheumatoid Factor tests help to determine if someone is affected by the disease.

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

Ankle popping can occur for several reasons, including crepitus, which is the grinding or crackling sound from joint surfaces, or the harmless release of gas bubbles within joint fluid. It may also result from tendons moving over bone or past injuries that have weakened the joint. Strengthening exercises such as calf raises, resistance band stretches, and balance training can improve stability and reduce popping. A podiatrist can assess whether ankle popping is normal or a sign of an underlying condition, provide targeted exercise plans, and recommend treatments, if necessary. If ankle popping is accompanied by pain or instability, it is suggested that you schedule a visit with a podiatrist  to restore strength, improve mobility, and protect your ankle health.

Ankle pain can have many different causes and the pain may potentially be serious. If you have ankle pain, consult with Tanya R. Sellers-Hannibal, DPM from Maryland. Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

Ankle pain is any condition that causes pain in the ankle. Due to the fact that the ankle consists of tendons, muscles, bones, and ligaments, ankle pain can come from a number of different conditions.

Causes

The most common causes of ankle pain include:

• Types of arthritis (rheumatoid, osteoarthritis, and gout)
• Ankle sprains
• Broken ankles
• Achilles tendinitis
• Achilles tendon rupture
• Stress fractures
• Tarsal tunnel syndrome
• Plantar fasciitis

Symptoms

Symptoms of ankle injury vary based upon the condition. Pain may include general pain and discomfort, swelling, aching, redness, bruising, burning or stabbing sensations, and/or loss of sensation.

Diagnosis

Due to the wide variety of potential causes of ankle pain, podiatrists will utilize a number of different methods to properly diagnose ankle pain. This can include asking for personal and family medical histories and of any recent injuries. Further diagnosis may include sensation tests, a physical examination, and potentially x-rays or other imaging tests.

Treatment

Just as the range of causes varies widely, so do treatments. Some more common treatments are rest, ice packs, keeping pressure off the foot, orthotics and braces, medication for inflammation and pain, and surgery.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our office located in Owings Mills, MD . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.