Dubai Podiatry Centre

27/Apr/2026

Toe walking in children is a common concern for parents. In many cases, it is simply part of normal development and resolves naturally. However, in more severe or persistent cases, toe walking can indicate underlying biomechanical, neurological, or sensory issues that require intervention.

Understanding the different stages and causes of toe walking is essential in determining the appropriate treatment approach.

What is toe walking?

Toe walking occurs when a child walks on the balls of their feet without allowing the heel, known as the calcaneum, to make contact with the ground.

There are varying degrees:

Mild cases: The child can place their heel down when prompted or during certain activities.

Moderate cases: The child prefers toe walking but can intermittently achieve heel contact.

Severe cases: The child is unable to bring the heel to the ground at all.

Why do some children toe walk?

Toe walking is not always caused by the same issue. It can stem from several different factors.

Developmental habit

Some children simply adopt toe walking as a preferred way of moving. Many of these children will grow out of it naturally as they gain weight, balance, and coordination.

Excitement response

In some children, toe walking is linked to emotional expression. Instead of showing excitement through facial expressions, they contract their calf muscles, lifting their heels off the ground. This is their physical way of expressing happiness.

Biomechanical issues

Some children toe walk because their ankles collapse inward when standing flat or they feel more stable on their toes. In these cases, orthotic therapy is often beneficial.

Sensory processing differences

Children with sensory sensitivities may avoid placing their heels on the ground due to discomfort or altered perception.

Neurological or developmental conditions

Toe walking can also be associated with autism spectrum conditions, muscle tone abnormalities, or neuromuscular conditions.

The impact of severe toe walking

In severe cases, where the heel never contacts the ground, this can affect normal foot development. The calcaneum, or heel bone, requires pressure from the ground to develop properly.

Without this:

The heel bone can become underdeveloped and smaller.
The forefoot becomes wider and more dominant.
Calf muscles may become tight and shortened.

This makes early intervention extremely important.

Treatment approaches: a staged strategy

Treatment must always be tailored to the individual child. A gradual, staged approach is often the most effective.

Stage 1: Supportive footwear
Start with high top sneakers such as basketball style shoes. These should have firm heel counters and slightly stiffer soles to provide ankle support and begin reducing excessive toe walking.

Stage 2: Internal reinforcement
Introduce a full length polycarbonate plate inside the shoe. This limits bending at the toes and encourages a flatter foot position.

Stage 3: Stiff soled footwear
Progress to rigid boots such as Timberland or Caterpillar style boots. These make it physically more difficult to remain on the toes.

Stage 4: High immobilisation footwear
For more severe cases, use motocross style boots that come up to just below the knee. These restrict ankle movement almost completely and encourage full foot contact with the ground.

It is important not to choose oversized footwear, as this allows the foot and ankle to move inside the shoe and reduces effectiveness.

Additional treatment options

Physiotherapy
Stretching and strengthening exercises can help improve ankle mobility and muscle balance.

Neurological treatments
Botulinum toxin injections, commonly known as Botox, may be used to relax tight calf muscles. This is usually carried out in collaboration with a neurologist.

Orthotic therapy
Custom orthotics may be used where biomechanical instability is present.

Night splints
These are designed to stretch the foot overnight. However, some children find them uncomfortable and may not tolerate them well.

A gentle alternative approach

In some cases, especially when toe walking is linked to emotional expression, immediate restriction may cause distress. An alternative strategy is to bring the ground up to the heel.

This is done by adding a heel raise inside the shoe. This allows the child to maintain their natural movement temporarily while still achieving heel contact and bone stimulation. This approach can be especially useful for sensitive children.

Sleep considerations

Many toe walking children prefer sleeping on their stomach, which keeps the feet pointed. Care should be taken to avoid heavy blankets pushing the feet into a toe pointed position when lying on the back.

Will my child grow out of toe walking?

Some children naturally stop toe walking as they gain weight, develop stronger muscles, and become more aware of their walking pattern, especially in social settings. However, persistent toe walking, especially beyond early childhood, should always be assessed professionally.

Toe walking is not a one size fits all condition. It ranges from harmless developmental habits to more complex neurological or structural issues. Early assessment allows for proper diagnosis, tailored treatment, and prevention of long term foot development problems.

At Dubai Podiatry Centre, each child is assessed individually and given a treatment plan that balances effectiveness with comfort and emotional wellbeing.

For more information or to book an appointment please call our clinic +971 4 3435390 or WhatsApp +971 50 3553024

Dubai Podiatry Centre

27/Apr/2026

Flat feet treatment for kids using custom orthotics designed to improve foot alignment, correct overpronation, and support healthy growth. Custom made orthotics help enhance posture, balance, and walking comfort, providing effective child foot care and long-term foot health.

For more information or to book an appointment please call our clinic +971 4 3435390 or WhatsApp +971 50 3553024

Dubai Podiatry Centre

27/Apr/2026

Dermojet is an effective treatment option for plantar warts and verrucae on the soles of the feet. It is often considered for lesions that have not responded to home treatments such as salicylic acid, or to other professional treatments including cryotherapy and laser therapy. In many cases, these more persistent plantar warts may respond well to a course of Dermojet treatment.

Dermojet is a localised treatment and typically heals without noticeable scarring or changes to skin quality. It works by delivering a fine microjet of liquid through a very small opening in the skin. This allows the treatment to penetrate into the deeper layers of the tissue, where it creates controlled micro-trauma within the lesion. The body then responds by initiating a healing process from within, which can help the verruca gradually resolve.

More superficial treatments, such as salicylic acid, primarily act on the outer layers of the skin. Cryotherapy and laser treatments are also commonly used and may be effective in many cases, although their mechanisms differ. Dermojet works at a deeper level within the tissue, which may make it a suitable option for certain stubborn or long-standing verrucae.

For more information or to book an appointment please call our clinic +971 4 3435390 or WhatsApp +971 50 3553024

Dubai Podiatry Centre

27/Apr/2026

Why active kids can play but limp afterwards

It is very common for children between the ages of 10 and 15 years to experience pain in their heels and knees, particularly during periods of rapid growth.

Parents are often confused by this condition. A child may run, sprint and complete a full football or netball match with no obvious issue but within minutes of stopping, they begin to limp and complain of significant pain.

This can sometimes lead others to doubt the severity of the problem. However, this pattern is very typical and has a clear medical explanation.

What is happening during growth?

Children’s bones grow from areas called growth plates, located at the ends of bones. During growth spurts, these plates become highly active.

A simple way to understand this is to imagine a volcano that is active but not erupting. The growth plate is constantly producing new bone, but during a surge of growth hormone, this activity increases rapidly, making the area sensitive, inflamed and vulnerable to stress.

Why the heel and knee are affected

The back of the heel

At the back of the heel sits a growth plate in the heel bone.

The Achilles tendon attaches here. When a child runs or pushes up onto their toes, the calf muscles contract. This creates a strong pulling force on the growth plate.

This condition is known as Sever’s disease.

The front of the knee

At the front of the knee, just below the kneecap, there is another active growth plate.

The quadriceps muscle pulls via the patellar tendon. During running and jumping, this repeatedly stresses the growth plate, especially when lifting the toes or accelerating.

This condition is called Osgood Schlatter disease.

Why the pain appears after activity

One of the most confusing features is that children can often play sport without pain but suffer immediately afterwards.

This happens because during activity, the body is warm and flexible. Blood flow increases and temporarily masks discomfort. Once activity stops, inflammation rises rapidly and the irritated growth plates become painful very quickly.

This is why children may begin limping within minutes of finishing sport.

Why both sides are often affected

Unlike injuries, this condition frequently affects both heels and both knees.

This is because growth and muscle forces occur symmetrically during development.

The role of foot alignment

Children who are growing quickly often have softer ligaments and increased joint flexibility. This can cause the ankles to roll inward and flatten the arches of the foot.

This can increase strain on the heel and knee and make symptoms worse.

A professional assessment can identify whether foot alignment is contributing to the problem.

How to manage the pain

Immediate relief

Apply cold compression within minutes after activity. Ten minutes is usually effective and helps reduce inflammation quickly.

Footwear support

Use cushioned sole shoes or slightly raised heel footwear. Heel lifts or orthotics inside sports shoes or football boots can also help.

These reduce the pulling force on growth plates.

Activity modification

In more severe cases, rest from sport may be required for two to six weeks. This allows the growth plate inflammation to settle.

Continuing through severe pain can lead to excess bone growth and prominent bumps at the heel or knee, causing long term discomfort.

When to seek professional help

A podiatry assessment is recommended if pain persists or worsens, if the child begins limping regularly, if there is visible swelling at the heel or knee, or if performance in sport is affected.

A full foot, ankle and leg assessment can help your child continue activity safely, often with simple and effective interventions.

Final thoughts

Heel and knee pain during growth is common, real and treatable.

Understanding the condition is key.

Just because a child can play through it does not mean there is no problem. With the right support, children can continue to stay active, develop safely and avoid long term issues.

For more information or to book an appointment please call our clinic +971 4 3435390 or WhatsApp +971 50 3553024

Dubai Podiatry Centre

27/Apr/2026

Flat feet are often blamed for foot problems, but very high-arched feet can be just as challenging, and in many cases, more problematic.

Both flat feet and high-arched feet have their advantages. A flatter foot distributes pressure more evenly across the ground, while a high-arched foot can be more rigid and efficient in propulsion. However, it is the structural differences between these two foot types that determine the kinds of problems that develop.

What Happens in a High-Arched Foot

A high-arched foot is naturally more rigid and elevated. While this may seem strong, it also means the foot has less ability to absorb shock.

Even a slight collapse of a high arch can create significant strain. This is because the ligaments that hold the bones in their precise anatomical position are suddenly placed under high tensile stress. These structures are not designed to stretch excessively, so even small changes can lead to discomfort and instability.

One of the most common areas affected is the forefoot arch, located just behind the toes. This arch runs across the foot from the big toe to the fifth toe.

Side-by-side comparison of two feet showing different arch types; the right image labeled “High Arch Foot” displays a pronounced upward curve in the midfoot, with the heel and ball of the foot bearing most of the weight, leaving a visible gap under the arch.

When this area begins to collapse:

The forefoot structure loses stability
The fat pad that normally cushions the bones can migrate forward toward the toes
The toes may begin to retract, often described as resembling a bird gripping a branch
The patient can feel as though they are walking directly on bone

Why Corns Are More Common in High-Arched Feet

Unlike flat feet, which tend to spread pressure more evenly, high-arched feet concentrate pressure into specific points.

With limited ground contact, the load is primarily taken by the heel and the forefoot. If even one metatarsal head drops slightly, it becomes a focal point of excessive pressure.

This is why high-arched feet are at a much greater risk of developing:

Corns
Callus
Localised pain under the forefoot
Stress-related injuries to the bones

Flat feet, by comparison, often do not develop corns as frequently because there are fewer isolated pressure points.

The Role of Orthotic Therapy

A common misconception is that a high-arched foot should be flattened. This is not the goal.

Instead, the correct approach is to bring the ground up to the foot.

This is achieved through custom orthotic therapy. A gypsum cast is taken of the foot in a non-weight-bearing position, capturing the foot at its natural, fully elevated arch height.

From this, an orthotic is created that:

Matches the exact structure of the individual foot
Supports the arch without forcing it down
Distributes weight evenly from the heel to the forefoot
Reduces high-pressure points
Relieves tensile stress on ligaments
Helps prevent corns and stress fractures

Why This Matters

Without proper support, a high-arched foot continues to absorb pressure unevenly. Over time, this can lead to chronic pain, recurrent corns, and structural strain.

By supporting the foot in its natural shape, orthotic therapy allows for controlled, even weight transfer and significantly reduces the risk of long-term damage.

For more information or to book an appointment please call our clinic +971 4 3435390 or WhatsApp +971 50 3553024

Dubai Podiatry Centre

27/Apr/2026

Thank goodness for corns on your feet – and here’s why.

It may sound strange, but a corn is actually a sign that your body is trying to protect you.

The body’s first job is always to protect the skin, the tissues underneath, and even the bone. When there is too much pressure or friction on one area of the foot, the body responds by building up a layer of hard skin. If that pressure continues, the hard skin thickens further and becomes a callus. If the pressure becomes even more concentrated over a small area, the body can then form a dense plug of keratin, which we call a corn.

A corn is made of almost pure keratin, similar to the material in a fingernail or toenail, but formed as a small plug. It often has the shape of an upside-down diamond, pointing inward, which is why it can become so painful to walk on.

Although corns are uncomfortable, they are actually part of the body’s natural defence system. They act like a protective plug, helping to prevent deeper tissue damage and protecting the area from excessive pressure that could otherwise lead to skin breakdown.

Image showing the bottom of a foot with a small corn circled, alongside a magnified view of the corn under a microscope

This is especially important because when the body cannot produce this protective hard skin response, it may be a sign of an underlying problem. Some people do not develop enough protective hyperkeratinisation, which is the medical term for thickened hard skin. Others may have neuropathy, where sensation is reduced, so the body does not properly detect the ongoing pressure or friction. In these cases, the skin may break down instead of defending itself, which is one reason why neuropathic ulcers and diabetic wounds can develop on the feet.

So in many ways, hard skin, callus, and corns are not the enemy. They are the body’s attempt to shield itself.

Calluses work in the same way elsewhere in the body. For example, weightlifters and athletes often develop calluses on their hands. These are not a bad thing. They are protective. If you peel them away aggressively, the skin underneath may become sore, raw, or even bleed. The same principle applies to the feet.

The problem is that simply removing a corn or callus does not solve the cause. As fast as it is removed, it often returns within days or weeks unless the underlying pressure is properly addressed.

That is why corns keep coming back.

To prevent a corn long term, the pressure has to be redistributed. This may involve:

relieving pressure from a dropped metatarsal bone beneath the foot
correcting foot function with orthotics
lifting and redistributing load away from overloaded areas
wearing wider footwear so the toes are not being squeezed
avoiding shoes that are too narrow across the forefoot or small toes

For example, a corn under the foot may be caused by excess pressure from a prominent bone. A corn on the side or top of a toe is often caused by tight footwear rubbing repeatedly against the skin.

So yes, a corn may be painful, but it is also your body’s way of defending itself. The alternative can be much worse.

If you have a corn, the answer is not just to keep having it removed every month. The real solution is to find out why it is there in the first place and correct the underlying cause.

Corns are not the cureless problem. Repeated pressure is.

If you have a painful corn, visit a podiatrist to identify the cause and treat it properly. Addressing the underlying issue is the long-term cure.

For more information or to book an appointment please call our clinic +971 4 3435390 or WhatsApp +971 50 3553024

#Corns #FootCorns #Callus #Calluses #HardSkin #Hyperkeratosis #FootConditions

Dubai Podiatry Centre

27/Apr/2026

Have you ever wondered why the tongue of your shoe keeps slipping towards the outside of your foot?

Front view of feet in trainers with uneven shoe tongue position linked to hyperpronation and lower limb alignment issues

In many cases, the reason is not the shoe itself, but the way your foot and ankle are functioning. When the ankle rolls inwards, known as hyperpronation, it can create a twisting force inside the shoe.This repeated inward lean pushes the shoe tongue towards the outside, which is why you may find yourself constantly pulling it back into place.

Shoe manufacturers recognised this problem some time ago, which is why many modern shoes now have gusseted tongues attached to the upper. This helps keep the tongue centred, but it does not correct the underlying foot mechanics causing the shift.

A similar thing can happen with skinny jeans or tight leggings. Have you ever noticed the inner seam twisting around on one leg? This can happen because clothing is made symmetrically, but the body is often not. A leg length difference, pelvic tilt, or one foot rolling in more than the other can create rotational forces through the leg, causing seams to twist out of place.

So, whether it is the tongue of your shoe drifting sideways or the seam of your leggings twisting around your leg, these can both be signs of asymmetry in the lower body, often linked to foot and ankle alignment.

Top view of white trainers showing shoe tongue slipping outward due to foot alignment and possible hyperpronation

If you have noticed that the tongue of your shoe is always slipping to the outside, or that one trouser seam seems to keep twisting, it may be worth having your foot posture, ankle alignment, and leg lengths assessed by a podiatrist. Correcting the alignment with appropriate treatment, such as orthotic support where needed, can help improve the way forces travel through the feet and legs.

#ShoeTongue #ShoeTongueSlipping #FootAlignment #FootMechanics #Hyperpronation #Pronation #FootPosture #AnkleAlignment #LowerLimbAlignment

For more information or to book an appointment please call our clinic +971 4 3435390 or WhatsApp +971 50 3553024

Dubai Podiatry Centre

27/Apr/2026

Many runners are surprised when they develop pain, blistering, bruising, or thickening of the second toe, despite wearing well-fitted running shoes and high-quality socks.

They often say the same thing:

“My shoes fit perfectly.”

“My socks are good.”

“I’ve been very careful.”

And yet the second toe still becomes inflamed, swollen, blistered, bruised, or the nail may even loosen and fall off after longer runs.

In many cases, the problem is not simply the shoe. The real cause may begin higher up in the foot and ankle alignment.

The real issue may be foot mechanics

A very common cause of second toe problems in runners is pronation, where the ankle rolls inward and the arch drops slightly during standing, walking, or running.

When this happens:

•the ankle leans in

•the arch partially collapses

•the forefoot splays and widens

•the second toe rotates slightly

•pressure

#PodiatryClinic #FootPainRelief #RunningInjury #ToenailProblems #Biomechanics #CustomOrthotics #FootCareClinic #SportsPodiatry #RunPainFree #FootHealthExperts

For more information or to book an appointment please call our clinic +971 4 3435390 or WhatsApp +971 50 3553024

Dubai Podiatry Centre

27/Apr/2026

الأظافر الناشبة غالبًا ما تكون مشكلة عرض وليست مشكلة قصّ. عندما يكون ظفر القدم أعرض من الإصبع، تضغط الجوانب إلى أسفل داخل الجلد. هذا يبطئ نمو الظفر، ويؤدي إلى زيادة سماكة الجذر للظفر، ومع مرور الوقت يصبح الظفر أكثر تقوّسًا وأكثر ألمًا.

الاستئصال الجزئي للظفر هو إجراء طبي دائم في طبّ القدم، يتم فيه إزالة بضعة مليمترات فقط من حافة الظفر بعناية — بالقدر الكافي ليصبح الظفر مناسبًا للإصبع بشكل صحيح. من خلال تخفيف الضغط الجانبي، يمكن للظفر أن ينمو بحرية من الجذر مرة أخرى، مما يقلل الألم ويمنع تكرار المشكلة، مع الحفاظ على مظهر جمالي وطبيعي للظفر.

👣 عودة الوظيفة الطبيعية.
تخفيف الألم.
حل طويل الأمد.

#الظفر_الناشب #طب_القدم #صحة_القدم #العناية_بالأظافر #صحة_الأظافر #الاستئصال_الجزئي_للظفر #العناية_الطبية_بالقدم #أقدام_دون_ألم #أظافر_صحية #طب_القدم_دبي

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+971 4 3435390
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+971 50 3553024

Dubai Podiatry Centre

27/Apr/2026

Ingrown toenails are often a width problem – not a cutting problem.

When a toenail is too wide for the toe, the sides press down into the skin.
This slows nail growth, causes the root to thicken the nail, and over time the nail becomes more curved and painful.

A partial nail avulsion is a permanent podiatric procedure that carefully removes only a few millimetres of the nail edge – just enough for the nail to fit the toe properly.

By relieving side pressure, the nail can grow freely from the root again, reducing pain and preventing recurrence, while still leaving an aesthetically pleasing, natural-looking nail.

👣 Function restored. Pain relieved. Long-term solution.

#IngrownToenail
#Podiatry
#FootHealth
#ToenailCare
#NailHealth
#PartialNailAvulsion
#MedicalFootCare
#PainFreeFeet
#HealthyNails
#DubaiPodiatry

For more information or to book an appointment please call our clinic +971 4 3435390 or WhatsApp +971 50 3553024

Older Posts

BLOG

Severe Toe Walking in Children: Causes, Stages, and Treatment Options

Flat Feet Treatment for Kids in Dubai: When to See a Specialist

Dermojet

Children, Growth Spurts and Heel and Knee Pain

High-Arched Feet: The Hidden Problem Behind Foot Pain

Thank Goodness for Corns: Your Body’s Hidden Defence System

Why Does Your Shoe Tongue Keep Slipping? The Hidden Link to Foot Alignment & Hyperpronation

Why Runners Get Bruised, Blistered, or Thickened Second Toenails Even in Good Shoes

علاج دائم للظفر الناشب

Permanent Ingrown Toenail Relief