Congenital foot problems are deformities present from birth, affecting the structure and function of the feet. Metatarsus adductus causes the toes and the front of the foot to curve inward toward the other foot. It can be flexible, often correcting itself by six to 12 months of age, although surgery may be needed if it does not improve. Clubfoot, similar in appearance but with toes pointing downward and the bottom of the foot facing inward, is usually detected via prenatal ultrasound and treated with casting or surgery. Calcanevalgus involves a dislocation of the talus bone, causing the top of the foot to touch the shin. This condition often improves on its own but may require intervention if it persists. Congenital vertical talus causes the foot to bend upwards and outwards. Treatment typically involves casting and, in some cases, surgery. If you notice any signs of these conditions on your baby, it is suggested you promptly schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for a proper diagnosis and treatment.

Congenital foot problems require immediate attention to avoid future complications. If you have any concerns, contact Shawn Echard, DPM of Laurel Podiatry LLC. Our practitioner can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Congenital foot problems are deformities affecting the feet, toes, and/or ankles that children are born with. Some of these conditions have a genetic cause while others just happen. Some specific foot ailments that children may be born with include clubfeet, polydactyly/macrodactyly, and cleft foot. There are several other foot anomalies that can occur congenitally. What all of these conditions have in common is that a child may experience difficulty walking or performing everyday activities, as well as trouble finding footwear that fits their foot deformity. Some of these conditions are more serious than others. Consulting with a podiatrist as early as possible will help in properly diagnosing a child’s foot condition while getting the necessary treatment underway.

What are Causes of Congenital Foot Problem?

A congenital foot problem is one that happens to a child at birth. These conditions can be caused by a genetic predisposition, developmental or positional abnormalities during gestation, or with no known cause.

What are Symptoms of Congenital Foot Problems?

Symptoms vary by the congenital condition. Symptoms may consist of the following:

• Clubfoot, where tendons are shortened, bones are shaped differently, and the Achilles tendon is tight, causing the foot to point in and down. It is also possible for the soles of the feet to face each other.
• Polydactyly, which usually consists of a nubbin or small lump of tissue without a bone, a toe that is partially formed but has no joints, or an extra toe.
• Vertical talus, where the talus bone forms in the wrong position causing other bones in the foot to line up improperly, the front of the foot to point up, and the bottom of the foot to stiffen, with no arch, and to curve out.
• Tarsal coalition, when there is an abnormal connection of two or more bones in the foot leading to severe, rigid flatfoot.
• Cleft foot, where there are missing toes, a V-shaped cleft, and other anatomical differences.
• Macrodactyly, when the toes are abnormally large due to overgrowth of the underlying bone or soft tissue.

Treatment and Prevention

While there is nothing one can do to prevent congenital foot problems, raising awareness and receiving neonatal screenings are important. Early detection by taking your child to a podiatrist leads to the best outcome possible.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our offices located in Greensburg and Somerset, PA . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.

Severe athlete's foot is a fungal infection affecting the skin of the feet having intense symptoms and various risk factors. Defined by its persistent and extensive nature, it often causes severe itching, burning, redness, and cracking of the skin. In advanced cases, symptoms may include blisters that can ooze or bleed. Risk factors include frequent exposure to damp environments like swimming pools or locker rooms, wearing tight or non-breathable footwear, and having compromised immune systems. Additionally, sharing contaminated surfaces or personal items can facilitate the spread of the infection. Proper foot hygiene, including keeping feet dry is important. If you have developed athlete’s foot, it is suggested that you contact a podiatrist who can offer a comprehensive treatment plan. 

Athlete’s Foot

Athlete’s foot is often an uncomfortable condition to experience. Thankfully, podiatrists specialize in treating athlete’s foot and offer the best treatment options. If you have any questions about athlete’s foot, consult with Shawn Echard, DPM from Laurel Podiatry LLC. Our practitioner will assess your condition and provide you with quality treatment.

What Is Athlete’s Foot?

Tinea pedis, more commonly known as athlete’s foot, is a non-serious and common fungal infection of the foot. Athlete’s foot is contagious and can be contracted by touching someone who has it or infected surfaces. The most common places contaminated by it are public showers, locker rooms, and swimming pools. Once contracted, it grows on feet that are left inside moist, dark, and warm shoes and socks.

Prevention

The most effective ways to prevent athlete’s foot include:

• Thoroughly washing and drying feet
• Avoid going barefoot in locker rooms and public showers
• Using shower shoes in public showers
• Wearing socks that allow the feet to breathe
• Changing socks and shoes frequently if you sweat a lot

Symptoms

Athlete’s foot initially occurs as a rash between the toes. However, if left undiagnosed, it can spread to the sides and bottom of the feet, toenails, and if touched by hand, the hands themselves. Symptoms include:

• Redness
• Burning
• Itching
• Scaly and peeling skin

Diagnosis and Treatment

Diagnosis is quick and easy. Skin samples will be taken and either viewed under a microscope or sent to a lab for testing. Sometimes, a podiatrist can diagnose it based on simply looking at it. Once confirmed, treatment options include oral and topical antifungal medications.

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

A tailor's bunion, also known as a bunionette, is a bony bump that forms on the outside of the foot near the base of the little toe. Unlike a regular bunion, which occurs on the inner side of the big toe, a tailor's bunion develops from pressure and misalignment of the little toe. The condition often results from wearing tight, narrow shoes or high heels that squeeze the toes, leading to the protrusion. Tailor's bunions can cause discomfort, pain, and difficulty finding well-fitting footwear. The pain may be aggravated by friction or pressure from shoes. Treatment for a tailor's bunion involves wearing wider, more comfortable shoes, using padding to reduce pressure, and potentially wearing orthotics to correct foot alignment. In severe cases, surgery may be necessary to realign the toe and remove the bony bump. If you have a painful tailor’s bunion, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for a proper diagnosis and relief options.

If you are suffering from bunion pain, contact Shawn Echard, DPM of Laurel Podiatry LLC. Our practitioner can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

What Is a Bunion?

Bunions are painful bony bumps that usually develop on the inside of the foot at the joint of the big toe. As the deformity increases over time, it may become painful to walk and wear shoes. Women are more likely to exacerbate existing bunions since they often wear tight, narrow shoes that shift their toes together. Bunion pain can be relieved by wearing wider shoes with enough room for the toes.

Causes

• Genetics – some people inherit feet that are more prone to bunion development
• Inflammatory Conditions - rheumatoid arthritis and polio may cause bunion development

Symptoms

• Redness and inflammation
• Pain and tenderness
• Callus or corns on the bump
• Restricted motion in the big toe

In order to diagnose your bunion, your podiatrist may ask about your medical history, symptoms, and general health. Your doctor might also order an x-ray to take a closer look at your feet. Nonsurgical treatment options include orthotics, padding, icing, changes in footwear, and medication. If nonsurgical treatments don’t alleviate your bunion pain, surgery may be necessary.

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