When a baby is born, part of the essential examination process is checking out its feet. Regardless of how small a newborn’s foot is, it is still a complex body part. The good news is that most newborn foot deformities are diagnosed through such an examination. Common infant foot abnormalities include clubfoot, flat foot, and multiple digital deformities. Treatments typically involve observation, stretching, and splinting. However, some cases involve surgical intervention, with surgery often postponed until the baby is between six to nine months of age so they will be better able to tolerate anesthesia. If you have a newborn with any type of foot problem, it is strongly suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist for a thorough examination and to learn of treatment options.

Congenital foot problems require immediate attention to avoid future complications. If you have any concerns, contact one of our podiatrists of Podiatry Associates of Texas. Our doctors 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 Arlington and Weatherford, TX . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.

Ankles can become swollen for several reasons. Among other things, ankle swelling can occur during pregnancy, from a sprained ankle, or lymphedema. Swelling of a woman’s ankles during pregnancy is normal, however, severe swelling can indicate the onset of preeclampsia. If one sprains their ankle, a ligament is torn or injured and likely causes swelling. Lymphedema occurs when there is a collection of lymph fluid in the tissues due to lymph problems and there is an interference with proper blood flow to the ankle. Repeated swelling of the ankles can lead to instability and even arthritis. If your ankles have been swollen for a long time, or if the swelling worsens, it is suggested that you contact a podiatrist for an examination and recommended treatment options.

Ankle pain can have many different causes and the pain may potentially be serious. If you have ankle pain, consult with one of our podiatrists from Podiatry Associates of Texas. Our doctors 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 offices located in Arlington and Weatherford, TX . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

The feet are considered to be one of the most complex structures in the body. There are 26 bones, many ligaments, tendons, and muscles in each foot, and their main function is to provide mobility. The feet are needed to maintain balance in different positions, in addition to absorbing shock while walking and running. Research has shown there are various foot postures among different species. The plantigrade posture signifies contact between the foot and ground while walking and is the method humans and bears have. Dogs and cats have the digitigrade posture, which represents only the toes making contact with the ground. Animals including horses have the unguligrade posture, where the tips of their feet touch the ground. The human foot consists of several areas, including the hindfoot, midfoot and forefoot. All of these components work together for smooth mobility, and it is important that proper foot care is maintained so they can continue to do this. If you have a problem with any part of the feet, it is suggested that you contact a podiatrist for a diagnosis and treatment.

If you have any concerns about your feet, contact one of our podiatrists from Podiatry Associates of Texas. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Biomechanics in Podiatry

Podiatric biomechanics is a particular sector of specialty podiatry with licensed practitioners who are trained to diagnose and treat conditions affecting the foot, ankle and lower leg. Biomechanics deals with the forces that act against the body, causing an interference with the biological structures. It focuses on the movement of the ankle, the foot and the forces that interact with them.

A History of Biomechanics

• Biomechanics dates back to the BC era in Egypt where evidence of professional foot care has been recorded.
• In 1974, biomechanics gained a higher profile from the studies of Merton Root, who claimed that by changing or controlling the forces between the ankle and the foot, corrections or conditions could be implemented to gain strength and coordination in the area.

Modern technological improvements are based on past theories and therapeutic processes that provide a better understanding of podiatric concepts for biomechanics. Computers can provide accurate information about the forces and patterns of the feet and lower legs.

Understanding biomechanics of the feet can help improve and eliminate pain, stopping further stress to the foot.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our offices located in Arlington and Weatherford, TX . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.