Clubfoot is a common birth defect that can be detected before birth or at birth. It is when an infant’s foot points inward instead of forward. The heel will appear to be on the outside of the foot while the toes point toward the other foot. While this condition typically involves one foot, it can involve both feet. It is more apt to affect boys than girls. A child with clubfoot will wobble when they walk and often walk on the outside of their foot to maintain their balance. While it looks uncomfortable, it generally does not cause pain in childhood. However, a child with this ailment can experience pain later in life if the affected leg is shorter and has a smaller calf due to the clubfoot. The reason for this anomaly is unknown. Some experts believe clubfoot is a genetic condition and that mothers who smoke or drink during pregnancy are more likely to bear children with clubfoot. It may also occur as a skeletal abnormality during birth. Clubfoot may be corrected with stretching and bracing the foot, but in some severe cases, surgery might be required. If you have a child born with clubfoot, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist for recommended treatment.

Congenital foot problems require immediate attention to avoid future complications. If you have any concerns, contact Elliot T. Udell, DPM of New York. Our doctor 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 office located in Hicksville, NY . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.

A condition known as Sever’s disease is common among physically active children between the ages of 8 and 14. Luckily it is not really a disease and generally corrects itself as the child ages. However, in the meantime, the child may experience pain in the heel, but not the Achilles tendon or plantar fascia. Also known as calcaneal apophysitis, Sever’s disease results from inflammation of the growth plate at the back of the heel. This is because the muscles of the calf and the heel bone grow at different rates. Excessive running or jumping, particular to certain sports played by children, can aggravate the condition. Pain is worse during activity and generally lets up after rest. Another factor of Sever’s disease is wearing shoes that do not offer ample heel cushioning or arch support. By late adolescence, the child’s growth plates will have hardened and the pain abates. For more information, it is suggested that your child see a podiatrist who can examine the heel to properly diagnose the problem and offer options for treatment.

Sever's disease often occurs in children and teens. If your child is experiencing foot or ankle pain, see Elliot T. Udell, DPM from New York. Our doctor can treat your child’s foot and ankle needs.

Sever’s Disease

Sever’s disease is also known as calcaneal apophysitis, which is a medical condition that causes heel pain I none or both feet. The disease is known to affect children between the ages of 8 and 14.

Sever’s disease occurs when part of the child’s heel known as the growth plate (calcaneal epiphysis) is attached to the Achilles tendon. This area can suffer injury when the muscles and tendons of the growing foot do not keep pace with bone growth. Therefore, the constant pain which one experiences at the back of the heel will make the child unable to put any weight on the heel. The child is then forced to walk on their toes.

Symptoms

Acute pain – Pain associated with Sever’s disease is usually felt in the heel when the child engages in physical activity such as walking, jumping and or running.

Highly active – Children who are very active are among the most susceptible in experiencing Sever’s disease, because of the stress and tension placed on their feet.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in Hicksville, NY . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle injuries.

Many diabetics suffer from a related condition known as Charcot foot. It is caused by peripheral neuropathy, which is nerve damage and a loss of sensation in the lower legs and feet. Diabetics with Charcot foot may notice redness, warmth, and swelling of the feet, the condition also weakens the bones, soft tissues, and joints of the foot. As the disease progresses it may lead to fractures and dislocation of the ankle bones. Charcot foot can be detected through a physical examination, X-rays, and blood tests. The condition generally affects only one foot. Taking the weight off the affected foot is paramount in helping to keep symptoms at bay. The bones in the foot can easily collapse and if ignored can produce even more serious problems. In some cases, patients are directed to wear a special boot or cast to protect the foot. Orthotic inserts in shoes are often helpful in providing the needed cushioning. If you are experiencing symptoms of Charcot foot, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist as soon as possible for an exam and diagnosis. 

Neuropathy

Neuropathy can be a potentially serious condition, especially if it is left undiagnosed. If you have any concerns that you may be experiencing nerve loss in your feet, consult with Elliot T. Udell, DPM from New York. Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment for neuropathy.

What Is Neuropathy?

Neuropathy is a condition that leads to damage to the nerves in the body. Peripheral neuropathy, or neuropathy that affects your peripheral nervous system, usually occurs in the feet. Neuropathy can be triggered by a number of different causes. Such causes include diabetes, infections, cancers, disorders, and toxic substances.

Symptoms of Neuropathy Include:

• Numbness
• Sensation loss
• Prickling and tingling sensations
• Throbbing, freezing, burning pains
• Muscle weakness

Those with diabetes are at serious risk due to being unable to feel an ulcer on their feet. Diabetics usually also suffer from poor blood circulation. This can lead to the wound not healing, infections occurring, and the limb may have to be amputated.

Treatment

To treat neuropathy in the foot, podiatrists will first diagnose the cause of the neuropathy. Figuring out the underlying cause of the neuropathy will allow the podiatrist to prescribe the best treatment, whether it be caused by diabetes, toxic substance exposure, infection, etc. If the nerve has not died, then it’s possible that sensation may be able to return to the foot.

Pain medication may be issued for pain. Electrical nerve stimulation can be used to stimulate nerves. If the neuropathy is caused from pressure on the nerves, then surgery may be necessary.

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