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Let the Expert Treat Your Ingrown Toenails

Ingrown toenails can be painful and can make wearing shoes or walking uncomfortable. Seek professional help if you believe you've developed an ingrown toenail and be treated safely. 

Facts About Clubfoot in Your Newborn

Clubfoot is a condition seen at birth where a baby’s foot twists inward and downward, making the sole face sideways or even upward. One or both feet can be affected, and the calf and foot may appear smaller than normal. Clubfoot involves the foot and ankle bones, joints, and tendons, leading to stiffness and limited motion. While the cause is not always known, it occurs more often in boys or when there is a family history. A similar issue, called positional clubfoot, can happen if the baby’s foot was pressed into an awkward position in the womb, but that form does not affect bone structure. True clubfoot requires early treatment to help move the foot into a better position. A podiatrist can assess the severity, take X-rays if needed, and monitor foot growth to determine whether a brace, casting, or surgery is necessary. If your baby displays symptoms of clubfoot, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for a diagnosis and ongoing treatment.

Congenital foot problems require immediate attention to avoid future complications. If you have any concerns, contact Brent Harwood, DPM of Southeast Podiatry. 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 one of our offices located in Fairhope and Atmore, AL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Read more about Congenital Foot Problems

Heel Pain in the Morning?

Heel pain can negatively affect your day-to-day life. Simple activities like walking can become incredibly uncomfortable or painful due to heel pain.

Don’t live with heel pain and get treated.

Causes of Poor Foot Health in Seniors

Foot problems become increasingly common with age due to wear and tear, medical conditions, and footwear habits. Seniors often face bunions, which are painful bumps that form when the big toe shifts out of place, sometimes causing inflammation and discomfort. Corns and calluses develop from pressure and friction, especially when shoes do not fit properly. Thick, brittle, discolored, or ingrown toenails can also become problematic and may lead to pain or infection. Other issues from improper footwear in seniors include arthritis-related stiffness, plantar fasciitis and heel spurs causing arch or heel pain, and flat feet or high arches that alter foot alignment. Nerve-related conditions such as tarsal tunnel syndrome and Morton’s neuroma may also cause burning, tingling, or cramping sensations. If you are experiencing foot pain, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for an exam, diagnosis, and appropriate treatment options.

If you need your feet checked, contact Brent Harwood, DPM of Southeast Podiatry. Our doctor will attend to all of your foot and ankle needs and provide you with quality treatment.

Geriatrics and Podiatry
When people age, some common issues that may occur are bone density loss, dry skin, poor circulation, and rough brittle nails. These issues may also affect your foot health if the necessary steps are not taken to alleviate the problems.

It is important to take care of your feet because feet that are injured or diseased can affect your overall health. Having painful feet hinders your ability to do daily activities or may decrease your willingness to do the things that you need to do.

Visiting Your Geriatrician
As we age, health problems become more likely, so it is essential to visit your doctor for check-ups to ensure that you are doing the best you can to take care of your health. It is recommended to check your feet frequently for any possible cuts, bruises, swelling, corns or any other irregularities. 

Taking Care of Elderly Feet
Cracked or dry feet can be treated by applying moisturizer often. It is also important not to wear old socks because the older the sock is, the higher the possibility there will be that there is bacteria there. Wear fresh socks and make sure they fit properly.

Proper foot health means that you can have a more active lifestyle and you will not be bogged down by pain. Foot health also leads to good circulation, which is paramount for overall health.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact one of our offices located in Fairhope and Atmore, AL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Read more about Elderly Foot Care

Heel Pain Can Be Treated!

Do you suffer from heel pain when you get up in the morning? If so, you should seek professional help and have a proper diagnosis performed. Heel pain can be caused by several different foot-related conditions.