Clubfoot is a congenital condition where a baby’s foot is twisted out of shape or position, often with the toes pointing downward and inward. This condition affects one or both feet and occurs during fetal development. While the exact cause of clubfoot is unknown, it is believed to result from a combination of genetic and environmental factors. Clubfoot is diagnosed shortly after birth through a physical examination, and in some cases, an ultrasound may detect it before birth. Treatment for clubfoot typically involves a non-surgical procedure known as the Ponseti method, which uses gentle stretching and casting to correct the position of the foot. In more severe cases, surgery may be needed. With early intervention and appropriate treatment, most children with clubfoot can lead active and healthy lives, walking without pain or disability. If your child has been born with clubfoot, it is suggested that you include a podiatrist on your healthcare team for optimum recovery results.

Congenital foot problems require immediate attention to avoid future complications. If you have any concerns, contact one of our podiatrists of Apple Podiatry Group. 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 Fort Worth, And Flower Mound, TX . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.

Sinus tarsi syndrome causes ongoing pain and a feeling of instability on the outer side of the foot, just below the ankle. The sinus tarsi is a small, funnel-shaped space in the ankle that contains nerves, ligaments, blood vessels. The sinus tarsi syndrome typically kicks in after repeated ankle sprains or injuries that weaken the supporting structures of the foot. People with sinus tarsi syndrome may feel pain when turning their foot inward or outward. Other symptoms include tenderness when pressing on the area, swelling, and difficulty walking on uneven surfaces like grass or gravel. A foot that rolls too far inward while walking, known as overpronation, can add extra pressure to this part of the foot and increase the pain. A podiatrist can diagnose sinus tarsi syndrome by examining the foot, performing imaging tests, and ruling out other causes of pain. Treatment may include braces or custom orthotics to reduce movement and support the foot properly. If you have symptoms of sinus tarsi syndrome, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for an exam and treatment options.

Many people suffer from bouts of heel pain. For more information, contact one of our podiatrists of Apple Podiatry Group. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Causes of Heel Pain

Heel pain is often associated with plantar fasciitis. The plantar fascia is a band of tissues that extends along the bottom of the foot. A rip or tear in this ligament can cause inflammation of the tissue.

Achilles tendonitis is another cause of heel pain. Inflammation of the Achilles tendon will cause pain from fractures and muscle tearing. Lack of flexibility is also another symptom.

Heel spurs are another cause of pain. When the tissues of the plantar fascia undergo a great deal of stress, it can lead to ligament separation from the heel bone, causing heel spurs.

Why Might Heel Pain Occur?

• Wearing ill-fitting shoes                  
• Wearing non-supportive shoes
• Weight change           
• Excessive running

Treatments

Heel pain should be treated as soon as possible for immediate results. Keeping your feet in a stress-free environment will help. If you suffer from Achilles tendonitis or plantar fasciitis, applying ice will reduce the swelling. Stretching before an exercise like running will help the muscles. Using all these tips will help make heel pain a condition of the past.

If you have any questions please contact our offices located in Arlington Fort Worth, And Flower Mound, TX . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Surgery may be recommended when a bunion causes persistent discomfort or pain that does not improve with conservative treatments. A bunion, or hallux valgus, is a deformity at the base of the big toe, often resulting in a bony bump, irritation, and difficulty wearing shoes. Surgical options focus on realigning the affected joint to improve function and reduce pain. Common bunion surgery procedures include osteotomy, where the bone is cut and repositioned, and arthrodesis, which involves fusing the joint for long-term stability. In some cases, removing part of the bone or soft tissue may also be necessary to restore alignment. The choice of procedure depends on factors like the severity of the bunion and the effect it has on other parts of the foot. A podiatrist can evaluate the situation, explain surgical options, and guide you through the recovery process. If you have a bunion that is causing constant discomfort, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist to find out if surgery is an option.

Foot surgery is sometimes necessary to treat a foot ailment. To learn more, contact one of our podiatrists of Apple Podiatry Group. Our doctors will assist you with all of your foot and ankle needs.

When Is Surgery Necessary?

Foot and ankle surgery is generally reserved for cases in which less invasive, conservative procedures have failed to alleviate the problem. Some of the cases in which surgery may be necessary include:

• Removing foot deformities like bunions and bone spurs
• Severe arthritis that has caused bone issues
• Cosmetic reconstruction

What Types of Surgery Are There?

The type of surgery you receive will depend on the nature of the problem you have. Some of the possible surgeries include:

• Bunionectomy for painful bunions
• Surgical fusion for realignment of bones
• Neuropathy decompression surgery to treat nerve damage

Benefits of Surgery

Although surgery is usually a last resort, it can provide more complete pain relief compared to non-surgical methods and may allow you to finally resume full activity.

Surgical techniques have also become increasingly sophisticated. Techniques like endoscopic surgery allow for smaller incisions and faster recovery times.

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