Items filtered by date: June 2023

Clubfoot is a congenital foot defect that can be detected before birth, but usually is diagnosed after the baby is born. Soon thereafter, treatment can begin. A clubfoot, also called talipes, is characterized by the foot pointing down and inward with the sole facing backward. It can affect one or both feet, but is not painful for babies. A treatment called the Ponseti method is frequently the first step in correcting clubfoot. During this process, the baby’s foot is manipulated into the correct position and placed in a cast. The process is repeated frequently as the baby grows. After the cast is permanently removed, minor surgery may be required to loosen the Achilles tendon. After that, the baby will wear special boots to prevent the clubfoot from returning. These boots will be worn daily for three months, and then as the baby ages, the boots are worn at night until they are about five years old. Most babies respond well to this treatment, and begin to walk normally. For further information about clubfoot, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist.

Congenital foot problems require immediate attention to avoid future complications. If you have any concerns, contact one of our podiatrists of Foot Care Centers of Palm Beach. 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 office located in Boynton Beach, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.

Some people have jobs that require standing and lifting most of the day. The feet can be affected and it is generally stressed by employers and safety leaders in the workplace that appropriate shoes are worn. This may help to prevent severe foot conditions from developing, in addition to hurting other areas of the body. Standing on anti-fatigue mats, also known as stress mats, is known to help absorb the shock from standing on hard surfaces. Despite this, employees tend to trip on these mats if they are not flat on the ground which may lead to additional injuries. It is helpful to wear work shoes that have traction on the soles to help prevent injuries from existing later. In most union jobs, taking breaks is mandatory to allow ample time to rest the body and feet. If you would like more information about how wearing the right shoes while working can protect the feet, it is suggested that you confer with a podiatrist who can provide you with helpful information.

While working on the feet, it is important to take the proper care of them. For more information about working on your feet, contact one of our podiatrists from Foot Care Centers of Palm Beach. Our doctors will treat your foot and ankle needs.

Working on Your Feet

Standing on your feet for long periods of time can cause stress and pain in your feet. Your whole body may experience change in terms of posture, back pain, bunions, callouses and or plantar warts. There are ways to avoid these conditions with proper foot care, smart choices and correct posture.

Positive Changes

Negative heeled shoe – Choosing this shoe type places the heel slightly lower than the ball of the foot. These are great for overall foot health. Find shoes that fit you correctly.

Go barefoot – Our feet were not designed to be enclosed for all hours of the day. Try to periodically expose your feet to air.

Eliminate Pain

Foot Exercises – Performing simple exercises, incorporating yoga and doing stretches are beneficial. This will allow increased blood flow to the area and muscles of the foot.

Achilles tendon – Stretching the foot out flat on the floor will relax the calf muscles and tendon. These exercises can be performed almost anywhere. Make sure you add these exercises to your daily regimen. 

With a little bit of this information and knowing more about foot health, you will notice changes. Foot stretches and proper footwear will help with pain and prevent further issues.

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

The importance of wearing running shoes that fit properly and support the feet cannot be underestimated. Proper running shoes can protect the feet from injury, as well as other body parts such as the knees and legs. Experts suggest that while shopping for the right running shoe you keep in mind support, cushioning, and protection. First, the shoe should fit your specific foot type, taking into consideration arch problems or gait issues such as overpronation. Second, regarding proper cushioning, it is imperative that the way you run be taken into consideration. If you are a heel striker, then extra cushioning at the heel will be needed. It is also important to recognize the type of surface you will be running on because that will determine how much cushioning works best. Finally, to best protect your feet, having a medical assessment of your feet is a good idea before buying a pair of shoes. Gait, foot type, arch issues, running patterns, and previous injuries will be taken into account. For help in choosing the right running shoe, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist.

You should always make sure your running shoes fit properly in order to avoid injury. For more information, contact one of our podiatrists from Foot Care Centers of Palm Beach. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Choosing the Right Running Shoe for Your Foot Type

Improper shoe sizing can cause a myriad of problems for your feet. Shoes that don’t fit you properly can lead to muscular imbalances in your body, which can result in foot, knee, and hip injuries.

Tips for Finding the Right Running Shoe

• Make sure you have a thumb’s width of wiggle room between the end of your longest toe and the front of the shoe.
• There should be little to no slipping at the heel
• Don’t assume your size in one shoe brand will be your size in another
• Do not lace up your shoes too tightly
• Walk around in the store with your new shoes before you buy them

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

Dyshidrotic eczema, also referred to as dyshidrosis or pompholyx, is a skin condition that causes blisters to develop on the soles of the feet. Those afflicted with this ailment know how debilitating it can be. Blisters often appear as tiny red and raised bumps that merge to cover large areas of the feet. These blisters are often itchy, painful, and filled with fluid. They may ooze pus if they become infected. They can be brought on by genetics, an allergy, extreme weather conditions, or stress. The cause of this condition is unknown. This condition typically begins between 20 to 40 years of age. It can affect children, but it is rare. While the blisters can heal on their own in a month’s time, they can leave the skin of the feet dry and peeling. Red and itchy skin on the feet can be from other things, and if you have these symptoms, it is strongly suggested that you visit a podiatrist for a diagnosis and appropriate treatment.

Blisters may appear as a single bubble or in a cluster. They can cause a lot of pain and may be filled with pus, blood, or watery serum. If your feet are hurting, contact one of our podiatrists of Foot Care Centers of Palm Beach. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Foot Blisters

Foot blisters are often the result of friction. This happens due to the constant rubbing from shoes, which can lead to pain.

What Are Foot Blisters?

A foot blister is a small fluid-filled pocket that forms on the upper-most layer of the skin. Blisters are filled with clear fluid and can lead to blood drainage or pus if the area becomes infected.

Symptoms

(Blister symptoms may vary depending on what is causing them)

• Bubble of skin filled with fluid
• Redness
• Moderate to severe pain
• Itching

Prevention & Treatment

In order to prevent blisters, you should be sure to wear comfortable shoes with socks that cushion your feet and absorb sweat. Breaking a blister open may increase your chances of developing an infection. However, if your blister breaks, you should wash the area with soap and water immediately and then apply a bandage to the affected area. If your blisters cause severe pain it is important that you call your podiatrist right away.

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