Items filtered by date: September 2024

Clubfoot is a congenital condition where a baby’s foot or feet are abnormally twisted. This deformity causes the foot to point downward and inward, resembling a club. It occurs due to an abnormal development of the tendons, muscles, and bones of the foot. The exact cause is often unclear but may involve genetic and environmental factors. Diagnosis typically occurs through physical examination shortly after birth, where the abnormal positioning is evident. In some cases, clubfoot affects both feet, known as bilateral clubfeet. Symptoms include an abnormal foot shape, limited movement, and difficulty placing the foot flat on the ground. If your child has clubfoot, it is strongly suggested that you contact a podiatrist who can properly diagnose the condition, and begin treatment which may include specific stretches, casting, or surgery to increase mobility. 

Congenital foot problems require immediate attention to avoid future complications. If you have any concerns, contact Jim Maxka, DPM of South Penn Foot & Ankle Associates. 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 Hanover, PA . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.

Elderly people frequently encounter foot problems, such as plantar fasciitis, arthritis, gout, and claw toe. Plantar fasciitis, marked by heel pain and inflammation of the tissue along the bottom of the foot, can be particularly bothersome. Arthritis, including osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis, often leads to joint pain, stiffness, and swelling, impacting overall mobility. Gout, another type of arthritis characterized by sudden, intense pain and swelling, usually affects the big toe due to uric acid crystal buildup. Additionally, claw toe, a condition where toes bend into a claw-like position, can result from muscle imbalances or arthritis. If you are older and are experiencing specific foot conditions, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist who can provide you with relief and treatment solutions.

Proper foot care is something many older adults forget to consider. If you have any concerns about your feet and ankles, contact Jim Maxka, DPM from South Penn Foot & Ankle Associates. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

The Elderly and Their Feet

As we age we start to notice many changes in our body, but the elder population may not notice them right away. Medical conditions may prevent the elderly to take notice of their foot health right away. Poor vision is a lead contributor to not taking action for the elderly.

Common Conditions 

• Neuropathy – can reduce feeling in the feet and can hide many life-threatening medical conditions.
• Reduced flexibility – prevents the ability of proper toenail trimming, and foot cleaning. If left untreated, it may lead to further medical issues.
• Foot sores – amongst the older population can be serious before they are discovered. Some of the problematic conditions they may face are:
• Gouging toenails affecting nearby toe
• Shoes that don’t fit properly
• Pressure sores
• Loss of circulation in legs & feet
• Edema & swelling of feet and ankles

Susceptible Infections

Diabetes and poor circulation can cause general loss of sensitivity over the years, turning a simple cut into a serious issue.

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

Wearing high heels can lead to several negative side effects affecting the feet. The elevated position of the heel places excessive pressure on the toes and the balls of the feet, often causing pain and discomfort. This pressure can result in conditions such as bunions, hammertoes, and calluses. Additionally, the unnatural foot position associated with high heels disrupts proper foot alignment, leading to potential issues with balance and gait. Over time, wearing high heels can contribute to joint and muscle strain, leading to chronic pain in the feet, knees, and lower back. To minimize these effects, it is important to balance high-heel wear with comfortable, supportive footwear and practice foot care routines that alleviate pressure and promote foot health. If you have developed a foot condition from frequently wearing high heels, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can offer you effective relief strategies.

High heels have a history of causing foot and ankle problems. If you have any concerns about your feet or ankles, contact Jim Maxka, DPM from South Penn Foot & Ankle Associates. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Effects of High Heels on the Feet

High heels are popular shoes among women because of their many styles and societal appeal.  Despite this, high heels can still cause many health problems if worn too frequently.

Which Parts of My Body Will Be Affected by High Heels?

• Ankle Joints
• Achilles Tendon – May shorten and stiffen with prolonged wear
• Balls of the Feet
• Knees – Heels cause the knees to bend constantly, creating stress on them
• Back – They decrease the spine’s ability to absorb shock, which may lead to back pain.  The vertebrae of the lower back may compress.

What Kinds of Foot Problems Can Develop from Wearing High Heels?

• Corns
• Calluses
• Hammertoe
• Bunions
• Morton’s Neuroma
• Plantar Fasciitis

How Can I Still Wear High Heels and Maintain Foot Health?

If you want to wear high heeled shoes, make sure that you are not wearing them every day, as this will help prevent long term physical problems.  Try wearing thicker heels as opposed to stilettos to distribute weight more evenly across the feet.  Always make sure you are wearing the proper shoes for the right occasion, such as sneakers for exercising.  If you walk to work, try carrying your heels with you and changing into them once you arrive at work.  Adding inserts to your heels can help cushion your feet and absorb shock. Full foot inserts or metatarsal pads are available. 

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

Bunions are bony bumps that form at the base of the big toe, often caused by a misalignment of the toe joint. This condition leads to the big toe angling toward the other toes, creating an uncomfortable and noticeable protrusion. Common symptoms include pain, swelling, and difficulty wearing certain shoes. Bunions can result from genetic factors, excessive foot stress, or wearing ill-fitting shoes. Treatment for bunions focuses on managing pain and slowing progression. Initially, this involves wearing properly fitting shoes with a wide toe box and using orthotic inserts to reduce pressure. Taking anti-inflammatory medications can help with discomfort. In more severe cases, where conservative measures fail, surgical options may be considered to realign the toe and correct the deformity. If you're experiencing symptoms of a bunion or need advice on managing foot discomfort, it is suggested you make an appointment with a podiatrist who can provide expert care and tailor treatment to your specific needs.

If you are suffering from bunion pain, contact Jim Maxka, DPM of South Penn Foot & Ankle Associates. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

What Is a Bunion?

Bunions are painful bony bumps that usually develop on the inside of the foot at the joint of the big toe. As the deformity increases over time, it may become painful to walk and wear shoes. Women are more likely to exacerbate existing bunions since they often wear tight, narrow shoes that shift their toes together. Bunion pain can be relieved by wearing wider shoes with enough room for the toes.

Causes

• Genetics – some people inherit feet that are more prone to bunion development
• Inflammatory Conditions - rheumatoid arthritis and polio may cause bunion development

Symptoms

• Redness and inflammation
• Pain and tenderness
• Callus or corns on the bump
• Restricted motion in the big toe

In order to diagnose your bunion, your podiatrist may ask about your medical history, symptoms, and general health. Your doctor might also order an x-ray to take a closer look at your feet. Nonsurgical treatment options include orthotics, padding, icing, changes in footwear, and medication. If nonsurgical treatments don’t alleviate your bunion pain, surgery may be necessary.

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