Clubfoot is considered to be a congenital foot condition. The medical name for it is known as congenital talipes equinovarus, and the abbreviation is CTEV.  A noticeable sign of this condition is that the infant's feet are rotated at the ankle. There are two categories of CTEV - postural and structural. The former involves tightness or muscle imbalance, and the bones and joints are generally not affected by this type of clubfoot. The latter is a deformity that affects the bones and joints, and reaching a full range of motion may be difficult to accomplish. The symptoms that are associated with CTEV can consist of tight calf muscles, and the feet will turn inward. Research has indicated that genetics and environment may contribute to developing structural CTEV. When walking begins, the child may have difficulty in maintaining a normal walking pattern, and they may have foot pain and limited mobility. Specific stretches can possibly help postural CTEV, and surgery may be necessary in structural CTEV, which may help to properly align the feet. If your child has been born with clubfoot, it is strongly advised that a podiatrist be contacted who can diagnose and manage this condition.

Congenital foot problems require immediate attention to avoid future complications. If you have any concerns, contact Kevin Powers, DPM of The Center for Lower Extremity Nerve Surgery. 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 offices located in Indianapolis and Bloomington, IN . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Anyone who cares about keeping their feet in a healthy condition ought to be aware of ways they can prevent heel spurs. This troublesome condition essentially causes a bony outgrowth on the bottom of the foot made up of calcium. Not all cases of heel spurs cause the patient pain. However, some heel spurs can be associated with severe pain from plantar fasciitis. If you are someone who wants to be diligent about preventing the onset of heel spurs, there are a number of steps that you can take. First, you can follow a sensible diet and successfully manage your weight. This is because the heavier you are, the more weight you are placing on your heel when walking, which can increase the likelihood of heel spurs. Additionally, you can be mindful of the surfaces on which you are walking and running. For example, if you are someone who walks or runs frequently, you can choose to do these activities on surfaces that are not hard, as this tends to ultimately wear down the heel. Lastly, you can avoid footwear that puts added strain on your heel, making you more susceptible to developing heel spurs. Such footwear includes flip flops and high heels. If you want to know about more ways in which you can avoid developing heel spurs, please see a podiatrist who can be able to help.

Heel spurs can be incredibly painful and sometimes may make you unable to participate in physical activities. To get medical care for your heel spurs, contact Kevin Powers, DPM from The Center for Lower Extremity Nerve Surgery. Our doctor will do everything possible to treat your condition.

Heels Spurs

Heel spurs are formed by calcium deposits on the back of the foot where the heel is. This can also be caused by small fragments of bone breaking off one section of the foot, attaching onto the back of the foot. Heel spurs can also be bone growth on the back of the foot and may grow in the direction of the arch of the foot.

Older individuals usually suffer from heel spurs and pain sometimes intensifies with age. One of the main condition's spurs are related to is plantar fasciitis.

Pain

The pain associated with spurs is often because of weight placed on the feet. When someone is walking, their entire weight is concentrated on the feet. Bone spurs then have the tendency to affect other bones and tissues around the foot. As the pain continues, the feet will become tender and sensitive over time.

Treatments

There are many ways to treat heel spurs. If one is suffering from heel spurs in conjunction with pain, there are several methods for healing. Medication, surgery, and herbal care are some options.

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

Athlete’s foot is a fungal skin infection (tinea infection) that can cause symptoms on the feet, including red or white patches of itchy and/or sore skin, cracked, burning, or bleeding skin, and blisters. These symptoms can occur on the top of the feet, between the toes, and on the sides and soles of the feet. Athlete’s foot can be contracted by direct contact with someone who has the infection, or by walking with bare feet in places where the fungus is living, such as communal showers and gym locker rooms. Left untreated, the infection that causes Athlete’s foot can worsen as well as spread to other parts of the body. It is a good idea to make an appointment with a podiatrist if you suspect you have athlete’s foot. Podiatrists have successful remedies to treat this uncomfortable and contagious skin condition.  

Athlete’s foot is an inconvenient condition that can be easily reduced with the proper treatment. If you have any concerns about your feet and ankles, contact Kevin Powers, DPM from The Center for Lower Extremity Nerve Surgery.  Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.

Athlete’s Foot: The Sole Story

Athlete's foot, also known as tinea pedis, can be an extremely contagious foot infection. It is commonly contracted in public changing areas and bathrooms, dormitory style living quarters, around locker rooms and public swimming pools, or anywhere your feet often come into contact with other people.

Solutions to Combat Athlete’s Foot

• Hydrate your feet by using lotion
• Exfoliate
• Buff off nails
• Use of anti-fungal products
• Examine your feet and visit your doctor if any suspicious blisters or cuts develop

Athlete’s foot can cause many irritating symptoms such as dry and flaking skin, itching, and redness. Some more severe symptoms can include bleeding and cracked skin, intense itching and burning, and even pain when walking. In the worst cases, Athlete’s foot can cause blistering as well. Speak to your podiatrist for a better understanding of the different causes of Athlete’s foot, as well as help in determining which treatment options are best for you.

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

Ordinary, over-the-counter insoles should not be confused with custom orthotics. Custom orthotics are prescription medical devices designed specifically to fit your individual feet and address your particular issue. Custom orthotics can help improve your gait, reduce pain, protect your joints, provide support, and enhance your athletic performance. They also can help to prevent injuries and improve alignment in your feet, which affects your entire body. Having custom orthotics made starts with a thorough examination from a podiatrist. They will then analyze your medical history and diagnose the cause of your pain or gait/mobility issue. If they determine that you can benefit from custom orthotics, they will create either a plaster mold or 3D digital scan of your feet from which your custom orthotics will be produced. Make an appointment with a podiatrist to explore whether custom orthotics are a good fit for you.

If you are having discomfort in your feet and would like to try orthotics, contact Kevin Powers, DPM from The Center for Lower Extremity Nerve Surgery. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

What Are Orthotics?

Orthotics are inserts you can place into your shoes to help with a variety of foot problems such as flat feet or foot pain. Orthotics provide relief and comfort for minor foot and heel pain but can’t correct serious biomechanical problems in your feet.

Over-the-Counter Inserts

Orthotics come in a wide variety of over-the-counter inserts that are used to treat foot pain, heel pain, and minor problems. For example, arch supports can be inserted into your shoes to help correct overarched or flat feet, while gel insoles are often used because they provide comfort and relief from foot and heel pain by alleviating pressure.

Prescription Orthotics

If over-the-counter inserts don’t work for you or if you have a more severe foot concern, it is possible to have your podiatrist prescribe custom orthotics. These high-quality inserts are designed to treat problems such as abnormal motion, plantar fasciitis, and severe forms of heel pain. They can even be used to help patients suffering from diabetes by treating foot ulcers and painful calluses and are usually molded to your feet individually, which allows them to provide full support and comfort.

If you are experiencing minor to severe foot or heel pain, it’s recommended to speak with your podiatrist about the possibilities of using orthotics. A podiatrist can determine which type of orthotic is right for you and allow you to take the first steps towards being pain-free.

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