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 Michele Kraft, DPM of Toes on the Go. 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 Carmel, CA . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.

Ankle pain can come from different parts of the ankle, including bones, ligaments, muscles, nerves, and tendons. One common cause is a sprain in a ligament on the outside of the ankle, called the anterior talofibular ligament, which can get overstretched or torn if you twist your ankle suddenly. Pain on the inside of the ankle might be due to an injury to the deltoid ligament, which helps support the inner side of the ankle, and this can happen if you twist your ankle inwards or suffer a blow. Pain higher up on the ankle, near where the shin bones meet, can occur if the ligaments that hold those bones together are injured, often from a severe twisting motion. Muscles in the ankle can also get strained from overuse, and nerves can become painful due to conditions like tarsal tunnel syndrome, which is similar to carpal tunnel in the wrist. Injuries to tendons, like the Achilles tendon at the back of the ankle, can also cause significant pain. If you have ankle pain, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist for an exam, diagnosis, and treatment.

Ankle pain can have many different causes and the pain may potentially be serious. If you have ankle pain, consult with Michele Kraft, DPM from Toes on the Go. Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

Ankle pain is any condition that causes pain in the ankle. Due to the fact that the ankle consists of tendons, muscles, bones, and ligaments, ankle pain can come from a number of different conditions.

Causes

The most common causes of ankle pain include:

• Types of arthritis (rheumatoid, osteoarthritis, and gout)
• Ankle sprains
• Broken ankles
• Achilles tendinitis
• Achilles tendon rupture
• Stress fractures
• Tarsal tunnel syndrome
• Plantar fasciitis

Symptoms

Symptoms of ankle injury vary based upon the condition. Pain may include general pain and discomfort, swelling, aching, redness, bruising, burning or stabbing sensations, and/or loss of sensation.

Diagnosis

Due to the wide variety of potential causes of ankle pain, podiatrists will utilize a number of different methods to properly diagnose ankle pain. This can include asking for personal and family medical histories and of any recent injuries. Further diagnosis may include sensation tests, a physical examination, and potentially x-rays or other imaging tests.

Treatment

Just as the range of causes varies widely, so do treatments. Some more common treatments are rest, ice packs, keeping pressure off the foot, orthotics and braces, medication for inflammation and pain, and surgery.

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

Gait retraining is an increasingly popular intervention for distance runners experiencing pain or injury due to improper running mechanics. This specialized training focuses on altering a runner’s movement patterns to reduce stress on tissues and redistribute forces more evenly across joints. Common techniques include visual feedback, step rate manipulation, and foot strike adjustments. Each method of gait retraining aims to correct specific biomechanical issues that contribute to running-related injuries. While gait retraining has proved effective, it is essential to tailor the approach to the individual’s needs and abilities. A podiatrist can help a runner make an informed decision about which gait retraining methods will be most beneficial. Given the complexity of running mechanics, a thorough evaluation by a podiatrist ensures that the method chosen will address the root cause of pain without introducing new issues. If you experience foot pain after long distance running, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist to determine if gait retraining is needed.

If you have any concerns about your feet, contact Michele Kraft, DPM from Toes on the Go. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Biomechanics in Podiatry

Podiatric biomechanics is a particular sector of specialty podiatry with licensed practitioners who are trained to diagnose and treat conditions affecting the foot, ankle and lower leg. Biomechanics deals with the forces that act against the body, causing an interference with the biological structures. It focuses on the movement of the ankle, the foot and the forces that interact with them.

A History of Biomechanics

• Biomechanics dates back to the BC era in Egypt where evidence of professional foot care has been recorded.
• In 1974, biomechanics gained a higher profile from the studies of Merton Root, who claimed that by changing or controlling the forces between the ankle and the foot, corrections or conditions could be implemented to gain strength and coordination in the area.

Modern technological improvements are based on past theories and therapeutic processes that provide a better understanding of podiatric concepts for biomechanics. Computers can provide accurate information about the forces and patterns of the feet and lower legs.

Understanding biomechanics of the feet can help improve and eliminate pain, stopping further stress to the foot.

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

Gout is a form of arthritis marked by sudden, intense joint pain, often starting with the big toe. This condition occurs due to the accumulation of uric acid crystals in the joint, causing inflammation. Symptoms typically include severe, throbbing pain that may begin unexpectedly, often at night. The affected joint becomes swollen, red, and warm to the touch, and even light pressure from clothing or bedding can be excruciating. Warning signs of an impending gout attack include persistent joint discomfort, frequent episodes of pain, or swelling without a clear cause. If you have any of the above symptoms, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can help to manage this condition.

Gout is a painful condition that can be treated. If you are seeking treatment, contact Michele Kraft, DPM from Toes on the Go. Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.

What Is Gout?

Gout is a form of arthritis that is characterized by sudden, severe attacks of pain, redness, and tenderness in the joints. The condition usually affects the joint at the base of the big toe. A gout attack can occur at any random time, such as the middle of the night while you are asleep.

Symptoms

• Intense Joint Pain - Usually around the large joint of your big toe, and it most severe within the first four to twelve hours
• Lingering Discomfort - Joint discomfort may last from a few days to a few weeks
• Inflammation and Redness -Affected joints may become swollen, tender, warm and red
• Limited Range of Motion - May experience a decrease in joint mobility

Risk Factors

• Genetics - If family members have gout, you’re more likely to have it
• Medications - Diuretic medications can raise uric acid levels
• Gender/Age - Gout is more common in men until the age of 60. It is believed that estrogen protects women until that point
• Diet - Eating red meat and shellfish increases your risk
• Alcohol - Having more than two alcoholic drinks per day increases your risk
• Obesity - Obese people are at a higher risk for gout

Prior to visiting your podiatrist to receive treatment for gout, there are a few things you should do beforehand. If you have gout you should write down your symptoms--including when they started and how often you experience them, important medical information you may have, and any questions you may have. Writing down these three things will help your podiatrist in assessing your specific situation so that he or she may provide the best route of treatment for you.

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