Items filtered by date: October 2023

Clubfoot is a congenital condition that affects infants' feet, making them appear rotated inward and downward. While it may sound intimidating, clubfoot is both a common and treatable condition. It occurs during fetal development when the tendons and ligaments in the foot are shorter than usual, pulling the foot into an abnormal position. In some cases, both feet may be affected. Clubfoot is not painful for the infant, but if left untreated, it can lead to severe mobility issues as they grow. The good news is that with early intervention, clubfoot can be effectively corrected. The Ponseti method, a non-surgical approach, is often employed. It involves gentle manipulation of the foot and the use of a series of casts to gradually move the foot into the correct position. Afterward, a brace is used to maintain the corrected position. In some cases, a minor surgical procedure may be necessary. Early detection and treatment are essential for the best outcome, and with the right care, many children with clubfoot can grow up to lead active, pain-free lives. If your child has been born with clubfoot, it is suggested that you speak with a podiatrist as quickly as possible who can begin the correct treatment method.

Congenital foot problems require immediate attention to avoid future complications. If you have any concerns, contact Dr. Richard T. Bauer of Summit Foot & Ankle. 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 Latham, NY . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.

Foot stress fractures, though they can happen to anyone, often have identifiable causes and risk factors. One of the leading causes of stress fractures is a sudden increase in activity. This increase can encompass frequency, duration, or intensity. It is particularly common among athletes pushing their boundaries, like marathon runners who ramp up their mileage too quickly. Changing the surface upon which you exercise is another factor to consider. Transitioning from a soft, forgiving surface like an indoor track or turf to a harsh, unforgiving one like a concrete sidewalk can place undue stress on the bones of your feet. Improper technique is a hidden enemy, as it can stem from other foot conditions, like blisters or bunions. When people adjust their gait to avoid pain or discomfort, they may inadvertently place extra stress on certain bones in the foot. Footwear matters more than you might think. Ill-fitting, flimsy, stiff, or worn-out shoes can contribute significantly to the development of stress fractures. It's not just athletes who need to be aware because even non-athletes can experience these injuries after walking extensively on uneven terrain, common during vacations. For more information on dealing with foot stress fractures, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist. 

Activities where too much pressure is put on the feet can cause stress fractures. To learn more, contact Dr. Richard T. Bauer from Summit Foot & Ankle. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep your pain free and on your feet.

Dealing with Stress Fractures of the Foot and Ankle

Stress fractures occur in the foot and ankle when muscles in these areas weaken from too much or too little use.  The feet and ankles then lose support when walking or running from the impact of the ground. Since there is no protection, the bones receive the full impact of each step. Stress on the feet can cause cracks to form in the bones, thus creating stress fractures.

What Are Stress Fractures?

Stress fractures occur frequently in individuals whose daily activities cause great impact on the feet and ankles. Stress factors are most common among:

• Runners                                  
• People affected with Osteoporosis
• Tennis or basketball players
• Gymnasts
• High impact workouts

Symptoms

Pain from the fractures occur in the area of the fractures and can be constant or intermittent. It will often cause sharp or dull pain with swelling and tenderness. Engaging in any kind of activity which involves high impact will aggravate pain.

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

Osteoarthritis, or OA, which is often associated with aging and wear-and-tear, isn't limited to just the knees and hips. It can also affect the ankle joint, causing pain and mobility issues. Osteoarthritis in the ankle is a chronic condition that develops when the protective cartilage that cushions the bones begins to deteriorate. OA can occur at any time of life, but it is most common in older adults. Being overweight adds stress to your ankles and fat cells produce proteins that may make the condition worse. Any ankle injury, even one that happened years ago, can lead to osteoarthritis. Symptoms include pain, stiffness, swelling, and a reduced range of motion, which can significantly affect your daily life. Even simple tasks like walking and climbing stairs can become challenging. Several factors can contribute to ankle osteoarthritis, including previous injuries, genetics, and obesity. Treatment options include medication, physical therapy, orthotic devices, and in some cases, surgery. Osteoarthritis is a progressive disease, and for that reason managing it requires a comprehensive approach to reduce pain and maintain mobility. It's suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist if you suspect osteoarthritis is affecting your ankles. 

Arthritis can be a difficult condition to live with. If you are seeking treatment, contact Dr. Richard T. Bauer from Summit Foot & Ankle. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Arthritic Foot Care  

Arthritis is a joint disorder that involves the inflammation of different joints in your body, such as those in your feet. Arthritis is often caused by a degenerative joint disease and causes mild to severe pain in all affected areas. In addition to this, swelling and stiffness in the affected joints can also be a common symptom of arthritis.

In many cases, wearing ill-fitting shoes can worsen the effects and pain of arthritis. Wearing shoes that have a lower heel and extra room can help your feet feel more comfortable. In cases of rheumatoid arthritis, the arch in your foot may become problematic. Buying shoes with proper arch support that contour to your feet can help immensely.

Alleviating Arthritic Pain

• Exercises that stretch the foot can prevent further pain and injury and increase mobility
• Most of the pain can be alleviated with anti-inflammatory drugs, heat, and topical medications
• Massages can help temporarily alleviate pain.

It is best to see your doctor for the treatment that is right for your needs and symptoms. Conditions vary, and a podiatrist can help you determine the right method of care for your feet.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in Latham, NY . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.

Besides the physical impact of broken toes, they can take a profound psychological toll on athletes because they rely heavily on their feet for mobility. While many dismiss a broken toe as a minor inconvenience, for athletes, it can signify missing crucial games, falling behind in training, or even questioning the longevity of their career. It is a medical setback that should be tended to by a podiatrist and requires coping mechanisms such as mindfulness and visualization. If you are an athlete who has broken your toe, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist for treatment and support for your overall well-being.

Broken toes may cause a lot of pain and should be treated as soon as possible. If you have any concerns about your feet, contact Dr. Richard T. Bauer from Summit Foot & Ankle. Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.

What Is a Broken Toe?

A broken toe occurs when one or more of the toe bones of the foot are broken after an injury. Injuries such as stubbing your toe or dropping a heavy object on it may cause a toe fracture.

Symptoms of a Broken Toe

• Swelling
• Pain (with/without wearing shoes)
• Stiffness
• Nail Injury

Although the injured toe should be monitored daily, it is especially important to have a podiatrist look at your toe if you have severe symptoms. Some of these symptoms include worsening or new pain that is not relieved with medication, sores, redness, or open wounds near the toe.

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

Peripheral artery disease, also known as PAD, is a common circulatory condition that primarily affects the arteries of the legs and feet. It occurs when fatty deposits build up in the arteries, causing them to narrow and reduce blood flow to the limbs. Symptoms of PAD include pain, cramping, and fatigue in the legs and feet, especially during physical activity. If severe, this condition can lead to pain at rest, non-healing wounds or ulcers, and tissue damage or gangrene. Treatment aims at relieving symptoms and preventing complications. While non-invasive imaging tests have been used to assess PAD, recent advancements in MRI techniques have had a significant impact on the diagnosis and understanding of this disease. If you are suffering from peripheral artery disease and have troublesome foot symptoms, it is strongly suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist to see if any of the newer advancements in testing can better pinpoint effective treatment for you.

While poor circulation itself isn’t a condition; it is a symptom of another underlying health condition you may have. If you have any concerns with poor circulation in your feet contact Dr. Richard T. Bauer of Summit Foot & Ankle. Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.

Poor Circulation in the Feet

Peripheral artery disease (PAD) can potentially lead to poor circulation in the lower extremities. PAD is a condition that causes the blood vessels and arteries to narrow. In a linked condition called atherosclerosis, the arteries stiffen up due to a buildup of plaque in the arteries and blood vessels. These two conditions can cause a decrease in the amount of blood that flows to your extremities, therefore resulting in pain.

Symptoms

Some of the most common symptoms of poor circulation are:

• Numbness
• Tingling
• Throbbing or stinging pain in limbs
• Pain
• Muscle Cramps

Treatment for poor circulation often depends on the underlying condition that causes it. Methods for treatment may include insulin for diabetes, special exercise programs, surgery for varicose veins, or compression socks for swollen legs.

As always, see a podiatrist as he or she will assist in finding a regimen that suits you. A podiatrist can also prescribe you any needed medication. 

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