High foot arches, also known as cavus foot, often result from inherited structural differences and may not be linked to other health issues. However, high foot arches can also develop due to neurological conditions, including Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease, cerebral palsy, or spina bifida. These conditions cause muscle imbalances that affect the foot's structure, leading to the high arch deformity. High arches can cause significant discomfort and affect your balance, leading to frequent ankle sprains or other injuries. A podiatrist can evaluate your foot's structure, identify any underlying conditions, and recommend appropriate treatment options. These may include custom orthotics to provide arch support, exercises to strengthen the foot and ankle muscles, or in some cases, surgery to correct severe deformities. If you have pain in the arches of your feet, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist.

Some foot conditions may require additional professional care. 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.

Rare Foot Conditions

The majority of foot conditions are common and can be treated by a podiatrist.  Standard diagnostic procedures are generally used to identify specific conditions and treatment can be rendered. A podiatrist also treats rare foot conditions which can be difficult to diagnose and may need extra attention and care. 

There are many rare foot conditions that can affect children. Some of these can include:

• Freiberg’s disease
• Kohler’s disease
• Maffucci syndrome

Freiberg’s disease - This can be seen as a deterioration and flattening of a metatarsal bone that exists in the ball of the foot. It typically affects pre-teen and teenage girls, but can affect anyone at any age. Symptoms that can accompany this can be swelling, stiffness, and the patient may limp. 

Kohler’s disease - This often targets the bone in the arch of the foot and affects younger boys. It can lead to an interruption of the blood supply which ultimately can lead to bone deterioration. The patient may limp or experience tenderness, swelling, and redness.

Maffucci syndrome - This affects the long bones in a child’s foot leading to the development of abnormal bone lesions. They are benign growths and typically develop in early childhood and the bones may be susceptible to breaking. 

A podiatrist can properly diagnose and treat all types of rare foot conditions. If your child is affected by any of these symptoms or conditions, please don’t hesitate to call our office so the correct treatment method can begin.

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.
 

A contusion, commonly known as a bruise, occurs when small blood vessels under the skin are damaged, often due to a direct impact or trauma. In the context of the feet or ankle bones, a contusion might result from a fall, sports injury, or even bumping the area against a hard surface. When a contusion happens, blood leaks from the damaged vessels into the surrounding tissues, causing discoloration, swelling, and tenderness. Diagnosis is usually based on physical examination, but in severe cases, imaging tests may be required. Treatment involves rest, compression, and elevation, in addition to mild pain relievers, if necessary. If you have a contusion that does not seem to be healing or that is causing pain, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for an examination and treatment.

Ankle and foot injuries are common among athletes and in many sports. They can be caused by several problems and may be potentially serious. If you are feeling pain or think you were injured in a sporting event or when exercising, consult with Dr. Richard T. Bauer from Summit Foot & Ankle. Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

Common Injuries

The most common injuries that occur in sporting activities include:

• Achilles Tendonitis
• Achilles Tendon Rupture
• Ankle Sprains
• Broken Foot
• Plantar Fasciitis
• Stress Fractures
• Turf Toe

Symptoms

Symptoms vary depending upon the injury and in some cases, there may be no symptoms at all. However, in most cases, some form of symptom is experienced. Pain, aching, burning, bruising, tenderness, tightness or stiffness, sensation loss, difficulty moving, and swelling are the most common symptoms.

Treatment

Just as symptoms vary depending upon the injury, so do treatment options. A common treatment method is known as the RICE method. This method involves rest, applying ice, compression and elevating the afflicted foot or ankle. If the injury appears to be more serious, surgery might be required, such as arthroscopic or reconstructive surgery. Lastly, rehabilitation or therapy might be needed to gain full functionality in the afflicted area. Any discomfort experienced by an athlete must be evaluated by a licensed, reputable medical professional.  

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.

Flat feet, or fallen arches, occur when the arches of the feet collapse, leading to potential discomfort and alignment issues. To alleviate symptoms and strengthen the feet, several exercises can be beneficial. Heel stretches involve gently pulling the heel and calf muscles to increase flexibility and reduce tension. Rolling a tennis ball under the foot helps massage the arch, improve circulation, and relieve pain. Arch lifts, performed by lifting the arch while keeping the toes and heel on the ground, strengthen the muscles supporting the arch. Calf raises, where you rise onto the toes and slowly lower back down, enhance calf strength and support the foot’s structure. Flat feet may cause pain and discomfort. If this applies to you, it is suggested that you are under the care of a podiatrist who can help you find the relief you are seeking.

Flatfoot is a condition many people suffer from. If you have flat feet, contact Dr. Richard T. Bauer from Summit Foot & Ankle. Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.

What Are Flat Feet?

Flatfoot is a condition in which the arch of the foot is depressed and the sole of the foot is almost completely in contact with the ground. About 20-30% of the population generally has flat feet because their arches never formed during growth.

Conditions & Problems:

Having flat feet makes it difficult to run or walk because of the stress placed on the ankles.

Alignment – The general alignment of your legs can be disrupted, because the ankles move inward which can cause major discomfort.

Knees – If you have complications with your knees, flat feet can be a contributor to arthritis in that area.  

Symptoms

• Pain around the heel or arch area
• Trouble standing on the tip toe
• Swelling around the inside of the ankle
• Flat look to one or both feet
• Having your shoes feel uneven when worn

Treatment

If you are experiencing pain and stress on the foot you may weaken the posterior tibial tendon, which runs around the inside of the ankle. 

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.