Pediatric foot alignment deformities are structural abnormalities in a child’s foot that can affect gait and overall mobility. Common deformities include clubfoot, skew foot, and cavovarus. Clubfoot, where the foot twists inward and downward, can be present at birth and may result from genetic factors or in-utero positioning. Skew foot involves a combination of forefoot adduction and hindfoot valgus, leading to a Z-shaped appearance. Cavovarus foot, characterized by a high arch and inward heel, often results from neuromuscular conditions or inherited foot structure. These deformities can affect children of all ages, with risk factors including family history, neurological disorders, and abnormal fetal positioning. Diagnosis typically involves a thorough physical examination, medical history review, and imaging studies such as X-rays or MRI. Treatment varies based on the type and severity of the deformity and may include stretching exercises, orthotic devices, casting, or surgery. Early intervention is imperative for effective management. If your child has a foot alignment deformity, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist as quickly as possible for an accurate diagnosis and treatment plan. 

Congenital foot problems require immediate attention to avoid future complications. If you have any concerns, contact one of our podiatrists of Foot & Ankle Centers of Charlotte County . Our doctors 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 Punta Gorda and Port Charlotte, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Gout, a form of inflammatory arthritis, can wreak havoc on foot health, causing intense pain, swelling, and stiffness. It often impacts the big toe first. It occurs when uric acid levels in the blood rise, leading to the formation of sharp urate crystals in the joints, often targeting the big toe joint. These crystals trigger sudden and severe bouts of pain, known as gout attacks, which can make walking and even wearing shoes unbearable. Managing gout involves dietary changes to help control uric acid levels. Foods rich in purines, such as red meat, organ meats, and shellfish, should be limited, as they can exacerbate gout symptoms. Conversely, incorporating plenty of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and low-fat dairy products into the diet can help lower uric acid levels and reduce the frequency and severity of gout attacks. Staying hydrated by drinking plenty of water is also vital for flushing out uric acid from the body. If you have pain in your big toe and surrounding areas, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can diagnose, treat, and offer additional nutritional tips to manage gout.

Gout is a painful condition that can be treated. If you are seeking treatment, contact one of our podiatrists from Foot & Ankle Centers of Charlotte County . Our doctors 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 offices located in Punta Gorda and Port Charlotte, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Ingrown toenails are characterized by the downward curling of the toenail's side or corner into the adjacent skin. An ingrown toenail typically results in redness, swelling, tenderness, and in some cases becomes infected. While frequently seen in the big toe, any toenail can become ingrown. The major causes of ingrown toenails include wearing ill-fitting footwear, improper nail trimming techniques, and traumatic injury to the toe. Seeking professional evaluation by a podiatrist is essential for an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment. For mild cases, conservative measures such as warm water soaks and placement of a cotton ball beneath the affected nail corner may provide relief. However, persistent or worsening symptoms warrant prompt intervention to prevent complications, including bacterial infection. In such instances, treatment may involve antibiotic therapy or, in severe cases, surgical removal of the ingrown portion of the nail. Among the ways to prevent an ingrown toenail are trimming nails straight and wearing shoes that fit properly. If you have an ingrown toenail, especially if pain is persistent, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for a complete exam and treatment suggestions.

Ingrown toenails can become painful if they are not treated properly. For more information about ingrown toenails, contact one of our podiatrists of Foot & Ankle Centers of Charlotte County . Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Ingrown Toenails

Ingrown toenails occur when a toenail grows sideways into the bed of the nail, causing pain, swelling, and possibly infection.

Causes

• Bacterial infections
• Improper nail cutting such as cutting it too short or not straight across
• Trauma to the toe, such as stubbing, which causes the nail to grow back irregularly
• Ill-fitting shoes that bunch the toes too close together
• Genetic predisposition

Prevention

Because ingrown toenails are not something found outside of shoe-wearing cultures, going barefoot as often as possible will decrease the likeliness of developing ingrown toenails. Wearing proper fitting shoes and using proper cutting techniques will also help decrease your risk of developing ingrown toenails.

Treatment

Ingrown toenails are a very treatable foot condition. In minor cases, soaking the affected area in salt or antibacterial soaps will not only help with the ingrown nail itself, but also help prevent any infections from occurring. In more severe cases, surgery is an option. In either case, speaking to your podiatrist about this condition will help you get a better understanding of specific treatment options that are right for you.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our offices located in Punta Gorda and Port Charlotte, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Black toenails, though often alarming in appearance, are a common foot condition with various potential causes. This discoloration typically occurs when blood accumulates underneath the nail, resulting in a darkened appearance, and may cause significant toe pain. One common cause is trauma or injury to the toe, such as stubbing it against a hard surface or dropping something heavy on it. The trauma can damage the blood vessels underneath the nail, leading to bleeding and subsequent change of color. Additionally, repetitive pressure or friction on the toenails, such as from wearing ill-fitting shoes or strenuous physical activity, can contribute to black toenails. Long-distance runners, hikers, and athletes are particularly susceptible to this type of injury. In some cases, fungal infections or underlying medical conditions like diabetes or peripheral artery disease may also be responsible for black toenails. If you have endured a toe injury and have developed a black toenail, it is strongly suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can effectively treat this condition.

Toe pain can disrupt your daily activities. If you have any concerns, contact one of our podiatrists of Foot & Ankle Centers of Charlotte County . Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

What Causes Toe Pain?

Most severe toe pain is caused due to a sports injury, trauma from dropping something heavy on the toe, or bumping into something rigid. Other problems can develop over time for various reasons.

Toe pain can be caused by one or more ailments. The most common include:

• Trauma
• Sports injury
• Wearing shoes that are too tight
• Arthritis
• Gout
• Corns and calluses
• Hammertoe
• Bunions
• Blisters
• Ingrown toenails
• Sprains
• Fractures (broken bones)
• Dislocations

When to See a Podiatrist

• Severe pain
• Persistent pain that lasts more than a week
• Signs of infection
• Continued swelling
• Pain that prevents walking

Diagnosis

In many cases the cause of toe pain is obvious, but in others, a podiatrist may want to use more advanced methods to determine the problem. These can range from simple visual inspections and sensation tests to X-rays and MRI scans. Prior medical history, family medical history, and any recent physical traumatic events will all be taken into consideration for a proper diagnosis.

Treatment

Treatments for toe pain and injuries vary and may include shoe inserts, padding, taping, medicines, injections, and in some cases, surgery. If you believe that you have broken a toe, please see a podiatrist as soon as possible.

If you have any questions please contact our offices located in Punta Gorda and Port Charlotte, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Arthritis, encompassing various inflammatory conditions, can contribute to bunion formation, affecting the feet in distinct ways. A bunion, characterized by a bony protrusion at the base of the big toe, often results from joint misalignment. Types of arthritis such as rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, psoriatic arthritis, and gout can all play a role in its development. Rheumatoid arthritis induces joint damage and inflammation, leading to joint instability and eventual bunion formation. Osteoarthritis contributes by wearing down cartilage, promoting joint misalignment. Psoriatic arthritis, a condition linked to psoriasis, can also cause bunion formation, often accompanied by inflammation in toes. Additionally, gout, characterized by sudden, intense joint pain, commonly targets the big toe joint, potentially leading to bunion development. A podiatrist's involvement is important in managing arthritis-related bunions. They can provide personalized treatment plans, including pain management strategies, footwear recommendations, custom orthotic devices, and surgical options if necessary, ensuring optimal foot health and mobility. If you have a painful bunion, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist who can help you to manage this and other arthritis-related foot conditions.

If you are suffering from bunions, contact one of our podiatrists of Foot & Ankle Centers of Charlotte County . Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

What Is a Bunion?

A bunion is formed of swollen tissue or an enlargement of boney growth, usually located at the base joint of the toe that connects to the foot. The swelling occurs due to the bones in the big toe shifting inward, which impacts the other toes of the foot. This causes the area around the base of the big toe to become inflamed and painful.

Why Do Bunions Form?

Genetics – Susceptibility to bunions are often hereditary

Stress on the feet – Poorly fitted and uncomfortable footwear that places stress on feet, such as heels, can worsen existing bunions

How Are Bunions Diagnosed?

Podiatrists often perform two tests – blood tests and x-rays – when trying to diagnose bunions, especially in the early stages of development. Blood tests help determine if the foot pain is being caused by something else, such as arthritis, while x-rays provide a clear picture of your bone structure to your provider.

How Are Bunions Treated?

• Refrain from wearing heels or similar shoes that cause discomfort
• Select wider shoes that can provide more comfort and reduce pain
• Anti-inflammatory and pain management drugs
• Orthotics or foot inserts
• Surgery

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our offices located in Punta Gorda and Port Charlotte, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.