Items filtered by date: March 2025

Clubfoot is a congenital foot deformity in which a newborn's foot is twisted inward or downward due to abnormal development of the muscles, tendons, and bones. This condition can affect one or both feet and varies in severity. The exact cause is not always known, but genetic and environmental factors may play a role. Limited movement in the womb or underlying neuromuscular disorders can also contribute to its development. Symptoms of clubfoot include a visibly twisted or rotated foot, difficulty in placing the sole flat on the ground, and stiffness in the affected area. Without treatment, walking can become challenging as the child grows. If your child has been born with clubfoot, it is suggested that you have a podiatrist on your healthcare team that can provide the best possible recovery results.

Congenital foot problems require immediate attention to avoid future complications. If you have any concerns, contact one of our podiatrists of North Eastern Ohio Podiatry Group LLC. 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 Willoughby Hills, Euclid, and Beachwood, OH . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.

A sprained ankle and a broken ankle can both cause significant pain, but they differ in severity and treatment. A sprain occurs when the ligaments surrounding the ankle are stretched or torn, often due to a twist or sudden movement. Symptoms include swelling, bruising, and difficulty bearing weight. A broken ankle, on the other hand, involves a fracture of one or more of the ankle bones, often caused by a fall or high-impact injury. Symptoms of a broken ankle may include sharp pain, severe swelling, bruising, and an inability to move or put weight on the foot. Treatment for an ankle sprain usually involves rest, along with mild pain relievers. A broken ankle may require a cast, splint, or even surgery to realign the bones. A podiatrist can assess the injury, recommend proper treatment, and guide recovery. If you are experiencing a sprained or broken ankle, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist.

Ankle pain can have many different causes and the pain may potentially be serious. If you have ankle pain, consult with one of our podiatrists from North Eastern Ohio Podiatry Group LLC. our doctors 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 offices located in Willoughby Hills, Euclid, and Beachwood, OH . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.