Point Pleasant
Clubfoot is a congenital condition where a baby’s foot or feet are twisted inward and downward, making them appear abnormal in shape and position. The exact cause of clubfoot is not fully understood, but it is believed to be a combination of genetic and environmental factors. It may occur when the tendons in the foot are too tight or shortened, causing the foot to rotate. In some cases, it can be associated with other conditions such as spina bifida or cerebral palsy. Symptoms of clubfoot include the foot appearing rotated, with the sole facing inward and the heel pointing downward. The affected foot may be smaller than normal, and the calf muscles may appear underdeveloped. If your child has been born with clubfoot, it is strongly suggested that you include a podiatrist on your healthcare team for effective treatment results.
Congenital foot problems require immediate attention to avoid future complications. If you have any concerns, contact Dr. Alan J. Spector of Shore Podiatry. 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:
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 Point Pleasant, NJ . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.
Cracked heels are a common foot condition that can lead to discomfort and even pain if left untreated. They often develop when the skin surrounding the heels becomes dry and thick, leading to splits or fissures. Prolonged standing on hard surfaces can put extra pressure on the feet, causing the skin to expand and crack. As people age, their skin loses moisture and elasticity, making it more prone to dryness. Wearing open-heeled shoes or sandals exposes the heels to air and friction, which can further dry out the skin. Obesity can also contribute to cracked heels, as the increased weight places added pressure on the heel area. Cracked heels can be uncomfortable, and may cause difficulty in completing daily activities. If you have this condition, it is suggested that you confer with a podiatrist who can offer effective treatment solutions, which may include prescribed medication.
Cracked heels are unsightly and can cause further damage to your shoes and feet. If you have any concerns, contact Dr. Alan J. Spector from Shore Podiatry. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.
Cracked Heels
Cracked heels appear unappealing and can make it harder for you walk around in sandals. Aside from looking unpleasant, cracked heels can also tear stockings, socks, and wear out your shoes. There are several methods to help restore a cracked heel and prevent further damage.
How Do You Get Them?
Dry skin is the number one culprit in creating cracked heels. Many athletes, walkers, joggers, and even swimmers suffer from cracked heels. Age and skin oil production play a role to getting cracked heels as well.
Promote Healing
Over the counter medicines can help, especially for those that need instant relief or who suffer from chronic dry feet.
Wear Socks – Wearing socks with medicated creams helps lock in moisture.
Moisturizers – Applying both day and night will help alleviate dryness which causes cracking.
Pumice Stones – These exfoliate and remove dead skin, which allows for smoother moisturizer application and better absorption into the skin.
Change in Diet
Eating healthy with a well-balanced diet will give the skin a fresh and radiant look. Your body responds to the kinds of food you ingest. Omega-3 fatty acids and zinc supplements can also revitalize skin tissue.
Most importantly, seek professional help if unsure how to proceed in treating cracked heels. A podiatrist will help you with any questions or information needed.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in Point Pleasant, NJ . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.
Ankle injuries are a frequent concern for volleyball players, with lateral ankle sprains being the most common. These ankle injuries often happen when a player lands awkwardly on the outer edge of the foot, especially after jumping near the net and coming down on another player's foot. This motion can stretch or tear the ligaments on the outside of the ankle. When the stabilizing muscles cannot absorb the impact, the joint becomes vulnerable. Repeated ankle sprains can weaken the joint over time, increasing the risk of chronic pain, joint instability, or arthritis. Depending on the severity, symptoms range from mild soreness and swelling to a complete ligament tear, which can cause bruising, pain, and the inability to bear weight. A podiatrist can perform a thorough exam of your ankle to determine the grade of the sprain and recommend appropriate treatment, which may include bracing or surgery, in more severe cases. If you have injured your ankle, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for an exam, diagnosis, 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. Alan J. Spector from Shore Podiatry. 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:
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 Point Pleasant, NJ . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.
If you are suffering from tenderness, pain, or stiffness in the joints of your feet or ankles, call us to schedule an appointment.
