The foot condition known as clubfoot is considered to be a birth defect. It does not improve without treatment, and it is advised that a treatment program begin as early as possible. It is a foot structure deformity, and is present at birth. A noticeable sign that clubfoot is present consists of the baby’s foot turning in, forcing the bottom of the foot to face sideways. Research has indicated there are two types of clubfoot. The most common type is referred to as isolated clubfoot, and can happen when there are no other medical conditions. When other health issues and clubfoot exists, this is referred to as non-isolated clubfoot. Spina bifida can accompany clubfoot and is considered to be a birth defect of the brain, spine, and spinal cord. There may be factors that can increase the risk of having a baby born with clubfoot. These include having a baby boy, environmental factors consisting of the kinds of foods that are eaten, and genetic factors. Many pregnant women choose to have ultrasound tests performed, which can be helpful in detecting if clubfoot is present. A common treatment, which can be started after birth, is known as the Ponseti method. This consists of gently stretching the affected foot toward the correct position, followed by putting it in a cast. If your child has clubfoot, please consult with a podiatrist who can help to manage effective treatment options.

Congenital foot problems require immediate attention to avoid future complications. If you have any concerns, contact the practitioners of Foot Care Institute. Our practitioners 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 Windsor, ON . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.

Podiatrists have the letters DPM following their name after they have completed all required education. It is an abbreviation for Doctor of Podiatric Medicine and these types of specialists treat ailments of the foot and ankle. Their mandatory education consists of completing four years of college to obtain a bachelor's degree, followed by four years of training in a podiatric college. A hospital residency is next for continued education where studies involve intense training on feet, ankles, and the conditions associated with them. The entire length of school is a minimum of seven years and may be followed by pursuing a fellowship. If you have a specific foot condition that needs treatment it is beneficial to schedule an appointment with a podiatrist who can effectively diagnose and offer correct treatment techniques rather than an MD who does not specialize in the feet. If this is a career choice you may be considering, visiting with a podiatrist is a good opportunity to decide if this is a desired field of medicine for you.

If you are dealing with pain in your feet and ankles, you may want to seek help from a podiatrist. Feel free to contact the practitioners from Foot Care Institute. Our practitioners can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

What Is a Podiatrist?

A podiatrist is a doctor of podiatric medicine who diagnoses and treats conditions of the foot, ankle, and related structures of the leg. Your podiatrist may specialize in a certain field such as sports medicine, wound care, pediatrics, and diabetic care. Podiatrists have the ability to become board certified through training, clinical experience, and then taking an exam.

What Do Podiatrists Do?

On a daily basis, a podiatrist may perform the following activities:

• Diagnose foot ailments such as ulcers, tumors, fractures, etc.
• Use innovative methods to treat conditions
• Use corrective orthotics, casts, and strappings to correct deformities
• Correct walking patterns and balance
• Provide individual consultations to patients

It is very important that you take care of your feet. It’s easy to take having healthy feet for granted, however foot problems tend to be among the most common health conditions. Podiatrists can help diagnose and treat a variety of feet related conditions, so it is crucial that you visit one if you need assistance.

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

It’s hard enough getting a good night’s sleep without muscle cramps in your feet keeping you awake. The nocturnal foot cramps you may be experiencing are actually contractions in the muscles or muscle fibers in your feet. Foot cramps occurring at night may be caused by muscle fatigue due to overtaxing the feet muscles, low levels of potassium (hypokalemia) or magnesium, medication side effects, pregnancy, or shoes that are too tight or that fail to provide adequate arch support. There are certain medical issues that may lead to nocturnal foot cramps, including arthritis, high blood pressure, diabetes, depression, thyroid disease, asthma, and heart attacks. Other contributing factors to developing these troublesome cramps are pregnancy, smoking, obesity, old age, and poor health. Consult with a podiatrist if your nocturnal muscle cramps do not improve within a couple of weeks to receive an accurate diagnosis and to discuss your treatment options. 

Foot Pain

Foot pain can be extremely painful and debilitating. If you have a foot pain, consult with the practitioners from Foot Care Institute. Our practitioners will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

Causes

Foot pain is a very broad condition that could be caused by one or more ailments. The most common include:

• Bunions
• Hammertoes
• Plantar Fasciitis
• Bone Spurs
• Corns
• Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome
• Ingrown Toenails
• Arthritis (such as Gout, Rheumatoid, and Osteoarthritis)
• Flat Feet
• Injury (from stress fractures, broken toe, foot, ankle, Achilles tendon ruptures, and sprains)
• And more

Diagnosis

To figure out the cause of foot pain, podiatrists utilize several different methods. This 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

Treatment depends upon the cause of the foot pain. Whether it is resting, staying off the foot, or having surgery; podiatrists have a number of treatment options available for foot pain.

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

Gout is a condition caused by a buildup of uric acid directly related to foods that contain high levels of purines. The uric acid forms crystals that settle in the joints, commonly at the base of the big toe. This can cause sharp pain, inflammation, redness, and swelling. Foods that contain purines inhibit your body’s ability to shed uric acid properly. Men most often experience gout between the ages of 30 and 50, while women are more susceptible after the onset of menopause. Reducing the intake of purine-rich foods is a good way to prevent gout. Among them are beef, organ meats, certain types of seafood, as well as some vegetables and legumes. Drinking more water and less alcohol may also bring some relief. If you have developed gout, it is a good idea to see a podiatrist who can prescribe corticosteroids and other medicine to help reduce pain and uric acid levels.

Gout is a painful condition that can be treated. If you are seeking treatment, contact the practitioners from Foot Care Institute. Our practitioners 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 office located in Windsor, ON . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Bunions may be prevented from developing. A bunion is defined as a bony protrusion on the side of the big toe and can gradually occur from wearing shoes that do not fit correctly. In severe cases, the bunion can cause the other toes to overlap, and this may cause difficulty in walking and completing daily activities. Some of the suggested ways to prevent bunions from developing can include wearing shoes that have adequate room for the toes to move freely as well as avoiding high heels. It can be beneficial to frequently rest the feet as this can provide the opportunity to stretch the toes. If the bunion is painful, it may feel better to wear a protective pad on top of it which may aid in reducing the pressure against the shoe. When a bunion is severe, surgery may be a necessary option for permanent relief. If you notice the beginning stages of a developing bunion, it is suggested that you contact a podiatrist who can offer the correct treatment options. 

If you are suffering from bunion pain, contact the practitioners of Foot Care Institute. Our practitioners can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

What Is a Bunion?

Bunions are painful bony bumps that usually develop on the inside of the foot at the joint of the big toe. As the deformity increases over time, it may become painful to walk and wear shoes. Women are more likely to exacerbate existing bunions since they often wear tight, narrow shoes that shift their toes together. Bunion pain can be relieved by wearing wider shoes with enough room for the toes.

Causes

• Genetics – some people inherit feet that are more prone to bunion development
• Inflammatory Conditions - rheumatoid arthritis and polio may cause bunion development

Symptoms

• Redness and inflammation
• Pain and tenderness
• Callus or corns on the bump
• Restricted motion in the big toe

In order to diagnose your bunion, your podiatrist may ask about your medical history, symptoms, and general health. Your doctor might also order an x-ray to take a closer look at your feet. Nonsurgical treatment options include orthotics, padding, icing, changes in footwear, and medication. If nonsurgical treatments don’t alleviate your bunion pain, surgery may be necessary.

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