Items filtered by date: January 2024

The congenital deformity of clubfoot is characterized by a permanent twist in the foot and ankle. Typically diagnosed at birth, clubfoot results from overly tight ligaments and tendons, causing the foot to assume an abnormal position reminiscent of the head of a golf club. For mild cases identified within the first two weeks of birth, casting emerges as a successful non-surgical option. Employing the Ponseti method, this technique involves gradual stretching of the foot into a more normal position, secured by the cast. Over a span of six to eight weeks, this method can correct clubfoot without the need for surgery. This proves particularly advantageous for infants and cases of mild deformities. Severe clubfoot cases in both babies and older patients may necessitate surgical intervention. It may involve Achilles tendon lengthening, tissue release, and, in some instances, a tendon transfer to facilitate improved foot mobility. A cast plays a vital role in the recovery process and may be worn for up to three months to support the healing of incisions, tendons, and bones. Replacements may be necessary, especially for growing infants, ensuring that post-removal, the foot exhibits more normalized appearance and functionality. It is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist to determine the most suitable clubfoot treatment.

Congenital foot problems require immediate attention to avoid future complications. If you have any concerns, contact one of our podiatrists of In Motion Foot and Ankle. 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 Cypress and Houston, TX . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.

Maintaining optimal foot health is critical for overall well-being, and incorporating regular foot stretches into your routine can make a significant difference. Start with a toe stretch by sitting back on your heels, gently pressing each toe into the floor. The plantar fascia stretch involves extending your toes up against a wall, providing relief to the bottom of your feet. A simple seated ankle stretch can be achieved by rotating your ankles clockwise and counterclockwise, promoting flexibility. The calf stretch, done by leaning against a wall with one foot forward and the other back, targets the calf muscles and Achilles tendon. Lastly, the towel stretch involves sitting with your legs extended, wrapping a towel around your toes, and gently pulling it towards you, stretching the muscles along the bottom of your feet. Incorporating these five foot stretches into your daily routine can enhance flexibility, alleviate tension, and contribute to overall foot comfort. If you are seeking additional information about effective foot stretches, it is suggested that you visit a podiatrist.

Why Stretching Is Important for Your Feet

Stretching the feet is a great way to prevent injuries. If you have any concerns with your feet consult with one of our podiatrists from In Motion Foot and Ankle. Our doctors will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

Stretching the Feet

Stretching the muscles in the foot is an important part in any physical activity. Feet that are tight can lead to less flexibility and make you more prone to injury. One of the most common forms of foot pain, plantar fasciitis, can be stretched out to help ease the pain. Stretching can not only ease pain from plantar fasciitis but also prevent it as well. However, it is important to see a podiatrist first to determine if stretching is right for you. Podiatrists can also recommend other ways to stretch your feet. Once you know whether stretching is right for you, here are some excellent stretches you can do.

• Using a foam roller or any cylindrical object (a water bottle or soda can will do), roll the object under your foot back and forth. You should also exert pressure on the object. Be sure to do this to both feet for a minute. Do this exercise three times each.
• Similar to the previous exercise, take a ball, such as a tennis ball, and roll it under your foot while seated and exert pressure on it.
• Grab a resistance band or towel and take a seat. If you are using a towel, fold it length wise. Next put either one between the ball of your foot and heel and pull with both hands on each side towards you. Hold this for 15 seconds and then switch feet. Do this three times for each foot.
• Finally hold your big toe while crossing one leg over the other. Pull the toe towards you and hold for 15 seconds. Once again do this three times per foot.

It is best to go easy when first stretching your foot and work your way up. If your foot starts hurting, stop exercising to ice and rest the foot. It is advised that you then see a podiatrist for help.

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

Custom-made orthotics play a vital role in ensuring comfortable and pain-free running for individuals over the age of 50. As we age, the natural wear and tear on our feet and lower limbs can lead to various biomechanical issues and discomfort during physical activities like running. Custom orthotics are tailored to the specific needs of individuals, making them particularly effective in addressing age-related foot problems. One of the primary benefits of custom orthotics is their ability to provide optimal support and alignment for the feet, which becomes increasingly important as people age. These orthotic devices help redistribute pressure evenly across the foot, reducing the risk of common issues like plantar fasciitis, arch pain, and joint strain. Moreover, custom orthotics can correct gait abnormalities and overpronation, which tend to become more prevalent with age. By promoting proper biomechanics, orthotics enhance stability, reduce the risk of falls, and alleviate discomfort associated with running. Custom-made orthotics are designed to fit comfortably inside running shoes, ensuring a snug and supportive fit. This added cushioning and support help absorb shock during each stride, reducing the impact on joints and minimizing the risk of injury. If you are concerned about being able to run comfortably as you age, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for a conversation about how wearing custom-made orthotics can benefit you.

If you are having discomfort in your feet and would like to try orthotics, contact one of our podiatrists from In Motion Foot and Ankle. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

What Are Orthotics?

Orthotics are inserts you can place into your shoes to help with a variety of foot problems such as flat feet or foot pain. Orthotics provide relief and comfort for minor foot and heel pain but can’t correct serious biomechanical problems in your feet.

Over-the-Counter Inserts

Orthotics come in a wide variety of over-the-counter inserts that are used to treat foot pain, heel pain, and minor problems. For example, arch supports can be inserted into your shoes to help correct overarched or flat feet, while gel insoles are often used because they provide comfort and relief from foot and heel pain by alleviating pressure.

Prescription Orthotics

If over-the-counter inserts don’t work for you or if you have a more severe foot concern, it is possible to have your podiatrist prescribe custom orthotics. These high-quality inserts are designed to treat problems such as abnormal motion, plantar fasciitis, and severe forms of heel pain. They can even be used to help patients suffering from diabetes by treating foot ulcers and painful calluses and are usually molded to your feet individually, which allows them to provide full support and comfort.

If you are experiencing minor to severe foot or heel pain, it’s recommended to speak with your podiatrist about the possibilities of using orthotics. A podiatrist can determine which type of orthotic is right for you and allow you to take the first steps towards being pain-free.

If you have any questions please contact our offices located in Cypress and Houston, TX . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Many people have experienced foot pain from standing all day, either at work or at home. As it turns out, the floors installed around your house may be making the problem worse. Whether you are young or old, aches and pains can easily come from constantly being on your feet so any efforts made to decrease the discomfort can make all the difference in improving your physical and emotional well-being. These efforts begin with making your home as comfortable as possible, as the type of flooring you install can greatly impact your feet as you continue to go about your daily routines. Laminate, linoleum, vinyl, and carpet are just a few examples of floors offering physical benefits to homeowners who are all too familiar with the effects of minor and moderate foot pain. Selecting new floors for your home may seem challenging since each type comes with its own set of advantages and disadvantages. But doing so may help to improve existing foot pain. If you are considering changing the flooring in your home for relief from foot pain, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for specialized recommendations that would best suit your needs.

Foot Pain

Foot pain can be extremely painful and debilitating. If you have a foot pain, consult with one of our podiatrists from In Motion Foot and Ankle. Our doctors 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 offices located in Cypress and Houston, TX . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

A bunion, a prevalent foot deformity, draws attention to the joint at the base of the big toe, where a bony bump forms. This condition, known as hallux valgus, gradually develops when the big toe leans inward toward the second toe, causing the metatarsal bone to protrude. Bunions can result from genetic predisposition, wearing ill-fitting shoes that squeeze the toes, or conditions such as arthritis. The gradual misalignment of the toe joint leads to inflammation, pain, and, in some cases, difficulty in finding comfortable footwear. While bunions are often associated with discomfort and aesthetic concerns, they can also impact joint function over time. Understanding the overview of bunions involves recognizing the factors contributing to their development and the potential implications on foot health. If you have a bunion, it is suggested that you visit a podiatrist who can guide you toward effective relief options.

If you are suffering from bunion pain, contact one of our podiatrists of In Motion Foot and Ankle. Our doctors 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 offices located in Cypress and Houston, TX . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.