Foot deformities are among the most common deformities in newborns. Most of the foot problems newborns face are treated non-surgically. Such newborn deformities include clubfoot, which describes an array of foot deformities that lead a newborn’s feet to be twisted, pointed down, and inward. Approximately half of the babies with clubfoot have it on both feet and boys are more apt to have clubfoot than girls. This affliction does not cause a baby pain, but it can lead to long-term difficulties with walking. If treated with stretching exercises, casts, or surgery, a clubfoot deformity can be corrected in early childhood. If you are pregnant and expect your baby to be born with clubfoot, or you have such a newborn, it is suggested that you see a podiatrist as soon as possible for treatment to prevent any long-term impact from this condition.

Congenital foot problems require immediate attention to avoid future complications. If you have any concerns, contact Jack A. Sasiene, DPM of Texas. 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:

• 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 Texas City and Lake Jackson, TX . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.

Plantar fasciitis is a foot condition many people are unaware they may have until it becomes painful. The plantar fascia is defined as the band of tissue that lies on the sole of the foot and connects the heels to the toes. An injury can cause plantar fasciitis to occur, which is a result of an inflamed plantar fascia. The pain is felt in the heel and may radiate to the calf, affecting the Achilles tendon. This condition can happen from wearing shoes that do not fit correctly, or from standing on hard surfaces for most of the day. Pregnant women may temporarily experience plantar fasciitis from the extra weight the heels must endure. Some people may be prone to getting this condition if they have tight foot or calf muscles. This may be prevented when specific stretches are frequently performed, such as heel raises and calf stretches. The heel raises are done by standing on a step while lowering one heel at a time until a gentle stretch is felt. A foam roller is used to effectively stretch the calves. This is done while sitting in a chair and rolling the affected foot back and forth. Some people use a water bottle or a tennis ball, which can yield the same results. Plantar fasciitis can cause severe pain and can interfere with completing daily activities. If you are afflicted with this condition, please confer with a podiatrist as quickly as possible who can offer you the correct treatment options.

Plantar fasciitis is a common foot condition that is often caused by a strain injury. If you are experiencing heel pain or symptoms of plantar fasciitis, contact Jack A. Sasiene, DPM from Texas. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

What Is Plantar Fasciitis?

Plantar fasciitis is one of the most common causes of heel pain. The plantar fascia is a ligament that connects your heel to the front of your foot. When this ligament becomes inflamed, plantar fasciitis is the result. If you have plantar fasciitis you will have a stabbing pain that usually occurs with your first steps in the morning. As the day progresses and you walk around more, this pain will start to disappear, but it will return after long periods of standing or sitting.

What Causes Plantar Fasciitis?

• Excessive running
• Having high arches in your feet
• Other foot issues such as flat feet
• Pregnancy (due to the sudden weight gain)
• Being on your feet very often

There are some risk factors that may make you more likely to develop plantar fasciitis compared to others. The condition most commonly affects adults between the ages of 40 and 60. It also tends to affect people who are obese because the extra pounds result in extra stress being placed on the plantar fascia.

Prevention

• Take good care of your feet – Wear shoes that have good arch support and heel cushioning.
• Maintain a healthy weight
• If you are a runner, alternate running with other sports that won’t cause heel pain

There are a variety of treatment options available for plantar fasciitis along with the pain that accompanies it. Additionally, physical therapy is a very important component in the treatment process. It is important that you meet with your podiatrist to determine which treatment option is best for you.

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

One of the most painful foot conditions is considered to be an ingrown toenail. It happens when the nail grows into the sides of the skin instead of over it. The noticeable signs that an ingrown toenail has developed can include pain when the affected nail is touched, swelling, redness, and a discharge may come from the nail. There are various reasons why an ingrown toenail can develop, consisting of wearing shoes that are too tight, having feet that sweat profusely, or cutting the toenails incorrectly. Some patients find it helpful to soak the affected foot in warm water, and this can make it easier to pull the nail away from the skin. This is a temporary solution, and should not be confused with consulting a podiatrist for permanent relief. This type of doctor can prescribe an antibiotic for an existing infected nail, and offer treatment that may include surgery. It is strongly advised that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist who can offer you the best way to find permanent relief. 

Ingrown toenails may initially present themselves as a minor discomfort, but they may progress into an infection in the skin without proper treatment. For more information about ingrown toenails, contact Jack A. Sasiene, DPM of Texas. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Ingrown Toenails

Ingrown toenails are caused when the corner or side of a toenail grows into the soft flesh surrounding it. They often result in redness, swelling, pain, and in some cases, infection. This condition typically affects the big toe and may recur if it is not treated properly.

Causes

• Improper toenail trimming
• Genetics
• Improper shoe fitting
• Injury from pedicures or nail picking
• Abnormal gait
• Poor hygiene

You are more likely to develop an ingrown toenail if you are obese, have diabetes, arthritis, or have any fungal infection in your nails. Additionally, people who have foot or toe deformities are at a higher risk of developing an ingrown toenail.

Symptoms

Some symptoms of ingrown toenails are redness, swelling, and pain. In rare cases, there may be a yellowish drainage coming from the nail.

Treatment

Ignoring an ingrown toenail can have serious complications. Infections of the nail border can progress to a deeper soft-tissue infection, which can then turn into a bone infection. You should always speak with your podiatrist if you suspect you have an ingrown toenail, especially if you have diabetes or poor circulation.

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