Most babies are born with normal feet, despite the few structural abnormalities that may occur. These can include clubfoot and overlapping toes and may be treated without having surgery. Clubfoot is defined as developing in the womb, and the baby is born with twisted feet that point inward and down. Metatarsus adductus is a congenital foot condition that causes the baby’s toes to point in and they can be difficult to straighten. In severe cases, surgery may be necessary for permanent straightening. Babies who are born with one or more extra toes are known to be polydactyly. It is a fairly common condition and may happen for genetic reasons. Some babies are born with certain toes that overlap and are noticeable when the pinky toe crosses the fourth toe. It is generally not a bothersome condition, but special shoes may need to be worn. If you would like additional information about congenital foot problems, it is suggested that you confer with a podiatrist who can help you with the knowledge you are seeking. 

Congenital foot problems require immediate attention to avoid future complications. If you have any concerns, contact one of our podiatrists of Palmetto Podiatry Group of Anderson. 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 office located in Anderson, SC . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.

One of the symptoms of poor circulation is cold feet. This may be an indication of existing health concerns such as blood clots, chronic pain, and mobility issues. Additional signs of this condition can include swollen feet, tingling sensations, increased fatigue, and the feet may feel heavy. There are various reasons why patients may develop poor circulation. These can consist of being overweight, having a sedentary lifestyle, and the aging process. Poor circulation can also be caused by existing medical conditions, including diabetes, peripheral artery disease (PAD), or atherosclerosis, which is hardening of the arteries. There are methods that can be implemented which may help to improve poor circulation. It is important to move as much as possible by performing low-impact activities, and walking, yoga, and swimming fit into this category. Patients who are unable to do this may benefit from having physical therapy performed, or possibly from using a cane or walker. Eating foods that are healthy may help to improve circulation, in addition to frequently elevating the feet. If you would like more information about efforts to improve circulation, it is suggested that you consult with a podiatrist.

Poor circulation is a serious condition and needs immediate medical attention. If you have any concerns with poor circulation in your feet contact one of our podiatrists of Palmetto Podiatry Group of Anderson. Our doctors will treat your foot and ankle needs.

Poor Circulation in the Feet

Poor blood circulation in the feet and legs is can be caused by peripheral artery disease (PAD), which is the result of a buildup of plaque in the arteries.

Plaque buildup or atherosclerosis results from excess calcium and cholesterol in the bloodstream. This can restrict the amount of blood which can flow through the arteries. Poor blood circulation in the feet and legs are sometimes caused by inflammation in the blood vessels, known as vasculitis.

Causes

Lack of oxygen and oxygen from poor blood circulation restricts muscle growth and development. It can also cause:

• Muscle pain, stiffness, or weakness   
• Numbness or cramping in the legs 
• Skin discoloration
• Slower nail & hair growth
• Erectile dysfunction

Those who have diabetes or smoke are at greatest risk for poor circulation, as are those who are over 50. If you have poor circulation in the feet and legs it may be caused by PAD and is important to make changes to your lifestyle in order to reduce risk of getting a heart attack or stroke. Exercise and maintaining a healthy lifestyle will dramatically improve conditions.

As always, see a podiatrist as he or she will assist in finding a regimen that suits you. A podiatrist can also prescribe you any needed medication. 

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

You may look great in those high heels or strappy sandals, but studies show that women who wear these types of shoes are at much higher risk of future heel and ankle pain. When you take a step, the foot absorbs a certain amount of shock from your body’s weight. Sneakers and other types of athletic shoes contain enough cushioning to handle the shock and protect the foot. However, this is generally not the case with women’s shoes, and for this reason women report heel and ankle pain in far larger numbers than do men. In fact, more than 60 percent of women who report hind foot pain have worn high heels and pumps at some point in their lives. Therefore, it is believed that past wearing of this type of shoe is a key factor in developing foot pain later in life. If you are having heel and ankle pain, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist for guidance on proper footwear and other treatment options. 

High heels have a history of causing foot and ankle problems. If you have any concerns about your feet or ankles, contact one of our podiatrists from Palmetto Podiatry Group of Anderson. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Effects of High Heels on the Feet

High heels are popular shoes among women because of their many styles and societal appeal.  Despite this, high heels can still cause many health problems if worn too frequently.

Which Parts of My Body Will Be Affected by High Heels?

• Ankle Joints
• Achilles Tendon – May shorten and stiffen with prolonged wear
• Balls of the Feet
• Knees – Heels cause the knees to bend constantly, creating stress on them
• Back – They decrease the spine’s ability to absorb shock, which may lead to back pain.  The vertebrae of the lower back may compress.

What Kinds of Foot Problems Can Develop from Wearing High Heels?

• Corns
• Calluses
• Hammertoe
• Bunions
• Morton’s Neuroma
• Plantar Fasciitis

How Can I Still Wear High Heels and Maintain Foot Health?

If you want to wear high heeled shoes, make sure that you are not wearing them every day, as this will help prevent long term physical problems.  Try wearing thicker heels as opposed to stilettos to distribute weight more evenly across the feet.  Always make sure you are wearing the proper shoes for the right occasion, such as sneakers for exercising.  If you walk to work, try carrying your heels with you and changing into them once you arrive at work.  Adding inserts to your heels can help cushion your feet and absorb shock. Full foot inserts or metatarsal pads are available. 

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

Any number of conditions can cause your toes to become swollen, ranging from injury to an allergic reaction. Swelling, or edema, is generally an early warning system from your body, as it generally indicates a problem of some sort. Among the common reasons for toe edema are gout, arthritis, and diabetes. Another cause of swelling in the toes is a circulation problem known as venous insufficiency. This means blood doesn’t flow properly from the extremities to the heart. Edema in the toes also may be caused by cellulitis, a serious inflammation of the skin tissues that can result from a number of conditions. Other causes of swelling in the toes include ingrown toenails, an infection, and footwear that is too tight. Some of these conditions indicate underlying problems that may take time to be corrected, and others can be easily handled by a visit to the podiatrist. The main thing to remember is that swelling is a warning sign from your body that something is amiss. If your toe swells, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist for an examination and a diagnosis.

Swollen feet can be a sign of an underlying condition. If you have any concerns, contact one of our podiatrists of Palmetto Podiatry Group of Anderson. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Swollen feet are a common ailment among pregnant women and people who stand or sit for extended periods. Aging may increase the possibility of swollen feet and patients who are obese often notice when their feet are swelling too. There may be medical reasons why swollen feet occur:

• Phlebitis - A condition that causes the veins to become inflamed and can also cause leg pain.
• Liver disease - This may lead to low blood levels of albumin which is a protein. This can cause fluid in the blood to pass into the tissues and several areas of the body can become swollen.
• Heart failure - When the heart doesn’t pump properly the blood that is normally pumped back to the heart can pool in the veins of the legs causing swollen feet.
• Kidney disease - One of the main functions of the kidneys is releasing excess fluid in the body. This type of condition can make it difficult for the kidneys to function properly, and as a result the feet may become swollen.
• Deep-vein thrombosis (DVT)- This is a serious condition where blood clots form in the veins of the legs. They can block the return of blood from the legs to the heart which may cause the feet to swell. It is important to be treated by a podiatrist if this condition is present.

Swollen feet can also be caused by bone and tendon conditions, including fractures, arthritis, and tendinitis. Additionally, there may be skin and toenail conditions and an infection may cause the feet to swell. Patients who take medicine to treat high blood pressure may be prone to getting swollen feet. 

Many patients elevate their feet to help relieve the swelling and this is generally a temporary remedy. When a podiatrist is consulted the reason behind the swelling can be uncovered and subsequently treated.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our office located in Anderson, SC . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.