Items filtered by date: June 2023

Clubfoot is a common congenital foot defect that causes a newborn’s foot to turn in or down, and the toes point toward the opposite foot. The foot, heel, and calf muscle on the affected foot may be smaller than in the other foot. In severe instances, the foot may be twisted upside down. The tendons that connect the leg muscles to the heel are too short, which causes the baby’s foot to twist into an unnatural position. It is thought that this can happen due to genetic reasons or if there is low amniotic fluid surrounding the baby in the womb. It is more common in babies with mothers who smoked or used recreational drugs during pregnancy. It is twice as likely to impact boy infants as girls. Clubfoot can affect one or both feet and may be mild or severe. Clubfoot is not painful and can often be corrected while the child is an infant if treated immediately. The success rate is high for those treated, and the majority of children will walk normally and lead an ordinary life. If you know your child has clubfoot in utero or is born with this affliction, it is strongly suggested that you visit a podiatrist as soon as possible after birth to have the severity of the deformity determined, and to begin the correct treatment.

Congenital foot problems require immediate attention to avoid future complications. If you have any concerns, contact one of our podiatrists of Hugar Foot & Ankle Specialists. 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 Elmwood Park, IL . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.

There are bones that are located underneath the big toe that include the sesamoid bones. Inflammation of them can cause the foot condition that is known as sesamoiditis, and can happen from overuse. People who enjoy running may be prone to developing sesamoiditis, and the repetitive running motion may cause the sesamoid bones to become injured. The sesamoid bones protect the surrounding tendons, and also increase the strength of the muscle. Additionally, they act as a lever and can take the majority of the weight off of the inside of the foot. Common symptoms that are associated with this condition can include swelling and tenderness under the foot, and patients may limp to compensate for the discomfort. Treatment generally begins with reducing existing pain and implementing methods that can protect the foot from further injury. If you have foot pain, it is strongly suggested that you are under the care of a podiatrist who can effectively diagnose sesamoiditis, and offer additional treatment options.

Sesamoiditis is an unpleasant foot condition characterized by pain in the balls of the feet. If you think you’re struggling with sesamoiditis, contact one of our podiatrists of Hugar Foot & Ankle Specialists. Our doctors will treat your condition thoroughly and effectively.

Sesamoiditis

Sesamoiditis is a condition of the foot that affects the ball of the foot. It is more common in younger people than it is in older people. It can also occur with people who have begun a new exercise program, since their bodies are adjusting to the new physical regimen. Pain may also be caused by the inflammation of tendons surrounding the bones. It is important to seek treatment in its early stages because if you ignore the pain, this condition can lead to more serious problems such as severe irritation and bone fractures.

Causes of Sesamoiditis

• Sudden increase in activity
• Increase in physically strenuous movement without a proper warm up or build up
• Foot structure: those who have smaller, bonier feet or those with a high arch may be more susceptible

Treatment for sesamoiditis is non-invasive and simple. Doctors may recommend a strict rest period where the patient forgoes most physical activity. This will help give the patient time to heal their feet through limited activity. For serious cases, it is best to speak with your doctor to determine a treatment option that will help your specific needs.

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

People who frequently go to the gym understand the importance of exercising the muscles in their bodies. With this being noted, the feet are often neglected, and many people fail to properly stretch and exercise their feet. The muscles in the feet can be categorized into two different areas, and the intrinsic foot muscles can be referred to as the core of the feet. The arch is maintained by these muscles and can aid in shock absorption. Global muscles are typically larger, and the ankle is moved by these types of muscles, which are also responsible for pointing and flexing the toes. Common exercises to perform consists of picking up marbles with the toes. This stretch can engage both groups of muscles. A strengthening exercise for the toes can be done by spreading them out as far as possible, repeated several times. If you would like more information about how foot exercises can benefit the feet, it is suggested that you speak with a podiatrist who can guide you toward effective foot stretches to perform.

Exercising your feet regularly with the proper foot wear is a great way to prevent injuries and build strength. If you have any concerns about your feet, contact one of our podiatrists from Hugar Foot & Ankle Specialists. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Exercise for Your Feet

Exercise for your feet can help you gain strength, mobility and flexibility in your feet. They say that strengthening your feet can be just as rewarding as strengthening another part of the body. Your feet are very important, and we often forget about them in our daily tasks. But it is because of our feet that are we able to get going and do what we need to. For those of us fortunate enough to not have any foot problems, it is an important gesture to take care of them to ensure good health in the long run.

Some foot health exercises can include ankle pumps, tip-toeing, toe rises, lifting off the floor doing reps and sets, and flexing the toes. It is best to speak with Our doctors to determine an appropriate regimen for your needs. Everyone’s needs and bodies are different, and the activities required to maintain strength in the feet vary from individual to individual. 

Once you get into a routine of doing regular exercise, you may notice a difference in your feet and how strong they may become.

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

If you are a senior, then you may already be familiar with the risk of falling or tripping that many older Americans experience. Doing the best to prevent falling can be an essential part of a senior’s foot care plan, as falling can lead to foot conditions such as fractures. One area in which a senior may be extra careful to prevent falling is on parking lots and sidewalks. By keeping these areas in good repair around one’s house, a senior can potentially prevent a fall. Also, addressing the accumulation of any snow or ice around these areas is also critical to preventing falls. If you are a senior or are caring for one, it is suggested that you contact a podiatrist about falls prevention.

Preventing falls among the elderly is very important. If you are older and have fallen or fear that you are prone to falling, consult with one of our podiatrists from Hugar Foot & Ankle Specialists. Our doctors will assess your condition and provide you with quality advice and care.

Every 11 seconds, an elderly American is being treated in an emergency room for a fall related injury. Falls are the leading cause of head and hip injuries for those 65 and older. Due to decreases in strength, balance, senses, and lack of awareness, elderly persons are very susceptible to falling. Thankfully, there are a number of things older persons can do to prevent falls.

How to Prevent Falls

Some effective methods that older persons can do to prevent falls include:

• Enrolling in strength and balance exercise program to increase balance and strength
• Periodically having your sight and hearing checked
• Discuss any medications you have with a doctor to see if it increases the risk of falling
• Clearing the house of falling hazards and installing devices like grab bars and railings
• Utilizing a walker or cane
• Wearing shoes that provide good support and cushioning
• Talking to family members about falling and increasing awareness

Falling can be a traumatic and embarrassing experience for elderly persons; this can make them less willing to leave the house, and less willing to talk to someone about their fears of falling. Doing such things, however, will increase the likelihood of tripping or losing one’s balance. Knowing the causes of falling and how to prevent them is the best way to mitigate the risk of serious injury.  

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