Clubfoot, or talipes equinovarus, is a congenital birth defect where the foot and ankle are misshapen or misaligned. It typically presents as a downward and inward turn of the hindfoot and ankle, with inward twisting of the forefoot. The two types of clubfoot are positional clubfoot, caused by unusual positioning in the uterus, and true clubfoot, a structural malformation from developmental errors in the womb. True clubfoot often involves underdeveloped leg or foot bones or calf muscles. Treatment varies, including immobilization with casts or physical therapy for positional clubfoot and complex surgery for true clubfoot. If your newborn has clubfoot, it is strongly suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist immediately to begin treatment as soon as possible.

Congenital foot problems require immediate attention to avoid future complications. If you have any concerns, contact Leonard Talarico, DPM of Georgia. 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 office located in Pooler, GA . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.

Pain on the top of the foot can be a perplexing and uncomfortable experience, often arising from various underlying factors. One common culprit is overuse or repetitive strain, especially in activities that involve extensive flexing of the foot. Wearing tight or ill-fitting footwear may compress the nerves and tendons on the top of the foot, leading to discomfort. Traumatic injuries, such as fractures or contusions, also can cause localized pain on the top of the foot. Inflammation of tendons or ligaments due to conditions like tendonitis or arthritis may also contribute to this discomfort. Additionally, stress fractures, particularly in the metatarsal bones, can manifest as persistent top-of-foot pain. Nerve compression or entrapment, such as with conditions like Morton's neuroma, can be another source of discomfort. Accurate diagnosis is essential for effective treatment, highlighting the importance of consulting with a podiatrist who can identify and address the specific cause of top-of-foot pain. If you have pain in the top of your foot, it is strongly suggested that you schedule an appointment with this type of doctor who can offer you the correct treatment methods.

Foot Pain

Foot pain can be extremely painful and debilitating. If you have a foot pain, consult with Leonard Talarico, DPM from Georgia. Our doctor 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 Pooler, GA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

A plantar fibroma is a benign nodule that develops in the arch of the foot, specifically within the plantar fascia, the tissue band extending from the heel to the toes. Those with a plantar fibroma often notice a firm lump in the arch of their foot, which can either stay consistent in size or grow slowly over time. This lump often leads to discomfort or pain, particularly when walking, standing, or applying pressure to the foot, such as when wearing shoes. The pain is usually due to the fibroma pressing against the footwear or ground. As a result, individuals might experience changes in their walking pattern and such changes can further affect overall foot function and comfort. If you think you have a plantar fibroma, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist for a diagnosis and treatment.

A plantar fibroma may disrupt your daily activities. If you have any concerns, contact Leonard Talarico, DPM of Georgia. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Plantar Fibroma

A plantar fibroma is a fibrous knot in the arch of the foot. It is embedded in the plantar fascia which is a band of tissue that extends from the heel to the toes along the bottom of the foot. There can be multiple plantar fibromas in the feet at the same time. There are no known causes for this condition. If you have a plantar fibroma, there will be a bump in the arch of your foot that cannot be missed. Any associated pain is most often due to a shoe rubbing against the nodule. Non-surgical options, such as steroid injections, physical therapy, and orthotics should be tried first. Surgery is a last resort and is the only thing that will remove a plantar fibroma entirely. Consult with a podiatrist for a proper diagnosis and to determine the treatment regimen that is right for you.

What Causes a Plantar Fibroma?

While there are no specific causes identified, a plantar fibroma can possibly come from genetic predisposition or the formation of scar tissue that forms from healing the tears in the plantar fascia.

What Are the Symptoms of a Plantar Fibroma?

There will be a noticeable lump in the arch of the foot that may or may not cause pain. If pain is felt, it is typically because a shoe is rubbing up against the lump or when walking or standing barefoot.

Treatment and Prevention

A plantar fibroma will not disappear without treatment, but it can get smaller and be a non-issue. If pain persists, a podiatrist examines the foot and when the arch of the foot is pressed, pain can be felt down to the toes. An MRI or biopsy might be performed to help diagnose or evaluate the plantar fibroma. The following non-surgical options are generally enough to reduce the size and pain of these nodules:

• Steroid injections
• Orthotics
• Physical therapy to help apply anti-inflammatory creams on the bump 

Surgery is considered if the mass increases in size and the patient continues to feel pain after non-surgical methods are tried.

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

Achilles tendon injuries, though often underestimated, can be a formidable adversary in the realm of physical well-being. When the Achilles tendon, the largest one in the human body, succumbs to strain or trauma, a cascade of challenges unfolds. Expect a journey of patience and resilience as healing time can vary, requiring a delicate balance of rest and rehabilitation. The onset may start as a sudden sharp pain or a gradual ache, demanding attention to avoid making it worse. Mobility may be compromised, necessitating a change in daily activities. As the healing process unfolds, anticipate the gradual return to normalcy, guided by a comprehensive rehabilitation plan. Embrace the process, as understanding and managing expectations become vital companions on the path to recovery from Achilles tendon injuries. If you have endured an Achilles tendon injury, it is strongly suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can customize an appropriate treatment plan for you.

Achilles tendon injuries need immediate attention to avoid future complications. If you have any concerns, contact Leonard Talarico, DPM of Georgia. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

What Is the Achilles Tendon?

The Achilles tendon is a tendon that connects the lower leg muscles and calf to the heel of the foot. It is the strongest tendon in the human body and is essential for making movement possible. Because this tendon is such an integral part of the body, any injuries to it can create immense difficulties and should immediately be presented to a doctor.

What Are the Symptoms of an Achilles Tendon Injury?

There are various types of injuries that can affect the Achilles tendon. The two most common injuries are Achilles tendinitis and ruptures of the tendon.

Achilles Tendinitis Symptoms

• Inflammation
• Dull to severe pain
• Increased blood flow to the tendon
• Thickening of the tendon

Rupture Symptoms

• Extreme pain and swelling in the foot
• Total immobility

Treatment and Prevention

Achilles tendon injuries are diagnosed by a thorough physical evaluation, which can include an MRI. Treatment involves rest, physical therapy, and in some cases, surgery. However, various preventative measures can be taken to avoid these injuries, such as:

• Thorough stretching of the tendon before and after exercise
• Strengthening exercises like calf raises, squats, leg curls, leg extensions, leg raises, lunges, and leg presses

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

Running is a fantastic way to stay fit and relieve stress, but it can also take a toll on your feet and shoes. This is where the practice of running shoe rotation comes into play. It involves switching between different pairs of running shoes to distribute the impact and wear more evenly. The importance of running shoe rotation lies in several key benefits. First, it prolongs the lifespan of your shoes. Continuous use of the same pair can lead to faster wear and tear, reducing their support and cushioning. Rotating between multiple pairs allows each shoe to recover between runs. Additionally, it helps prevent overuse injuries. Each pair of running shoes has a unique cushioning and support system. By alternating between them, you may reduce the risk of overloading specific muscle groups and joints. This can help to lower the risk of injuries such as shin splints, stress fractures, and Achilles tendonitis. Different shoes can provide variations in comfort and performance, giving your feet a break from repetitive motion and potentially improving your performance. Whether you are a seasoned runner or just starting out, incorporating a rotation schedule into your running routine can help keep your feet healthy and your runs enjoyable. For more information about running shoes and the importance of rotating them or if you have endured a foot or ankle injury from running, it is suggested that you speak with a podiatrist.

You should always make sure your running shoes fit properly in order to avoid injury. For more information, contact Leonard Talarico, DPM from Georgia. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Choosing the Right Running Shoe for Your Foot Type

Improper shoe sizing can cause a myriad of problems for your feet. Shoes that don’t fit you properly can lead to muscular imbalances in your body, which can result in foot, knee, and hip injuries.

Tips for Finding the Right Running Shoe

• Make sure you have a thumb’s width of wiggle room between the end of your longest toe and the front of the shoe.
• There should be little to no slipping at the heel
• Don’t assume your size in one shoe brand will be your size in another
• Do not lace up your shoes too tightly
• Walk around in the store with your new shoes before you buy them

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