Clubfoot is a congenital condition in which a newborn foot appears twisted inward and downward due to abnormal development of muscles, tendons and ligaments. The exact cause is not always known, but genetics play a significant role and the condition may run in families. Environmental factors during pregnancy may also contribute. Diagnosis is often made at birth through a physical examination and sometimes confirmed with a prenatal ultrasound. Symptoms include a visibly rotated foot, limited range of motion, and stiffness, although the condition is not typically painful in infancy. A podiatrist provides early evaluation, guidance, and ongoing care through stretching, casting, bracing, and monitoring progress. Early treatment improves long-term mobility and function. If your child has been born with clubfoot, it is strongly suggested that you include a podiatrist on your health care team to ensure the best outcome for your child’s development.

Congenital foot problems require immediate attention to avoid future complications. If you have any concerns, contact Scott Samera, DPM of Samera / Foot + Ankle. 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 Lake City and Branford, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

When three parts of the ankle break at the same time, the injury is serious and often unstable. The ankle is made up of the lower ends of the two leg bones and the back portion of the shinbone, all of which work together to form the joint that allows the foot to move up, down, and side to side. These bones also help hold strong bands of tissue in place that keep the ankle steady. A broken ankle of this type usually happens during a high-impact event, such as a car accident, a fall from a height, or a sports injury that causes the ankle to twist forcefully. Severe pain, swelling, bruising, visible deformity, and an inability to stand or walk are common symptoms. Diagnosis requires imaging to see how the bones are positioned. Treatment likely involves surgery to realign the bones and secure them with hardware so the joint can heal properly. If you have broken an ankle, it is suggested that you make an emergency appointment with a podiatrist for an exam, diagnosis, and treatment.

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Fungal nails and black toenails are common concerns that can affect both comfort and confidence. A fungal nail often begins as a yellow or white discoloration and may thicken, crumble, or lift from the nail bed over time. The nail can appear brittle and distorted and may feel tender or produce a mild odor. A black toenail is frequently caused by trauma, such as repetitive pressure from running or wearing tight shoes, that leads to bleeding beneath the nail. A fungal toenail can lead to a black toenail, It may look dark purple or black and can feel sore or throbbing. Risk factors include damp environments, shared locker rooms, ill-fitting footwear, injury, and certain medical conditions. A podiatrist can examine the nail and order laboratory testing to confirm infection or rule out other causes. Treatment may include antifungal medication, trimming and debridement, footwear guidance, or minor procedures. If you have fungal nails or a black toenail, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist.

For more information about treatment, contact Scott Samera, DPM of Samera / Foot + Ankle. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Toenail Fungus Treatment

Toenail fungus is a condition that affects many people and can be especially hard to get rid of. Fortunately, there are several methods to go about treating and avoiding it.

Antifungals & Deterrence

Oral antifungal medicine has been shown to be effective in many cases. It is important to consult with a podiatrist to determine the proper regiment for you, or potentially explore other options.

Applying foot powder on the feet and shoes helps keep the feet free of moisture and sweat.

Sandals or open toed shoes – Wearing these will allow air movement and help keep feet dry. They also expose your feet to light, which fungus cannot tolerate. Socks with moisture wicking material also help as well.

If you have any questions please contact our office located in Lake City and Branford, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Turf toe is a sprain of the ligaments surrounding the big toe joint, usually caused by sudden hyperextension during sports or activities on firm surfaces. It commonly occurs when the toe bends upward beyond its normal range, placing stress on the soft tissues. A mild injury, or grade 1 injury, involves stretching of the ligaments with tenderness and slight swelling. A moderate injury, also known as a grade 2 injury, includes partial tearing with increased pain, swelling, and limited movement. A grade 3 injury, or severe injury, involves a complete tear, significant swelling, bruising, and difficulty bearing weight. Symptoms include pain at the base of the big toe and reduced flexibility. If you have symptoms of turf toe, it is suggested that you promptly consult a podiatrist who can offer effective relief and treatment techniques. 

Toe pain can disrupt your daily activities. If you have any concerns, contact Scott Samera, DPM of Samera / Foot + Ankle. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

What Causes Toe Pain?

Most severe toe pain is caused due to a sports injury, trauma from dropping something heavy on the toe, or bumping into something rigid. Other problems can develop over time for various reasons.

Toe pain can be caused by one or more ailments. The most common include:

• Trauma
• Sports injury
• Wearing shoes that are too tight
• Arthritis
• Gout
• Corns and calluses
• Hammertoe
• Bunions
• Blisters
• Ingrown toenails
• Sprains
• Fractures (broken bones)
• Dislocations

When to See a Podiatrist

• Severe pain
• Persistent pain that lasts more than a week
• Signs of infection
• Continued swelling
• Pain that prevents walking

Diagnosis

In many cases the cause of toe pain is obvious, but in others, a podiatrist may want to use more advanced methods to determine the problem. These 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

Treatments for toe pain and injuries vary and may include shoe inserts, padding, taping, medicines, injections, and in some cases, surgery. If you believe that you have broken a toe, please see a podiatrist as soon as possible.

If you have any questions please contact our office located in Lake City and Branford, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.