Clubfoot is a birth condition that causes one foot or both feet to turn downward and inward. In some cases, the sole faces backward. The affected foot can also appear smaller than the other foot, and the calf can be thinner. Clubfoot does not usually cause pain in a newborn. Without proper treatment, however, the changed foot position can make standing and walking painful as the child grows. The exact cause is not always known. Family history can raise a baby’s risk, and clubfoot is rarely connected to another health condition.

A podiatrist can examine the baby’s feet, ankles, and legs to confirm the diagnosis. Clubfoot is sometimes seen on an ultrasound before birth, but treatment begins after delivery. Care usually starts within the first two weeks of life. One leading approach is the Ponseti method. A trained specialist gently moves the foot toward a better position and applies a cast to hold it there. This process is repeated for several weeks. The podiatrist can track the foot’s position, check the skin, and explain each stage to the parents.

After casting, many babies require a small procedure to loosen the tight Achilles tendon at the back of the ankle. Special boots connected by a bar then help keep the feet properly aligned. The boots are first used for most of the day. Later, the child generally uses them while sleeping for several years. A podiatrist can monitor growth, adjust the treatment plan, and address signs of relapse. Surgery is reserved for cases that do not respond fully to casting or return despite careful treatment. Most children who receive early care develop stable, pain-free feet. They usually begin walking at the expected age, and can take part in sports and other activities. If your newborn has symptoms of clubfoot, it is suggested that you include a podiatrist on your healthcare team to ensure your child’s full recovery. 

Congenital foot problems require immediate attention to avoid future complications. If you have any concerns, contact one of our podiatrists of Complete Foot & Ankle Specialists, LLC. 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 offices located in Bellefontaine, OH and Springfield, OH . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Hammertoe is a deformity that causes one or more of the smaller toes to bend downward at the middle joint instead of lying flat. At first, the toe may still be flexible, but it can become stiff if left untreated. This change in toe position places extra pressure on the top of the toe and the ball of the foot. Symptoms include pain, swelling, corns, calluses, and difficulty wearing shoes comfortably. The condition can develop because of muscle imbalance, arthritis, injury, or wearing shoes that squeeze the toes into a cramped position. Early evaluation is important because hammertoe becomes more difficult to correct as the joint becomes less flexible.

A podiatrist carefully evaluates toe alignment, foot structure, walking pattern, and joint movement to determine what is contributing to the deformity. The examination also identifies areas of excessive pressure that can lead to painful skin changes. Treatment includes custom orthotics when appropriate, footwear recommendations, and protective padding to reduce irritation. A podiatrist can also recommend exercises that improve flexibility and strengthen the muscles supporting the toes. Wearing shoes that provide proper support and enough room for the toes can reduce unnecessary pressure during daily activities. Regular follow-up visits help monitor changes and determine whether additional treatment is needed.

Ignoring hammertoe can allow the toe to become permanently stiff and increase discomfort while walking. Ongoing pressure can also lead to painful corns, calluses, and sores that make everyday activities more difficult. In advanced cases, surgery may be necessary when the toe can no longer be straightened or pain continues despite treatment. Early podiatry care helps improve foot function, reduce pressure on the affected toe, and slow the progression of the deformity. If you have symptoms of hammertoe, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for diagnosis and treatment.

Hammertoe

Hammertoes can be a painful condition to live with. For more information, contact one of our podiatrists from Complete Foot & Ankle Specialists, LLC. our doctors will answer any of your foot- and ankle-related questions.

Hammertoe is a foot deformity that affects the joints of the second, third, fourth, or fifth toes of your feet. It is a painful foot condition in which these toes curl and arch up, which can often lead to pain when wearing footwear.

Symptoms

• Pain in the affected toes
• Development of corns or calluses due to friction
• Inflammation
• Redness
• Contracture of the toes

Causes

Genetics – People who are genetically predisposed to hammertoe are often more susceptible

Arthritis – Because arthritis affects the joints in your toes, further deformities stemming from arthritis can occur

Trauma – Direct trauma to the toes could potentially lead to hammertoe

Ill-fitting shoes – Undue pressure on the front of the toes from ill-fitting shoes can potentially lead to the development of hammertoe

Treatment

Orthotics – Custom made inserts can be used to help relieve pressure placed on the toes and therefore relieve some of the pain associated with it

Medications – Oral medications such as anti-inflammatories or NSAIDs could be used to treat the pain and inflammation hammertoes causes. Injections of corticosteroids are also sometimes used

Surgery – In more severe cases where the hammertoes have become more rigid, foot surgery is a potential option

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our offices located in Bellefontaine, OH and Springfield, OH . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

A toe fracture can occur when a toe is stubbed, struck, or caught against an object. Most toe fractures heal without major problems, but fractures involving a symphalangeal toe can require a longer healing period. Symphalangism is a condition present from birth in which two bones in a toe are joined at the joint between them. It most often affects the smaller toes. Because the joined bones create a stiffer toe, the area has less flexibility when force is placed on it. This can increase the chance of a fracture after an injury. Symptoms include pain, swelling, and tenderness around the injured toe. Some patients also have difficulty walking comfortably because of pain and stiffness.

A podiatrist can examine the toe and use X-rays to determine whether a fracture is present. The examination helps identify the location and severity of the injury. Fractures involving a symphalangeal toe can behave differently from typical fractures of the smaller toes. Healing can take longer because the joined bones have different structural and blood-flow characteristics. In reported cases, patients treated without surgery eventually reached complete healing, but the healing period was longer than expected for many patients. Complete healing took an average of several months, with some fractures requiring substantially longer periods. This delayed healing does not necessarily mean that the fracture will fail to heal. Regular evaluation helps track changes and confirms that the bone is progressing toward healing.

Treatment depends on the location and condition of the fracture. A podiatrist can monitor the toe with follow-up examinations and X-rays to track healing. Care can also include protecting the injured toe and limiting stress placed on the fracture while healing takes place. Most symphalangeal fractures can be managed without surgery when the bones remain properly aligned. A podiatrist can determine whether additional treatment is necessary based on the fracture's position, symptoms, and healing progress. Recognizing the possibility of delayed healing allows appropriate monitoring and helps support a safe return to normal activity. If symptoms of a toe fracture or symphalangeal toe injury are present, it is suggested that an appointment be made with a podiatrist for a  diagnosis and appropriate treatment.

Broken toes may cause a lot of pain and should be treated as soon as possible. If you have any concerns about your feet, contact one of our podiatrists from Complete Foot & Ankle Specialists, LLC. our doctors will treat your foot and ankle needs.

What Is a Broken Toe?

A broken toe occurs when one or more of the toe bones of the foot are broken after an injury. Injuries such as stubbing your toe or dropping a heavy object on it may cause a toe fracture.

Symptoms of a Broken Toe

• Swelling
• Pain (with/without wearing shoes)
• Stiffness
• Nail Injury

Although the injured toe should be monitored daily, it is especially important to have a podiatrist look at your toe if you have severe symptoms. Some of these symptoms include worsening or new pain that is not relieved with medication, sores, redness, or open wounds near the toe.

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

Morton's neuroma is a compressive neuropathy that affects a nerve in the forefoot, most commonly located between the third and fourth toes. It develops when the nerve becomes irritated, compressed, and thickened due to repeated pressure and friction. This condition is not a tumor, but rather a response to ongoing mechanical stress within the intermetatarsal space. Common causes include wearing tight-fitting shoes, high-heeled footwear, and structural foot imbalances. Over time, this constant irritation leads to inflammation of the nerve, resulting in discomfort that can interfere with daily movement and physical activity.

Symptoms of Morton's neuroma often begin gradually and may increase in intensity if left untreated. Individuals frequently report a burning or sharp pain in the ball of the foot, along with tingling or numbness that may extend into the toes. A common description includes the sensation of stepping on a small pebble or feeling a fold in the sock. Pain may worsen during walking, prolonged standing, or while wearing narrow shoes that compress the forefoot. Relief may occur temporarily when shoes are removed or the foot is massaged.

The entrapment theory explains that the nerve becomes compressed between the metatarsal bones and surrounding ligaments, leading to thickening and increased sensitivity. This repeated compression creates a cycle of irritation and inflammation. Risk factors include high impact sports, wearing improper footwear, and biomechanical conditions such as flat feet or high arches. Women are more frequently affected due to footwear that places additional pressure on the forefoot.

Early recognition and proper management can reduce symptoms and prevent further progression. Wearing supportive shoes, modifying activities, and maintaining proper foot care can help relieve pressure on the affected nerve. Addressing the underlying cause is essential for long term improvement. If you have symptoms of Morton's neuroma, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist for effective relief and treatment solutions. 

Morton’s neuroma is a very uncomfortable condition to live with. If you think you have Morton’s neuroma, contact one of our podiatrists of Complete Foot & Ankle Specialists, LLC. our doctors will attend to all of your foot care needs and answer any of your related questions.  

Morton’s Neuroma

Morton's neuroma is a painful foot condition that commonly affects the areas between the second and third or third and fourth toe, although other areas of the foot are also susceptible. Morton’s neuroma is caused by an inflamed nerve in the foot that is being squeezed and aggravated by surrounding bones.

What Increases the Chances of Having Morton’s Neuroma?

• Ill-fitting high heels or shoes that add pressure to the toe or foot
• Jogging, running or any sport that involves constant impact to the foot
• Flat feet, bunions, and any other foot deformities

Morton’s neuroma is a very treatable condition. Orthotics and shoe inserts can often be used to alleviate the pain on the forefront of the feet. In more severe cases, corticosteroids can also be prescribed. In order to figure out the best treatment for your neuroma, it’s recommended to seek the care of a podiatrist who can diagnose your condition and provide different treatment options.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our offices located in Bellefontaine, OH and Springfield, OH . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.