Congenital foot problems can affect a child’s mobility and overall foot function, often requiring medical evaluation and regular care. Clubfoot, also known as talipes equinovarus, is a common condition where the foot and ankle twist inward, often requiring casting or surgery. Metatarsus adductus involves the foot turning inward, sometimes limiting joint flexibility and requiring corrective measures if it does not improve naturally. Another congenital foot condition, metatarsus varus, causes the foot’s arch to rise and the sole to turn inward, frequently needing treatment with a cast to improve alignment. Talipes calcaneovalgus occurs when the foot bends backward with the heel turned outward, and early intervention with braces or a cast is often successful in correcting this. Each of these conditions can affect a child’s ability to walk or develop properly. A podiatrist can assess the severity of the congenital foot condition, recommend appropriate treatments, and provide ongoing care to support healthy foot development. If your child has a congenital foot problem, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for treatment.

Congenital foot problems require immediate attention to avoid future complications. If you have any concerns, contact David Mansky, DPM of Mansky Podiatry. 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 Hastings, MI . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.

Neuropathic pain in athletes can stem from nerve damage or dysfunction in the feet and lower limbs, often presenting as burning, tingling, or shooting pain. Causes may include repetitive stress, direct trauma, or conditions like tarsal tunnel syndrome, where nerves are compressed. Diabetes, vitamin deficiencies, and excessive alcohol use can also increase the risk of nerve damage, although athletes may overlook these factors due to otherwise healthy lifestyles. The hidden dangers of neuropathic pain lie in its potential to impair performance, affect the feet, cause gait changes, and worsen with time if left untreated. Athletes may alter their stride to minimize discomfort which can lead to further injuries in the knees, hips, or back. If you are an athlete with neuropathic pain, it is suggested you consult a podiatrist who can help diagnose the root cause, assess nerve function, and create a treatment plan specific to you.

Neuropathy

Neuropathy can be a potentially serious condition, especially if it is left undiagnosed. If you have any concerns that you may be experiencing nerve loss in your feet, consult with David Mansky, DPM from Mansky Podiatry. Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment for neuropathy.

What Is Neuropathy?

Neuropathy is a condition that leads to damage to the nerves in the body. Peripheral neuropathy, or neuropathy that affects your peripheral nervous system, usually occurs in the feet. Neuropathy can be triggered by a number of different causes. Such causes include diabetes, infections, cancers, disorders, and toxic substances.

Symptoms of Neuropathy Include:

• Numbness
• Sensation loss
• Prickling and tingling sensations
• Throbbing, freezing, burning pains
• Muscle weakness

Those with diabetes are at serious risk due to being unable to feel an ulcer on their feet. Diabetics usually also suffer from poor blood circulation. This can lead to the wound not healing, infections occurring, and the limb may have to be amputated.

Treatment

To treat neuropathy in the foot, podiatrists will first diagnose the cause of the neuropathy. Figuring out the underlying cause of the neuropathy will allow the podiatrist to prescribe the best treatment, whether it be caused by diabetes, toxic substance exposure, infection, etc. If the nerve has not died, then it’s possible that sensation may be able to return to the foot.

Pain medication may be issued for pain. Electrical nerve stimulation can be used to stimulate nerves. If the neuropathy is caused from pressure on the nerves, then surgery may be necessary.

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

Plantar fasciitis is a common foot condition that causes pain in the heel and bottom of the foot. It occurs when the thick band of tissue along the sole of the foot, called the plantar fascia, becomes irritated or inflamed due to overuse, improper footwear, or excessive pressure. The hallmark symptom is sharp, stabbing pain in the heel, especially with the first steps in the morning, or after long periods of sitting. Treatment options include rest, stretching exercises, and anti-inflammatory medications. Wearing supportive shoes or using custom orthotics can also provide relief. In more severe cases, corticosteroid injections or even surgery may be necessary. A podiatrist can offer personalized advice, diagnose the condition, and recommend the best treatment plan. They can also help prevent future flare-ups by addressing underlying issues like improper gait or foot structure. If you are experiencing heel pain, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist to get the care you need.

Plantar fasciitis is a common foot condition that is often caused by a strain injury. If you are experiencing heel pain or symptoms of plantar fasciitis, contact David Mansky, DPM from Mansky Podiatry. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

What Is Plantar Fasciitis?

Plantar fasciitis is one of the most common causes of heel pain. The plantar fascia is a ligament that connects your heel to the front of your foot. When this ligament becomes inflamed, plantar fasciitis is the result. If you have plantar fasciitis you will have a stabbing pain that usually occurs with your first steps in the morning. As the day progresses and you walk around more, this pain will start to disappear, but it will return after long periods of standing or sitting.

What Causes Plantar Fasciitis?

• Excessive running
• Having high arches in your feet
• Other foot issues such as flat feet
• Pregnancy (due to the sudden weight gain)
• Being on your feet very often

There are some risk factors that may make you more likely to develop plantar fasciitis compared to others. The condition most commonly affects adults between the ages of 40 and 60. It also tends to affect people who are obese because the extra pounds result in extra stress being placed on the plantar fascia.

Prevention

• Take good care of your feet – Wear shoes that have good arch support and heel cushioning.
• Maintain a healthy weight
• If you are a runner, alternate running with other sports that won’t cause heel pain

There are a variety of treatment options available for plantar fasciitis along with the pain that accompanies it. Additionally, physical therapy is a very important component in the treatment process. It is important that you meet with your podiatrist to determine which treatment option is best for you.

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

Driving for extended periods can lead to various types of foot and ankle pain, commonly referred to as driver's foot. One prevalent issue is pain in the heel and arch, often caused by maintaining pressure on the accelerator or brake pedals for long durations. This repetitive motion can lead to conditions such as plantar fasciitis or tendonitis. Additionally, discomfort may arise in the toes, particularly from cramped foot positions, leading to conditions like Morton’s neuroma. Drivers may also experience ankle pain due to the constant flexing and extension required for operating the pedals. Poor footwear choices can make these issues worse, as shoes lacking proper support contribute to fatigue and discomfort. If you have foot pain from driving, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can offer you relief and treatment solutions.

Foot Pain

Foot pain can be extremely painful and debilitating. If you have a foot pain, consult with David Mansky, DPM from Mansky Podiatry. 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 Hastings, MI . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Incorporating specific stretches into your routine may help to alleviate the discomfort associated with plantar fasciitis. One effective stretch is the calf stretch. Stand facing a wall, place one foot behind the other and gently lean forward, feeling the stretch in the calf of the back leg. Another beneficial stretch is the seated toe stretch. While seated, extend one leg and reach towards your toes to stretch the plantar fascia. The towel stretch is also useful, and is done while sitting, looping a towel around the ball of your foot and gently pulling it towards you to stretch the arch of the foot. Consistently performing these stretches can enhance flexibility, reduce tension, and promote healing in the plantar fascia. If you have plantar fasciitis, it is suggested that you are under the care of a podiatrist who can provide treatment and guide you toward additional stretches for relief.

Why Stretching Is Important for Your Feet

Stretching the feet is a great way to prevent injuries. If you have any concerns with your feet consult with David Mansky, DPM from Mansky Podiatry. Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

Stretching the Feet

Stretching the muscles in the foot is an important part in any physical activity. Feet that are tight can lead to less flexibility and make you more prone to injury. One of the most common forms of foot pain, plantar fasciitis, can be stretched out to help ease the pain. Stretching can not only ease pain from plantar fasciitis but also prevent it as well. However, it is important to see a podiatrist first to determine if stretching is right for you. Podiatrists can also recommend other ways to stretch your feet. Once you know whether stretching is right for you, here are some excellent stretches you can do.

• Using a foam roller or any cylindrical object (a water bottle or soda can will do), roll the object under your foot back and forth. You should also exert pressure on the object. Be sure to do this to both feet for a minute. Do this exercise three times each.
• Similar to the previous exercise, take a ball, such as a tennis ball, and roll it under your foot while seated and exert pressure on it.
• Grab a resistance band or towel and take a seat. If you are using a towel, fold it length wise. Next put either one between the ball of your foot and heel and pull with both hands on each side towards you. Hold this for 15 seconds and then switch feet. Do this three times for each foot.
• Finally hold your big toe while crossing one leg over the other. Pull the toe towards you and hold for 15 seconds. Once again do this three times per foot.

It is best to go easy when first stretching your foot and work your way up. If your foot starts hurting, stop exercising to ice and rest the foot. It is advised that you then see a podiatrist for help.

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