December 2022

The medical term for the foot condition that is referred to as clubfoot is congenital talipes equinovarus. The abbreviation for this is CTEV, and the noticeable symptom seen is the feet turned inward at the ankle. There are two categories of clubfoot, postural and structural. A postural CTEV consists of muscle imbalance without involving the joints and bones. A child who has clubfoot that does not have full range of motion in their feet is afflicted with structural CTEV. The majority of babies who have this congenital foot disorder may not have complications until walking begins. At that point, a walking disorder will be evident, and there may be foot pain. Many parents are aware their child may have clubfoot during the pregnancy, when an ultrasound is taken. Steps can be taken soon after birth to correct this condition. If your child has clubfoot, it is strongly suggested that he or she is under the care of a podiatrist who can help you to determine the correct steps for recovery.

Congenital foot problems require immediate attention to avoid future complications. If you have any concerns, contact Dr. Mark Spier of Maryland. 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 one of our offices located in Columbia and Reisterstown, MD . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.

Research has shown the average child takes approximately 20,000 steps per day, triggering the thought process for parents to choose the right shoes for their child. This can help to support and protect the child’s feet as they grow older. Many parents feel it is best if their child walks barefoot while indoors, which may  help to strengthen the feet. The toes can become stronger from gripping the floor, and this can positively affect balance. Some parents believe that foot and toe deformities can come from wearing shoes at an early age, and they may encourage their children to walk barefoot while indoors and outdoors. When the first shoes are purchased for protection against the outside elements, it is beneficial that the shoes are flexible, lightweight, and have a strong and stable structure. Children’s feet grow at an accelerated speed, and it is suggested that their feet are often measured, which can determine the correct shoe size. If you have questions about what type of shoes to buy for your child, please contact a podiatrist who can address any concerns you may have.

The health of a child’s feet is vital to their overall well-being. If you have any questions regarding foot health, contact Dr. Mark Spier of Maryland. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Tips for Keeping Children's Feet Healthy

• Make sure their shoes fit properly
• Look for any signs of in-toeing or out-toeing
• Check to see if they have Clubfoot (condition that affects your child’s foot and ankle, twisting the heel and toes inward) which is one of the most common nonmajor birth defects.
• Lightly cover your baby’s feet (Tight covers may keep your baby from moving their feet freely, and could prevent normal development)
• Allow your toddler to go shoeless (Shoes can be restricting for a young child’s foot)
• Cut toenails straight across to avoid ingrown toenails
• Keep your child’s foot clean and dry
• Cover cuts and scrapes. Wash any scratches with soap and water and cover them with a bandage until they’ve healed.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact one of our offices located in Columbia and Reisterstown, MD . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

As we age our feet change and things can happen to our feet that affect our overall health and quality of life. Specific foot issues may arise depending on the shoes worn, level of activity, and genetics. With all the wear and tear our feet endure throughout our lifetimes, it’s no wonder there would be stress and strain felt as we age. With aging, our cells hold less water, which in turn can affect collagen, tendons, and ligaments in the feet. Tendons generally get tighter, and ligaments may get looser. With aging, circulation can decline as well as our body’s natural healing ability. Overuse and joint issues are also more common with age. When things in the feet shift, bone spurs can develop, and we can feel pain. To deal with the likely inevitabilities of foot issues, if you are a senior or a caregiver, include a podiatrist in your health care team and schedule regular check-ups.

If you need your feet checked, contact Dr. Mark Spier of Maryland. Our doctor will attend to all of your foot and ankle needs and provide you with quality treatment.

Geriatrics and Podiatry
When people age, some common issues that may occur are bone density loss, dry skin, poor circulation, and rough brittle nails. These issues may also affect your foot health if the necessary steps are not taken to alleviate the problems.

It is important to take care of your feet because feet that are injured or diseased can affect your overall health. Having painful feet hinders your ability to do daily activities or may decrease your willingness to do the things that you need to do.

Visiting Your Geriatrician
As we age, health problems become more likely, so it is essential to visit your doctor for check-ups to ensure that you are doing the best you can to take care of your health. It is recommended to check your feet frequently for any possible cuts, bruises, swelling, corns or any other irregularities. 

Taking Care of Elderly Feet
Cracked or dry feet can be treated by applying moisturizer often. It is also important not to wear old socks because the older the sock is, the higher the possibility there will be that there is bacteria there. Wear fresh socks and make sure they fit properly.

Proper foot health means that you can have a more active lifestyle and you will not be bogged down by pain. Foot health also leads to good circulation, which is paramount for overall health.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact one of our offices located in Columbia and Reisterstown, MD . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.

Arthritis is a medical condition that affects a wide variety of individuals across the country. Arthritis primarily impacts the joints of the body, causing them to become inflamed. Individuals who suffer from arthritis can also experience arthritis in their feet. One particular kind of arthritis in the feet is known as midfoot arthritis. This condition occurs at the top, and middle part of the foot when the cartilage between bones diminishes. As a result, the bones can rub up against each other which can ultimately cause inflammation. Certain risk factors are generally associated with midfoot arthritis. For example, suffering from some kind of other foot injury or trauma might make you more susceptible to developing midfoot arthritis. Additionally, one’s natural foot shape might also make one predisposed to developing midfoot arthritis. Schedule an appointment with a podiatrist today for more information.

Arthritis can be a difficult condition to live with. If you are seeking treatment, contact Dr. Mark Spier from Maryland. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Arthritic Foot Care  

Arthritis is a joint disorder that involves the inflammation of different joints in your body, such as those in your feet. Arthritis is often caused by a degenerative joint disease and causes mild to severe pain in all affected areas. In addition to this, swelling and stiffness in the affected joints can also be a common symptom of arthritis.

In many cases, wearing ill-fitting shoes can worsen the effects and pain of arthritis. Wearing shoes that have a lower heel and extra room can help your feet feel more comfortable. In cases of rheumatoid arthritis, the arch in your foot may become problematic. Buying shoes with proper arch support that contour to your feet can help immensely.

Alleviating Arthritic Pain

• Exercises that stretch the foot can prevent further pain and injury and increase mobility
• Most of the pain can be alleviated with anti-inflammatory drugs, heat, and topical medications
• Massages can help temporarily alleviate pain.

It is best to see your doctor for the treatment that is right for your needs and symptoms. Conditions vary, and a podiatrist can help you determine the right method of care for your feet.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact one of our offices located in Columbia and Reisterstown, MD . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.