Items filtered by date: December 2023

Newborns are a marvel of nature, but they can also exhibit a range of physical characteristics, including some common foot deformities. One of the most frequently encountered conditions is metatarsus adductus, where a baby's feet curve inward. This condition often corrects itself over time, but in severe cases, medical intervention may be required. Another common newborn foot deformity is congenital vertical talus, characterized by an upward bending of the foot's arch. This condition typically necessitates early treatment to ensure proper foot development. Clubfoot is another condition where the baby's feet point inward and downward, making it challenging for the child to walk. Fortunately, early intervention with casting and corrective footwear can help normalize the foot position. Understanding these common newborn foot deformities is essential, as early diagnosis and treatment can make a significant difference in a child's long-term foot health and overall well-being. Podiatrists play a vital role in addressing these issues and guiding parents through the necessary steps for proper management and treatment. If your child has a congenital foot deformity, it is strongly suggested that you seek the counsel of a podiatrist who can begin the correct treatment method.

Congenital foot problems require immediate attention to avoid future complications. If you have any concerns, contact Patrick Bruton, DPM of Big Country foot and 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 offices located in Abilene, and Brownwood, TX . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.

Even with meticulous precautions, blisters can still sneak up on hikers. Experts suggest that staying vigilant and addressing potential issues promptly can prevent a minor discomfort from escalating into major problems. During your hike, take regular breaks, especially on extended treks spanning multiple days. Use these pauses to inspect your feet, allowing them to breathe and dry. If your socks become saturated, having a spare pair on hand for a quick change is a smart move. Even when it is raining, try to seize opportunities in dry areas to manage foot moisture effectively. If you sense the onset of irritation, stop and address it immediately. Even a minor discomfort can evolve into a painful issue. Pay attention to hot spots or nagging areas, taking proactive steps to remedy them. Waiting until the next planned stop may allow the problem to worsen significantly. In the unfortunate event of a blister forming, act promptly to avoid aggravating the situation. Halt your hike as soon as possible. Find a comfortable spot, sit down, and remove your boots. Address the blister with appropriate care, minimizing the risk of worsening the condition. By taking strategic breaks, promptly addressing irritations, and swiftly treating emerging blisters, hikers can maintain comfort and stride confidently along the trail. If you have developed a blister that has broken open and become infected, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for advanced treatment.

Blisters may appear as a single bubble or in a cluster. They can cause a lot of pain and may be filled with pus, blood, or watery serum. If your feet are hurting, contact Patrick Bruton, DPM of Big Country foot and Ankle. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Foot Blisters

Foot blisters are often the result of friction. This happens due to the constant rubbing from shoes, which can lead to pain.

What Are Foot Blisters?

A foot blister is a small fluid-filled pocket that forms on the upper-most layer of the skin. Blisters are filled with clear fluid and can lead to blood drainage or pus if the area becomes infected.

Symptoms

(Blister symptoms may vary depending on what is causing them)

• Bubble of skin filled with fluid
• Redness
• Moderate to severe pain
• Itching

Prevention & Treatment

In order to prevent blisters, you should be sure to wear comfortable shoes with socks that cushion your feet and absorb sweat. Breaking a blister open may increase your chances of developing an infection. However, if your blister breaks, you should wash the area with soap and water immediately and then apply a bandage to the affected area. If your blisters cause severe pain it is important that you call your podiatrist right away.

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

Caring for a child's feet is essential for their overall growth, as their feet develop significantly in early years. To ensure healthy foot development, it is important to let children move their feet freely, without restrictive clothing or bedding. Regular cleaning and drying of the feet, especially between the toes, helps prevent infections. Parents should be vigilant for any signs of cuts, sores, swelling, warts, or ingrown toenails. Barefoot walking is beneficial for children learning to crawl and walk, aiding natural foot and toe development. However, in cold weather, appropriate footwear such as socks or booties is necessary. Since children's feet grow rapidly, regularly checking the fit of socks and shoes is vital to avoid discomfort. When choosing shoes, ensure they fit well and allow for movement and growth. Synthetic shoes should be avoided in favor of breathable, natural materials. Parents should watch for any foot problems or changes in walking patterns and if concerned, it is suggested that they schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for a thorough examination of their child’s feet and treatment if necessary. 

The health of a child’s feet is vital to their overall well-being. If you have any questions regarding foot health, contact Patrick Bruton, DPM of Big Country foot and Ankle. 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 our offices located in Abilene, and Brownwood, TX . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Laser treatment for toenail fungus has emerged as an innovative approach to tackling this persistent and often stubborn condition. This non-invasive procedure involves using focused laser beams to target and eradicate the fungal infections that reside beneath the toenail. The laser energy penetrates the nail plate, reaching the affected area without causing harm to the surrounding healthy tissue. The heat generated by the laser effectively kills the fungus, offering a promising alternative to traditional treatments such as oral medications or topical solutions. Multiple sessions may be required for optimal results. However many individuals find laser treatment appealing due to its minimal side effects and the absence of the potential liver complications associated with oral medications. Understanding this procedure provides individuals with valuable insights into a contemporary and effective solution for addressing toenail fungus and restoring clear, healthy nails. If you have developed toenail fungus and would like detailed information about this type of treatment, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist. 

Laser treatment can be an effective way to get rid of toenail fungus. If you have any questions about laser treatment, consult with Patrick Bruton, DPM from Big Country foot and Ankle. Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality treatment for fungal nails.

What Are Toenail Fungal Infections?

Onychomycosis, or fungal infection of the nail, is a relatively common and non-serious condition. Around 10 percent of U.S. citizens are afflicted with fungal nails. Common forms of fungus that infect the nail include dermatophytes, yeasts, and molds.

Symptoms of Toenail Fungal Infections Include:

• Nail thickening
• Brittleness of the nail
• Discoloration of the nail

Diagnosis for Fungal Nails

Fungal infections are diagnosed by fungal culture and microscopy. This will rule out any other conditions such as nail trauma, psoriasis, lichen planus, and onychogryphosis.

What Is Laser Treatment?

Laser treatment is a non-invasive, safe, quick, and painless procedure that uses the heat from a laser to kill fungus in the nail. Each infected nail is targeted with a laser for several minutes. The treatment is usually utilized several different times over a select period. During this time, a podiatrist will keep an eye on the infection.

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