Blog - Foot Doctor, Chambersburg and McConnellsburg, PA

Congenital foot conditions are present at birth and can affect the alignment and structure of the feet. Such foot problems are common, where the bones and soft tissues do not develop properly, leading to abnormal foot shapes. One such condition is flatfoot, where the arches do not develop, resulting in a foot that appears flat when standing. Another condition is hallux valgus, commonly known as a bunion, where the big toe points inward, causing a bony bump at the joint. Splay foot occurs when the arch flattens, causing the toes to spread out and increase the width of the foot. Hollow foot, or cavus foot, is characterized by an excessively high arch, leading to pain and difficulty in walking. These conditions may vary in severity, and early diagnosis can help prevent long-term issues. If you have any of the above foot conditions, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can offer effective treatments.

Congenital foot problems require immediate attention to avoid future complications. If you have any concerns, contact Dr. Steven Schwartz of Pennsylvania. 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 Chambersburg, and Mcconnellsburg, PA . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.

A tibialis posterior rupture is a significant injury involving the tendon that supports the arch of the foot and aids in stability during walking. This tendon is essential for proper foot movement and alignment. Ruptures are often caused by overuse, trauma, or degenerative changes, particularly in individuals with flat feet or those involved in repetitive, high-impact activities. Symptoms include pain along the inner ankle or foot, swelling, difficulty walking, and progressive flattening of the arch. Left untreated, the condition can lead to severe flatfoot deformity and impaired mobility. Diagnosis typically involves a clinical exam, imaging like an MRI scan, and functional assessments. Treatment options range from rest, bracing, and targeted exercises, to surgical repair for severe cases. Early intervention is essential for optimal recovery. If you suspect such a rupture, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist for evaluation and a tailored treatment plan.

Ankle pain can have many different causes and the pain may potentially be serious. If you have ankle pain, consult with Dr. Steven Schwartz from Pennsylvania. Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

Ankle pain is any condition that causes pain in the ankle. Due to the fact that the ankle consists of tendons, muscles, bones, and ligaments, ankle pain can come from a number of different conditions.

Causes

The most common causes of ankle pain include:

• Types of arthritis (rheumatoid, osteoarthritis, and gout)
• Ankle sprains
• Broken ankles
• Achilles tendinitis
• Achilles tendon rupture
• Stress fractures
• Tarsal tunnel syndrome
• Plantar fasciitis

Symptoms

Symptoms of ankle injury vary based upon the condition. Pain may include general pain and discomfort, swelling, aching, redness, bruising, burning or stabbing sensations, and/or loss of sensation.

Diagnosis

Due to the wide variety of potential causes of ankle pain, podiatrists will utilize a number of different methods to properly diagnose ankle pain. This can include asking for personal and family medical histories and of any recent injuries. Further diagnosis may include sensation tests, a physical examination, and potentially x-rays or other imaging tests.

Treatment

Just as the range of causes varies widely, so do treatments. Some more common treatments are rest, ice packs, keeping pressure off the foot, orthotics and braces, medication for inflammation and pain, and surgery.

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

Nighttime foot pain can disrupt sleep and make restful nights a challenge for many people. This type of discomfort frequently stems from plantar fasciitis, where the plantar fascia, the band of tissue along the bottom of the foot, becomes inflamed due to stress or overuse. Another potential cause is Morton’s neuroma, which occurs when the nerves between the toes are pinched, leading to sharp, burning sensations. Peripheral neuropathy, often linked to diabetes, may cause tingling, numbness, or stabbing pain during the night. Lifestyle factors, such as prolonged standing, wearing improper footwear, or other weight-bearing activities, can aggravate symptoms. Structural foot conditions, including flat feet or high arches, may increase susceptibility to nocturnal foot pain. A podiatrist can assess the underlying cause of nighttime foot pain and offer professional guidance on managing your symptoms. If frequent foot pain is interrupting your sleep, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for an exam and treatment options.

Foot Pain

Foot pain can be extremely painful and debilitating. If you have a foot pain, consult with Dr. Steven Schwartz from Pennsylvania. 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 offices located in Chambersburg, and Mcconnellsburg, PA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.