September 2024

Clubfoot is a congenital condition where a baby’s foot or feet are abnormally twisted. This deformity causes the foot to point downward and inward, resembling a club. It occurs due to an abnormal development of the tendons, muscles, and bones of the foot. The exact cause is often unclear but may involve genetic and environmental factors. Diagnosis typically occurs through physical examination shortly after birth, where the abnormal positioning is evident. In some cases, clubfoot affects both feet, known as bilateral clubfeet. Symptoms include an abnormal foot shape, limited movement, and difficulty placing the foot flat on the ground. If your child has clubfoot, it is strongly suggested that you contact a podiatrist who can properly diagnose the condition, and begin treatment which may include specific stretches, casting, or surgery to increase mobility. 

Congenital foot problems require immediate attention to avoid future complications. If you have any concerns, contact Dr. Charles Marchese of Manalapan Foot & 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 Manalapan, NJ, and Staten Island, NY . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.

A burning sensation in the toes can be both uncomfortable and alarming. This symptom often results from nerve damage or irritation from conditions like neuropathy or peripheral artery disease. Common causes include wearing ill-fitting shoes, prolonged standing, or medical issues like diabetes. In addition to burning, you might experience additional symptoms such as bleeding or blistering from friction or injury, numbness from nerve involvement, and swelling from inflammation. Properly addressing the root cause, whether it involves changing footwear, or managing underlying health ailments is essential for relief. If you have this condition, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can effectively treat this condition.

Toe pain can disrupt your daily activities. If you have any concerns, contact Dr. Charles Marchese of Manalapan Foot & Ankle. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

What Causes Toe Pain?

Most severe toe pain is caused due to a sports injury, trauma from dropping something heavy on the toe, or bumping into something rigid. Other problems can develop over time for various reasons.

Toe pain can be caused by one or more ailments. The most common include:

• Trauma
• Sports injury
• Wearing shoes that are too tight
• Arthritis
• Gout
• Corns and calluses
• Hammertoe
• Bunions
• Blisters
• Ingrown toenails
• Sprains
• Fractures (broken bones)
• Dislocations

When to See a Podiatrist

• Severe pain
• Persistent pain that lasts more than a week
• Signs of infection
• Continued swelling
• Pain that prevents walking

Diagnosis

In many cases the cause of toe pain is obvious, but in others, a podiatrist may want to use more advanced methods to determine the problem. These 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

Treatments for toe pain and injuries vary and may include shoe inserts, padding, taping, medicines, injections, and in some cases, surgery. If you believe that you have broken a toe, please see a podiatrist as soon as possible.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our offices located in Manalapan, NJ, and Staten Island, NY . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.

Peripheral artery disease, or PAD, is a circulatory condition where narrowed arteries reduce blood flow to the extremities, usually the lower legs and feet. Common symptoms of peripheral artery disease include pain or cramping in the legs during physical activity that typically subsides with rest. As PAD progresses, individuals may experience more severe symptoms, such as pain even at rest, skin discoloration, or ulcers on the feet. These arise because the tissues are not receiving enough oxygen-rich blood. Risk factors for PAD include smoking, diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and a sedentary lifestyle. Early detection and management of peripheral artery disease are vital to prevent serious complications, like severe infections or gangrene. A podiatrist can diagnose PAD through physical examinations and non-invasive tests. If you are experiencing signs of peripheral artery disease affecting your feet, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for diagnosis and treatment options.

Peripheral artery disease can pose a serious risk to your health. It can increase the risk of stroke and heart attack. If you have symptoms of peripheral artery disease, consult with Dr. Charles Marchese from Manalapan Foot & Ankle. Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

Peripheral artery disease (PAD) is when arteries are constricted due to plaque (fatty deposits) build-up. This results in less blood flow to the legs and other extremities. The main cause of PAD is atherosclerosis, in which plaque builds up in the arteries.

Symptoms

Symptoms of PAD include:

• Claudication (leg pain from walking)
• Numbness in legs
• Decrease in growth of leg hair and toenails
• Paleness of the skin
• Erectile dysfunction
• Sores and wounds on legs and feet that won’t heal
• Coldness in one leg

It is important to note that a majority of individuals never show any symptoms of PAD.

Diagnosis

While PAD occurs in the legs and arteries, Podiatrists can diagnose PAD. Podiatrists utilize a test called an ankle-brachial index (ABI). An ABI test compares blood pressure in your arm to you ankle to see if any abnormality occurs. Ultrasound and imaging devices may also be used.

Treatment

Fortunately, lifestyle changes such as maintaining a healthy diet, exercising, managing cholesterol and blood sugar levels, and quitting smoking, can all treat PAD. Medications that prevent clots from occurring can be prescribed. Finally, in some cases, surgery may be recommended.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our offices located in Manalapan, NJ, and Staten Island, NY . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

A Lisfranc injury is a serious condition that involves damage to the midfoot, specifically the Lisfranc joint, where the metatarsal bones connect with the tarsal bones. This injury is common in sports that involve high-impact activities, such as football, soccer, or gymnastics, where sudden twists or heavy forces are applied to the foot. When a Lisfranc injury occurs, the ligaments that stabilize the midfoot are torn or the bones are fractured, leading to pain, swelling, and difficulty in bearing weight. Athletes often describe feeling a popping sensation during the injury, followed by severe pain. Diagnosis usually involves a physical exam and imaging tests like X-rays, MRI, or CT scans to assess the extent of the damage. Treatment can range from immobilization with a cast or boot for milder cases to surgery for more severe injuries. Recovery can take several months, and proper rehabilitation is critical for athletes to regain full function and return to their sport. If you are an athlete who has sustained a midfoot injury while playing your sport, it is strongly suggested that you promptly visit a podiatrist for a proper diagnosis and appropriate treatment methods.

Ankle and foot injuries are common among athletes and in many sports. They can be caused by several problems and may be potentially serious. If you are feeling pain or think you were injured in a sporting event or when exercising, consult with Dr. Charles Marchese from Manalapan Foot & Ankle. Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

Common Injuries

The most common injuries that occur in sporting activities include:

• Achilles Tendonitis
• Achilles Tendon Rupture
• Ankle Sprains
• Broken Foot
• Plantar Fasciitis
• Stress Fractures
• Turf Toe

Symptoms

Symptoms vary depending upon the injury and in some cases, there may be no symptoms at all. However, in most cases, some form of symptom is experienced. Pain, aching, burning, bruising, tenderness, tightness or stiffness, sensation loss, difficulty moving, and swelling are the most common symptoms.

Treatment

Just as symptoms vary depending upon the injury, so do treatment options. A common treatment method is known as the RICE method. This method involves rest, applying ice, compression and elevating the afflicted foot or ankle. If the injury appears to be more serious, surgery might be required, such as arthroscopic or reconstructive surgery. Lastly, rehabilitation or therapy might be needed to gain full functionality in the afflicted area. Any discomfort experienced by an athlete must be evaluated by a licensed, reputable medical professional.  

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our offices located in Manalapan, NJ, and Staten Island, NY . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.