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 one of our podiatrists of Crosstown Podiatry. Our doctors 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 Wayne, Montclair, and Randolph, NJ . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.

Cracked skin on the soles of children's feet is often due to dryness, frequent barefoot activity, or wearing shoes that do not provide enough support. One common condition linked to cracked soles in kids is juvenile plantar dermatosis, which causes dry, cracked, and sometimes painful skin on the balls of the feet and heels. This condition is often worsened by alternating between damp, sweaty, and dry conditions, like going from sweaty shoes to bare feet. To treat cracked soles, keep the skin moisturized with a gentle, fragrance-free cream, and ensure children wear breathable socks and properly fitting shoes to protect their feet. If cracks are deep, painful, or show signs of infection, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can tailor treatment and guidance for your child to promote healing and comfort.

If the skin on your feet starts to crack, you may want to see a podiatrist to find treatment. If you have any concerns, contact one of our podiatrists from Crosstown Podiatry. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Cracked Heels

It is important to moisturize your cracked heels in order to prevent pain, bleeding, and infection. The reason cracked heels form is because the skin on the foot is too dry to support the immense pressure placed on them. When the foot expands, the dry skin on the foot begins to split.

Ways to Help Heal Them

• Invest in a good foot cream
• Try Using Petroleum Jelly
• Ease up on Soaps
• Drink Plenty of Water

Ways to Prevent Cracked Heels

• Moisturize After Showering
• Skip a Shower
• Keep Shower Water Lukewarm
• Don’t Scrub Your Feet

If you are unsure how to proceed in treating cracked heels, seek guidance from a podiatrist. Your doctor will help you with any questions or information you may need. 

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

Your feet are incredible structures, made up of 26 bones, 33 joints, and over 100 muscles, tendons, and ligaments, all working together to support your body’s weight and help you move. Despite their complexity, feet are often overlooked until something goes wrong. Common foot issues include corns, which are thickened areas of skin that form from pressure, and ingrown toenails, which can cause pain and infection when the nail grows into the surrounding skin. Toenails grow slower than fingernails, typically about 1/8 inch per month, which is why toenail care requires extra attention. Poor nail trimming or wearing ill-fitting shoes can lead to uncomfortable conditions over time. A podiatrist can help diagnose and treat a wide range of foot and toenail issues. This foot doctor can offer relief from pain, recommend proper footwear, and provide expert care for conditions like corns or ingrown toenails. If you are experiencing foot problems, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist today.

Everyday foot care is very important to prevent infection and other foot ailments. If you need your feet checked, contact one of our podiatrists from Crosstown Podiatry. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Everyday Foot Care

Often, people take care of their bodies, face and hair more so than they do for their feet. But the feet are a very important aspect of our bodies, and one that we should pay more attention to. Without our feet, we would not be able to perform most daily tasks.

It is best to check your feet regularly to make sure there are no new bruises or cuts that you may not have noticed before. For dry feet, moisturizer can easily be a remedy and can be applied as often as necessary to the affected areas. Wearing shoes that fit well can also help you maintain good foot health, as well as making it easier to walk and do daily activities without the stress or pain of ill-fitting shoes, high heels, or even flip flops. Wearing clean socks with closed shoes is important to ensure that sweat and bacteria do not accumulate within the shoe. Clean socks help to prevent Athlete’s foot, fungi problems, bad odors, and can absorb sweat.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our offices located in Wayne, Montclair, and Randolph, NJ . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Toenail fungus, or onychomycosis, is caused by fungi that invade the nail bed, leading to discoloration, thickening, and even crumbling of the nail. Factors contributing to this infection include warm, moist environments, improper foot hygiene, and underlying health issues like diabetes or a weakened immune system. Symptoms often include yellow or brown discoloration, a foul odor, and discomfort in severe cases. Treatment options range from topical antifungal medications to oral prescriptions and, in persistent cases, laser therapy or nail removal. A podiatrist specializes in foot health and can accurately diagnose toenail fungus, recommend effective treatments, and provide advice on preventing future infections. If you suspect you have toenail fungus, consider scheduling an appointment with a podiatrist. Early intervention can help restore your nail health and prevent complications, allowing you to enjoy healthy, beautiful feet again.

For more information about treatment, contact one of our podiatrists of Crosstown Podiatry. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Toenail Fungus Treatment

Toenail fungus is a condition that affects many people and can be especially hard to get rid of. Fortunately, there are several methods to go about treating and avoiding it.

Antifungals & Deterrence

Oral antifungal medicine has been shown to be effective in many cases. It is important to consult with a podiatrist to determine the proper regiment for you, or potentially explore other options.

Applying foot powder on the feet and shoes helps keep the feet free of moisture and sweat.

Sandals or open toed shoes – Wearing these will allow air movement and help keep feet dry. They also expose your feet to light, which fungus cannot tolerate. Socks with moisture wicking material also help as well.

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

Stress fractures of the foot and ankle are small cracks in the bone that result from repetitive force or overuse. These injuries often occur in athletes and active individuals due to increased activity levels without adequate rest. The foot and ankle contain two types of bone, which are the cortical bone and trabecular bone. Cortical bone is the dense outer layer that provides strength, while trabecular bone is the spongy inner structure that absorbs shock and distributes loads. When excessive stress is placed on these bones, especially the trabecular bone, tiny fractures can develop leading to pain and swelling. Understanding the biomechanics behind stress fractures is essential for prevention and treatment. If you have sustained a foot stress fracture, it is suggested that you promptly consult a podiatrist who can offer you effective relief and treatment solutions.

Activities where too much pressure is put on the feet can cause stress fractures. To learn more, contact one of our podiatrists from Crosstown Podiatry. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep your pain free and on your feet.

Dealing with Stress Fractures of the Foot and Ankle

Stress fractures occur in the foot and ankle when muscles in these areas weaken from too much or too little use.  The feet and ankles then lose support when walking or running from the impact of the ground. Since there is no protection, the bones receive the full impact of each step. Stress on the feet can cause cracks to form in the bones, thus creating stress fractures.

What Are Stress Fractures?

Stress fractures occur frequently in individuals whose daily activities cause great impact on the feet and ankles. Stress factors are most common among:

• Runners                                  
• People affected with Osteoporosis
• Tennis or basketball players
• Gymnasts
• High impact workouts

Symptoms

Pain from the fractures occur in the area of the fractures and can be constant or intermittent. It will often cause sharp or dull pain with swelling and tenderness. Engaging in any kind of activity which involves high impact will aggravate pain.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our offices located in Wayne, Montclair, and Randolph, NJ . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.