When a baby is born, their tiny feet are carefully examined as part of a routine health check. Doctors and nurses look at the shape, position, and movement of the feet to be sure they are developing normally. They gently flex and rotate the feet, check the toes, and make sure the joints and bones feel stable. Since newborns’ feet are soft and flexible, early checks are important for spotting concerns that could affect their ability to walk later on. Some common conditions may be noticed during this exam. Clubfoot, where the foot turns inward, is one example. Another is flatfoot, which is normal in infants, but can occasionally need monitoring. Extra toes, webbing between toes, or differences in leg length may also be seen. Detecting these conditions early gives parents the best chance to address them with stretching, special shoes, or more advanced treatment as needed. If you have questions about your baby’s feet, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist for guidance and reassurance.

Congenital foot problems require immediate attention to avoid future complications. If you have any concerns, contact Jennifer M. Kern, DPM of South Carolina. 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 office located in West Columbia, SC . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Cellulitis infection of the toenail is a bacterial infection that spreads through the skin and soft tissues surrounding the toe. It often begins when bacteria enter through a break in the skin, such as an ingrown toenail, cut, or blister. Symptoms may include redness, warmth, swelling, tenderness, and sometimes fever. Causes can range from minor trauma to underlying conditions that weaken the skin barrier or immune response. If left untreated, cellulitis can spread quickly and lead to serious complications. A podiatrist can diagnose the infection, provide proper treatment with medication, and guide wound care to promote healing. If you notice signs of infection in your toenail, it is suggested that you promptly seek care from a podiatrist who can offer effective relief.

Toe pain can disrupt your daily activities. If you have any concerns, contact Jennifer M. Kern, DPM of South Carolina. 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 contact our office located in West Columbia, SC . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Plantar warts are small, rough growths that appear on the soles of the feet and are caused by the human papillomavirus, or HPV. They often develop in areas of pressure, such as the heel or ball of the foot, and may look like a thickened, callused patch of skin with tiny black dots in the center. Symptoms include pain or discomfort when walking or standing, tenderness, and sometimes itching. Plantar warts can be contagious and spread through direct contact with contaminated surfaces, such as public showers or swimming pools. A podiatrist can diagnose plantar warts through a physical exam and may perform tests to confirm the diagnosis. Treatment options include topical medications, cryotherapy, or minor surgical removal. Early treatment can prevent the warts from spreading or worsening. It is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist to receive an accurate diagnosis and effective treatment for plantar warts.

Plantar warts can be very uncomfortable. If you need your feet checked, contact Jennifer M. Kern, DPM from South Carolina. Our doctor will assist you with all of your foot and ankle needs.

About Plantar Warts

Plantar warts are the result of HPV, or human papillomavirus, getting into open wounds on the feet. They are mostly found on the heels or balls of the feet.

While plantar warts are generally harmless, those experiencing excessive pain or those suffering from diabetes or a compromised immune system require immediate medical care. Plantar warts are easily diagnosed, usually through scraping off a bit of rough skin or by getting a biopsy.

Symptoms

• Lesions on the bottom of your feet, usually rough and grainy
• Hard or thick callused spots
• Wart seeds, which are small clotted blood vessels that look like little black spots
• Pain, discomfort, or tenderness of your feet when walking or standing

Treatment

• Freezing
• Electric tool removal
• Laser Treatment
• Topical Creams (prescription only)
• Over-the-counter medications

To help prevent developing plantar warts, avoid walking barefoot over abrasive surfaces that can cause cuts or wounds for HPV to get into. Avoiding direct contact with other warts, as well as not picking or rubbing existing warts, can help prevent the further spread of plantar warts. However, if you think you have developed plantar warts, speak to your podiatrist. He or she can diagnose the warts on your feet and recommend the appropriate treatment options.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in West Columbia, SC . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

An ingrown toenail may seem like a small concern at first, but it can quickly turn into a painful issue, if not addressed. This condition occurs when the edge of the nail grows into the surrounding skin, leading to tenderness, swelling, and sometimes infection. Common causes include wearing shoes that are too tight, trimming nails too short, genetic predisposition, or injury to the toe. Simple steps, such as keeping feet clean, choosing properly fitted footwear, and cutting nails straight across can reduce the risk of developing one. Warm water soaks can provide temporary relief, but recurring cases should not be ignored. Left untreated, an ingrown toenail may progress into a more serious problem that interferes with walking comfortably. If you are struggling with an ingrown toenail, it is suggested that you schedule a visit with a podiatrist to ensure proper care.

Ingrown toenails may initially present themselves as a minor discomfort, but they may progress into an infection in the skin without proper treatment. For more information about ingrown toenails, contact Jennifer M. Kern, DPM of South Carolina. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Ingrown Toenails

Ingrown toenails are caused when the corner or side of a toenail grows into the soft flesh surrounding it. They often result in redness, swelling, pain, and in some cases, infection. This condition typically affects the big toe and may recur if it is not treated properly.

Causes

• Improper toenail trimming
• Genetics
• Improper shoe fitting
• Injury from pedicures or nail picking
• Abnormal gait
• Poor hygiene

You are more likely to develop an ingrown toenail if you are obese, have diabetes, arthritis, or have any fungal infection in your nails. Additionally, people who have foot or toe deformities are at a higher risk of developing an ingrown toenail.

Symptoms

Some symptoms of ingrown toenails are redness, swelling, and pain. In rare cases, there may be a yellowish drainage coming from the nail.

Treatment

Ignoring an ingrown toenail can have serious complications. Infections of the nail border can progress to a deeper soft-tissue infection, which can then turn into a bone infection. You should always speak with your podiatrist if you suspect you have an ingrown toenail, especially if you have diabetes or poor circulation.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in West Columbia, SC . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.