July 2022

Of the many possible congenital foot problems that may manifest at some point during your life, overlapping toes are among the most common. This condition can occur when one or more toes overlap others in a seemingly permanent way. This condition most commonly involves the pinky toe, but in some cases, the big toe and the second toe might also be affected. There are several potential causes of overlapping toes to be aware of. Frequently, overlapping toes can be caused by hereditary issues. For example, you may have inherited a bone structure in your feet that makes overlapping toes more likely. Additionally, overlapping toes may be caused by the wearing of certain kinds of footwear. For instance, wearing high heels or pointy-toe shoes for prolonged periods can twist the toes into unnatural positions that may eventually lead to this condition. Other shoes that have small toe boxes can produce a similar effect. Lastly, aging can be a cause of overlapping toes. As an individual ages, their toes naturally roll in more which can lead to overlapping toes. If you believe you have overlapping toes or are at risk of developing this condition, reach out to a podiatrist. 

Congenital foot problems require immediate attention to avoid future complications. If you have any concerns, contact John Horlebein, DPM of Northern Cascades Foot & Ankle, LLC. 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 Chelan, WA . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.

Soccer players can sustain foot, ankle, and lower leg injuries that are either traumatic (collisions, knocks, falls, etc.) or due to repetitive strains on tissues, joints, and muscles. A common traumatic injury in soccer is an ankle sprain—where the ligament(s) in the ankle stretch excessively or tear. An Achilles tendon rupture is another acute injury where this tendon—which attaches the calf muscles to the heel—partially or fully tears. Also, when running or jumping, a soccer player’s lower leg muscle can sometimes pull away from the Achilles tendon. Examples of overuse injuries include plantar fasciitis, which is an inflammatory condition causing heel pain, Achilles tendonitis, and stress fractures—which are very common in soccer players. Warming up properly, wearing protective gear, healing properly even after a minor injury, training appropriately, and staying off of wet playing fields are all good ways to help avoid a soccer injury. See a podiatrist to receive treatment for these or any other soccer injury, and to learn more about how to prevent future injuries.

Sports related foot and ankle injuries require proper treatment before players can go back to their regular routines. For more information, contact John Horlebein, DPM of Northern Cascades Foot & Ankle, LLC. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Sports Related Foot and Ankle Injuries

Foot and ankle injuries are a common occurrence when it comes to athletes of any sport. While many athletes dismiss the initial aches and pains, the truth is that ignoring potential foot and ankle injuries can lead to serious problems. As athletes continue to place pressure and strain the area further, a mild injury can turn into something as serious as a rupture and may lead to a permanent disability. There are many factors that contribute to sports related foot and ankle injuries, which include failure to warm up properly, not providing support or wearing bad footwear. Common injuries and conditions athletes face, including:

• Plantar Fasciitis
• Plantar Fasciosis
• Achilles Tendinitis
• Achilles Tendon Rupture
• Ankle Sprains

Sports related injuries are commonly treated using the RICE method. This includes rest, applying ice to the injured area, compression and elevating the ankle. More serious sprains and injuries may require surgery, which could include arthroscopic and reconstructive surgery. Rehabilitation and therapy may also be required in order to get any recovering athlete to become fully functional again. Any unusual aches and pains an athlete sustains must be evaluated by a licensed, reputable medical professional.

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

Anyone who cares about maintaining the health of their feet should be aware of plantar warts, an unsightly and uncomfortable foot condition. Plantar warts are callous-like growths on the feet that typically appear on the bottoms, or soles, of the feet. These warts are caused by the person-to-person transmission of different types of human papillomavirus (HPV). Plantar warts can range significantly in size, from small to giant cases. Children ages 12-16 are typically the most affected by this condition. Although it is true that many cases of plantar warts are painless and will eventually resolve themselves, you may have to visit a podiatrist. You should consider seeking out care from a podiatrist for your plantar warts if they begin bleeding or spreading, especially beyond your feet. You should also consider consulting with a podiatrist if they do not react positively to any self-care treatment. Upon your visit, a podiatrist will determine the best way to treat the warts, which may include cryosurgery, electrocautery, or the application of certain acids. If you have any concerns about your plantar warts, it may be best to seek out the help of a professional.

Plantar warts can be very uncomfortable. If you need your feet checked, contact John Horlebein, DPM from Northern Cascades Foot & Ankle, LLC. 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 Chelan, WA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Engaging in a sport can be a rewarding and exciting way for children to spend their time. However, as a growing child engages in increased physical activity, they may be at a greater risk for Sever’s disease. This foot affliction occurs when the growth plate in one or both of a child’s heels becomes swollen. The resulting stress put on the heel can make the back of the foot red and inflamed. Children with Sever’s disease can experience pain and discomfort when putting weight on their heel. This condition occurs most often in children during puberty and growth spurts. Usually children are most affected by this condition during sports season. Although Sever’s disease can be painful, there are a number of steps that you can take to help your child mitigate the condition. For example, a child can stretch before engaging in physical activity, paying particular attention to the hamstrings and calf muscles. Also, you can help your child select a good pair of sneakers to make sure that they are getting the proper amount of support they need in their heels. Sever’s disease is certainly not pleasant for any growing child, so you might consult a podiatrist to help your child manage this condition.

Sever's disease often occurs in children and teens. If your child is experiencing foot or ankle pain, see John Horlebein, DPM from Northern Cascades Foot & Ankle, LLC. Our doctor can treat your child’s foot and ankle needs.

Sever’s Disease

Sever’s disease is also known as calcaneal apophysitis, which is a medical condition that causes heel pain I none or both feet. The disease is known to affect children between the ages of 8 and 14.

Sever’s disease occurs when part of the child’s heel known as the growth plate (calcaneal epiphysis) is attached to the Achilles tendon. This area can suffer injury when the muscles and tendons of the growing foot do not keep pace with bone growth. Therefore, the constant pain which one experiences at the back of the heel will make the child unable to put any weight on the heel. The child is then forced to walk on their toes.

Symptoms

Acute pain – Pain associated with Sever’s disease is usually felt in the heel when the child engages in physical activity such as walking, jumping and or running.

Highly active – Children who are very active are among the most susceptible in experiencing Sever’s disease, because of the stress and tension placed on their feet.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in Chelan, WA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle injuries.