Congenital foot problems are conditions that are present at birth. Some are easy to notice right away, while others become more obvious as a child begins standing and walking. These conditions can affect the shape, position, or movement of the feet. Some are mild and improve as a child grows. Others require prompt care to help the feet develop correctly. Examples include clubfoot, flat feet, and high-arched feet. Clubfoot causes the foot to turn inward and downward. Another condition, called metatarsus adductus, causes the front of the foot to curve inward. A podiatrist examines the feet, checks how they move, and looks for signs that the condition could affect healthy growth or normal movement. 

Some congenital foot problems become more noticeable when a child starts walking. Parents might see uneven shoe wear, frequent tripping, or a foot that points in an unusual direction. Certain conditions also affect balance and standing. A podiatrist performs a detailed examination and determines whether the problem is flexible or more rigid. Imaging tests are sometimes used to better understand the bones and joints. Care depends on the child's age, the type of condition, and how much it affects daily activities. Treatment includes custom orthotics, special casts, or braces designed to improve foot position. Some children benefit from surgery when the deformity is severe or limits normal foot function.

Regular follow-up visits allow a podiatrist to monitor foot growth and make changes to treatment as a child develops. Early care can improve walking, reduce discomfort, and support healthy foot function for many years. Parents should not ignore changes in foot shape, balance, or the way a child walks. Prompt evaluation provides valuable information and helps guide the best treatment plan. If your child is born with a foot disorder, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for effective treatment and management solutions.

Congenital foot problems require immediate attention to avoid future complications. If you have any concerns, contact Jeffrey Rosenblatt, DPM of New York. 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 Brooklyn, NY . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Tiny cracks in the bones of the foot can develop from repeated strain rather than a single sudden injury, often causing discomfort that gradually worsens with movement. Because symptoms may begin subtly, diagnosis is not always straightforward, especially when early testing does not clearly show the problem. A podiatrist will consider symptom history, physical examination findings, activity patterns, foot structure, and overall health factors that may affect bone strength. When discomfort continues despite an unclear initial evaluation, more detailed scanning may be used to identify the source of pain. Treatment depends on which bone is affected and how severe the injury appears. Many cases require protecting the foot with supportive devices that limit motion while healing takes place. Temporary changes in physical activity are often necessary to prevent the injury from worsening. Early diagnosis can help avoid longer recovery times or more serious complications. If foot pain continues to worsen with activity, it is suggested that you visit a podiatrist for an evaluation and appropriate treatment.

Stress fractures occur when there is a tiny crack within a bone. To learn more, contact Jeffrey Rosenblatt, DPM from New York. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain free and on your feet.

How Are They Caused?

Stress fractures are the result of repetitive force being placed on the bone. Since the lower leg and feet often carry most of the body’s weight, stress fractures are likely to occur in these areas. If you rush into a new exercise, you are more likely to develop a stress fracture since you are starting too much, too soon.  Pain resulting from stress fractures may go unnoticed at first, however it may start to worsen over time.

Risk Factors

• Gender – They are more commonly found in women compared to men.
• Foot Problems – People with unusual arches in their feet are more likely to develop stress fractures.
• Certain Sports – Dancers, gymnasts, tennis players, runners, and basketball players are more likely to develop stress fractures.
• Lack of Nutrients – A lack of vitamin D and calcium may weaken the bones and make you more prone to stress fractures
• Weak Bones – Osteoporosis can weaken the bones therefore resulting in stress fractures

Stress fractures do not always heal properly, so it is important that you seek help from a podiatrist if you suspect you may have one. Ignoring your stress fracture may cause it to worsen, and you may develop chronic pain as well as additional fractures.

If you have any questions please contact our office located in Brooklyn, NY . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Gout is a form of inflammatory arthritis that often affects the feet and can cause sudden, intense pain. Although the big toe is the most common location, gout may also develop in the midfoot, ankle, or several joints at the same time. The condition occurs when crystals form inside a joint, triggering inflammation and severe discomfort. A gout flare may begin without warning and make standing or walking very difficult. Because symptoms can resemble other foot conditions, an accurate diagnosis is important before treatment begins. Identifying gout early can help prevent repeated flare-ups, reduce joint damage, and support better long-term foot health. Prompt evaluation is especially important when pain is severe or symptoms continue to return.

Symptoms of gout in the feet often appear quickly and may become severe within hours. Many people experience intense joint pain, swelling, or redness in the affected area. Others notice warmth around the joint or tenderness that makes even light pressure uncomfortable. During a flare, walking and wearing shoes may become difficult because movement increases discomfort. Although the big toe is commonly involved, gout can also affect the heel, ankle, or other joints in the foot. Repeated flare-ups may eventually damage the joints and reduce mobility if the condition is not properly managed. A professional evaluation can determine whether gout is the cause of your symptoms and help distinguish it from other sources of foot pain.

A podiatrist plays an important role in diagnosing and managing gout that affects the feet and ankles. During an examination, the podiatrist reviews your symptoms, evaluates the affected joints, and may recommend additional testing to confirm the diagnosis. Treatment focuses on relieving pain, protecting joint function, and reducing the impact gout has on everyday activities. Ongoing podiatry care can also help monitor changes in the feet and identify complications before they become more serious. If you are experiencing sudden foot pain, swelling, or redness that may be a sign of gout, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist for an evaluation and appropriate treatment options.

Gout is a foot condition that requires certain treatment and care. If you are seeking treatment, contact Jeffrey Rosenblatt, DPM from New York. Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.

What Is Gout?

Gout is a type of arthritis caused by a buildup of uric acid in the bloodstream. It often develops in the foot, especially the big toe area, although it can manifest in other parts of the body as well. Gout can make walking and standing very painful and is especially common in diabetics and the obese.

People typically get gout because of a poor diet. Genetic predisposition is also a factor. The children of parents who have had gout frequently have a chance of developing it themselves.

Gout can easily be identified by redness and inflammation of the big toe and the surrounding areas of the foot. Other symptoms include extreme fatigue, joint pain, and running high fevers. Sometimes corticosteroid drugs can be prescribed to treat gout, but the best way to combat this disease is to get more exercise and eat a better diet.

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

A metatarsal foot fracture is a break in one of the long bones located in the forefoot, which connect the midfoot to the toes. These bones play an important role in balance, walking, and weight distribution. A fracture in this area can range from a small stress crack to a complete break. Metatarsal fractures are common foot injuries and may occur suddenly due to trauma or gradually from repetitive stress over time.

Symptoms of a metatarsal fracture include sharp pain in the top or ball of the foot that worsens with movement or weight bearing. Swelling, bruising, and tenderness are also common, and the foot may appear visibly swollen or misshapen in more severe cases. Some individuals may feel a popping sensation at the time of injury. Walking often becomes difficult, and limping may develop as the body attempts to avoid pressure on the injured area.

There are several risk factors associated with metatarsal fractures. High-impact sports, such as running, basketball, or soccer, increase the likelihood of injury due to repetitive force on the forefoot. Wearing improper footwear that lacks support or cushioning can also contribute. Structural foot issues, such as high arches or abnormal gait patterns, may place uneven stress on the metatarsals. Bone conditions like osteoporosis can further weaken bone strength, increasing fracture risk.

The causes of metatarsal fractures include both acute trauma and overuse injuries. Acute fractures may result from a sudden injury, such as a direct blow to the foot or twisting of the ankle. Overuse fractures, often called stress fractures, develop gradually due to repeated strain without adequate rest. Early diagnosis is important to prevent complications and promote healing. If you have broken your foot, it is suggested that you promptly consult a podiatrist who can determine what the best treatment is for your type of fracture.

A broken foot requires immediate medical attention and treatment. If you need your feet checked, contact Jeffrey Rosenblatt, DPM from New York. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Broken Foot Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment

A broken foot is caused by one of the bones in the foot typically breaking when bended, crushed, or stretched beyond its natural capabilities. Usually the location of the fracture indicates how the break occurred, whether it was through an object, fall, or any other type of injury. 

Common Symptoms of Broken Feet:

• Bruising
• Pain
• Redness
• Swelling
• Blue in color
• Numbness
• Cold
• Misshapen
• Cuts
• Deformities

Those that suspect they have a broken foot shoot seek urgent medical attention where a medical professional could diagnose the severity.

Treatment for broken bones varies depending on the cause, severity and location. Some will require the use of splints, casts or crutches while others could even involve surgery to repair the broken bones. Personal care includes the use of ice and keeping the foot stabilized and elevated.

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