Congenital foot problems are conditions affecting a baby’s feet that are present at birth. Some develop because of the baby’s position before birth, while others involve differences in how the bones, joints, or muscles formed. One example is clubfoot, which causes the foot to turn inward and downward. Another is metatarsus adductus, in which the front half of the foot curves inward. Some newborn foot deformities are flexible, while others are more rigid. The appearance of a baby’s feet does not always indicate the severity of a condition. A professional examination can help determine the type of foot problem and whether treatment is necessary.

Early evaluation is important because a baby’s feet continue to grow and develop quickly. Some congenital foot deformities may improve as the child grows, while others require medical treatment to guide the foot into a better position. The severity and flexibility of the deformity can help determine the appropriate approach. Certain conditions may affect one foot or both feet. Without proper care, more serious deformities may eventually influence standing, walking, or normal foot function. Identifying the condition early allows health care professionals to monitor development and determine whether additional treatment is needed as the child grows.

A podiatrist can evaluate congenital foot problems by examining the shape, position, and movement of a baby’s feet. The examination can help determine whether the foot is flexible or whether structural changes require closer attention. Depending on the diagnosis, podiatric care may involve monitoring development, specialized casting, or coordination with other medical specialists. Treatment decisions are based on the specific deformity and the child’s development. Early podiatric care can help support proper foot alignment and future mobility when treatment is needed. If you notice unusual positioning, shape, or movement in your baby’s feet, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist for an evaluation and appropriate treatment options.

Congenital foot problems require immediate attention to avoid future complications. If you have any concerns, contact Mohammad R. Parsa, DPM of Madison Foot Clinic. 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 Madison, MS . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

An ingrown toenail develops when the nail edge curves downward and presses into the skin beside it. This can cause pain, redness, and swelling. Drainage can appear when the area becomes infected. The problem affects the big toe and can make shoes uncomfortable. Improper nail trimming is a leading cause. An injury may damage the nail edge and change how it grows. A podiatrist can examine the toe and determine how deeply the nail has entered the skin.

Ingrown toenail removal is a minor procedure used when symptoms are severe, infection is present, or the problem keeps returning. The podiatrist numbs the toe so the patient remains comfortable. A narrow section along the affected side of the nail is then removed. The entire nail usually does not need to be taken off. For a recurring ingrown toenail, the podiatrist can treat the growth area beneath the removed section. This helps stop that part of the nail from growing back. Excess tissue beside the nail can be removed. The toe is cleaned and covered with a bandage after the procedure.

A podiatrist provides instructions for protecting the toe as it heals. Patients can usually return to work or school the following day, although activities that place heavy pressure on the toe must be limited for a short period of time. The bandage protects the area and absorbs drainage. Follow-up care allows the podiatrist to check healing and look for signs of infection. Increasing redness, swelling, or drainage should be reported promptly. Once healing is complete, proper nail care can lower the risk of another ingrown edge. Toenails should be trimmed straight across rather than rounded deeply at the corners. Shoes should also provide enough room for the toes. If you have a painful ingrown toenail, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist who can determine if this type of foot surgery is right for you. 

Ingrown toenails can become painful if they are not treated properly. For more information about ingrown toenails, contact Mohammad R. Parsa, DPM of Madison Foot Clinic. our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Ingrown Toenails

Ingrown toenails occur when a toenail grows sideways into the bed of the nail, causing pain, swelling, and possibly infection.

Causes

• Bacterial infections
• Improper nail cutting such as cutting it too short or not straight across
• Trauma to the toe, such as stubbing, which causes the nail to grow back irregularly
• Ill-fitting shoes that bunch the toes too close together
• Genetic predisposition

Prevention

Wearing proper fitting shoes and using proper cutting techniques will also help decrease your risk of developing ingrown toenails.

Treatment

Ingrown toenails are a very treatable foot condition. In minor cases, soaking the affected area in salt or antibacterial soaps will not only help with the ingrown nail itself, but also help prevent any infections from occurring. In more severe cases, surgery is an option. In either case, speaking to your podiatrist about this condition will help you get a better understanding of specific treatment options that are right for you.

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

Extensor tendonitis is a common foot condition that causes pain along the top of the foot where the extensor tendons are located. These tendons help lift the toes, support foot movement, and maintain proper balance while walking and running. When these tendons become irritated or inflamed from repetitive stress, discomfort and limited mobility can develop. This condition often progresses gradually and may become more difficult to manage if symptoms are ignored.

The most common symptom of extensor tendonitis is pain across the top of the foot that increases during activities such as walking, running, or exercise. Other symptoms may include swelling, tenderness, redness, and occasional bruising. Some individuals experience weakness when lifting their toes or difficulty performing normal daily activities. Wearing shoes that are too tight can place added pressure on the tendons, increasing irritation and delaying recovery.

A major cause of extensor tendonitis is overuse, especially from activities that involve repetitive foot motion. Runners, athletes, and individuals who increase their exercise intensity too quickly may place excessive strain on the extensor tendons. Improper footwear is another common cause, as shoes with a tight toe box or excessive pressure across the top of the foot can restrict movement and contribute to inflammation. Poor foot mechanics, limited flexibility, and inadequate stretching may also increase the risk of developing this condition.

Treatment and prevention focus on reducing stress on the affected tendons and supporting proper foot function. Rest, stretching,  wearing supportive footwear, and activity modification can help improve symptoms. Wearing properly fitted shoes with enough room across the top of the foot can reduce unnecessary pressure. Addressing pain early may help prevent chronic discomfort and recurring injury. If you have pain on the top of your foot and want a proper evaluation, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist for an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment.

Foot Pain

Foot pain can be extremely painful and debilitating. If you have a foot pain, consult with Mohammad R. Parsa, DPM from Madison Foot Clinic. our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

Causes

Foot pain is a very broad condition that could be caused by one or more ailments. The most common include:

• Bunions
• Hammertoes
• Plantar Fasciitis
• Bone Spurs
• Corns
• Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome
• Ingrown Toenails
• Arthritis (such as Gout, Rheumatoid, and Osteoarthritis)
• Flat Feet
• Injury (from stress fractures, broken toe, foot, ankle, Achilles tendon ruptures, and sprains)
• And more

Diagnosis

To figure out the cause of foot pain, podiatrists utilize several different methods. This 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

Treatment depends upon the cause of the foot pain. Whether it is resting, staying off the foot, or having surgery; podiatrists have a number of treatment options available for foot pain.

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

Ankle pain caused by arthritis can make walking, standing, and staying active more difficult. Arthritis affects the joints and can lead to pain, stiffness, and swelling around the ankle. Several types of arthritis can involve this area. Osteoarthritis develops as cartilage within a joint gradually breaks down. Inflammatory forms of arthritis can cause ongoing joint inflammation. Arthritis may also develop after a previous ankle injury, sometimes years after the original damage occurred. Symptoms can range from mild discomfort to pain that limits movement. Since ankle pain has many possible causes, determining whether arthritis is responsible is an important part of choosing appropriate treatment.

Arthritis-related ankle pain may become more noticeable during weight-bearing activities. Stiffness can reduce the ankle’s normal range of motion, while swelling may make movement uncomfortable. Some people also notice tenderness around the joint or changes in the way they walk. When ankle movement becomes painful, a person may place more pressure on other areas of the foot. This can contribute to additional discomfort and affect overall mobility. Arthritis symptoms may develop gradually or become worse over time. Persistent ankle pain, swelling, or stiffness should be evaluated to determine the type of arthritis and how much the joint has been affected.

A podiatrist can provide specialized arthritis foot care and evaluate how ankle arthritis is affecting movement. An examination may include checking joint mobility, areas of tenderness, and walking patterns. Imaging may also be used to look for changes within the ankle joint. Based on the diagnosis, a podiatrist can develop an individualized treatment plan aimed at reducing discomfort and supporting foot and ankle function. Podiatric care can also address changes in foot mechanics that may place added stress on painful joints. If ankle pain, swelling, or stiffness from arthritis is limiting your ability to walk comfortably, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist for an evaluation and appropriate treatment options.

Arthritis can be a difficult condition to live with. If you are seeking treatment, contact Mohammad R. Parsa, DPM from Madison Foot Clinic. our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Arthritic Foot Care  

Arthritis is a term that is commonly used to describe joint pain.  The condition itself can occur to anyone of any age, race, or gender, and there are over 100 types of it.  Nevertheless, arthritis is more commonly found in women compared to men, and it is also more prevalent in those who are overweight. The causes of arthritis vary depending on which type of arthritis you have. Osteoarthritis for example, is often caused by injury, while rheumatoid arthritis is caused by a misdirected immune system.

Symptoms

• Swelling
• Pain
• Stiffness
• Decreased Range of Motion

Arthritic symptoms range in severity, and they may come and go. Some symptoms stay the same for several years but could potentially get worse with time. Severe cases of arthritis can prevent its sufferers from performing daily activities and make walking difficult.

Risk Factors

• Occupation – Occupations requiring repetitive knee movements have been linked to osteoarthritis
• Obesity – Excess weight can contribute to osteoarthritis development
• Infection – Microbial agents can infect the joints and trigger arthritis
• Joint Injuries – Damage to joints may lead to osteoarthritis
• Age – Risk increases with age
• Gender –Most types are more common in women
• Genetics – Arthritis can be hereditary

If you suspect your arthritis is affecting your feet, it is crucial that you see a podiatrist immediately. Your doctor will be able to address your specific case and help you decide which treatment method is best for you.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our office located in Madison, MS . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.