As with many conditions, it is best to trust the opinions and guidance of healthcare providers. Those trained and educated in the field understand the risks and benefits to procedures, your individual circumstances, and remedies that will correct the conditions.

Nearly 10% of the population in the U.S. suffers from Plantar Fasciitis. Severe pain in the heel can affect daily activities and the quality of your life. Unable to do many favorite activities, including exercise can make you want to look at all options for relief.

What is Plantar Fasciitis?

Characterized by severe pain in the heel, those who suffer need care and guidance to correct the problem. The Plantar Fascia is the thick band of tendons that runs from the heel of the foot to the toes. When this becomes stressed it will result in inflammation.

Over time, the Plantar Fascia develops small tears resulting in severe pain and Plantar Fasciitis. The pain is described as a “stabbing pain” and often occurs after exercise and when standing up.

People who are affected more commonly are:

• Between the ages of 40 and 60 – Repeated damage through years of stress and wearing ill-fitting shoes.
• Foot Mechanics – Those who have flat feet, or an abnormal arch are more likely to experience Plantar Fasciitis. Walking or standing with an improper distribution of weight can also result in this ailment.
• Occupational Causes – People who work in factories, teachers, or those whose job requires standing on hard floors most of the day are also at risk.
• Exercise – Individuals who are long-distance runners and dancers have an increased risk due to repetitive motions and stress.
• Obesity – Those who are heavier may experience Plantar Fasciitis as the weight can cause stress on the Plantar Fascia causing damage.

Pain from Plantar Fasciitis is more common in the morning when the sufferer wakes up, or when they are standing walking for a long time. It can also occur when additional stress is put on the foot such as jogging or dancing.

Getting Surgery

There are many options available to those who are experience pain in the heel. From prescription medication to exercises, those who do not find relief may look to surgical options for relief.

The surgery, called Endoscopic Plantar Fasciotomy, is an invasive procedure that warrants the use of anesthesia or sedation. This surgery is an out-patient procedure and usually takes 15-20 minutes.

The surgery only requires a small incision that allows a camera and a hook to be inserted into the heel. A small piece of the Plantar Fascia is removed, and the small wound is stitched.

Recovery time is lengthy. There is a two-week period when no weight can be put on the heel. Using a walker, crutches, or wheelchair will be a part of the recovery. After the first two weeks, you can slowly begin to put weight on the heel again.

Contact Us for Plantar Fasciitis Treatment

Suffolk Foot & Ankle can help you if you’re suffering plantar fasciitis. We have offices conveniently located in East Patchogue, Riverhead, Medford, and Commack. Call us now at 631-604-4948 for an appointment.

The post Should You Have Surgery for Plantar Fasciitis? The Risks and Benefits appeared first on Suffolk Foot and Ankle.

Doctors are taking interest in the condition as it is a deformity in the big toe. A Bunion is noticeable as it is a defect in the bones of the big toe. Causing a large, often red, lump at the joint, it turns the big toe inward to the smaller ones.

This condition can be painful, and it forces the joint to move at an unnatural angle. There are many remedies available for those who suffer. A bunion is not something that should be accepted without consultation from a qualified healthcare provider. There are treatments and options available.

What Causes a Bunion?

Bunions are typically seen more in women than in men. This is often linked to the weaker tissue in a woman’s foot than in a man’s foot. Bunions can result due to trauma. In many cases; tight, narrow shoes will exacerbate the condition. Women who wear heels and tight-fitting shoes may be more at risk than others.

Bunions are also caused by genetics. If someone in your close immediate family has an issue with this deformity, you may have issues too.

This painful deformity is also linked to those who have arthritis. An inflammatory condition that affects the joints, is often linked to bunions.

Complications

Bunions, in severe cases, can lead to other issues. Inflammation of the fluid-filled pads that protect your joints can occur when a bunion is present. Causing more pain and discomfort, the sufferer may seek treatment.

One of the common symptoms of a Bunion is referred to as “Hammertoe.” This is an unnatural bend that affects the middle joint of the toe and causes severe pain.

It is advised to see a doctor when your experience pain in your toe or foot when a Bunion is present. If you are having difficulty finding shoes that will fit or you’re unable to move your toe freely you need to see a doctor for the condition.

Treatment for Bunions

Treating a Bunion depends on certain factors such as cause and severity. Depending on the reason for your Bunion, there are many treatment options available.

It is advised to wear loose-fitting shoes that do not put additional pressure on the area of your foot that is affected. Some Orthotics Specialists may prescribe shoes that will ease the discomfort from the condition.

Your condition may only require a stint or special pads inserted into your shoes.

If your symptoms are severe, surgery to correct the deformity may be an option for you. Like many medical procedures, there are risks with this surgery. It is best to try alternative measures first such as shoes, a heating pad, or prescriptions that relieve pain.

A bunionectomy (the name of the surgery) may be performed un anesthesia and result in the cutting of the bone, inserting wires, or simply realigning the bones.

Contact Suffolk Foot and Ankle for Bunions Treatment

If you have bunions, contact Suffolk Foot and Ankle with offices in East Patchogue, Riverhead, Medford, and Commack by calling 631-604-4948. We can help you with all of your foot care needs.

The post Treating Bunions: What is the Most Effective Treatment? appeared first on Suffolk Foot and Ankle.

What Are Corns?

Corns are like calluses in that they are thick, hardened layers of skin on the feet that are formed as a result of pressure or friction. These hard layers of skin are unsightly, but more than that, some corns can really hurt.

Calluses and corns tend to form at pressure points on the sides of the toes or on the bottom of the feet, although they can form on the top of the toes.

There are soft and hard corns. Hard corns are patches of dead skin with a core in the center. Soft corns are thinner and are often found in between the fourth toe and the little toe.

Some corns are called seed corns, and they are often found on the bottom of the foot. These corns can be very tender and cause pain when you stand or walk. The reason for seed corns is unknown, but some believe they are plugged sweat ducts on the sole of the foot.

What Causes Corns?

Most corns are caused by ill-fitting shoes, especially high heels. Those who do not wear socks are often plagued by calluses and corns.

Rubbing and pressure on certain areas of the foot can cause corns. If you or a family member have developed corns and you can’t find a reason for it, see a podiatrist since this could be because of a foreign object that you cannot see (such as a splinter).

Your feet spend most of their time in warm, moist environments, which are the perfect breeding ground for bacteria. Staph infections sometimes start through a corn, and it can become infected. If your corn is oozing pus or fluid, see your podiatrist as soon as possible.

What Is the Best Way to Treat a Corn?

Tight or ill-fitting shoes are often the source of corns. If you put on a frequently worn pair of shoes and you feel pain where the corn is, consider purchasing a similar pair of shoes that fits better.

Drug stores sell soft padding for corns to ease the pain while they heal. Corns will often go away once the source of irritation is removed.

However, if you are a diabetic, or if your self-care methods have been ineffective, see your podiatrist. Your podiatrist will use several methods to help offer relief from the pain, but to help the corn heal more quickly.

Some of these methods include:

• Trimming way a large corn using a special scalpel.
• Apply a medicated patch which can help shrink the corn
•  Suggest shoe inserts, called orthotics, if you have a foot deformity

Corns almost never require surgery, and a visit to your podiatrist’s office is often times all you need to get welcome relief from painful corns.

If you are having difficulty with corns or reoccurring calluses, why not call our office for an appointment? Our staff at Suffolk Foot and Ankle will be happy to discuss insurance options, so you get your feet back on the road to healing. Call us at (631) 604-4948 today .

The post What To Do About Corns? appeared first on Suffolk Foot and Ankle.

While a few people are born with this defect, most cases develop because of tight, pointy shoes, wearing ill-fitting shoes, or because of arthritis.

While hammertoe is one of the most common deformities, the good news is that nearly all cases can be successfully treated.

How Does Hammertoe Form?

Each toe contains two joints, which allow the toe to bend at the bottom and the middle. When the middle joint stays bent downward or permanently flexed, this deformity is called hammertoe.

Other causes of hammertoe include:

• Pressure because of bunions
• A very high foot arch
• Arthritis
• Trauma to the toe
•  Ill-fitting shoes
• Tight tendons or ligaments within the foot

Nerve damage or a spinal cord injury might cause all the toes to curl downward. Genetics sometimes play a role, and it can run in families.

Identifying Hammertoe

While hammertoe is often quite visible when a person removes their shoes and socks, many podiatrists will discover this problem through an exam. Some people seem to believe that this is a temporary problem.

Corns and calluses often form on the top of the affected toe since they are rubbing on the upper portion of the shoe, while other experience a burning sensation or pain when wearing any type of enclosed shoe.

Hammertoe is a progressive deformity, becoming worse with time if not promptly treated. Continued wearing of ill-fitting shoes could cause the hammertoe to require surgery to release the affected tendons.

Treatment for Hammertoe

When caught early enough that the toe is still flexible, your podiatrist may recommend a “foot exercise” program which could include tasks such as

•   Stretching the toe gently several times a day using your fingers
•   Picking up marbles from the floor using your toes
•   Bunching up a towel with your toes, keeping the heel on the floor

Your podiatrist might also create a special shoe insert to prevent further damage and reduce pain.

Severe Cases of Hammertoe

When the affected toe can no longer be moved, surgery might be necessary.

This surgical procedure will reposition the toe, realign the tendons, and possibly even remove a deformed bone. Surgery can often be performed on an outpatient basis.

Prevention of Hammertoe

Prevention is far better than any treatment plan. You can prevent hammertoe by doing the following:

• Wear shoes that fit comfortably
• Make sure all shoes have proper arch support
• Low heels or flats are best
• Shoes that have laces or straps that are adjustable are good choices
• Purchase shoes with enough room for all your toes. Shoes should always accommodate the longest toe, which may not be the big toe.

The Bottom Line

Many cases of hammertoe can be avoided by following the guidelines above.

If you develop hammertoe, see a podiatrist early to avoid surgery.

Hundreds, if not thousands, of people develop hammertoe, so don’t be embarrassed. See your podiatrist early to avoid surgery.

If you have questions about your feet or if you believe you have developed hammertoe, call our office at (631) 604 4948 for an appointment. The doctors at Suffolk Foot and Ankle will be happy to answer all your questions and help you find relief. Call us today.

The post How is Hammertoe Treated? appeared first on Suffolk Foot and Ankle.

So, here are some practices to help you take good care of your feet every day—no matter the time of year.

 Wash Your Feet

Sometimes, when we’re in the shower, we forget to clean our feet with soap and water because we’re too busy focusing on the things up top. But your feet probably sweated at least a little during the day, and a good, thorough rinse is important. It’s also a good idea to avoid soaking your feet for too long because this can make them dry out. 

Check Your Feet

Make sure you’re keeping a good eye on your feet, meaning that you check them consistently for cuts, scrapes, sores, bruises, swelling, and any other issues. You should also check your toenails for signs of infection, especially if you like to get regular pedicures. It’s important to make sure there isn’t something sinister lurking under polish that has been there for way too long.

Trim Your Toenails

 Some people let their toenails grow and grow, but this can be uncomfortable when you’re wearing shoes and can also easily lead to an ingrown nail. Instead, cut them straight across with a pair of clippers at least every six to eight weeks, and if you are concerned about ingrown nails, you can round off the edges with an emery board. 

Moisturize It

Keep an eye on your feet and look for signs of them becoming cracked or dry. If you notice this problem, use a moisturizer to give the texture of your feet more softness and to keep them hydrated and healthy. It doesn’t have to be a flowery scented moisturizer either; something inexpensive from the drug store will do just fine.

Choose Shoes Wisely

It’s important to wear shoes that give you arch support, and flipflops and flats, though popular, don’t do the trick. Make sure you wear shoes that fit your feet, and if possible, visit a store to be fitted. Nothing’s worse than wearing shoes that are too tight. Finally, don’t wear the same pair of shoes every day. Rotate your shoes so they can last you longer and so that your feet are able to get support from more than one pair.

Visit Suffolk Foot and Ankle

If nothing is wrong with you, it’s still a good, healthy choice to visit Suffolk Foot and Ankle at least once a year. This will ensure that nothing is going wrong, and our podiatrist can give you more tips like the ones above. However, if you notice pain, sores, or other problems with your feet, it’s paramount that you make an appointment as soon as possible.

The post What to Do Annually for Healthier, More Beautiful Feet appeared first on Suffolk Foot and Ankle.

Start Slow

Don’t push yourself too hard at the beginning. This is a good tip for all-around body health after you start a new fitness routine, but it is especially important for your feet. Often, people enjoy walking on treadmills or starting a series of classes in something such as dance or yoga. But if you go too hard right out of the gate, you’re going to be putting a lot of pressure on your body—and especially on your feet.

Wear the Right Shoes

We cannot stress this enough: wearing the right shoes is extremely important to your foot health while exercising. And in case you were wondering, just wearing sneakers isn’t enough. Some brands of sneakers don’t have any support on the arch, which can make exercising in them dangerous. Talk to your doctor about the best exercise shoes for your feet, and consider going to a shoe store where you can try on different pairs. Your feet will thank you.

Use the Right Exercise Technique

If you’ve decided to start a weightlifting routine, don’t just jump right in! Again, make sure you have the right technique down and that you can safely begin exercising in the best and safest way for your body. If you are not sure what the right technique is for the exercise you are doing, talk to one of the employees at the gym or consider hiring a personal trainer. It’s much safer and more effective to do the exercise the way it was meant to be done.

Think about Hygiene

You’re always going to want to think about your hygiene, especially if you’re going to the gym. First off, your feet will probably sweat when you’re working out, so make sure to take a shower and to bring clean socks for after your work out. Also, never share your personal items at the gym, and wipe down all the equipment before and after you use it.

Exercise Your Feet

In order to make sure that your feet are strong and ready for a workout, try some of these exercises that are just for stabilizing and strengthening the muscles in your feet.

•     Curl your toes and hold them this way for several seconds.
•     Try moving one toe at a time to strengthen and extend them.
•     While standing, lift your heel off the floor, then slowly place it back onto the ground.
•     Sit down with your feet on the floor and roll a golf ball under the arch of your foot for two minutes.

After you do all these things, your feet will be fitness ready!

The post Preparing Feet for Fitness appeared first on Suffolk Foot and Ankle.

However, you don’t have to live with toenail fungus. There are a variety of treatment options available that may help cure your toenail fungus, leaving you with healthier-looking feet.   

Treating Toenail Fungus

Because fungi thrive in damp, humid conditions, people often pick up toenail fungus from public showers, locker rooms, and swimming pools. Generally, the elderly and people who have underlying health conditions, such as diabetes or circulatory issues, are more susceptible. With the help of a podiatrist, however, there are steps you can take to treat and cure your toenail fungus. 

Provide your Podiatrist with a Full Medical History

You’ll want to be sure your doctor knows how long you’ve been suffering from toenail fungus, and if you have gone through any previous treatments. This will help your doctor understand the scope of the problem and any other factors that may influence your treatment options. 

Physical Exam and Lab Analysis

Once your doctor has a clear medical history, you will then undergo a physical exam to determine the extent and degree of the fungus.

A complete diagnosis can come only after a comprehensive analysis of the fungus.  A small sample will be harvested and sent to a pathology lab. This will help your doctor to determine the best course of treatment for you.

Oral Treatments

Oral treatments are effective options. They do, however, take about three months to work and can bring unpleasant side effects, including stomach upset, dizziness, skin problems, and potentially liver damage. This is one of the reasons it is so important to share your medical history with your doctor. Because of the strength of oral medications, your doctor may choose an alternative therapy, such as topical treatments. 

Topical Treatments

Topical treatments are applied directly to the infected nail. While these treatments can be effective for many and prove to be a better option, some people will not see any improvement with topical treatment alone, especially if a large part of the nail is infected. 

Laser Treatment

Many podiatrists offer laser treatment. Laser therapy attacks the fungus beneath the nail, without damaging the nail itself. This option works quickly and is noninvasive. The downside of laser treatment is that while it takes care of the aesthetic quality of the nail, there may still be fungus underneath, making it more likely that an infection will return.  

Surgical Options

If the infection has reached the nail matrix, the area beneath the nail where a new nail is formed, the matrix can be surgically removed. After surgery, however, the nail will not grow back.

Home Remedy Options

Because of the potential side effects of more invasive treatments, some choose to look to home remedies, such as essential oils, plant extracts, and even Vicks Vapor Rub. However, podiatrists caution the use of home remedies when a clear diagnosis and treatment plan is necessary. 

Visit a Foot Care Specialist

If you are suffering from toenail fungus and would like advice about a course of treatment that is right for you, the best thing to do is to visit a foot care specialist to ensure that you get the treatment you need.  

The post What to Do About Toenail Fungus appeared first on Suffolk Foot and Ankle.

The cause of the pain is collagen degeneration. The degeneration occurs when the plantar fascia suffers repetitive microtears. The repeating microtears cause the body not to be able to repair the damage.

Prolonged physical activity increases the risk of suffering from plantar fasciitis, which is why many athletes end up with the condition. With that being the case, reducing physical activity is the first course of treatment. 

Treatment Options for Plantar Fasciitis

It can take up to 18 months for plantar fasciitis to heal. While this can seem like an eternity for athletes, it’s essential to care for it as directed, or the condition could worsen, leading to surgery. 

Stretching and Strengthening

Stretching and strengthening exercises for the food can help speed up the healing processes. Surprisingly enough to many people, increasing the flexibility of the calf muscles can also help with healing. 

Shoes

Properly fitting shoes can help some plantar fasciitis sufferers. Shoes with well-cushioned midsoles are best. Many running shoes have this support, so consider them in the right size for your foot. 

People with flat feet should wear motion control shoes or shoes with a longitudinal arch. This will help better support the feet during activities to assist with healing. Continued use can reduce the risk of suffering from the condition again. 

Night Splints

Night splints keep the ankle in a neutral position, stretching the calf muscle and plantar fasciitis while sleeping. It can also help with the pain often felt after getting out of bed in the morning. 

Night splints can be uncomfortable to sleep in, but they have a moderate success rate associated with them. They are best for people who are still suffering from plantar fasciitis after 12 months. 

Anti-Inflammatory Agents

To reduce inflammation around the plantar fasciitis, ice, NSAIDs, iontophoresis, and cortisone injections can help. Ice is the first line of treatment when beginning anti-inflammatory agents, as it is the safest. Individuals can apply the ice on the bottom of the foot for 10-15 minutes and then massage the foot. 

NSAIDs are unrecommended because of the increased risk of gastrointestinal bleeding, gastric pain, and renal damage. While they can highly successful in treating the condition, the risks can be a deal-breaker, especially with other options available.

Iontophoresis

This treatment option for plantar fasciitis involves sending corticosteroids into soft tissue structures with a low-voltage galvanic current stimulation unit. Most individuals need treatment two or three times a week for it to be effective.

Corticosteroid Injections

Corticosteroid injections are a highly successful treatment option for plantar fasciitis. However, there is a risk of the plantar fasciitis rupturing or atrophy of the fat pad. Most medical professionals will only administer the injection one or two times due to those risks. 

Surgery

If all treatment options have been exhausted without success, the surgery can release the plantar fascia. A plantar fasciotomy uses an open, endoscopic, or radiofrequency lesioning technique for releasing the plantar fascia.

Contact Us for Plantar Fasciitis Treatment

Plantar fasciitis treatment starts at Suffolk Foot and Ankle with convenient locations throughout Long Island in East Patchogue, Riverhead, Medford, and Commack. Contact us today at 631-604-4948 to request an appointment at your desired location. 

The post Plantar Fasciitis Treatment Options appeared first on Suffolk Foot and Ankle.

Staying physically fit is important for health and overall wellbeing at every age.  Children and teens often suffer from sports-related injuries. But, adults who are physically active and involved in sports leagues often suffer from injuries as well. Sometimes, more subtle injuries will heal in time, but those same subtle injuries may lead to further issues down the road if left untreated.

But, how do you know if you should see a specialist when the pain is more severe or doesn’t seem to go away? If you are sore after a long run or a day of flag football with friends, you can likely treat your injury at home.  But, if your injury is more severe or doesn’t improve within a couple of days, you may need to seek further treatment.

A few tips will help you determine whether your sports injury requires simple rest, or if you need to check in with a doctor. 

Treating Minor Sports Injuries at Home

If you are certain your injury is simply due to overexertion, you can certainly try treating it yourself before seeing a doctor. Taking an over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medication can help ease the pain. Then, follow the “RICE” method:

•         REST – Take a few days off and give your body time to heal.
•         ICE – Use cold packs to reduce swelling.
•         COMPRESS – Wrap the sore area with an elastic bandage to reduce swelling and provide extra stability.
•         ELEVATE – Prop up your injured foot or leg on a pillow to reduce and ease swelling.

When Should You See a Doctor?

Often, when we experience a sports-related injury, we are hesitant to call a doctor, assuming it will go away in time, or because we fear that we will be unable to participate in something we enjoy. Still, ignoring the problem doesn’t solve it, and worse, ignoring it can cause further damage and a much longer recovery period.  

If you notice any of the following symptoms, it’s important to call a doctor right away to seek further treatment and avoid long-term damage:

•         Increased swelling
•         Numbness or Tingling
•         Pain when you bear weight on the injured area
•         Shooting pain that radiates
•         Recurrent pain that may improve, but comes back
•         Pain that continues after a few days to a week of rest

Who Should I See for Help with a Sports-Related Injury?

A first step may be to reach out to your primary care provider, but doctors who specialize in sports medicine are trained and may be better able to treat your injuries more quickly and efficiently, getting you back in the game sooner.  

The post When to Seek a Specialist for a Sports Injury appeared first on Suffolk Foot and Ankle.

Newborn child’s cute little foot

Knowing that your baby is suffering from a birth defect or illness can be an incredibly scary time. Often, parents feel overwhelmed and afraid, unsure of what to do or where to seek help. But, many defects are not serious and can be easily treated, preventing future complications. One such defect is Clubfoot.  

Clubfoot is a common type of birth defect and affects the growth of muscles and bones in the feet. Rather than having a straight foot, a clubfoot points down and turns inward. A baby can be born with clubfoot in one or both feet.  

Unfortunately, clubfoot will not improve without treatment.  But, it’s important to know that it is not serious, it isn’t painful, it will not cause any long-term complications, and it can be easily treated before your child begins to stand or walk. 

What Causes Clubfoot and How can it be Treated?

It’s hard to say what causes clubfoot. What doctors do know is that it is more common in boys and tends to be genetic. If it is not detected prior to birth via ultrasound, it is easily diagnosed when the baby is born.  

It is important to seek treatment for clubfoot sooner than later, optimally within a week or two after birth. A baby with clubfoot will need to see an orthopedic surgeon, but no longer do doctors need to perform surgery to fix clubfoot. Today, doctors use a method called the Ponseti method, allowing the foot to slowly grow and move into the right position.

How Does The Ponseti Method Work?

Over time, a series of casts, gentle movements, and stretches of the foot, and a brace will correct the positioning of the foot. This method is completed in two phases.

Casting

About a week or two after the baby is born, a cast will be placed on the clubfoot by an orthopedic surgeon specially trained in the Ponseti method. Then, the baby will need to return approximately once a week so that the foot can be gently moved and stretched. A new cast will be placed on the foot, turning the foot further toward the corrected position. Every child is different, but most babies will wear a series of about 5-7 casts over a few weeks or months.

Bracing

Once the casting phase has been completed, the orthopedic surgeon will place a brace on the baby’s foot. The brace looks like a bar with special shoes at each end, keeping the foot from twisting inward. Because feet grow so quickly in the first years of life, the brace will keep a corrected clubfoot in the proper position as it rapidly grows. After wearing the brace for about 3 months, it can be worn less, most often at night or during naps.  

What should you do if Your Baby has Clubfoot?

Remember, clubfoot is not serious and can be fixed in a few years. There are no permanent effects of clubfoot, but it is important that it be treated as soon as possible.  

By following your orthopedic surgeon’s treatment plan, your child will be able to run, walk, and play without any pain when he or she is ready. Be sure to ask questions as they come up during treatment. Your doctor can offer you helpful advice and encouragement along the way.  

Knowing that your baby is suffering from a birth defect or illness can be an incredibly scary time. Often, parents feel overwhelmed and afraid, unsure of what to do or where to seek help. But, many defects are not serious and can be easily treated, preventing future complications. One such defect is Clubfoot.  

Clubfoot is a common type of birth defect and affects the growth of muscles and bones in the feet. Rather than having a straight foot, a clubfoot points down and turns inward. A baby can be born with clubfoot in one or both feet.  

Unfortunately, clubfoot will not improve without treatment.  But, it’s important to know that it is not serious, it isn’t painful, it will not cause any long-term complications, and it can be easily treated before your child begins to stand or walk. 

What Causes Clubfoot and How can it be Treated?

It’s hard to say what causes clubfoot. What doctors do know is that it is more common in boys and tends to be genetic. If it is not detected prior to birth via ultrasound, it is easily diagnosed when the baby is born.  

It is important to seek treatment for clubfoot sooner than later, optimally within a week or two after birth. A baby with clubfoot will need to see an orthopedic surgeon, but no longer do doctors need to perform surgery to fix clubfoot. Today, doctors use a method called the Ponseti method, allowing the foot to slowly grow and move into the right position.

How Does The Ponseti Method Work?

Over time, a series of casts, gentle movements, and stretches of the foot, and a brace will correct the positioning of the foot. This method is completed in two phases.

Casting

About a week or two after the baby is born, a cast will be placed on the clubfoot by an orthopedic surgeon specially trained in the Ponseti method. Then, the baby will need to return approximately once a week so that the foot can be gently moved and stretched. A new cast will be placed on the foot, turning the foot further toward the corrected position. Every child is different, but most babies will wear a series of about 5-7 casts over a few weeks or months.

Bracing

Once the casting phase has been completed, the orthopedic surgeon will place a brace on the baby’s foot. The brace looks like a bar with special shoes at each end, keeping the foot from twisting inward. Because feet grow so quickly in the first years of life, the brace will keep a corrected clubfoot in the proper position as it rapidly grows. After wearing the brace for about 3 months, it can be worn less, most often at night or during naps.  

What should you do if Your Baby has Clubfoot?

Remember, clubfoot is not serious and can be fixed in a few years. There are no permanent effects of clubfoot, but it is important that it be treated as soon as possible.  

By following your orthopedic surgeon’s treatment plan, your child will be able to run, walk, and play without any pain when he or she is ready. Be sure to ask questions as they come up during treatment. Your doctor can offer you helpful advice and encouragement along the way.  

The post When your Baby has Clubfoot appeared first on Suffolk Foot and Ankle.