Congenital foot problems are present at birth and can affect the shape, position, or function of a child's feet. One of the most common congenital foot conditions is clubfoot, which causes the foot to twist inward and downward instead of developing in its usual position. Clubfoot may affect one foot or both feet. Although it is painless in newborns, it can lead to difficulty standing and walking if left untreated. Other congenital foot problems may involve differences in the toes or the overall structure of the foot. Because these conditions vary in severity, an early evaluation is important to determine the most appropriate treatment and support healthy foot development.

The exact cause of clubfoot is not always known, although genetic and developmental factors may play a role. Clubfoot develops before birth and is not caused by anything a parent did during pregnancy. As a child grows, an untreated foot deformity can affect balance, walking, and overall mobility. It may also place extra stress on the ankles, knees, and hips as the body tries to compensate for abnormal foot position. A thorough examination helps determine the type and severity of the condition. Early diagnosis allows healthcare providers to begin treatment at the most appropriate time and monitor progress as the child develops.

A podiatrist plays an important role in evaluating congenital foot problems and working with families throughout treatment. Care is based on the child's age, the severity of the condition, and overall foot development. A podiatrist also monitors foot growth, evaluates walking patterns, and helps identify any changes that require additional care. Regular follow-up visits can support healthy development and improve long-term function. If your child has signs of clubfoot or another congenital foot problem, 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 Vrunda Dalal, DPM of Sole Focus Foot and Ankle. 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 Marlton, NJ . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Cracked heels develop when the skin on the bottom or edges of the heel becomes dry, thick, and less flexible. As pressure is placed on the heel while standing or walking, the hardened skin can split and form painful cracks. Some cracks remain shallow, while deeper ones can make daily activities uncomfortable. Patients often notice rough skin, tenderness, or pain with each step. In more severe cases, the cracks can bleed and increase the risk of infection. Several factors contribute to this condition, making a professional evaluation important. A podiatrist can examine the heels, identify the underlying cause, and recommend treatment based on the condition of the skin and surrounding tissues.

Dry skin is one of the leading causes of cracked heels, but other factors can also increase the risk. Standing for long periods of time places repeated pressure on the heels, and encourages the skin to spread outward. Extra body weight can increase this pressure even more.  Wearing shoes that lack proper support or open-backed shoes can also contribute by allowing the heel to expand while walking. Certain medical conditions, like diabetes or thyroid disorders, can affect skin health and increase the chance of heel cracks. A podiatrist performs a thorough examination to determine whether another condition is contributing to the problem, and whether the cracks have become infected.

Treatment depends on the depth of the cracks and the condition of the surrounding skin. A podiatrist can safely remove thickened skin that increases pressure on the heels and contributes to painful splitting. Prescription medications are sometimes recommended when infection or another skin condition is present. Patients also benefit from guidance about wearing shoes that provide proper support to reduce stress on the heels. Early diagnosis and professional treatment can improve comfort, encourage healthy skin, and reduce the chance of deeper cracks developing. If you have developed  cracked heels, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for effective relief and treatment solutions.

If the skin on your feet starts to crack, you may want to see a podiatrist to find treatment. If you have any concerns, contact Vrunda Dalal, DPM from Sole Focus Foot and Ankle. our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Cracked Heels

It is important to moisturize your cracked heels in order to prevent pain, bleeding, and infection. The reason cracked heels form is because the skin on the foot is too dry to support the immense pressure placed on them. When the foot expands, the dry skin on the foot begins to split.

Ways to Help Heal Them

• Invest in a good foot cream
• Try Using Petroleum Jelly
• Ease up on Soaps
• Drink Plenty of Water

Ways to Prevent Cracked Heels

• Moisturize After Showering
• Skip a Shower
• Keep Shower Water Lukewarm
• Don’t Scrub Your Feet

If you are unsure how to proceed in treating cracked heels, seek guidance from a podiatrist. Your doctor will help you with any questions or information you may need. 

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

Blisters are fluid-filled pockets that develop on the skin after repeated friction, pressure, or burns. On the feet, they commonly form when shoes rub against the skin, or when prolonged walking places stress on certain areas. Although many blisters are minor, they can become painful and make everyday activities more difficult. The skin covering a blister helps protect the underlying tissue while it heals, making proper evaluation important if the blister is large, painful, or shows signs of infection. Some people are more likely to develop foot blisters because of foot structure, medical conditions, or activities that place repeated stress on the feet. Identifying the underlying cause may help reduce recurring problems and support better overall foot health.

Symptoms of a foot blister often begin with soreness or a burning sensation before the fluid-filled pocket becomes visible. The affected area may feel tender and become painful while walking or standing. In some cases, the blister may fill with clear fluid, while others contain blood because of greater pressure on the skin. If the blister breaks, the exposed skin may become irritated and more vulnerable to infection. Redness, swelling, or drainage can indicate that additional medical attention is needed. Persistent or recurring blisters should be evaluated because they may be related to abnormal foot mechanics or ongoing pressure in the same location.

A podiatrist can diagnose the cause of recurring or painful foot blisters and recommend treatment based on the patient's individual needs. During an examination, the podiatrist evaluates the affected skin, foot structure, and walking pattern to determine why blisters continue to develop. Treatment focuses on relieving discomfort, protecting the skin, and addressing factors contributing to repeated friction or pressure. Early podiatry care may also help prevent complications and support healthier foot function. If you have painful or recurring foot blisters, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist for an evaluation and appropriate treatment options.

Blisters are prone to making everyday activities extremely uncomfortable. If your feet are hurting, contact Vrunda Dalal, DPM of Sole Focus Foot and Ankle. our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Foot Blisters

Foot blisters develop as a result of constantly wearing tight or ill-fitting footwear. This happens due to the constant rubbing from the shoe, which can often lead to pain.

What Are Foot Blisters?

A foot blister is a small fluid-filled pocket that forms on the upper-most layer of the skin. Blisters are filled with clear fluid and can lead to blood drainage or pus if the area becomes infected.

How Do Blisters Form?

Blisters on the feet are often the result of constant friction of skin and material, usually by shoe rubbing. Walking in sandals, boots, or shoes that don’t fit properly for long periods of time can result in a blister. Having consistent foot moisture and humidity can easily lead to blister formation.

Prevention & Treatment

It is important to properly care for the affected area in order to prevent infection and ease the pain. Do not lance the blister and use a Band-Aid to provide pain relief. Also, be sure to keep your feet dry and wear proper fitting shoes. If you see blood or pus in a blister, seek assistance from a podiatrist.

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

A diabetic foot ulcer is an open sore that develops on the foot of a person with diabetes. These wounds commonly form when nerve damage reduces feeling in the feet. A person may not notice a cut, blister, or scrape right away. Poor blood flow can also slow healing and increase the risk of infection. Diabetic foot ulcers are most likely to appear on the bottom of the foot or under pressure points. Symptoms include redness, swelling, drainage, and pain, but some people feel very little discomfort because of nerve damage. Early detection is important because untreated ulcers can become deeper and more difficult to manage.

Proper wound care plays a major role in helping a diabetic foot ulcer heal. A podiatrist carefully examines the wound and looks for signs of infection. Treatment includes cleaning the ulcer and removing dead or damaged tissue. This process is called debridement and helps healthy tissue heal more effectively. Dressings are used to protect the wound and maintain a healthy healing environment. Treatment also includes reducing pressure on the ulcer. This is known as off-loading. Special footwear, a walking boot, or other devices help keep weight away from the injured area while walking.

Managing diabetes is another important part of wound care. Good blood sugar control supports the body's ability to heal. In addition, patients should inspect their feet daily and report changes promptly. Signs of infection include redness, warmth, and drainage. Other signs include swelling, odor, or increasing pain. A podiatrist can monitor healing progress and adjust treatment when necessary. Prompt care lowers the risk of more serious complications, including loss of limb. If you have developed a foot ulcer as a result of diabetes, it is suggested that you are under the care of a podiatrist who can effectively treat foot wounds, and help you to manage this serious condition.

Wound care is an important part in dealing with diabetes. If you have diabetes and a foot wound or would like more information about wound care for diabetics, consult with Vrunda Dalal, DPM from Sole Focus Foot and Ankle. our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

What Is Wound Care?

Wound care is the practice of taking proper care of a wound. This can range from the smallest to the largest of wounds. While everyone can benefit from proper wound care, it is much more important for diabetics. Diabetics often suffer from poor blood circulation which causes wounds to heal much slower than they would in a non-diabetic. 

What Is the Importance of Wound Care?

While it may not seem apparent with small ulcers on the foot, for diabetics, any size ulcer can become infected. Diabetics often also suffer from neuropathy, or nerve loss. This means they might not even feel when they have an ulcer on their foot. If the wound becomes severely infected, amputation may be necessary. Therefore, it is of the upmost importance to properly care for any and all foot wounds.

How to Care for Wounds

The best way to care for foot wounds is to prevent them. For diabetics, this means daily inspections of the feet for any signs of abnormalities or ulcers. It is also recommended to see a podiatrist several times a year for a foot inspection. If you do have an ulcer, run the wound under water to clear dirt from the wound; then apply antibiotic ointment to the wound and cover with a bandage. Bandages should be changed daily and keeping pressure off the wound is smart. It is advised to see a podiatrist, who can keep an eye on it.

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