Congenital foot conditions are structural or functional abnormalities present at birth that affect the shape or movement of a baby’s feet. One of the most recognized conditions is club foot, where the foot is twisted inward and downward, making it difficult to walk if untreated. These conditions may result from genetic factors, developmental issues during pregnancy, or environmental influences. Early detection is essential for effective treatment and to prevent long-term complications. A podiatrist can play an important role in diagnosing congenital foot conditions, recommending early interventions, such as stretching, casting, or bracing, and monitoring progress throughout childhood. If your child has been born with a foot condition, it is suggested that you include a podiatrist on your healthcare team.

Congenital foot problems require immediate attention to avoid future complications. If you have any concerns, contact Naim G. Shaheed, DPM of Ankle and Foot Centers of Georgia. 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 one of our offices located in Lithonia/Stonecrest and Emory/Midtown, GA . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.

Hammertoe is a deformity where one of the smaller toes bends abnormally at the middle joint, creating a shape that resembles a hammer. This condition often results from muscle or tendon imbalances that cause the toe to remain in a bent position. Common causes include wearing tight or narrow shoes, injury, or having an unusually high foot arch. Over time, the toe may become stiff and difficult to move. Symptoms often include pain when wearing shoes, corns or calluses on the top of the toe, and redness or swelling around the joint. The deformity may start as flexible but can become rigid, if not addressed. If you have symptoms of this condition, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can offer effective treatment solutions. Early recognition and treatment are important to relieve discomfort and prevent further progression that may require more advanced medical or surgical care.

Hammertoes can be a painful condition to live with. For more information, contact Naim G. Shaheed, DPM of Ankle and Foot Centers of Georgia. Our doctor will answer any of your foot- and ankle-related questions.

Hammertoe

Hammertoe is a foot deformity that occurs due to an imbalance in the muscles, tendons, or ligaments that normally hold the toe straight. It can be caused by the type of shoes you wear, your foot structure, trauma, and certain disease processes.

Symptoms

• Painful and/or difficult toe movement
• Swelling
• Joint stiffness
• Calluses/Corns
• Physical deformity

Risk Factors

• Age – The risk of hammertoe increases with age
• Sex – Women are more likely to have hammertoe compared to men
• Toe Length – You are more likely to develop hammertoe if your second toe is longer than your big toe
• Certain Diseases – Arthritis and diabetes may make you more likely to develop hammertoe

Treatment

If you have hammertoe, you should change into a more comfortable shoe that provides enough room for your toes. Exercises such as picking up marbles may strengthen and stretch your toe muscles. Nevertheless, it is important to seek assistance from a podiatrist in order to determine the severity of your hammertoe and see which treatment option will work best for you.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact one of our offices located in Lithonia/Stonecrest and Emory/Midtown, GA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Foot cramps that strike during sleep can be sudden, painful, and hard to ignore. They often affect the arch or toes and may last just a few seconds or several minutes. These cramps can be caused by dehydration, low mineral levels, poor circulation, or muscle fatigue from daytime activity. Sleeping with feet pointed or in a tight position may also trigger cramping. Stretching your feet and calves before bed, staying well hydrated, and wearing loose socks at night may help prevent episodes. Gently massaging or flexing the foot can ease the pain when a cramp occurs. If cramps become frequent or repeatedly interfere with sleep, it is suggested you see a podiatrist for appropriate  treatment.

Foot Pain

Foot pain can be extremely painful and debilitating. If you have a foot pain, consult with Naim G. Shaheed, DPM from Ankle and Foot Centers of Georgia. 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 one of our offices located in Lithonia/Stonecrest and Emory/Midtown, GA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Blisters are a frequent problem for hikers and can quickly turn an enjoyable outing into a painful experience. Blisters form when friction causes the skin’s upper layers to separate, leading to a fluid-filled bubble that protects the damaged area underneath. Friction from wearing poorly fitting hiking boots, excessive moisture, or heat buildup can all contribute to blister formation on the feet and toes. Although many hikers attempt temporary fixes on the trail, proper medical care is imperative for preventing infection and promoting healing. A podiatrist can provide sterile treatment for blisters, which may include safely draining larger blisters under clean conditions, removing damaged skin when necessary, and applying sterile dressings to protect the area. If blisters have already caused deeper wounds or signs of infection, a podiatrist may recommend additional medical treatment or, in rare cases, surgery to prevent further complications. If you get blisters from walking, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for safe and sterile treatment.

Blisters are prone to making everyday activities extremely uncomfortable. If your feet are hurting, contact Naim G. Shaheed, DPM of Ankle and Foot Centers of Georgia. 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 one of our offices located in Lithonia/Stonecrest and Emory/Midtown, GA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

A shuffling gait is a walking pattern where a person takes small, dragging steps without lifting the feet fully off the ground. This abnormal gait can indicate underlying health conditions and often suggests issues with balance, coordination, or muscle control. One possible cause is ataxia, a neurological condition that impairs coordination and makes smooth walking difficult. Ataxia may result from damage to the cerebellum or other parts of the nervous system. Another related condition is foot drop, where weakness or paralysis in the muscles that lift the front of the foot causes dragging during walking. This can stem from nerve injuries or disorders affecting the muscles or spine. Identifying the cause of a shuffling gait is essential for effective treatment, improved mobility, and prevention of further complications. If you have a shuffling gait, it is suggested that you are under the care of a podiatrist who can help you to monitor this condition.

When dealing with systemic disease of the feet, it is extremely important to check the affected areas routinely so that any additional problems are caught quickly.  If you have any concerns about your feet and ankles contact Naim G. Shaheed, DPM from Ankle and Foot Centers of Georgia. Our doctor will assist you with all of your podiatric needs.

Systemic Diseases of the Feet

Systemic diseases affect the whole body, and symptoms usually are displayed in the feet. This condition can make a patient’s ability to walk unbearable.  Systemic diseases include gout, diabetes mellitus, neurological disorders, and arthritis.

Gout – is caused by an excess of uric acid in the body. Common symptoms include pain, inflammation, and redness at the metatarsal/phalangeal joint of the base big toe. Gout can be treated by NSAIDs to relieve pain and inflammation, and other drugs that lower the acid levels in the body.

Diabetes mellitus – is an increase in the level of blood sugar that the body cannot counteract with its own insulin. Failure to produce enough insulin is a factor in Diabetes.

Diabetes of the Feet

Diabetic Neuropathy – may lead to damaged nerves and affect the feet through numbness and loss of sensation.

Peripheral Vascular Disease – can restrict the blood flow to the feet, and often times lead to amputation of the feet. 

If you have any questions please feel free to contact one of our offices located in Lithonia/Stonecrest and Emory/Midtown, GA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.