July 2022

There are several troublesome rare diseases that can negatively impact the health of your feet. Although these conditions can be extremely rare, it is important for you to familiarize yourself with these afflictions in case you ever have to identify one of these conditions in yourself or a loved one. One rare condition that negatively impacts the feet is known as Maffucci syndrome, which has only impacted a total of 200 reported patients since its discovery. This syndrome produces a number of abnormalities in the skeleton that can manifest themselves in the feet. For example, people with Maffucci syndrome can experience enchondromas, which are cartilage tumors throughout the bones in their feet. Endochromas caused by Maffucci syndrome can also appear in the hands, ribs, and skull. Individuals suffering from Maffucci syndrome usually also experience some kind of abnormality in the skin. Namely, it is common for individuals to see hemangiomas, or clumps of blood vessels, throughout the skin and possibly on the feet. Maffucci syndrome undoubtedly is a rare condition, but you should be on the lookout for these symptoms. If you are experiencing the above symptoms, or would like to gather more information, it is suggested to speak to a podiatrist.

Some foot conditions may require additional professional care. If you have any concerns, contact Terri Quebedeaux, DPM of Agave Podiatry . Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Rare Foot Conditions

The majority of foot conditions are common and can be treated by a podiatrist.  Standard diagnostic procedures are generally used to identify specific conditions and treatment can be rendered. A podiatrist also treats rare foot conditions which can be difficult to diagnose and may need extra attention and care. 

There are many rare foot conditions that can affect children. Some of these can include:

• Freiberg’s disease
• Kohler’s disease
• Maffucci syndrome

Freiberg’s disease - This can be seen as a deterioration and flattening of a metatarsal bone that exists in the ball of the foot. It typically affects pre-teen and teenage girls, but can affect anyone at any age. Symptoms that can accompany this can be swelling, stiffness, and the patient may limp. 

Kohler’s disease - This often targets the bone in the arch of the foot and affects younger boys. It can lead to an interruption of the blood supply which ultimately can lead to bone deterioration. The patient may limp or experience tenderness, swelling, and redness.

Maffucci syndrome - This affects the long bones in a child’s foot leading to the development of abnormal bone lesions. They are benign growths and typically develop in early childhood and the bones may be susceptible to breaking. 

A podiatrist can properly diagnose and treat all types of rare foot conditions. If your child is affected by any of these symptoms or conditions, please don’t hesitate to call our office so the correct treatment method can begin.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our offices located in Seguin, LaVernia, Gonzales, and Lockhart, TX . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.
 

This is much less likely to happen in children than adults because kid’s feet are so tender and mechanical foot factors are not at play yet. However, there are situations where children can have cracked heels. Usually, a child has something abnormal going on with their immune system which impacts the functioning of their skin. Cracks can happen with disorders of nervous system regulation or hormones. Cracked heels can come on with stress, neuropsychic overstrain, or insufficient nutrition, particularly with a deficiency in vitamins B, A, and/or E. If cracks appear, it is usually during a transition period, such as adapting to going to school, the onset of adolescence, or from shock (like in the divorce of parents). Skin can become dry and flaky in response to stressors. As with adults, cracks in children’s feet need attention so as not to become infected and turn into wounds. If your child has cracked heels, protect the heel by covering it with a band-aid, and it is suggested you then take him or her to a podiatrist for appropriate treatment.

Cracked heels are unsightly and can cause further damage to your shoes and feet. If you have any concerns, contact Terri Quebedeaux, DPM from Agave Podiatry . Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Cracked Heels

Cracked heels appear unappealing and can make it harder for you walk around in sandals. Aside from looking unpleasant, cracked heels can also tear stockings, socks, and wear out your shoes. There are several methods to help restore a cracked heel and prevent further damage.

How Do You Get Them?

Dry skin is the number one culprit in creating cracked heels. Many athletes, walkers, joggers, and even swimmers suffer from cracked heels. Age and skin oil production play a role to getting cracked heels as well.

Promote Healing

Over the counter medicines can help, especially for those that need instant relief or who suffer from chronic dry feet.

Wear Socks – Wearing socks with medicated creams helps lock in moisture.

Moisturizers – Applying both day and night will help alleviate dryness which causes cracking.

Pumice Stones – These exfoliate and remove dead skin, which allows for smoother moisturizer application and better absorption into the skin. 

Change in Diet

Eating healthy with a well-balanced diet will give the skin a fresh and radiant look. Your body responds to the kinds of food you ingest. Omega-3 fatty acids and zinc supplements can also revitalize skin tissue.

Most importantly, seek professional help if unsure how to proceed in treating cracked heels. A podiatrist will help you with any questions or information needed. 

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our offices located in Seguin, LaVernia, Gonzales, and Lockhart, TX . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Tarsal coalition is a congenital condition where two bones of the foot are connected. The hindfoot is composed of the talus, calcaneus, cuboid, navicular and cuneiform bones. When two of these bones grow together, usually connected by a bridge of cartilage, it is known as a tarsal coalition. The two most common sites are between the calcaneus and navicular bones, or between the talus and calcaneus bones. Though a tarsal coalition usually begins in the womb, it often is not detected until early adolescence. At that point the child’s foot may become stiff and painful, and their daily activities may be more difficult to perform. Symptoms include stiff, painful feet and a rigid flat foot that makes it hard to walk. A limp can develop with higher levels of activity. Many people do not experience symptoms from a tarsal coalition until later in life, usually because another condition, like arthritis, makes it more apparent. A podiatrist can examine your child’s foot with X-rays and other imaging tests to detect the location and severity of the coalition. A number of non-surgical treatments are available, including orthotics, a boot or cast, and injections. In certain cases, surgery may be an option. If your child is complaining of heel pain or is exhibiting any of the above symptoms, please contact a podiatrist for an exam and a diagnosis. 

The health of a child’s feet is vital to their overall well-being. If you have any questions regarding foot health, contact Terri Quebedeaux, DPM of Agave Podiatry . Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Tips for Keeping Children's Feet Healthy

• Make sure their shoes fit properly
• Look for any signs of in-toeing or out-toeing
• Check to see if they have Clubfoot (condition that affects your child’s foot and ankle, twisting the heel and toes inward) which is one of the most common nonmajor birth defects.
• Lightly cover your baby’s feet (Tight covers may keep your baby from moving their feet freely, and could prevent normal development)
• Allow your toddler to go shoeless (Shoes can be restricting for a young child’s foot)
• Cut toenails straight across to avoid ingrown toenails
• Keep your child’s foot clean and dry
• Cover cuts and scrapes. Wash any scratches with soap and water and cover them with a bandage until they’ve healed.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our offices located in Seguin, LaVernia, Gonzales, and Lockhart, TX . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Wearing shoes that fit your feet and are comfortable can avoid many problems. Hammertoes are one such problem that can develop from wearing shoes that have pointy toes, are too tight, or that otherwise put pressure on your toes. The second and third toes are the most likely toes to be affected. Hammertoes get their name because the middle joint of the toe gets stuck in an upward bent position, creating a deformity resembling a hammer. This deformity is the result of an imbalance in the muscles and ligaments around the toe joint caused by either improper footwear or other factors such as genetics, overly high arches, bunions, injuries, and certain medical conditions. Shoes with uppers that are soft and flexible, as well as those that provide arch support and ample room in the toe box, can help prevent hammertoes. It is important to treat hammertoes early, before they become rigid. A podiatrist can treat your hammertoe and may also help you select footwear that will help prevent hammertoes from occurring in the future.

Hammertoes can be a painful condition to live with. For more information, contact Terri Quebedeaux, DPM of Agave Podiatry . 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 our offices located in Seguin, LaVernia, Gonzales, and Lockhart, TX . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.