Podiatrists servicing the Scottsdale, Tempe, Glendale and Phoenix, AZ areas

Arizona Foot Health

Podiatrists located in Phoenix, AZ

Foot and ankle deformities like flat feet, high arches, and club feet are present at birth, while others develop over time. Ryan Golub, DPM, and Zachary Flynn, DPM, FACFAS, at Arizona Foot Health in Phoenix, Arizona, offer conservative and surgical correction of these deformities to improve function and prevent long-term problems. To learn about your treatment options for foot and ankle deformities, call or schedule an appointment online today.

Foot and Ankle Deformities Q&A

Foot and Ankle Deformities

When should I be concerned about foot and ankle deformities?

If a foot or ankle deformity causes pain and dysfunction, you should have a consultation with a qualified foot and ankle surgeon. Treatment can prevent long-term problems, especially in pediatric patients whose foot and ankle deformities can compromise their growth.

What are common foot and ankle deformities?

Foot and ankle deformities may develop over time, such as with Charcot foot and ankle. 

Children who consistently wear shoes that are too tight and that don’t allow their feet and toes to move freely may also suffer foot deformity.

Other foot and ankle deformities are present at birth. Examples of these conditions include:

  • Toes that are turned in (pigeon-toed) or out
  • Extremely flat feet or high arches
  • Toe disfigurements, such as short toes or brachymetatarsia
  • Clubfoot

Sever’s disease is another condition that affects children. It occurs when your child’s growth plate is irritated, causing persistent heel pain and difficulty walking.

What is clubfoot?

Clubfoot is a condition in which a foot is turned inward or almost upside down. The condition is fairly common, showing up in one in 1,000 newborns. 

Clubfoot can compromise your child’s ability to learn to walk. Early treatment offers the best chance for a normal gait and life.

If you have a child with clubfoot, your provider may recommend casting or surgery to correct the condition.

What are the treatments for foot and ankle deformities?

As soon as you suspect something is wrong with your child’s feet or your own, schedule a consultation with Arizona Foot Health. The earlier you get treatment, the better your outcome.

Conservative treatments for foot and ankle deformities include bracing, specially designed shoes, and physical therapy. In many cases, surgery is the best option. 

The extent and type of surgery necessary depend on the condition. For example, your provider can perform a metatarsal-lengthening procedure for short toes or repair connective tissue and repair bone deformities in the case of flat feet.

If you’re concerned about foot and ankle deformities in you or a loved one, call Arizona Foot Health or book an appointment online today.