Items filtered by date: November 2025

Tarsal coalition occurs when two or more bones in a child’s foot grow together, which limits normal motion. This can cause stiffness, pain along the side or back of the foot, frequent ankle sprains, flat arches, and cramps or muscle spasms after activity. Although it is often congenital, many children begin to feel symptoms of tarsal coalition around ages eight to 15, when their bones harden and the fused area becomes less flexible. Some children may limp or have trouble walking on uneven ground because the affected foot does not move properly. Treatment depends on the severity of the condition and can involve supportive inserts, casting to rest the foot, or surgery to separate the bones and restore movement. If your child has symptoms of tarsal coalition, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist for a diagnosis and treatment options.

Congenital foot problems require immediate attention to avoid future complications. If you have any concerns, contact one of our podiatrists of Bruening Foot & Ankle. Our doctors 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 offices located in Covina and Alta Loma, CA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Skateboarding puts significant stress on the ankles, making sprains one of the most common injuries in the sport. An ankle sprain occurs when the ligaments stretch or tear, often during awkward landings or sudden twists. Sprains are classified by grades based on their severity, from mild stretching to complete ligament tears. Inversion injuries occur when the foot rolls inward, while eversion injuries happen when it rolls outward. Both can cause pain, swelling, and instability. A podiatrist can assess the injury, determine the grade, and develop a treatment plan that includes rehabilitation and preventive exercises. If ankle pain or instability is limiting your performance or recovery, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can guide you toward effective ankle pain recovery, and safely get you back on your board.

Ankle pain can be caused by a number of problems and may be potentially serious. If you have ankle pain, consult with one of our podiatrists from Bruening Foot & Ankle. Our doctors will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

Ankle pain is any condition that causes pain in the ankle. Due to the fact that the ankle consists of tendons, muscles, bones, and ligaments, ankle pain can come from a number of different conditions.

Causes

The most common causes of ankle pain include:

• Types of arthritis (rheumatoid, osteoarthritis, and gout)
• Ankle sprains
• Broken ankles
• Achilles tendonitis
• Achilles tendon rupture
• Stress fractures
• Bursitis
• Tarsal tunnel syndrome
• Plantar fasciitis

Symptoms

Symptoms of ankle injury vary based upon the condition. Pain may include general pain and discomfort, swelling, aching, redness, bruising, burning or stabbing sensations, and/or loss of sensation.

Diagnosis

Due to the wide variety of potential causes of ankle pain, podiatrists will utilize a number of different methods to properly diagnose ankle pain. This can include asking for personal and family medical histories and of any recent injuries. Further diagnosis may include sensation tests, a physical examination, and potentially x-rays or other imaging tests.

Treatment

Just as the range of causes varies widely, so do treatments. Some more common treatments are rest, ice packs, keeping pressure off the foot, orthotics and braces, medication for inflammation and pain, and surgery.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our offices located in Covina and Alta Loma, CA . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.

An orthotic is a custom-made medical device prescribed to fit inside a person's footwear. It is designed to address specific foot and lower extremity issues. The primary purpose of custom orthotics is to promote optimal foot posture by aligning the hindfoot, midfoot, and forefoot to relieve pain and discomfort. Think of orthotics as serving the feet in a similar way that glasses aid the eyes. Contrary to a common misconception that orthotics are solely for seniors, they are suitable for individuals of all ages and can be used in various activities and with almost any type of shoe. Orthotics come in diverse shapes and sizes, tailored to the footwear they will be placed in and the specific conditions they aim to treat. Custom orthotics vary in materials, ranging from rigid plastic and carbon laminates to soft foam, depending on a patient's needs and physical characteristics. These orthotics can be accommodated in a wide range of shoes, including children's shoes, athletic footwear, soccer cleats, skates, ski boots, formal dress shoes, and protective footwear. If you have foot problems and wonder if orthotics might help you, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist to have your situation assessed and the best treatment determined.

Our feet carry us through every part of life, absorbing the impact of thousands of steps each day. When they are not properly supported, the effects can extend far beyond the feet themselves. Custom orthotics provide the foundation the body needs by aligning, cushioning, and stabilizing each foot in its most natural position. They are carefully crafted to match the unique structure of each individual’s feet, allowing them to move efficiently and comfortably while reducing stress on the muscles, joints, and ligaments.

Proper foot support is essential for maintaining balance and preventing fatigue. Without it, the body compensates by shifting weight unevenly, which can lead to discomfort in the ankles, knees, hips, or lower back. Custom orthotics help restore this balance by redistributing pressure and promoting a more natural walking pattern. They not only ease existing pain but also protect against future strain or injury by supporting the arches and controlling excessive motion.

Unlike store-bought insoles, custom orthotics are created through detailed assessment and advanced technology to provide precise correction and comfort. They fit seamlessly into most shoes, making them ideal for daily wear, work, or sports.

If your feet feel tired, sore, or unsupported, it is recommended that you contact our office for more information, or to make an appointment.

If you have any questions please contact our offices located in Covina and Alta Loma, CA . 

Falls in older adults can have serious physical and emotional consequences. Many people endure foot injuries, which may cause a loss of independence. Beyond these injuries, there may be a fear of falling again or forced relocation from the home, which can cause stress for both the individual and their family. Prevention is essential, and includes exercising regularly to maintain strength and balance, reviewing medications with a doctor, scheduling routine eye exams, and removing clutter or tripping hazards from the home. A podiatrist can assess foot health, recommend supportive footwear, prescribe custom orthotics, and address balance issues that increase fall risk. If you have hurt your foot or ankle from falling, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can treat these types of injuries and guide you on additional fall prevention tips.

Preventing falls among the elderly is very important. If you are older and have fallen or fear that you are prone to falling, consult with one of our podiatrists from Bruening Foot & Ankle. Our doctors will assess your condition and provide you with quality advice and care.

Every 11 seconds, an elderly American is being treated in an emergency room for a fall related injury. Falls are the leading cause of head and hip injuries for those 65 and older. Due to decreases in strength, balance, senses, and lack of awareness, elderly persons are very susceptible to falling. Thankfully, there are a number of things older persons can do to prevent falls.

How to Prevent Falls

Some effective methods that older persons can do to prevent falls include:

• Enrolling in strength and balance exercise program to increase balance and strength
• Periodically having your sight and hearing checked
• Discuss any medications you have with a doctor to see if it increases the risk of falling
• Clearing the house of falling hazards and installing devices like grab bars and railings
• Utilizing a walker or cane
• Wearing shoes that provide good support and cushioning
• Talking to family members about falling and increasing awareness

Falling can be a traumatic and embarrassing experience for elderly persons; this can make them less willing to leave the house, and less willing to talk to someone about their fears of falling. Doing such things, however, will increase the likelihood of tripping or losing one’s balance. Knowing the causes of falling and how to prevent them is the best way to mitigate the risk of serious injury.  

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our offices located in Covina and Alta Loma, CA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Foot arthritis causes inflammation and damage to the joints of the foot, leading to pain, stiffness, and reduced mobility. Osteoarthritis results from wear and tear of the joint cartilage over time. Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune condition where the body attacks its own joints, causing swelling and deformity. Additionally, post-traumatic arthritis develops after an injury or fracture, while gout occurs when uric acid crystals accumulate in the joint, causing sudden and severe pain. A podiatrist can diagnose the specific type of arthritis, recommend treatments such as custom orthotics or medication, and provide guidance to improve mobility. If you have symptoms of arthritis in your feet, it is suggested that you are under the care of a podiatrist.

Arthritis can be a difficult condition to live with. If you are seeking treatment, contact one of our podiatrists from Bruening Foot & Ankle. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Arthritic Foot Care  

Arthritis is a joint disorder that involves the inflammation of different joints in your body, such as those in your feet. Arthritis is often caused by a degenerative joint disease and causes mild to severe pain in all affected areas. In addition to this, swelling and stiffness in the affected joints can also be a common symptom of arthritis.

In many cases, wearing ill-fitting shoes can worsen the effects and pain of arthritis. Wearing shoes that have a lower heel and extra room can help your feet feel more comfortable. In cases of rheumatoid arthritis, the arch in your foot may become problematic. Buying shoes with proper arch support that contour to your feet can help immensely.

Alleviating Arthritic Pain

• Exercises that stretch the foot can prevent further pain and injury and increase mobility
• Most of the pain can be alleviated with anti-inflammatory drugs, heat, and topical medications
• Massages can help temporarily alleviate pain.

It is best to see your doctor for the treatment that is right for your needs and symptoms. Conditions vary, and a podiatrist can help you determine the right method of care for your feet.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our offices located in Covina and Alta Loma, CA . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.