Weill Marchesani Syndrome is a rare genetic condition best known for its impact on the eyes, joints, and overall body structure, yet it can also influence foot mechanics in ways that affect mobility and daily comfort. Individuals with this condition often have short, broad hands and feet, along with stiff joints that limit flexibility. When the joints of the feet are less mobile, walking can place extra strain on the arches, heels, and forefoot. Some people develop a flat foot structure or experience difficulty with balance because the feet cannot adapt easily to different surfaces. Tightness in the tendons may contribute to discomfort during activity, while reduced joint motion can lead to early fatigue or altered gait patterns. A podiatrist can help by evaluating foot alignment, identifying pressure points, and recommending supportive footwear or custom orthotics to improve comfort and stability. If you have this rare disease, it is suggested that you get regular foot monitoring by a podiatrist to prevent secondary issues such as calluses, tendon strain, or joint pain.

Some foot conditions may require additional professional care. If you have any concerns, contact Steven Ginex, DPM of Palm Desert 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 office located in Palm Desert, CA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Red spots on the feet can be concerning and may have several causes, including athlete's foot or blisters. Athlete's foot often appears as red, flaky, or scaly patches, sometimes with cracking skin, and is caused by a fungal infection that thrives in warm, moist environments. It may feel itchy, burning, or irritated. Blisters, on the other hand, are usually caused by friction from footwear or repetitive movement and may look like raised, fluid filled spots that feel tender, sore, or painful when walking. A podiatrist can help from the start by examining the skin, discussing symptoms, and determining whether the cause is fungal, mechanical, or related to another condition. Treatment may include antifungal medications, protective padding, blister care, or custom orthotics to reduce pressure. Early diagnosis helps prevent worsening symptoms and promotes faster healing and comfort. If you have suspicious red spots on your feet, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for an accurate diagnose and effective treatment solutions.

Athlete’s Foot

Athlete’s foot is often an uncomfortable condition to experience. Thankfully, podiatrists specialize in treating athlete’s foot and offer the best treatment options. If you have any questions about athlete’s foot, consult with Steven Ginex, DPM from Palm Desert Podiatry. Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality treatment.

What Is Athlete’s Foot?

Tinea pedis, more commonly known as athlete’s foot, is a non-serious and common fungal infection of the foot. Athlete’s foot is contagious and can be contracted by touching someone who has it or infected surfaces. The most common places contaminated by it are public showers, locker rooms, and swimming pools. Once contracted, it grows on feet that are left inside moist, dark, and warm shoes and socks.

Prevention

The most effective ways to prevent athlete’s foot include:

• Thoroughly washing and drying feet
• Avoid going barefoot in locker rooms and public showers
• Using shower shoes in public showers
• Wearing socks that allow the feet to breathe
• Changing socks and shoes frequently if you sweat a lot

Symptoms

Athlete’s foot initially occurs as a rash between the toes. However, if left undiagnosed, it can spread to the sides and bottom of the feet, toenails, and if touched by hand, the hands themselves. Symptoms include:

• Redness
• Burning
• Itching
• Scaly and peeling skin

Diagnosis and Treatment

Diagnosis is quick and easy. Skin samples will be taken and either viewed under a microscope or sent to a lab for testing. Sometimes, a podiatrist can diagnose it based on simply looking at it. Once confirmed, treatment options include oral and topical antifungal medications.

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

Foot pain in seniors can signal problems in the feet, toes, or ankles that should not be ignored. Years of walking, weight gain, and wearing shoes with inadequate support often strain the joints and soft tissues. This can lead to sharp pain rather than simple soreness. Stress fractures, persistent heel pain from an inflamed band of tissue beneath the foot, and arthritis can make every step difficult. Nerve damage linked to diabetes can cause tingling, burning, or numbness in the feet. Flare-ups of swelling in the big toe joint can indicate gout. Sudden foot or ankle pain with swelling also can point to a blood clot. A podiatrist can evaluate your feet, order imaging to determine the cause, and prescribe supportive devices, as needed. This foot doctor also can recommend the best course of treatment, from custom inserts to surgery, when required. If you are a senior experiencing foot pain, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for a diagnosis and appropriate treatment.

If you need your feet checked, contact Steven Ginex, DPM of Palm Desert Podiatry. Our doctor will attend to all of your foot and ankle needs and provide you with quality treatment.

Geriatrics and Podiatry
When people age, some common issues that may occur are bone density loss, dry skin, poor circulation, and rough brittle nails. These issues may also affect your foot health if the necessary steps are not taken to alleviate the problems.

It is important to take care of your feet because feet that are injured or diseased can affect your overall health. Having painful feet hinders your ability to do daily activities or may decrease your willingness to do the things that you need to do.

Visiting Your Geriatrician
As we age, health problems become more likely, so it is essential to visit your doctor for check-ups to ensure that you are doing the best you can to take care of your health. It is recommended to check your feet frequently for any possible cuts, bruises, swelling, corns or any other irregularities. 

Taking Care of Elderly Feet
Cracked or dry feet can be treated by applying moisturizer often. It is also important not to wear old socks because the older the sock is, the higher the possibility there will be that there is bacteria there. Wear fresh socks and make sure they fit properly.

Proper foot health means that you can have a more active lifestyle and you will not be bogged down by pain. Foot health also leads to good circulation, which is paramount for overall health.

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

Overlapping toes develop when one toe lies over or under a neighboring one. This may be due to inherited foot shape, crowding from shoes that are too tight, or changes in how the foot moves when walking. A longer second toe, flat feet, high arches, or a bunion can shift pressure across the forefoot and encourage a toe to move out of line. Arthritis can stiffen the joints in the toes and alter their position over time. In some newborns, an overlapping pinky toe develops from inherited traits or from limited space in the womb. Foot injuries that affect the small joints can also contribute to this condition as the toe loses stability. A podiatrist can assess toe flexibility, alignment, and the overall structure of the foot to recommend the best care. If you or your child has a problematic overlapping toe, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist for a diagnosis and treatment.

Toe pain can disrupt your daily activities. If you have any concerns, contact Steven Ginex, DPM of Palm Desert Podiatry. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

What Causes Toe Pain?

Most severe toe pain is caused due to a sports injury, trauma from dropping something heavy on the toe, or bumping into something rigid. Other problems can develop over time for various reasons.

Toe pain can be caused by one or more ailments. The most common include:

• Trauma
• Sports injury
• Wearing shoes that are too tight
• Arthritis
• Gout
• Corns and calluses
• Hammertoe
• Bunions
• Blisters
• Ingrown toenails
• Sprains
• Fractures (broken bones)
• Dislocations

When to See a Podiatrist

• Severe pain
• Persistent pain that lasts more than a week
• Signs of infection
• Continued swelling
• Pain that prevents walking

Diagnosis

In many cases the cause of toe pain is obvious, but in others, a podiatrist may want to use more advanced methods to determine the problem. These 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

Treatments for toe pain and injuries vary and may include shoe inserts, padding, taping, medicines, injections, and in some cases, surgery. If you believe that you have broken a toe, please see a podiatrist as soon as possible.

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