Items filtered by date: February 2024

Bunions, a foot deformity that impacts mobility and causes discomfort, afflicts millions of people across the globe. These bony protrusions form at the base of the big toe, gradually pushing it outward while forcing the tip to move toward the other toes. Despite common misconceptions, bunions are not solely caused by wearing ill-fitting shoes. Rather, they often stem from inherited structural issues, such as foot mechanics or arthritis. Bunions tend to worsen over time, leading to swelling, redness, and pain, especially when wearing tight or narrow footwear. Bunions can hinder daily activities and contribute to other foot ailments, like corns and calluses. While conservative measures, such as wearing wider shoes, using toe spacers, and applying ice packs can provide temporary relief, surgical intervention may be necessary for severe cases to realign the toe joint and alleviate discomfort. If you have developed a bony protrusion at the base of your big toe, it is strongly suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can confirm a bunion diagnosis, and offer relief and treatment options.

If you are suffering from bunions, contact one of our doctors of Advanced Podiatry. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

What Is a Bunion?

A bunion is formed of swollen tissue or an enlargement of boney growth, usually located at the base joint of the toe that connects to the foot. The swelling occurs due to the bones in the big toe shifting inward, which impacts the other toes of the foot. This causes the area around the base of the big toe to become inflamed and painful.

Why Do Bunions Form?

Genetics – Susceptibility to bunions are often hereditary

Stress on the feet – Poorly fitted and uncomfortable footwear that places stress on feet, such as heels, can worsen existing bunions

How Are Bunions Diagnosed?

Doctors often perform two tests – blood tests and x-rays – when trying to diagnose bunions, especially in the early stages of development. Blood tests help determine if the foot pain is being caused by something else, such as arthritis, while x-rays provide a clear picture of your bone structure to your doctor.

How Are Bunions Treated?

• Refrain from wearing heels or similar shoes that cause discomfort
• Select wider shoes that can provide more comfort and reduce pain
• Anti-inflammatory and pain management drugs
• Orthotics or foot inserts
• Surgery

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our offices located in Needham, Norwood, and Hanover, MA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Hammertoe, a deformity characterized by curled or flexed toes, may necessitate surgical intervention when conservative treatments fail to provide relief. Surgical hammertoe options include bone resection to remove portions of toe bones, tendon procedures involving manipulation or transplantation to correct the imbalance, and joint fusion to stabilize the toe. Following surgery, pins or wires may be used temporarily to maintain alignment during healing, with patients transitioning to supportive footwear to aid recovery. Surgical considerations are driven by functional impairment and pain, with persistent symptoms such as pain, irritation, and skin complications warranting consideration for intervention. However, surgery may not be recommended if conservative measures suffice or if the risks outweigh the benefits. It is important to explore all treatment plans before deciding on whether to have surgery. For this reason, if you have a hammertoe that is impeding your daily activities, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist.

Hammertoe

Hammertoes can be a painful condition to live with. For more information, contact one of our doctors from Advanced Podiatry. Our doctors will answer any of your foot- and ankle-related questions.

Hammertoe is a foot deformity that affects the joints of the second, third, fourth, or fifth toes of your feet. It is a painful foot condition in which these toes curl and arch up, which can often lead to pain when wearing footwear.

Symptoms

• Pain in the affected toes
• Development of corns or calluses due to friction
• Inflammation
• Redness
• Contracture of the toes

Causes

Genetics – People who are genetically predisposed to hammertoe are often more susceptible

Arthritis – Because arthritis affects the joints in your toes, further deformities stemming from arthritis can occur

Trauma – Direct trauma to the toes could potentially lead to hammertoe

Ill-fitting shoes – Undue pressure on the front of the toes from ill-fitting shoes can potentially lead to the development of hammertoe

Treatment

Orthotics – Custom made inserts can be used to help relieve pressure placed on the toes and therefore relieve some of the pain associated with it

Medications – Oral medications such as anti-inflammatories or NSAIDs could be used to treat the pain and inflammation hammertoes causes. Injections of corticosteroids are also sometimes used

Surgery – In more severe cases where the hammertoes have become more rigid, foot surgery is a potential option

If you have any questions please contact our offices located in Needham, Norwood, and Hanover, MA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.