A bunion is more than just a bump on the side of your foot. It is a misalignment of the big toe joint that causes the bone to shift outward. This can lead to pain, swelling, and difficulty in finding comfortable shoes. Over time, as the big toe leans further toward the lesser toes, bunions can worsen, and additional foot problems like hammertoes or calluses can arise. Conservative treatments can help manage symptoms. Wearing supportive shoes with a wide toe box, using orthotics, and employing techniques to reduce inflammation are common strategies. For persistent pain or significant deformity, minimally invasive bunion surgery may be recommended to correct the alignment and relieve discomfort. Ignoring a bunion will not make it go away, and early intervention can prevent the condition from getting worse. If you have a painful bunion, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist to discuss the best treatment options for it, as well as overall foot health.
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 Manchesterand Bedford, NH. We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.
Foot corns are thick, hardened areas of skin that develop from pressure or friction, often caused by wearing tight shoes or abnormal foot structure. They commonly form on the tops and sides of toes or the soles of the feet. While they are not usually serious, corns can become painful if not treated. Treatment starts by reducing the pressure that caused the corn. Wearing properly fitting shoes with a wide toe box can help and prevent corns. Using protective pads or custom orthotics may relieve pressure and prevent corns from coming back. It is important not to trim or cut corns by yourself, especially if you have diabetes. If you have a painful foot corn, it is suggested that you see a podiatrist who can safely remove corns, and address any underlying issues causing them.
Corns: What Are They? and How Do You Get Rid of Them? Corns can be described as areas of the skin that have thickened to the point of becoming painful or irritating. They are often layers and layers of the skin that have become dry and rough, and are normally smaller than calluses.
Ways to Prevent Corns There are many ways to get rid of painful corns such as wearing:
Well-fitting socks
Comfortable shoes that are not tight around your foot
Shoes that offer support
Treating Corns Treatment of corns involves removing the dead skin that has built up in the specific area of the foot. Consult with Our doctors to determine the best treatment option for your case of corns.
If you have any questions please feel free to contact our offices located in Manchesterand Bedford, NH. We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.
Suffering from this type of pain? You may have the foot condition known as Morton's neuroma. Morton's neuroma may develop as a result of ill-fitting footwear and existing foot deformities. We can help.
Gait disorders in the elderly significantly affect the feet, leading to discomfort, instability, and a higher risk of falls. These conditions often result from musculoskeletal issues, neurological disorders, or chronic diseases, such as arthritis and diabetes. Weakness in the foot muscles, joint stiffness, and loss of sensation contribute to unsteady movement, increasing the likelihood of injuries. Pain and deformities like bunions or hammertoes further disrupt balance, making walking difficult. Reduced mobility leads to a loss of freedom and independence, affecting mental well-being and overall quality of life. Fear of falling may cause seniors to limit their activities, resulting in muscle weakness and further instability. If you are elderly or caring for an elderly individual and notice a change in the feet or walking patterns, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can offer corrective treatment and proper foot health guidance.
Proper foot care is something many older adults forget to consider. If you have any concerns about your feet and ankles, contact one of our podiatrists from Granite State Podiatry Associates. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.
The Elderly and Their Feet
As we age we start to notice many changes in our body, but the elder population may not notice them right away. Medical conditions may prevent the elderly to take notice of their foot health right away. Poor vision is a lead contributor to not taking action for the elderly.
Common Conditions
Neuropathy – can reduce feeling in the feet and can hide many life-threatening medical conditions.
Reduced flexibility – prevents the ability of proper toenail trimming, and foot cleaning. If left untreated, it may lead to further medical issues.
Foot sores – amongst the older population can be serious before they are discovered. Some of the problematic conditions they may face are:
Gouging toenails affecting nearby toe
Shoes that don’t fit properly
Pressure sores
Loss of circulation in legs & feet
Edema & swelling of feet and ankles
Susceptible Infections
Diabetes and poor circulation can cause general loss of sensitivity over the years, turning a simple cut into a serious issue.
If you have any questions please feel free to contact our offices located in Manchesterand Bedford, NH. We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.
