A bunion is a bony bump that forms at the base of the big toe, often leading to pain, swelling, redness, and difficulty wearing shoes. It may feel sore, stiff, or inflamed, especially after long periods of walking or standing. Bunions develop over time due to pressure on the joint, often from inherited foot structure, improper footwear, or repetitive stress. A podiatrist can diagnose a bunion through a physical exam and imaging, such as X-rays, to assess its severity. Treatment options include custom orthotics, changes in footwear, anti-inflammatory medications, or surgical correction for severe cases. Early intervention can help slow progression and relieve discomfort. If you notice a bump on the side of your big toe or are experiencing foot pain and changes in toe alignment, a podiatrist can help. It is suggested that you schedule an appointment for a full evaluation and personalized care plan.
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 office located in Contact Us. We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.
Plantar warts are small growths that develop on parts of the feet that bear weight. They're typically found on the bottom of the foot. Don't live with plantar warts, and call us today!
Athlete’s foot is a common fungal infection that affects the skin of the feet, often beginning between the toes. It is caused by fungi that thrive in warm, moist environments. Symptoms include a flaky rash between the toes, scaly peeling skin, itchy blisters, and sensations of stinging or burning. Risk factors include wearing closed shoes for long periods, sweating heavily from the feet, not changing socks or drying feet properly, and living in warm climates. A podiatrist can diagnose the condition, recommend antifungal treatments, and provide guidance to prevent recurrence. If you have symptoms of athletes’ foot, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can offer effective treatment solutions, which may include prescribed medication.
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 one of our podiatrists from Kokomo Foot & Ankle Center. Our doctors 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 Contact Us. We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.
Surgery for Morton’s neuroma is performed to remove thickened nerve tissue in the ball of the foot when conservative treatments no longer provide relief. This condition causes burning pain, tingling, or the feeling of a pebble under the foot, often due to nerve compression from footwear or repetitive stress. Surgery for Morton's neuroma is recommended when symptoms interfere with daily activities, despite other treatments. Recovery time varies but generally takes several weeks, with gradual return to normal footwear and activity. A podiatrist can determine if surgery is the best option, guide you through the process, and provide post-operative care. If foot pain persists, it is strongly suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can discuss the benefits of this type of foot surgery with you.
Foot surgery is sometimes necessary to treat a foot ailment. To learn more, contact one of our podiatrists of Kokomo Foot & Ankle Center. Our doctors will assist you with all of your foot and ankle needs.
When Is Surgery Necessary?
Foot and ankle surgery is generally reserved for cases in which less invasive, conservative procedures have failed to alleviate the problem. Some of the cases in which surgery may be necessary include:
Removing foot deformities like bunions and bone spurs
Severe arthritis that has caused bone issues
Cosmetic reconstruction
What Types of Surgery Are There?
The type of surgery you receive will depend on the nature of the problem you have. Some of the possible surgeries include:
Bunionectomy for painful bunions
Surgical fusion for realignment of bones
Neuropathy decompression surgery to treat nerve damage
Benefits of Surgery
Although surgery is usually a last resort, it can provide more complete pain relief compared to non-surgical methods and may allow you to finally resume full activity.
Surgical techniques have also become increasingly sophisticated. Techniques like endoscopic surgery allow for smaller incisions and faster recovery times.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in Contact Us. We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.
