A bunion is a noticeable foot condition. It is a hard lump that develops on the base of the big toe, and if not promptly treated, it may cause the other toes to shift toward each other. It is a common condition that can happen from wearing shoes that do not have ample room for the toes to move freely. As the bunion becomes larger, corns may form on the side of the bunion as it touches the shoe. Genetic factors may contribute to a bunion, and surgery may be an option for permanent removal. A bunion can be uncomfortable and may cause arthritis to develop. Additionally, as it grows, it may become swollen and red, likely causing the need to purchase larger shoes. Relief may be found when the correct shoe size is worn, and a protective pad is put over the bunion to reduce friction from shoes. Bunions are treated by a podiatrist, and it is strongly urged that you contact this type of doctor to determine what the best treatment is for you.
If you are suffering from bunion pain, contact Dr. Jeffrey Bruening of Bruening Foot & Ankle. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.
What Is a Bunion?
Bunions are painful bony bumps that usually develop on the inside of the foot at the joint of the big toe. As the deformity increases over time, it may become painful to walk and wear shoes. Women are more likely to exacerbate existing bunions since they often wear tight, narrow shoes that shift their toes together. Bunion pain can be relieved by wearing wider shoes with enough room for the toes.
Causes
Genetics – some people inherit feet that are more prone to bunion development
Inflammatory Conditions - rheumatoid arthritis and polio may cause bunion development
Symptoms
Redness and inflammation
Pain and tenderness
Callus or corns on the bump
Restricted motion in the big toe
In order to diagnose your bunion, your podiatrist may ask about your medical history, symptoms, and general health. Your doctor might also order an x-ray to take a closer look at your feet. Nonsurgical treatment options include orthotics, padding, icing, changes in footwear, and medication. If nonsurgical treatments don’t alleviate your bunion pain, surgery may be necessary.
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.
Many individuals who are novices in podiatry might already be familiar with what it means to file the nails. Typically, individuals use nail files on their fingernails to file down the tips of the nail and form the shape. Many people may be surprised to know that nail files can also be used on the toenails. Nail files are also known as emery boards. When using the emery board on the toenails, it is important to remember to keep the board perpendicular to the toenail. Additionally, the emery board should not be moved back and forth over the nail. Typically, moving the emery board in one direction during the filing process is best. Also, it is not a good practice to file the toenails at an angle, as this can make the nails have an uneven, rounded shape. Additionally, it can put an individual at an increased risk of developing an ingrown toenail. If you have any questions about filing the toenails and everyday foot care tips, contact a podiatrist today.
Everyday foot care is very important to prevent infection and other foot ailments. If you need your feet checked, contact Dr. Jeffrey Bruening from Bruening Foot & Ankle. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.
Everyday Foot Care
Often, people take care of their bodies, face and hair more so than they do for their feet. But the feet are a very important aspect of our bodies, and one that we should pay more attention to. Without our feet, we would not be able to perform most daily tasks.
It is best to check your feet regularly to make sure there are no new bruises or cuts that you may not have noticed before. For dry feet, moisturizer can easily be a remedy and can be applied as often as necessary to the affected areas. Wearing shoes that fit well can also help you maintain good foot health, as well as making it easier to walk and do daily activities without the stress or pain of ill-fitting shoes, high heels, or even flip flops. Wearing clean socks with closed shoes is important to ensure that sweat and bacteria do not accumulate within the shoe. Clean socks help to prevent Athlete’s foot, fungi problems, bad odors, and can absorb sweat.
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 and ankle needs.
Custom orthotics, or shoe inserts, should be periodically replaced. Orthotics must fit properly to give you the best results. Protect your feet and ankles!
Cold feet are typical in cold climates, and weather is impossible to control. However, when cold feet result from something going on internally, we can learn more about why this might happen and take preventative measures to alleviate the discomfort. Common internal causes of cold feet include poor circulation, nerve sensation problems, and anemia to name a few. Poor circulation can come from conditions, such as atherosclerosis, that impede or block blood flow to the feet. The feet may turn blue, indicating a lack of oxygen in the area. Nerve damage or neuropathy is another common reason for cold feet. This is when the nerves in the feet malfunction and tell the brain that it is cold when it is not. One can feel a pins and needles sensation and pain or weakness in the feet, which can cause mobility issues. Anemia is when there is a shortage of red blood cells in the body, perhaps from an iron deficiency, and this can interfere with healthy circulation and make feet feel cold. If you suffer from cold feet for any length of time, see a podiatrist who can help you determine the cause.
Foot Pain
Foot pain can be extremely painful and debilitating. If you have a foot pain, consult with Dr. Jeffrey Bruening from Bruening Foot & Ankle. Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.
Causes
Foot pain is a very broad condition that could be caused by one or more ailments. The most common include:
Bunions
Hammertoes
Plantar Fasciitis
Bone Spurs
Corns
Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome
Ingrown Toenails
Arthritis (such as Gout, Rheumatoid, and Osteoarthritis)
To figure out the cause of foot pain, podiatrists utilize several different methods. This 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
Treatment depends upon the cause of the foot pain. Whether it is resting, staying off the foot, or having surgery; podiatrists have a number of treatment options available for foot pain.
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.
