Bunions are bony bumps that form at the base of the big toe, causing the toe to deviate towards the others. A tailor's bunion, or bunionette, occurs on the outside of the foot at the base of the little toe. Bunions develop due to prolonged pressure on the foot joints, often from wearing tight or ill-fitting shoes, genetics, or conditions like arthritis. They appear as swollen, painful bumps that can cause significant discomfort, redness, and calluses. Walking and wearing shoes can exacerbate the pain. Individuals with a family history of bunions, those with foot deformities, or people who frequently wear high heels or narrow shoes are more susceptible. Prevention involves wearing properly fitting, supportive shoes with a wide toe box and avoiding high heels. Severe cases might require custom orthotics or surgery. If you suffer from bunion pain, it is suggested that you consider regular appointments with a chiropodist for effective management and long-term relief.

Bunions progressively worsen over time and may cause walking in your shoes to become difficult. To learn more about bunions, please consult with one of the chiropodists from The Footcare Centre. Our chiropodists will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment. 

What Are Bunions? 

A bunion is a bony bump that protrudes from the base of the big toe. Bunions are caused due to a misalignment of the first metatarsal. The characteristic bump of a bunion forms when the metatarsal shifts outwards from its proper position. Bunions develop slowly over time and progressively worsen without treatment. The skin over the bunion may develop calluses due to the friction from shoes. Eventually, a bunion can make walking uncomfortable or even painful. Bunions are one of the most common foot deformities and are especially common in women and older adults.

Symptoms

A bunion appears as a bulging bump on the outside of the base of the big toe.

The bunion may also: 

• Be swollen, red, or sore
• Develop corns or calluses over it
• Cause pain
• Limit the big toe’s range of motion

Treatment

There are several different treatments available for bunions. Conservative treatment options include wearing shoes with a wider toe box, cushioning the bunion with a specialized pad, wearing shoe inserts, icing the bunion if it becomes inflamed, and taking medications to relieve pain. In more severe cases, more invasive procedures may be done. This may involve removing the swollen tissue around the bunion, straightening the big toe, realigning the bones at the front of the foot, or a combination of these procedures. 

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

Swollen feet may result in foot pain, and can happen from various factors, each impacting overall health. High salt intake often leads to fluid retention, causing swelling in the feet. Being overweight puts extra pressure on the feet, leading to discomfort and swelling. Certain medications, such as those for high blood pressure or diabetes, can also cause fluid retention and swelling as a side effect. Additionally, Insect bites may trigger localized swelling due to an allergic reaction or inflammation. More serious underlying conditions, such as heart or kidney problems, can lead to poor circulation and fluid buildup in the lower extremities. Identifying the root cause of swollen feet is essential for effective treatment, which may include lifestyle changes, medication adjustments, or medical intervention. If your feet have become swollen, it is suggested that you visit a chiropodist who can offer you effective relief and treatment options.

Foot pain can have many causes. To receive an accurate diagnosis and treatment for your foot pain, please consult with one of the chiropodists from The Footcare Centre. Our chiropodists will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment. 

Causes

There are a variety of different conditions that can cause foot pain, including: 

• Plantar fasciitis
• Deformities, such as bunions or hammertoes
• Injuries to the muscles, bones, tendons, or ligaments in the feet
• Arthritis
• Flat feet
• Ingrown toenails

Symptoms

The type and location of your foot pain can help determine what may be causing it and what type of treatment options are best for you. 

Common types of foot pain include: 

• Heel pain
• Arch pain
• Toe pain
• Ball of foot pain
• Pain that has a stabbing, burning, or tingling quality
• Pain that is constant, intermittent, or that gets better or worse depending on the situation 

Diagnosis

A thorough medical history and physical examination of your feet will be required to determine a diagnosis. Imaging studies, such as X-rays or MRIs may be performed to rule out or confirm certain diagnoses. 

Treatment

Treatment will depend on the cause of the pain. Common treatments for foot pain include resting, icing, compressing, and elevating the affected foot, wearing orthotics, or taking anti-inflammatory medications. 

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

As we age, our feet undergo various changes that can lead to common foot problems among elderly individuals. One prevalent issue is bunions, where the big toe joint becomes swollen and painful due to the misalignment of the bones. Another common concern is hammertoes, characterized by the abnormal bending of the toes, often causing discomfort and difficulty in wearing shoes. Additionally, elderly individuals frequently experience foot pain from conditions such as arthritis, which can cause inflammation and stiffness in the joints. Furthermore, decreased circulation and nerve damage can lead to peripheral neuropathy, resulting in numbness, tingling, and a heightened risk of foot injuries. To alleviate these issues, it is essential for seniors to wear comfortable and supportive footwear, maintain proper foot hygiene, and seek regular care from a chiropodist to address any emerging problems promptly. If you are elderly and are experiencing any type of foot pain, it is suggested that you are under the care of this type of doctor who can help you find relief.

Foot problems can become increasingly common as we age, making everyday foot care especially important. To learn more about maintaining proper foot health, please consult with one of the chiropodists from The Footcare Centre. Our chiropodists will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment. 

Common Foot Problems

Certain foot problems may be more likely to affect older adults. 

Some examples of foot conditions that can be common in older adults include: 

• Dry, cracked skin
• Calluses and corns
• Blisters
• Ingrown toenails
• Deformities such as bunions or hammertoes
• Fungal infections
• Plantar warts

Systemic conditions, such as diabetes or arthritis, are also more likely to affect older people and manifest symptoms in the feet and ankles. 

Daily Foot Care Tips

Having a daily foot care routine can help detect problems early on and prevent future issues. 

Things that you can do at home to care for your feet include: 

• Washing the feet daily with warm water, drying them thoroughly, and then applying a moisturizer
• Trimming the toenails straight across and not too short to prevent ingrown toenails
• Performing daily foot exercises to improve foot strength and mobility
• Wearing shoes when walking to avoid injury
• Inspecting the feet daily for any cuts, scrapes, sores, or other abnormalities and seeking prompt treatment if any problems are discovered 

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