October 2024

Bunions are painful bony bumps that develop at the base of the big toe, often causing discomfort and affecting daily activities. Common symptoms include swelling, redness, and a noticeable protrusion on the side of the foot. You may also experience stiffness in the big toe, making it difficult to wear certain shoes or walk comfortably. Treatment for bunions often begins with wearing properly fitting shoes with a wide toe box that can help reduce pressure on the bunion. Padding or custom orthotic inserts can provide additional support and alleviate pain. If conservative treatment fails, surgery may be considered to realign the toe and remove the bunion. It is important to address bunions early to prevent worsening symptoms. If you are experiencing bunion pain, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist. This type of doctor can evaluate your condition and recommend a tailored treatment plan to restore your comfort and mobility.

If you are suffering from bunion pain, contact one of our podiatrists of Associates in Podiatry. Our doctors 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 Pittsburgh-South Hills, and Pittsburgh-Bellevue, PA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Foot drop is a medical condition characterized by difficulty lifting the front part of the foot, which can lead to various challenges in mobility. Individuals with foot drop may experience symptoms such as tripping frequently, a noticeable limp, and numbness in the affected foot. These symptoms can make walking cumbersome and may cause individuals to drag their toes or catch them on the ground, increasing the risk of falls. Additionally, those with foot drop may struggle to keep their shoes on securely, leading to discomfort and further mobility issues. This condition can result from various underlying causes, including nerve injuries, muscle disorders, or neurological conditions. Recognizing the symptoms of foot drop is essential, as early intervention can improve mobility and quality of life. If you notice symptoms of foot drop, it is strongly suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can help you to manage this condition.

Foot Pain

Foot pain can be extremely painful and debilitating. If you have a foot pain, consult with one of our podiatrists from Associates in Podiatry. Our doctors 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)
• Flat Feet
• Injury (from stress fractures, broken toe, foot, ankle, Achilles tendon ruptures, and sprains)
• And more

Diagnosis

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 Pittsburgh-South Hills, and Pittsburgh-Bellevue, PA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

A bruised heel, also known as a heel contusion, occurs when the heel experiences trauma or impact, leading to damage of the soft tissues and blood vessels. This condition often results from activities that involve jumping, running, or walking on hard surfaces. Symptoms typically include localized pain, swelling, and tenderness on the heel. The area may also appear discolored due to internal bleeding. The pain is usually sharp and may worsen with pressure or movement. Relief for a bruised heel involves rest to avoid aggravating the injury, and performing gentle stretching exercises to promote healing. Pain relief medication can help manage discomfort. If symptoms persist or worsen, it is suggested you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for a thorough evaluation, and to rule out more serious injuries.

Many people suffer from bouts of heel pain. For more information, contact one of our podiatrists of Associates in Podiatry. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Causes of Heel Pain

Heel pain is often associated with plantar fasciitis. The plantar fascia is a band of tissues that extends along the bottom of the foot. A rip or tear in this ligament can cause inflammation of the tissue.

Achilles tendonitis is another cause of heel pain. Inflammation of the Achilles tendon will cause pain from fractures and muscle tearing. Lack of flexibility is also another symptom.

Heel spurs are another cause of pain. When the tissues of the plantar fascia undergo a great deal of stress, it can lead to ligament separation from the heel bone, causing heel spurs.

Why Might Heel Pain Occur?

• Wearing ill-fitting shoes                  
• Wearing non-supportive shoes
• Weight change           
• Excessive running

Treatments

Heel pain should be treated as soon as possible for immediate results. Keeping your feet in a stress-free environment will help. If you suffer from Achilles tendonitis or plantar fasciitis, applying ice will reduce the swelling. Stretching before an exercise like running will help the muscles. Using all these tips will help make heel pain a condition of the past.

If you have any questions please contact our offices located in Pittsburgh-South Hills, and Pittsburgh-Bellevue, PA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.