Bunions | Foot Problems | Podiatrist | Dr. Gordon Shumate Bunions Arthritis in the Foot A bunion is a deformity characterized by lateral deviation of the great toe (or the big toe), often erroneously described as an enlargement of bone or tissue around the joint at the head of the big toe. As the great toe turns in toward the second toe, the tissues surrounding the joint may become swollen and tender. The term is used to refer to the pathological bump on the side of the great toe joint. The bump is partly due to the swollen bursal sac and/or the bony joint (where the first metatarsal bone and hallux meet). The larger part of the bump is a normal part of the head of first metatarsal bone that has tilted sideways to stick out at its top. Signs & Symptoms The symptoms of bunions include irritated skin around the bunion, pain when walking, joint redness and pain, and possible shift of the big toe toward the other toes. Blisters may form more easily around the site of the bunion as well.

Having bunions can also make it harder to find shoes that fit properly; bunions may force a person to have to buy a larger size shoe to accommodate the width the bunion creates. When bunion deformity becomes severe enough, the foot can hurt in different places even without the constriction of shoes because it then becomes a mechanical function problem of the forefoot. Treatment Bunions may be treated conservatively with changes in shoe gear, different orthotics (accommodative padding and shielding), rest, ice, and medications. These sorts of treatments address symptoms more than they correct the actual deformity. Surgery, by an orthopedic surgeon or a podiatrist, may be necessary if discomfort is severe enough or when correction of the deformity is desired. Prevention Avoid wearing high heel shoes, which can be a cause of bunions. In fact, any shoes without support can cause the foot to roll inward. Avoid wearing shoes that cramp your feet. Discuss with Dr. Shumate It is important to discuss your mobility and foot care problems with Dr. Shumate. He can advise which service or professional support is most appropriate to your needs. Dr.

Shumate, after assessing your foot function, may recommend orthoses or insoles to help relieve foot pain and discomfort. Foot Problems Treatment - Bunions - Mayo Clinic Treatment options vary depending on the severity of your bunion and the amount of pain it causes. Conservative treatment Nonsurgical treatments that may relieve the pain and pressure of a bunion include: Changing shoes. Wear roomy, comfortable shoes that provide plenty of space for your toes. Padding and taping or splinting. Use over-the-counter, nonmedicated bunion pads. Also, your doctor can help you tape your foot in a normal position. This can reduce stress on the bunion and alleviate your pain. Medications. Acetaminophen (Tylenol, others), ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin IB, others) or naproxen sodium (Aleve) can help you control the pain of a bunion. Cortisone injections also might help. Shoe inserts. Padded shoe inserts can help distribute pressure evenly when you move your feet, reducing your symptoms and preventing your bunion from getting worse. Over-the-counter arch supports can provide relief for some people; others require prescription orthotic devices. Applying ice.

Icing your bunion after you've been on your feet too long or if it becomes inflamed can help relieve soreness and inflammation. Surgical options If conservative treatment doesn't provide relief from your symptoms, you might need surgery. However, surgery isn't recommended unless a bunion causes you frequent pain or interferes with your daily activities. There are numerous surgical procedures for bunions, and no one technique is best for every problem. Surgical procedures for bunions might involve: Removing the swollen tissue from around your big toe joint Straightening your big toe by removing part of the bone Realigning the long bone between the back part of your foot and your big toe, to straighten out the abnormal angle in your big toe joint Joining the bones of your affected joint permanently It's possible that you'll be able to walk on your foot immediately after a bunion procedure. However, full recovery can take weeks to months. To prevent a recurrence, you'll need to wear proper shoes after recovery. For most people, it's unrealistic to expect to wear narrower shoes after surgery. Talk to your doctor about what you can expect after bunion surgery.

How to Treat Bunions without Surgery Home » Health & Fitness » Diseases » How to Treat Bunions without Surgery How to Treat Bunions without Surgery A Bunion is a foot-disease caused by an abnormal outgrowth of the big toe of your feet in a tilted angle, instead of growing in the straight direction. The primary cause of this deformity is the enlargement of bone or tissue around the joint of the toe. Hence, causing inflammation along with an irregular outgrowth. The common reason behind the disease is wearing uncomfortable shoes, one that are either too tight on your feet or don’t provide enough room for the muscles to relax. Shoes such as tight-tipped and high heels are among the reported major causes bunions. Surgeries are considered as the effective remedy for bunions. However, there are several others ways as well to get rid of this unnecessary outgrowth and inflammation. Others are Reading 1 Consult a Physical Therapist The best way to have your bunion treated without the use of medicine or surgery, is through physical therapy. The bunion can be restored if the patient undergoes the therapy without delaying it too much, and can get rid of the deformity for good.

2 Try Medication If your schedule is too occupied to visit a physical therapist, or for some reason you cannot get an appointment with him, then in that case go for medication. Medicines a remedy for several diseases, along with a regular foot exercise, you wouldn't feel the need for a surgery. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are recommended for the treatment of bunion, and don't forget to consult the pharmacist regarding the dose. 3 Change your shoes Sometimes all you need to do is just to change your shoes. Bunions are mostly caused due to uncomfortable footwear, and if you start feeling the symptoms then you should definitely consider switching to more comfortable footwear. 4 Use Protective Pads Doctors recommend that a person suffering from bunions should consider using protective pads while wearing his or her shoes. A protective pad helps the individual to experience more comfort, as it reduces friction while taking the pressure off the inflammation. Moreover, it's also recommended that footwear having soft soles should be preferred. 5 Watch the way you walk The human body is just like any other piece of machinery and the improper use of a particular body part may cause it to be damaged. Same is the situation in the case of bunions.

The patient tends to put excessive pressure on his or her big toe while walking, or doesn't have a correct posture when doing so. Due to that the individual suffers from an abnormal outgrowth. Therefore, in order to avoid such kind of mishap, one should consider correcting the way they walk. Like they, say, prevention is the best medicine. Foot Disorders treated at San Carlos Podiatry - Bunions, Athlete's Foot, and More! Orthotics Achilles Tendonitis This is an inflammation of the tissue surrounding the Achilles tendon. The pain occurs in the back of the heel or the back of the ankle and in the lower calf. The pain usually improves after a warm up period. Swelling and morning stiffness are usually experienced in severe cases. Events that can cause Achilles tendonitis may include rapid increase of speed, hill running, rigid shoes, overpronation or simply lack of flexibility in the calf muscles. Treatments usually include stop exercising, rest, ice, non steroidal anti-inflammatory, flexing and stretching the calf muscles before and during exercise and wearing custom fitted orthotics prescribed by your podiatrist. Please contact us for an appointment .

Arthritis in the Foot Arthritis is the inflammation and swelling of the cartilage and the lining of the joint, sometimes accompanied by cartilage destruction and fluid in the joint. Arthritis appears to be associated with many different illnesses despite its close link to genetics. Joint inquiries especially if not treated promptly can lead to osteoarthritis. Symptoms usually include pain and stiffness in the morning and dull, throbbing pain at night. Swelling, heat and redness can also be visible around the joint. Arthritis in feet can alter the walking pattern all together, leading to knee, hip and lower back problems, therefore it is important to see your podiatrist if you have persistent foot pain. Prompt care, such as medication, physical therapy, orthotics device, ankle brace and special shoes can help to prevent further joint destruction. Please contact us for an appointment . Ankle Sprain Ankle sprain is a sudden outward or inward motion of the foot and or ankle, stretching and or rupturing the ligaments, joint capsule and tendons, usually leaving the bone structures intact and unaffected. Depending on the severity of the sprain, one can experience an array of symptoms from mild pain to severe bruising accompanied by swelling.

Immediate R.I.C.E therapy is the best course of action. R= Rest C=Compression E=Elevation If pain and swelling do not improve with R.I.C.E or you are unable to put weight on the injured ankle and foot, contact us immediately. Athlete’s Foot Athlete’s foot is a fungal infection of the feet. It can cause pain, burning, itching, blistering, cracking and scaling of the skin. If the cracking and scaling of the skin left untreated, then a secondary bacterial infection can occur. If you see redness and swelling beyond the area of fungal infection, contact us immediately. In chronic athlete’s foot, the risk of spreading to the toenails and other parts of the body becomes greater causing toenail fungal infection. Fungus which is a ubiquitous organism has a tendency to thrive in warm, dark and moist environment such as shoes and socks. Some people are also more susceptible to athlete’s foot due to body chemistry, excessive perspiration and chronic exposure. It is very important to wear clean socks, use antiperspirant on feet, allowing shoes to dry out before wearing them , avoid walking barefoot in community showers and avoid traditional nail salons.

Fungus in athlete’s foot is also an opportunistic infection which means it has a stronger hold on people with compromised immune system such as diabetics, suffering from systemic arthritis on immunosuppressive medications. To know more about prevention of Athlete’s foot and Fungal infection of the toenail click here. If you continue to suffer from athletes foot despite all efforts, Please contact us to request an appointment . Dr. Kelly will be able to prescribe topical antifungal cream and in severe cases, oral antifungal pills. Also Dr. Kelly might suggest a Pedi Peel to jump start your treatment depending on the severity of the condition. Bunions A bunion is an enlarged bone on the side of the big toe. This is due to an outward deviation of the bone, creating an angled joint. Depending on the severity of the bunion, the big toe may be angled mildly or sharply toward the other toes, sometimes overlapping or under lapping. The protuberant joint can become irritated and inflamed in shoes. The skin over the joint becomes painful and tender. If the irritation of the joint continues, then over time, bursitis or arthritis may occur, causing more difficulty with walking.

Bunions can be caused by hereditary tendency, foot trauma, neuromuscular disorders, congenital deformity or poorly fitting shoes. It is important to prevent bunion deformity before it is too severe, since an untreated bunion can interfere with standing and walking. Although bunions do no resolve by themselves, however, there are few common methods that can reduce the pain and the pressure such as, wearing roomy and comfortable shoes with adequate support, protective cushions which can eliminate the rubbing, wearing shoe inserts prescribed by you podiatrist and in some cases surgery is needed to remove the bunion and realign the joint. Please contact us to request an appointment . Calluses A callus is a hard, thickened skin usually occurs across the ball of the foot, on the heel or on the outer side of the big toe indicative of a problem with the underlying bones. Calluses are your skin’s way of protecting you. Hard layers of dead cells are produced when skin undergoes excessive pressure or friction. The thicker the callous becomes, the more pain and burning it may cause as it increases pressure on living tissue underneath. Here are a few tips on how to treat. Never cut calluses yourself.

Wear roomy and comfortable shoes with adequate padding and cushion across the ball of the foot. You may use a pumice stone or a skin file to reduce the callus. Wear custom orthotics to help your feet function better. If you need help reducing the callus, please contact our office. Dr. Kelly can shave the callus and apply no medicated padding to reduce the pain. Also depending on the severity of the callus, you might be a candidate for a Pedi Peel . Please contact us to request an appointment . Corns A corn is similar to a callus, but it is smaller and usually occurs on the top, between or on the tip of the toes. A “soft” corn is a corn that absorbs and holds moisture. They are usually found between the toes. A “hard” corn is a corn that usually is on the tip or top of the toes and on the side of small toes. Just like a callus, a corn is also the skin’s protective way against friction and pressure. Usually, ill fitting shoes (tight or too loose) and socks are the main cause of corns. Structural deformity, such as hammertoes or bone spurs can lead to corns.

Prevention and treatment for corns include roomy shoes, non medicated toe pads, toe spacers, using a pumice stone to gently reduce the corn and in severe cases surgical treatment is reccomended. For recurrent and persistent corns please contact our office. Please contact us to request an appointment . Diabetic Foot Care Diabetes afflicts about 16 million Americans, according to the American Diabetes Association. Individuals with diabetes are prone to complications. One of the foremost complications is nervous system damage or neuropathy which causes the lose of feeling in the feet. As a result, a diabetic person might not feel cuts, scratches, blisters and breaks in the skin. These wounds can lead to unnoticed infection and if left untreated, they can lead to serious consequences, including amputation. If you have diabetes, you may not notice rough seams in socks and shoes or a pressure/friction from ill fitting shoes. This combined with poor circulation can put a diabetic patient at risk for infection.

In order to prevent foot problems, it is important to check feet daily for any cuts, cracks in the skin, open sores, changes in the color of the skin, changes in temperature, pain in legs, ingrown or fungus infected toenails, corns or calluses. If you are experiencing inflamed areas, broken skin, infected skin, ingrown toenails, red steaks, pale or blue skin, changes in feeling, swelling or tenderness, please contact us immediately for a comprehensive diabetic foot exam. Ingrown toenails Ingrown toenails are often caused by importer trimming. It can also be caused by repetitive trauma to the nail, tight shoes, and hereditary leading to the inflammation of the skin around the nail borders allowing the nail border penetrate the skin and infection can set. Most often, the attempt to remove the ingrown can lead to more infection. If your nail continues to grow inward despite proper trimming, please contact us for an appointment. Dr. Kelly might suggest Nail Restoration before any medical or surgical treatments. For prevention tips, click here. Metatarsalgia Metatarsalgia is the inflammation of the metatarsal bone in the ball of the foot.

This can occur because of foot injury, atrophy of natural padding in feet, ill fitting shoes and arthritis. Often a callus is formed under the inflamed joint which can exacerbate the pain and inflammation. It is important to address the problem to prevent future joint destruction. If you are experiencing prolonged pain and inflammation, please contact us for an appointment. You might be a candidate for a custom fitted orthotics. Neuroma A neuroma is a benign growth that occurs when the nerves in the foot are pinched and inflamed. A neuroma can cause, pain, burning, tingling or numbness between the toes and in the ball of the foot. Ill fitting shoes, abnormal bone structure, foot injuries can cause a neuroma. Women are more susceptible due to wearing high heel shoes. For a comprehensive evaluation, please contact us for an appointment. Toenail Fungus Fungal infection of the toenails is a common health condition, although many people assume it is only a cosmetic problem. If a fungal infection is ignored, it could spread and impair your ability to walk. Thickened, brittle, yellow, discolored nails often indicated a fungal infection.

There are other conditions such as trauma to the nail, degenerative changes of the nail plate or psoriasis can cause changes in the nail appearance. At the early stage of the infection, the nail might not be painful. As the infection spreads and progresses to the nail bed and the cuticles, the nail can become thick and often split. Pain may develop as the thick and deformed nails cause pressure inside shoes. The infection can be treated with drugs or with a new laser treatment to treat toe nail fungus infections. Fungal nails are usually more resistant and difficult to treat. Topical medications are usually less effective than oral medication and laser treatment . In some rare cases the nail has to be removed surgically. If your health conditions prevent you from any medical treatment, then Dr. Kelly can suggest a nail restoration system to you. If you are suffering from toenail fungus, please contact us for an appointment. At your first visit, a small section of your nail will clipped and will be examined for fungus. Once the fungus infection has been confirmed, Dr. Kelly will suggest an appropriate treatment according to your health history. It is also paramount to take care and avoid re-infection. To know more about how to prevent Toenail fungus infection, click here.

Plantar Fasciitis / Heel Pain / Heel Spur The most common cause of Plantar Fasciitis/Heel pain comes from moving your foot incorrectly while walking or running. This can place too much stress on the heel bone and the soft tissue around it, including the plantar fascia (A thick, broad ligament that runs from the heel to the ball of the foot, supporting the arch of the foot). The result is pain. In some cases, excessive stress on the arch can lead to small tears in the plantar fascia. Hereditary muscle and bone problems, heel injury or bruising, worn out shoes and excessive weight can affect the way your foot moves leading to plantar fasciitis/heel pain. Also some medical disorders such as arthritis can lead to plantar Fasciitis/heel pain. A Heel Spur is a bony growth on the underside of the heel. Chronic Plantar Fasciitis and Heel Pain often result in formation of heel spurs. In most cases, heel spurs are painless. Plantar Fasciitis and Heel Pain are usually worse with the fist few steps in the morning or after prolonged rest. The pain diminishes after a few steps of walking.

Also you can experience pain and fatigue in feet and legs after a period of walking or standing. Please contact us for an appointment . Dr. Kelly can evaluate your feet by obtaining in-office x-ray and gait analysis. Depending on the severity of your condition, Dr. Kelly might prescribe medication, physical therapy, and custom fitted orthotics. Warts/Verruca Warts are caused by a virus. Warts appear as hard, tough skin similar to a callous or a corn with black pinpoints in the center. Depending on the location of a wart on the foot, it can become painful and mimic a callous or a corn. Like all viruses, they are contagious and can be spread from one person to another and can be spread from one person to another or from one part of the body to another. Once the wart has been treated, it is important to prevent recurrence or new infection. To know more about prevention, click here. For an evaluation, please contact us for an appointment . Orthotics These are custom-made inserts that are intended to adjust an abnormal or irregular walking pattern and providing support in the arch. Orthotics can help your feet function better and minimize, stress and pain in your feet.

For an orthotic evaluating and gait analysis, please contact us for an appointment. All information on the site is ©San Carlos Podiatry Bunions: Picture, symptoms, diagnosis, treatment and prevention Foot care health centre Bunions: Picture, symptoms, diagnosis, treatment and prevention A bunion is a bony, lumpy deformity of the joint at the base of the big toe . The bunion will start to make the big toe point towards the other toes on the foot . The medical name for bunions is hallux valgus . A 2011 study in the journal Arthritis Care and Research, found that more than 1 in 3 older adults has at least one bunion, and they can really slow a person down. Study participants with bunions were more likely to experience pain in other parts of their body, including the hip, knee, lower back and foot. Previous studies have shown that bunions may affect gait, balance and increase risk of falls in older people, but researchers speculate that along with these issues, people with severe bunions may report less satisfaction with their lives because they have trouble finding shoes they like to wear.

Picture of a bunion Because a bunion occurs at a joint, where the toe bends during normal walking, your entire body weight rests on the bunion at each step. Bunions can be extremely painful. They are also vulnerable to excess pressure and friction from shoes and can lead to the development of calluses . How do I know if I have bunions? Although bunions are usually obvious from the pain and unusual shape of the toe, further investigation is often advisable. Your doctor will usually send you for X-rays to determine the extent of the deformity. Blood tests may be advised to see if some type of arthritis could be causing the pain . Based on this evaluation, your doctor can determine whether you need orthopaedic shoes, medication , surgery or other treatment. What causes bunions? Bunions are thought to have an inherited component. It has also been suggested that wearing shoes with elevated heels and a narrow toe-box may contribute to bunion development, as can having flat feet. What are the symptoms of bunions? Look for an angular, bony bump on the side of the foot at the base of the big toe. Sometimes hardened skin or a callus covers this bump.

There's often swelling , redness, unusual tenderness, or pain at the base of the big toe and in the ball of the foot. Eventually, the area becomes shiny and warm to the touch. Bunions: Causes, Treatment, Surgery & Prevention Share Your Story The common bunion is a localized area of enlargement or prominence of the inner portion of the joint at the base of the big toe. The enlargement actually represents a misalignment of the big toe joint ( metatarsal phalangeal joint) and, in some cases, additional bone formation. The misalignment causes the big toe to point outward and rotate (medically termed hallux abducto valgus deformity) toward the smaller toes. This deformity is progressive and will increase with time although the symptoms may or may not. The enlarged joint at the base of the big toe (the first metatarsophalangeal joint, or MTP joint) can become inflamed with redness, tenderness, and pain . A small fluid-filled sac (bursa) adjacent to the joint can also become inflamed ( bursitis ), leading to additional swelling, redness, and pain .

A more deep joint pain may occur as localized arthritis develops in later stages of the deformity. A less common bunion is located at the joint at the base of the smallest (fifth) toe. This bunion is sometimes referred to as a tailor's bunion or bunionette. What are the causes of bunions? While the precise cause is not known, there seem to be inherited (genetic) factors that lead to abnormal foot function, such as overpronation that can predispose to the development of bunions. This is especially common when bunions occur in younger individuals. Abnormal biomechanics can lead to instability of the metatarsal phalangeal joint and muscle imbalance resulting in the deformity. Although shoe gear doesn't directly cause a bunion, it can certainly make the bunion painful and swollen. Other less common causes of bunion deformities include trauma ( sprains , fractures , and nerve injuries), neuromuscular disorders ( polio or Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease ), and limb-length discrepancies (one leg shorter than the other) where the longer leg develops the bunion. The longer limb will tend to cause the foot to overpronate.

Medically Reviewed by a Doctor on 2/24/2016 Bunions. What is a bunion and bunion treatment | Health | Patient 1075 A bunion (hallux valgus) is a deformity of the base joint of the big toe. The cause is not clear in many cases. The deformity may cause the foot to rub on shoes, which may cause inflammation and pain. Good footwear is often all that is needed to ease symptoms. An operation to correct the deformity is an option if good footwear does not ease symptoms. What is a bunion? When your big toe is angled towards the second toe, the deformity is called a bunion (hallux valgus). This causes a bump on the side at the base of the big toe. In addition there is often thickening of the skin and tissues next to the affected joint. The thickened skin and tissues may become inflamed, swollen and painful. Sometimes a fluid-filled sac (bursa) develops over the joint. What causes bunions? The underlying cause is a deformity of the joint at the base of the big toe. The deformity is called hallux valgus.

In this deformity the joint develops a prominent sideways angle. Due to this deformity the bones of the big toe are pushed towards the smaller toes. The skin over the angled joint then tends to rub on the inside of shoes. This may cause thickening and inflammation of the overlying skin and tissues next to the affected joint. In most cases it is not clear why a hallux valgus deformity develops. There may be some hereditary (genetic) tendency to have a weakness of this joint. In some cases it is associated with a joint problem such as osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis. However, whatever the underlying cause, wearing tight or badly fitting shoes tends to make the problem worse. Wearing such shoes puts extra pressure on the big toe joint and causes friction on the overlying skin. What symptoms and problems are caused by bunions? Pain. You may then have difficulty walking due to pain. Inflammation and swelling at the base of the toe. This sometimes becomes infected. The foot may become so wide that it can be difficult to find wide enough shoes. You may develop arthritis in the big toe. The second toe can become deformed.

In severe cases, the big toe can push your second toe up out of place. What is the treatment for bunions? Good footwear is often all that is needed Wearing good footwear does not cure the deformity but may ease symptoms of pain and discomfort. Ideally, get footwear advice from a person qualified to diagnose and treat foot disorders (podiatrist - previously called a chiropodist). Advice may include: Wear shoes, trainers or slippers that fit well and are roomy. Don't wear high-heeled, pointed or tight shoes. You might find that shoes with laces or straps are best, as they can be adjusted to the width of your foot. Padding over the bunion may help, as may ice packs. Devices which help to straighten the toe (orthoses) may be recommended. However, there is no evidence they improve the underlying condition or stop it getting worse. They may help reduce the pain, at least for a while. Medication Painkillers such as paracetamol or ibuprofen may ease any pain. A course of antibiotics may be needed if the skin and tissues over the deformity become infected. Surgery An operation may be advised if a change of footwear does not ease symptoms.

The aim of the operation is to straighten the joint as much as possible and relieve pain. It is not usually done just to improve appearance. It can be done using a local or a general anaesthetic and you are usually out of hospital the same day. There are many different types of operation which are used to treat bunions. These range from operations to trim parts of the joint, to a total artificial replacement of the big toe joint (similar to a knee or a hip replacement). A common surgical procedure used is called a scarf osteotomy (osteotomy means a cut in the bone). In some cases the joint may be fused together so it no longer moves (arthrodesis). The exact operation chosen by the specialist depends on: How severe the bunion is, and how deformed your foot. The shape of your foot. If you have wear and tear ( osteoarthritis ) in the joint. Their personal experience and expertise. An operation is usually successful at easing symptoms but not in all cases. It is not always possible to relieve the pain completely or make the toe perfectly straight. Your specialist will be able to advise on the pros and cons of surgery and on the success rate of the chosen operation.

Complications of the operation can include: Continued pain. The bunion returning (recurrence). General risks of operations and anaesthetics . You may need to wear a special shoe for six weeks after the operation. Your hospital will give you specific information and advice. You may be given a leaflet with information about the procedures at your hospital and with advice for after the operation. See the Royal National Orthopaedic Hospital leaflet, in references below, for an example and further details. Further reading & references Bunions ; NICE CKS, August 2016 (UK access only) Ferrari J, Higgins JP, Prior TD ; Interventions for treating hallux valgus (abductovalgus) and bunions. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2004;(1):CD000964. Overview - Bunions - Mayo Clinic Bunion Smaller bunions (bunionettes) can develop on the joint of your little toe. A bunion is a bony bump that forms on the joint at the base of your big toe. It forms when your big toe pushes against your next toe, forcing the joint of your big toe to get bigger and stick out.

The skin over the bunion might be red and sore. Wearing tight, narrow shoes might cause bunions or make them worse. Bunions also can develop as a result of an inherited structural defect, stress on your foot or a medical condition, such as arthritis. Smaller bunions (bunionettes) can develop on the joint of your little toe. FOOT AND ANKLE CONDITIONS TREATED WITH PHYSICAL THERAPY ACTIVE LIFESTYLE FOOT AND ANKLE CONDITIONS TREATED WITH PHYSICAL THERAPY Walker Physical Therapy and Pain Center treats patients suffering from countless foot and ankle injuries, pains, sports injuries, degenerative conditions, sprains, strains, fractures, and those preparing for and recovering from surgery. All of our facilities are full service rehabilitation centers. We have a team of expert physical therapists who pride themselves on getting positive results with patients through individualized care and “hands-on” physical therapy. We have successfully rehabilitated acute and chronic injuries, ranging from work and auto accidents to overuse injuries.

Here is a list of just some of the ankle and foot conditions that we treat: Achilles Rupture (Tear) Ligament Injuries and Tears (Sprained Ankles) Metatarsalgia (Ball of Foot Pain) Overuse Injuries of the Foot and Ankle Plantar Fasciitis Pre-Surgery And Post-Surgery Physical Therapy For Ankles Sinus Tarsi Syndrome Tendonitis (Foot and Ankle) ACHILLES RUPTURE (TEAR) As the largest tendon in the body, it’s not surprising that if your Achilles tendon ruptures (tears), you will feel it. Most patients who have ruptured their Achilles tendon report hearing a loud pop, followed immediately by shooting pain. This injury is very serious, and can render even the healthiest of people immobile for a time. Sports medicine physicians may tell you that you need surgery. But in some cases, surgery won’t be necessary. In either case, a ruptured Achilles tendon will require rehabilitation and ongoing physical therapy. ACHILLES TENDONITIS The Achilles tendon connects your calf muscles to the heel bone, and is the largest tendon in the body. It’s an incredibly strong tendon, though it’s not without its weaknesses.

Achilles tendonitis is an inflammation of the tendon that is generally caused by overuse and subsequent stress. Although this type of injury isn’t necessarily linked to a specific injury, it may arise out of a sudden change in exercise habits, or from not stretching your calf muscles properly. Occasionally bone spurs can also cause Achilles tendonitis. ANKLE ARTHRITIS/CARTILAGE DAMAGE Arthritis is a term that describes the wearing away of joint cartilage, which is designed to cushion the bone ends of a joint, to allow the joint to move smoothly and painlessly. When that cartilage has deteriorated, the bones become irregular and unprotected, which results in pain. On our own, our bodies aren’t able to repair the damaged cartilage. ANKLE IMPINGEMENT SYNDROME Ankle Impingement Syndrome may present itself as either anterior ankle impingement or posterior ankle impingement. Physical therapy and rehabilitation has proven to help reduce the symptoms and pain associated with both. Ankle impingement often shows symptoms of pain, and weakness in ankle during day to day activities. It is caused by a pinching of the soft tissue around the ankle.

You may notice this when you’ve bent your ankle full up, or fully down (pointing your toes). The irritation that is caused by the pinching of the tissue can generally be felt in the front side of the ankle is anterior ankle impingement. Irritation behind the heel or in the back of the ankle is known as posterior ankle impingement. Other symptoms that may arise include a clicking sensation in your ankle, a throbbing pain, or swelling of the ankle. ANKLE INSTABILITY Ankle instability is the term used by orthopedic surgeons, doctors, and physical therapists to refer to the condition in which your ankle gives out. This may occur while playing sports, or in seemingly safe activities such as walking or even standing. Ankles which give out regularly can cause swelling, tenderness, and a fear that they are going to give out regularly. Ankle instability can lead to chronic ankle instability if it is not treated properly. Moreover, ankle instability can cause a great deal of pain. ANKLE SPRAINS When you sprain your ankle, you have injured the ligaments that hold the joints of the ankle together.

Caused by twisting your foot beyond a reasonable or normal length, the ligaments of the ankle are consequently stretched beyond their comfort zone. Ankle sprains, like all injuries, range from moderate to severe and are graded on a scale of 1-3. Grade 1 sprains indicate a less serious sprain, with fewer ligaments torn, while a Grade 3 ankle sprain is a severe sprain which likely has a greater number of injured ligaments. BALANCE DIFFICULTY/DYSFUNCTION Contrary to popular belief, balance disorders are not a normal part of aging. Although some may report that feeling unsteady or weak is just a byproduct of aging, that’s not actually accurate. Balance issues need to be treated in order to prevent falls, which can cause serious injury, particularly to the elderly. Furthermore, balance issues ought to be addressed because fear of being unsteady on your feet may unnecessarily cause you to miss out on fun activities in life. BUNIONS Believe it or not, physical therapy can help those suffering from bunions, and recovering from bunion surgery. Bunions appear when tissue at the base of your big toe swells and forms a large lump on the side of the foot.

Bunions can be extremely painful, and science has shown that bunions can be a precursor to arthritis, if not properly treated. Although some patients may require surgery to have a bunion removed, in many cases, bunions and their resulting pain can be alleviated through nonsurgical methods, including physical therapy. FOOT & ANKLE FRACTURES Foot and ankle fractures are almost unanimously the result of trauma to the body. Sports injuries, falls, work and car accidents often result in a broken food or ankle. A broken foot or ankle will begin showing symptoms such as swelling, bruising and pain immediately. If you suspect you’ve fractured your foot or ankle, you most certainly need to see a doctor or orthopedic surgeon. Some fractures may require surgery, but many do not. However, most ankle and foot fractures will require some form of rehabilitation or physical therapy in order to heal. LIGAMENT INJURIES AND TEARS (SPRAINED ANKLES) When you sprain your ankle, you have injured the ligaments that hold the joints of the ankle together. Caused by twisting your foot beyond a reasonable or normal length, the ligaments of the ankle are consequently stretched beyond their comfort zone.

Ankle sprains, like all injuries, range from moderate to severe and are graded on a scale of 1-3. Grade 1 sprains indicate a less serious sprain, with fewer ligaments torn, while a Grade 3 ankle sprain is a severe sprain which likely has a greater number of injured ligaments. METATARSALGIA (BALL OF FOOT PAIN) Metatarsalgia is caused by chronic irritation and inflammation of the nerves, bones, and muscles of the metatarsal region (ball of the foot). This painful condition often affects runners and athletes who participate in sports such as football, baseball, tennis, basketball, soccer and tennis. Essentially anyone who puts great pressure on their feet (those who are obese, have high arches, have hammer toes or bunions) is at risk of developing metatarsalgia. OVERUSE INJURIES OF THE FOOT AND ANKLE Overuse injuries, including Plantar Fasciitis usually occurs over time, as the result of repetitive, subtle trauma to the tendons, bones and joints of the foot and ankle.

When this occurs, the plantar fascia, which is the connective tissue that runs under the base of the foot from the heel to the toes, is repeatedly stretched or torn. Athletes suffer from overuse injuries quite often, and as such many active patients are treated for overuse injuries by licensed physical therapists and rehabilitation specialists. Modalities that are frequently utilized to treat overuse injuries include ultrasound, deep tissue massage and electrical stimulation to the fascia to decrease the pain. PLANTAR FASCIITIS Plantar fasciitis is a common foot problem that affects people of all ages. While athletes may be slightly more likely to develop this condition, it is also prominent in anyone who works in a job where they must stand for long periods of time. Those over the age of 40, or those who have flat feet tend to be more susceptible to the pain caused by plantar fasciitis. Likewise, those who have a higher Body Mass Index (BMI) may experience heel pain more often than others. PLANTAR PLATE INJURIES Those who have experienced a plantar plate injury know that the pain on the ball of the foot that can result can be disruptive.

The plantar plate is the strong supporting ligament of a toe, which is located on the ball of your foot. Plantar plate injuries are either acute or chronic. PRE-SURGERY AND POST-SURGERY PHYSICAL THERAPY FOR ANKLES Our full service physical therapy and rehabilitation centers specialize in pre-surgery and post-operative treatment. Whereas physical therapy following foot or ankle surgery has been recommended for years, new studies have shown that physical therapy prior to surgery may help patients to recover from surgery faster, thereby getting back into their normal routines quicker. Pre-surgery physical therapy generally involves a combination of exercise based physical therapy customized for the specific surgery, and injured area of the body. SINUS TARSI SYNDROME Sinus Tarsi Syndrome affects the sinus tarsi region of the foot (the outside of the foot between the ankle and heel bone). The pain in this region may include a feeling of the ankle turning in or turning out, and general feelings of ankle instability. This foot condition rarely requires surgery and may be treated by an orthopedist with steroid injections. We provide physical therapy to treat Sinsus Tarsi syndrome through a series of strengthening exercises and other modalities.

In some cases shoe inserts or orthotics may also provide relief from foot and ankle pain caused by Sinus Tarsi Syndrome. TENDONITIS (FOOT & ANKLE) Tendons are connective tissues that attach muscle to bone, and allow for joint movement. The irritation or inflammation of tendons in the foot and ankle is called tendonitis. There are three major tendons in the foot and ankle which commonly become inflamed, and result in pain in the foot and ankle. The Achilles tendon is the largest tendon in the body, stretching from the calf muscles to the heel. Pain from Achilles tendonitis may appear in the morning, after exercising, and even after sitting for long. SERVING ORANGE COUNTY FOR OVER 20 YEARS © Walker Physical Therapy & Pain Center 2014 "Caring, Compassionate & Empowering"

Question: Which part of the body would be treated if the patient was suffering from bunions?
Answer: Feet