A bunion is a bony bump that forms at the base of the big toe when the joint shifts out of alignment. It often appears as the toe leans toward the second toe, while the joint becomes prominent and swollen. This condition can develop due to inherited foot structure, flat feet, or joint instability. Wearing tight or narrow shoes may worsen the problem, especially in people who already have risk factors. Common symptoms include pain, redness, stiffness, and difficulty wearing certain shoes. As the bunion progresses, walking may become uncomfortable, and balance can be affected. A podiatrist can assess the severity and order X-rays and other imaging if needed. Treatment options include custom orthotics or surgical correction to restore alignment and reduce pain. If you have developed a bunion, it is suggested that you are under the care of a podiatrist who can help you to manage this type of foot deformity.

If you are suffering from bunion pain, contact one of our podiatrists of Family Foot Health Center. 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 office located in Rogers and Berryville, AR . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Foot pain can develop in many areas, and the location often helps identify the cause. Heel pain is commonly linked to plantar fascia irritation, tendon strain, or stress injuries. Pain in the ball of the foot may result from pressure overload, nerve irritation, joint inflammation, or structural changes. Arch pain can stem from ligament strain, tendon problems, or biomechanical imbalance. Toe pain may be related to arthritis, deformities, fractures, or nail conditions. Pain along the top of the foot sometimes points to tendon inflammation, stress fractures, or compression from footwear. Inner or outer foot pain may involve ligaments, tendons, joint wear, or alignment problems. Burning, tingling, or numb pain may suggest nerve involvement rather than a structural injury. Because foot pain can have many causes, an accurate diagnosis is important for effective treatment. If you are experiencing ongoing foot discomfort, worsening pain, or difficulty walking, it is suggested that you visit a podiatrist for a thorough evaluation and appropriate treatment solutions.

Foot Pain

Foot pain can be extremely painful and debilitating. If you have a foot pain, consult with one of our podiatrists from Family Foot Health Center. 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 office located in Rogers and Berryville, AR . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Runners frequently develop toenail injuries from repeated pressure inside their shoes. Long-distance running, steep hills, and shoes that are too tight can cause the toenails to strike the front of the shoe again and again. This repeated stress can lead to black toenails, bruising under the nail, and painful swelling around the nail. Some runners also lose a toenail after a race. Cracked nails and torn skin near the nail can develop after trail running on uneven ground. These injuries can make running painful and increase the risk of infection. A podiatrist can examine the nail, relieve pressure under the nail, and treat damaged skin or infection. Custom orthotics and proper shoe recommendations can also help reduce repeated trauma to the toes while running. Early treatment can help protect the nail and prevent long-term nail changes. If you have developed toenail problems as a result of running, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist for treatment.

Exercising your feet regularly with the proper foot wear is a great way to prevent injuries. If you have any concerns about your feet, contact one of our podiatrists of Family Foot Health Center. Our doctors will treat your foot and ankle needs.

How to Prevent Running Injuries

Many common running injuries are caused by overuse and overtraining. When the back of the kneecap starts wearing out and starts causing pain in your knee, this is commonly referred to as runner’s knee. Runner’s knee is a decrease in strength in your quadriceps and can occur if you’re not wearing properly fitted or supporting shoes. To prevent runner’s knee, focusing on hip strengthening is a good idea, as well as strengthening your quads to keep the kneecaps aligned.

What Are Some Causes of Running Injuries? 
- One cause of a common running injury is called iliotibial band syndrome.
- Plantar fasciitis is also another common injury.
- Stress fractures can occur from overtraining, lack of calcium, or even your running style.

Best Ways to Prevent Running Injuries
- Wear footwear that fits properly and suits your running needs.
- Running shoes are the only protective gear that runners have to safeguard them from injury.
- Make a training schedule. Adding strengthening exercises as well as regular stretching can help keep you strong and limber and can lessen the possibility of injuries.
- Stretching keeps muscles limber; this will help you gain better flexibility.

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

Toenail psoriasis affects how the nails grow and appear. This condition occurs when the immune system attacks healthy nail tissue by mistake, causing inflammation. It can lead to thickened nails, and color changes. Small dents may appear on the surface, and nails may lift from the skin underneath. In some cases, pain or pressure may be felt when walking. These symptoms can easily be mistaken for a fungal toenail  infection. A podiatrist can examine the nails, confirm the cause, and provide proper care to improve nail appearance and comfort. Treatment focuses on slowing the rapid nail growth and reducing inflammation. Options include medicated creams, oral medications, and small injections placed near the nail. If you have symptoms of toenail psoriasis, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist for a diagnosis and treatment.

Toe pain can disrupt your daily activities. If you have any concerns, contact one of our podiatrists of Family Foot Health Center. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

What Causes Toe Pain?

Most severe toe pain is caused due to a sports injury, trauma from dropping something heavy on the toe, or bumping into something rigid. Other problems can develop over time for various reasons.

Toe pain can be caused by one or more ailments. The most common include:

• Trauma
• Sports injury
• Wearing shoes that are too tight
• Arthritis
• Gout
• Corns and calluses
• Hammertoe
• Bunions
• Blisters
• Ingrown toenails
• Sprains
• Fractures (broken bones)
• Dislocations

When to See a Podiatrist

• Severe pain
• Persistent pain that lasts more than a week
• Signs of infection
• Continued swelling
• Pain that prevents walking

Diagnosis

In many cases the cause of toe pain is obvious, but in others, a podiatrist may want to use more advanced methods to determine the problem. These 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

Treatments for toe pain and injuries vary and may include shoe inserts, padding, taping, medicines, injections, and in some cases, surgery. If you believe that you have broken a toe, please see a podiatrist as soon as possible.

If you have any questions please contact our office located in Rogers and Berryville, AR . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.