A bunion is a bony bump that forms at the base of the big toe, as the top of the toe shifts inward. This condition often results from pressure on the foot over time, leading to joint misalignment. Common causes include improper footwear, genetics, flat feet, or certain medical conditions. Symptoms may involve pain, redness, swelling, and difficulty wearing shoes. Risk factors include family history, tight or narrow footwear, and occupations that place stress on the feet. A podiatrist can evaluate the severity, provide pain relief, recommend orthotics, and discuss treatment options. If you notice a growing bump or discomfort at the base of your big toe, it is suggested that you schedule a visit with a podiatrist who can offer effective relief and treatment solutions.

If you are suffering from bunion pain, contact one of our podiatrists of Comprehensive Foot & Ankle Centers. 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 Shepherdsville and Louisville, KY . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Shoes can have a significant effect on the health of your feet, especially when worn for extended periods of time on hard surfaces. Inadequate support may increase stress on the heel and forefoot, potentially contributing to conditions like plantar fasciitis, calluses, or metatarsalgia. Shoes lacking proper cushioning or arch support may fail to distribute pressure evenly. Restrictive styles, such as high heels, can alter foot posture and lead to bunions, claw toes, or thickened nails. Foot pain can also result from wearing poorly fitted or overly rigid footwear, which interferes with natural foot motion and joint alignment. People engaged in sports should select shoes specific to that activity and that provide adequate shock absorption and lateral stability. Alternating shoes regularly helps reduce repetitive stress and allows structural materials to recover. Shoe inserts, when prescribed by a podiatrist, may help improve foot posture and alleviate pain. If you experience foot pain after wearing certain shoes, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for a diagnosis and treatment, in addition to guidance on how to choose proper footwear.

Getting the right shoe size is an important part of proper foot health. Seek the assistance of one of our podiatrists from Comprehensive Foot & Ankle Centers. Our doctors will provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Getting the Right Shoe Size

There are many people who wear shoes that are the incorrect size, negatively affecting their feet and posture. Selecting the right shoes is not a difficult process, so long as you keep several things in mind when it comes to choosing the right pair.

• When visiting the shoe store, use the tools available to measure your foot.
• Be sure there is ‘wiggle room’. There should be about an inch between your toes and the tip of your shoes.
• Do not always assume you are the same size, as manufacturers run differently.
• Purchase shoes later in the day, as your feet swell as the day progresses.
• If a shoe is not comfortable, it is not suitable. Most shoes can’t be ‘broken in’, and comfort should be the ultimate goal when it comes to choosing the right pair of shoes

As our feet hold our body weight and keep us moving, it is important to treat them right. Picking the right pair of shoes can provide your feet comfort and mobility without pain.

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

A broken toe may result from a direct hit, such as stubbing the toe, dropping something heavy on it, or from repeated stress like running or jumping. Pain, swelling, bruising, and difficulty walking are common signs of a toe fracture. Some breaks can cause the bone to shift out of place, while others stay aligned but still cause discomfort. A broken toe may be open, with a wound that exposes the bone, or closed, where the skin remains unbroken. Ignoring the injury can lead to long-term problems, such as poor healing or joint stiffness. A podiatrist can check for bone displacement or hidden fractures using an X-ray or other imaging, as well as assess any risks of infection or complications. Depending on the type and severity of the break, a podiatrist may stabilize the toe with a cast, special shoe, or taping method. Surgery may be needed to realign the bone. If you have broken a toe, it is suggested that you promptly schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for an exam and appropriate treatment options.

Broken toes may cause a lot of pain and should be treated as soon as possible. If you have any concerns about your feet, contact one of our podiatrists from Comprehensive Foot & Ankle Centers. Our doctors will treat your foot and ankle needs.

What Is a Broken Toe?

A broken toe occurs when one or more of the toe bones of the foot are broken after an injury. Injuries such as stubbing your toe or dropping a heavy object on it may cause a toe fracture.

Symptoms of a Broken Toe

• Swelling
• Pain (with/without wearing shoes)
• Stiffness
• Nail Injury

Although the injured toe should be monitored daily, it is especially important to have a podiatrist look at your toe if you have severe symptoms. Some of these symptoms include worsening or new pain that is not relieved with medication, sores, redness, or open wounds near the toe.

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