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Suffering from this type of pain? You may have the foot condition known as Morton's neuroma. Morton's neuroma may develop as a result of ill-fitting footwear and existing foot deformities. We can help.
Bunions and bunionettes are common foot conditions that can cause significant discomfort. A bunion is a bony bump that forms at the base of the big toe, causing the toe to angle inward, resulting in pain and swelling. Conversely, a bunionette, also known as a tailor's bunion, develops on the outside of the foot near the little toe. Both conditions can lead to inflammation and difficulty in wearing certain types of shoes. Symptoms include swelling, redness, and tenderness surrounding the affected areas. To prevent these issues, it is important to wear properly fitting shoes with adequate room in the toe box. Regularly performing foot exercises and maintaining a healthy weight can also help reduce the risk. If you have either one of these foot conditions, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can offer effective relief and treatment solutions.
If you are suffering from bunions, contact Dr. James D. McAlexander of Gig Harbor Foot and Ankle Clinic. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.
What Is a Bunion?
A bunion is formed of swollen tissue or an enlargement of boney growth, usually located at the base joint of the toe that connects to the foot. The swelling occurs due to the bones in the big toe shifting inward, which impacts the other toes of the foot. This causes the area around the base of the big toe to become inflamed and painful.
Why Do Bunions Form?
Genetics – Susceptibility to bunions are often hereditary
Stress on the feet – Poorly fitted and uncomfortable footwear that places stress on feet, such as heels, can worsen existing bunions
How Are Bunions Diagnosed?
Doctors often perform two tests – blood tests and x-rays – when trying to diagnose bunions, especially in the early stages of development. Blood tests help determine if the foot pain is being caused by something else, such as arthritis, while x-rays provide a clear picture of your bone structure to your doctor.
How Are Bunions Treated?
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in Gig Harbor, WA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.
Foot ulcers are open sores or wounds that typically develop on the bottom of the foot and can result from poor circulation or prolonged pressure. They are often linked to conditions like peripheral neuropathy, arthritis, and Raynaud's phenomenon. Peripheral neuropathy reduces sensation in the feet, making it difficult to detect injuries, while poor circulation from conditions like Raynaud's delays healing. Arthritis can increase the risk of pressure ulcers by altering foot mechanics. If untreated, foot ulcers can lead to severe infections, including gangrene, possibly resulting in amputation. Symptoms include swelling, redness, drainage, and pain surrounding the wound. Diagnosis involves physical examination and tests to assess circulation and nerve function. Treatment includes wound care, offloading pressure, managing underlying conditions, and sometimes surgery. Healing time varies, from weeks to months, depending on the ulcer's severity and the patient's overall health. If you have developed a foot ulcer, it is strongly suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for treatment.
Wound care is an important part in dealing with diabetes. If you have diabetes and a foot wound or would like more information about wound care for diabetics, consult with Dr. James D. McAlexander from Gig Harbor Foot and Ankle Clinic. Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.
What Is Wound Care?
Wound care is the practice of taking proper care of a wound. This can range from the smallest to the largest of wounds. While everyone can benefit from proper wound care, it is much more important for diabetics. Diabetics often suffer from poor blood circulation which causes wounds to heal much slower than they would in a non-diabetic.
What Is the Importance of Wound Care?
While it may not seem apparent with small ulcers on the foot, for diabetics, any size ulcer can become infected. Diabetics often also suffer from neuropathy, or nerve loss. This means they might not even feel when they have an ulcer on their foot. If the wound becomes severely infected, amputation may be necessary. Therefore, it is of the upmost importance to properly care for any and all foot wounds.
How to Care for Wounds
The best way to care for foot wounds is to prevent them. For diabetics, this means daily inspections of the feet for any signs of abnormalities or ulcers. It is also recommended to see a podiatrist several times a year for a foot inspection. If you do have an ulcer, run the wound under water to clear dirt from the wound; then apply antibiotic ointment to the wound and cover with a bandage. Bandages should be changed daily and keeping pressure off the wound is smart. It is advised to see a podiatrist, who can keep an eye on it.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in Gig Harbor, WA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.
Stress fractures of the feet and ankles are tiny cracks in the bones that result from repetitive stress or overuse, rather than from a single traumatic event. They commonly occur in athletes, runners, or individuals who suddenly increase their physical activity. The bones most affected are the metatarsals in the foot and the tibia near the ankle. Symptoms of a stress fracture include localized pain that worsens with activity, swelling, and tenderness to touch. The pain may decrease with rest but return during weight-bearing activities. Diagnosis typically involves a physical exam and imaging tests like X-rays or MRI scans. Treatment includes rest, and In severe cases, crutches or surgery may be necessary. Early diagnosis and treatment are important to prevent the fracture from worsening and to ensure a full recovery. If you believe you have endured a foot or ankle stress fracture, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for an accurate diagnosis and care.
Activities where too much pressure is put on the feet can cause stress fractures. To learn more, contact Dr. James D. McAlexander from Gig Harbor Foot and Ankle Clinic. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep your pain free and on your feet.
Dealing with Stress Fractures of the Foot and Ankle
Stress fractures occur in the foot and ankle when muscles in these areas weaken from too much or too little use. The feet and ankles then lose support when walking or running from the impact of the ground. Since there is no protection, the bones receive the full impact of each step. Stress on the feet can cause cracks to form in the bones, thus creating stress fractures.
What Are Stress Fractures?
Stress fractures occur frequently in individuals whose daily activities cause great impact on the feet and ankles. Stress factors are most common among:
Symptoms
Pain from the fractures occur in the area of the fractures and can be constant or intermittent. It will often cause sharp or dull pain with swelling and tenderness. Engaging in any kind of activity which involves high impact will aggravate pain.
If you have any questions please feel free to contact our office located in Gig Harbor, WA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.
