A bunion is a bony bump that forms at the base of the big toe when the joint becomes misaligned. It often appears as a swollen, red, and painful lump that can make walking difficult. Bunions develop due to genetics, wearing tight shoes, or foot structure issues. Risk factors include a family history of bunions, arthritis, and wearing ill-fitting footwear. A podiatrist can evaluate the severity of the bunion, provide pain relief options, recommend proper footwear, and discuss surgical correction, if needed. If you have signs of a bunion developing, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can guide you on relief and management tips. 

If you are suffering from bunion pain, contact one of our podiatrists of Bangor 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 Bangor, Gilbert, and Bethlehem, PA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

A heel spur is a small growth that develops underneath the heel bone. It can cause severe pain and discomfort and may happen from wearing shoes that do not fit correctly. Standing on hard or uneven surfaces for most of the day may also cause heel spurs to develop. If the lining of the heel bones becomes torn, or foot muscles and ligaments are strained, it may gradually lead to a heel spur. Heel spur syndrome may occur in patients who have plantar fasciitis, which is an inflammation of the plantar fascia. This band of tissue connects the heel to the toes, and a heel spur may also be present. If the heel spur is at the back of the heel, it may be indicative of a condition that is known as insertional Achilles tendonitis. This happens when the Achilles tendon attaches to the heel. Symptoms of this can include a reduced range of motion in the ankle, and it may be painful to climb stairs. If you have heel pain, it is strongly suggested that you are under the care of a podiatrist who can determine what caused it, and treat it accordingly. 

Heel spurs can be incredibly painful and sometimes may make you unable to participate in physical activities. To get medical care for your heel spurs, contact one of our podiatrists from Bangor Podiatry. Our doctors will do everything possible to treat your condition.

Heels Spurs

Heel spurs are formed by calcium deposits on the back of the foot where the heel is. This can also be caused by small fragments of bone breaking off one section of the foot, attaching onto the back of the foot. Heel spurs can also be bone growth on the back of the foot and may grow in the direction of the arch of the foot.

Older individuals usually suffer from heel spurs and pain sometimes intensifies with age. One of the main condition's spurs are related to is plantar fasciitis.

Pain

The pain associated with spurs is often because of weight placed on the feet. When someone is walking, their entire weight is concentrated on the feet. Bone spurs then have the tendency to affect other bones and tissues around the foot. As the pain continues, the feet will become tender and sensitive over time.

Treatments

There are many ways to treat heel spurs. If one is suffering from heel spurs in conjunction with pain, there are several methods for healing. Medication, surgery, and herbal care are some options.

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

A sedentary lifestyle may be linked to numerous health issues, including diabetes and high blood pressure.  For these individuals, it may be necessary to increase the amount of time standing during the day. This may be helpful in easing potential back problems as well as improving posture and strength.  There are many ways to incorporate standing throughout the work day, such as portioning your lunch time to include walking.  Meetings that consist of walking instead of sitting around a table may be beneficial as well. Standing desks may be another option, which can help increase alertness and therefore increase productivity.  Another helpful habit to acquire is using the stairs instead of an elevator, in addition to parking your car further away from the building you are entering to promote walking. If you are experiencing foot problems from sitting all day at work, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist.

While working on the feet, it is important to take the proper care of them. For more information about working on your feet, contact one of our podiatrists from Bangor Podiatry. Our doctors will treat your foot and ankle needs.

Working on Your Feet

Standing on your feet for long periods of time can cause stress and pain in your feet. Your whole body may experience change in terms of posture, back pain, bunions, callouses and or plantar warts. There are ways to avoid these conditions with proper foot care, smart choices and correct posture.

Positive Changes

Negative heeled shoe – Choosing this shoe type places the heel slightly lower than the ball of the foot. These are great for overall foot health. Find shoes that fit you correctly.

Go barefoot – Our feet were not designed to be enclosed for all hours of the day. Try to periodically expose your feet to air.

Eliminate Pain

Foot Exercises – Performing simple exercises, incorporating yoga and doing stretches are beneficial. This will allow increased blood flow to the area and muscles of the foot.

Achilles tendon – Stretching the foot out flat on the floor will relax the calf muscles and tendon. These exercises can be performed almost anywhere. Make sure you add these exercises to your daily regimen. 

With a little bit of this information and knowing more about foot health, you will notice changes. Foot stretches and proper footwear will help with pain and prevent further issues.

If you have any questions please contact our offices located in Bangor, Gilbert, and Bethlehem, PA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

The majority of blisters on the feet are caused by excess friction. One of the most common causes for this friction to occur involves wearing socks or shoes that do not fit correctly. Additionally, blisters may develop due to an allergic reaction to an insect bite, or from a severe burn. A blister is the body’s natural response to healing the raw skin, and it appears as a bubble that is filled with liquid over the affected area. As new skin forms underneath the bubble, the blister will gradually drain on its own. It is beneficial to avoid popping the blister as this can be a reason why an infection may develop. If you have blisters on your feet, it is suggested that you speak to a podiatrist who can provide you with treatment and advise on how to prevent blisters in the future.

Blisters are prone to making everyday activities extremely uncomfortable. If your feet are hurting, contact one of our podiatrists of Bangor Podiatry. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Foot Blisters

Foot blisters develop as a result of constantly wearing tight or ill-fitting footwear. This happens due to the constant rubbing from the shoe, which can often lead to pain.

What Are Foot Blisters?

A foot blister is a small fluid-filled pocket that forms on the upper-most layer of the skin. Blisters are filled with clear fluid and can lead to blood drainage or pus if the area becomes infected.

How Do Blisters Form?

Blisters on the feet are often the result of constant friction of skin and material, usually by shoe rubbing. Walking in sandals, boots, or shoes that don’t fit properly for long periods of time can result in a blister. Having consistent foot moisture and humidity can easily lead to blister formation.

Prevention & Treatment

It is important to properly care for the affected area in order to prevent infection and ease the pain. Do not lance the blister and use a Band-Aid to provide pain relief. Also, be sure to keep your feet dry and wear proper fitting shoes. If you see blood or pus in a blister, seek assistance from a podiatrist.

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