Research has shown that bunions are the most common medical condition that affects the front of the foot. It is easy to notice by the large bump that develops and protrudes on the side of the big toe. Severe bunions may cause the other toes to shift together, and larger shoes may need to be purchased. A bunion is considered to be a deformity and can happen from wearing shoes that do not have ample room for the toes to move freely in. High heels can fit into this category, and it is helpful to limit how frequently they are worn. There are various types of bunions, and a simple bunion is a bump on the side of the big toe joint. The same bunion may have skin irritation from rubbing against the shoes and a tailor’s bunion forms on the pinky toe. Bunions with hallux limitus can change the structure of the foot, which may cause the bunion to form on the top instead of on the side of the foot. Some people can help to wear a protective pad over the bunion for mild relief. If you have a bunion, it is strongly suggested that you visit a podiatrist who can offer you treatment options that are correct for you.

If you are suffering from bunions, 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?

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?

• Refrain from wearing heels or similar shoes that cause discomfort
• Select wider shoes that can provide more comfort and reduce pain
• Anti-inflammatory and pain management drugs
• Orthotics or foot inserts
• Surgery

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.

There are congenital foot conditions that can affect newborn babies. A common abnormality is referred to as metatarsus adductus and is visible by the curve in the middle of the foot. Additionally, calcaneovalgus is evident as the foot is pushed up and out, making it difficult to point the foot down. Many times these conditions can gradually improve without medical attention and are generally not considered to be serious. Examples of complicated congenital foot ailments include clubfoot and congenital vertical talus. They may look similar to metatarsus adductus, however, prompt medical attention is needed for permanent relief. Treatment can consist of using casts soon after birth that are replaced weekly, and this is referred to as the Ponseti method. If your child has been born with a foot abnormality, it is strongly suggested that you are under the care of a podiatrist who can help you to manage your child’s foot condition.

Congenital foot problems require immediate attention to avoid future complications. If you have any concerns, 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.

Congenital foot problems are deformities affecting the feet, toes, and/or ankles that children are born with. Some of these conditions have a genetic cause while others just happen. Some specific foot ailments that children may be born with include clubfeet, polydactyly/macrodactyly, and cleft foot. There are several other foot anomalies that can occur congenitally. What all of these conditions have in common is that a child may experience difficulty walking or performing everyday activities, as well as trouble finding footwear that fits their foot deformity. Some of these conditions are more serious than others. Consulting with a podiatrist as early as possible will help in properly diagnosing a child’s foot condition while getting the necessary treatment underway.

What are Causes of Congenital Foot Problem?

A congenital foot problem is one that happens to a child at birth. These conditions can be caused by a genetic predisposition, developmental or positional abnormalities during gestation, or with no known cause.

What are Symptoms of Congenital Foot Problems?

Symptoms vary by the congenital condition. Symptoms may consist of the following:

• Clubfoot, where tendons are shortened, bones are shaped differently, and the Achilles tendon is tight, causing the foot to point in and down. It is also possible for the soles of the feet to face each other.
• Polydactyly, which usually consists of a nubbin or small lump of tissue without a bone, a toe that is partially formed but has no joints, or an extra toe.
• Vertical talus, where the talus bone forms in the wrong position causing other bones in the foot to line up improperly, the front of the foot to point up, and the bottom of the foot to stiffen, with no arch, and to curve out.
• Tarsal coalition, when there is an abnormal connection of two or more bones in the foot leading to severe, rigid flatfoot.
• Cleft foot, where there are missing toes, a V-shaped cleft, and other anatomical differences.
• Macrodactyly, when the toes are abnormally large due to overgrowth of the underlying bone or soft tissue.

Treatment and Prevention

While there is nothing one can do to prevent congenital foot problems, raising awareness and receiving neonatal screenings are important. Early detection by taking your child to a podiatrist leads to the best outcome possible.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our offices located in Bangor, Gilbert, and Bethlehem, PA . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.

Hammertoe is a particular kind of foot affliction that can occur when the middle of the toe points upward at the joint. Often, this foot condition can be accompanied by other foot conditions. For example, as the middle of the affected toe points upwards, the toe can rub against footwear, making corns more likely to develop. Also, a hammertoe can be associated with bunions, which are bony bumps on the sides of the big toe. If you are someone that is currently struggling with a hammertoe, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment today with a podiatrist who can assess your situation, and offer correct treatment options. 

Hammertoe

Hammertoes can be a painful condition to live with. For more information, contact one of our podiatrists from Bangor Podiatry. Our doctors will answer any of your foot- and ankle-related questions.

Hammertoe is a foot deformity that affects the joints of the second, third, fourth, or fifth toes of your feet. It is a painful foot condition in which these toes curl and arch up, which can often lead to pain when wearing footwear.

Symptoms

• Pain in the affected toes
• Development of corns or calluses due to friction
• Inflammation
• Redness
• Contracture of the toes

Causes

Genetics – People who are genetically predisposed to hammertoe are often more susceptible

Arthritis – Because arthritis affects the joints in your toes, further deformities stemming from arthritis can occur

Trauma – Direct trauma to the toes could potentially lead to hammertoe

Ill-fitting shoes – Undue pressure on the front of the toes from ill-fitting shoes can potentially lead to the development of hammertoe

Treatment

Orthotics – Custom made inserts can be used to help relieve pressure placed on the toes and therefore relieve some of the pain associated with it

Medications – Oral medications such as anti-inflammatories or NSAIDs could be used to treat the pain and inflammation hammertoes causes. Injections of corticosteroids are also sometimes used

Surgery – In more severe cases where the hammertoes have become more rigid, foot surgery is a potential option

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.

Broken feet, or fractured feet, can produce a variety of different symptoms in an individual. For example, there may be swelling or pain at the affected location. However, one interesting symptom associated with broken feet is a change in temperature. Specifically, some individuals who have broken their foot may notice that the affected area feels hot or warm. This is not an uncommon symptom of having a broken foot. If the broken foot is warm, it is also possible that it might also feel tender to the touch. Sometimes, a warm sensation is even accompanied by discoloration and specifically redness. If you have fractured your foot, it is suggested that you seek immediate attention from a podiatrist.

A broken foot requires immediate medical attention and treatment. If you need your feet checked, contact one of our podiatrists from Bangor Podiatry. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Broken Foot Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment

A broken foot is caused by one of the bones in the foot typically breaking when bended, crushed, or stretched beyond its natural capabilities. Usually the location of the fracture indicates how the break occurred, whether it was through an object, fall, or any other type of injury. 

Common Symptoms of Broken Feet:

• Bruising
• Pain
• Redness
• Swelling
• Blue in color
• Numbness
• Cold
• Misshapen
• Cuts
• Deformities

Those that suspect they have a broken foot shoot seek urgent medical attention where a medical professional could diagnose the severity.

Treatment for broken bones varies depending on the cause, severity and location. Some will require the use of splints, casts or crutches while others could even involve surgery to repair the broken bones. Personal care includes the use of ice and keeping the foot stabilized and elevated.

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 and ankle needs.

There are many types of crooked toes, including hammertoe, mallet toe, claw toe, curly toe, and overlapping toe. These abnormalities may be caused by a genetic disposition, tight or ill-fitting shoes, injury or trauma, or obesity. Nerve damage and joint damage are other possible causes. If left untreated, any of these types of crooked toes may cause further complications, the most common of which are pain and irritation when wearing shoes. Other problems that may develop from crooked toes are inflammation, open sores, corns, and calluses. Treatment options depend on the type, severity, and length of the particular condition. The first suggestion for treating any type of crooked toe is to change footwear to accommodate it. This may include buying shoes that fit correctly or not wearing certain types of shoes, such as high heels. Various exercises, taping, splints, and surgery are other treatment options. If the pain from a crooked toe worsens, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist. This foot specialist can examine the toe and make a determination on how best to treat it.

Toe pain can disrupt your daily activities. If you have any concerns, 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 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 feel free to contact our offices located in Bangor, Gilbert, and Bethlehem, PA . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.