A bunion is a bony deformity at the base of the big toe. This toe may start to point inwards towards other toes and the foot bones face out. Bunions often cause pain and swelling over the big toe joint. Reasons people get bunions are unknown, but they may be due to genetics, wearing ill-fitting shoes that are too tight, a foot injury, or arthritis. Wearing high heels can also increase the chances of one developing a bunion. Anyone can develop a bunion at any time in their life but the incidence of getting one rises by more than one-third after age 65. Also, women are more likely to suffer from this condition than men. When one has a bunion, the shape of their foot can change, and trying to find shoes that can be both comfortable and stylish can be frustrating. Wearing proper footwear for bunions is imperative to prevent worsening of the condition. Some tips for finding the right shoes include looking for shoes with a wide toe so the toes can splay rather than being pushed forward, opting for leather, suede, or elasticated materials which have more give, and making sure the widest part of the shoe corresponds to the widest part of the foot. If you suffer from a bunion, contact a podiatrist who can offer treatment options as well as more advice on selecting the best shoes.

If you are suffering from bunion pain, contact Scott Samera, DPM of Samera / Foot + Ankle. Our doctor 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 Lake City and Branford, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

As winter approaches, it can bring with it an increase in pain and inflammation in people with arthritis. This is believed to be caused by changes in barometric pressure rather than by cold and damp climates. When the barometer is up, the pressure pushes against the body and keeps tissues from expanding. The opposite is true when the barometer drops. The lower pressure allows the tissues to expand and they in turn put pressure on the nerves that transmit feelings of pain. This explains why many people with arthritis say they can predict a storm. They feel the pain as the barometer drops. Physical activity can help to reduce joint pain and increase flexibility. Experts suggest keeping active during colder months by walking indoors and wearing looser layers of clothing to trap body heat. Wearing socks and waterproof boots are recommended if you are outdoors. See a podiatrist for further information on how to manage your arthritis pain.

Arthritis can be a difficult condition to live with. If you are seeking treatment, contact Scott Samera, DPM from Samera / Foot + Ankle. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Arthritic Foot Care  

Arthritis is a joint disorder that involves the inflammation of different joints in your body, such as those in your feet. Arthritis is often caused by a degenerative joint disease and causes mild to severe pain in all affected areas. In addition to this, swelling and stiffness in the affected joints can also be a common symptom of arthritis.

In many cases, wearing ill-fitting shoes can worsen the effects and pain of arthritis. Wearing shoes that have a lower heel and extra room can help your feet feel more comfortable. In cases of rheumatoid arthritis, the arch in your foot may become problematic. Buying shoes with proper arch support that contour to your feet can help immensely.

Alleviating Arthritic Pain

• Exercises that stretch the foot can prevent further pain and injury and increase mobility
• Most of the pain can be alleviated with anti-inflammatory drugs, heat, and topical medications
• Massages can help temporarily alleviate pain.

It is best to see your doctor for the treatment that is right for your needs and symptoms. Conditions vary, and a podiatrist can help you determine the right method of care for your feet.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our office located in Lake City and Branford, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.

When an individual suffers a stress fracture, they essentially have developed tiny cracks in the bone, often due to repetitive or prolonged pressure. There are a number of different symptoms that are characteristic of a stress fracture. Namely, if you suffer from a stress fracture, you may develop bruising on the skin in the affected area. Typically, this might involve discoloration of some sort around the skin. The skin, for example, may appear to have a red, blue, or purple tint. Additionally, stress fractures may create poignant, localized pain at the site of the fracture. This pain can be worse when putting weight on the feet. Many individuals suffer from stress fractures—if you are one of them, consult with a podiatrist today.

Activities where too much pressure is put on the feet can cause stress fractures. To learn more, contact Scott Samera, DPM from Samera / Foot + Ankle. 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:

• Runners                                
• People affected with Osteoporosis
• Tennis or basketball players
• Gymnasts
• High impact workouts

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 contact our office located in Lake City and Branford, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

The feet can feel tired and achy while standing for the majority of the work day. Practicing good foot care may help to reduce aches and pains, and this can be accomplished by wearing shoes that fit properly. Wearing compression socks may be beneficial in providing comfort to the feet and ankles. Research has shown that specific work shoes can provide good arch support, which may help reduce weakness in the feet and ankles. It is beneficial to buy appropriate work shoes at the end of the day when the feet are at their largest. Many people feel better when they can stretch or walk for short periods during the day, and this can help to improve circulation. If the profession allows it, elevating the feet can help to reduce pressure on the ankles, and it often feels good when the foot is rolled on a tennis ball. It is important to stand on a stress mat as this is generally effective in diminishing existing foot pain. If you would like additional information about how to care for your feet while working, please consult 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 Scott Samera, DPM from Samera / Foot + Ankle. Our doctor 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 office located in Lake City and Branford, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.