Custom orthotics, or shoe inserts, should be periodically replaced. Orthotics must fit properly to give you the best results. Protect your feet and ankles!
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Bunions and Their Causes
A bunion is a bony bump that forms at the base of the big toe, as the top of the toe moves toward the second toe. This deformity can result from arthritic conditions, genetic disorders, neuromuscular disease, flatfoot, or wearing high heels or tight shoes. Risk factors include family history, foot structure, and prolonged pressure on the forefoot. Bunions can cause pain, swelling, and difficulty finding comfortable footwear. A podiatrist can help by assessing foot alignment, recommending supportive shoes, providing custom orthotics, and offering treatments to relieve pain and slow progression. If bunions are affecting your comfort or mobility, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can offer you effective relief tips.
If you are suffering from bunion pain, contact John McGhan, DPM of Gold Canyon 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 Gold Canyon, AZ . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.
Causes of Swollen Feet and Ankles
Swollen feet and ankles can result from prolonged standing, inflammation, pregnancy, or underlying health conditions. Common medical causes include issues with the liver, kidneys, or heart, which can lead to fluid retention and discomfort. Inflammation from injuries or chronic conditions such as arthritis may also contribute to swelling. During pregnancy, the body naturally holds more fluid, leading to puffiness in the lower limbs. A podiatrist can assess your symptoms, identify the cause, and recommend treatments to reduce swelling and improve circulation. Whether it is a minor concern or a sign of a more serious issue, timely care is important. If you have swollen feet or ankles, it is suggested that you visit a podiatrist who can offer effective relief tips.
Swollen feet can be a sign of an underlying condition. If you have any concerns, contact John McGhan, DPM of Gold Canyon Foot & Ankle. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.
Swollen feet are a common ailment among pregnant women and people who stand or sit for extended periods. Aging may increase the possibility of swollen feet and patients who are obese often notice when their feet are swelling too. There may be medical reasons why swollen feet occur:
- Phlebitis - A condition that causes the veins to become inflamed and can also cause leg pain.
- Liver disease - This may lead to low blood levels of albumin which is a protein. This can cause fluid in the blood to pass into the tissues and several areas of the body can become swollen.
- Heart failure - When the heart doesn’t pump properly the blood that is normally pumped back to the heart can pool in the veins of the legs causing swollen feet.
- Kidney disease - One of the main functions of the kidneys is releasing excess fluid in the body. This type of condition can make it difficult for the kidneys to function properly, and as a result the feet may become swollen.
- Deep-vein thrombosis (DVT)- This is a serious condition where blood clots form in the veins of the legs. They can block the return of blood from the legs to the heart which may cause the feet to swell. It is important to be treated by a podiatrist if this condition is present.
Swollen feet can also be caused by bone and tendon conditions, including fractures, arthritis, and tendinitis. Additionally, there may be skin and toenail conditions and an infection may cause the feet to swell. Patients who take medicine to treat high blood pressure may be prone to getting swollen feet.
Many patients elevate their feet to help relieve the swelling and this is generally a temporary remedy. When a podiatrist is consulted the reason behind the swelling can be uncovered and subsequently treated.
If you have any questions please contact our office located in Gold Canyon, AZ . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.
Plantar Fasciitis Is a Common Cause of Heel Pain
Plantar fasciitis is the inflammation of the plantar fascia, a thick band of tissue that runs along the bottom of the foot, connecting the heel to the toes. It is often caused by repetitive strain, prolonged standing, or wearing unsupportive footwear. Risk factors include high arches, flat feet, obesity, and increased activity levels. Symptoms typically include sharp heel pain, especially during the first steps in the morning or after rest. A podiatrist can diagnose the condition, recommend stretching exercises, prescribe custom orthotics, and suggest footwear changes. If you are experiencing heel pain that interferes with daily activities, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist for a diagnosis and treatment.
Plantar fasciitis can be very painful and inconvenient. If you are experiencing heel pain or symptoms of plantar fasciitis, contact John McGhan, DPM from Gold Canyon Foot & Ankle. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.
What Is Plantar Fasciitis?
Plantar fasciitis is the inflammation of the thick band of tissue that runs along the bottom of your foot, known as the plantar fascia, and causes mild to severe heel pain.
What Causes Plantar Fasciitis?
- Excessive running
- Non-supportive shoes
- Overpronation
- Repeated stretching and tearing of the plantar fascia
How Can It Be Treated?
- Conservative measures – anti-inflammatories, ice packs, stretching exercises, physical therapy, orthotic devices
- Shockwave therapy – sound waves are sent to the affected area to facilitate healing and are usually used for chronic cases of plantar fasciitis
- Surgery – usually only used as a last resort when all else fails. The plantar fascia can be surgically detached from the heel
While very treatable, plantar fasciitis is definitely not something that should be ignored. Especially in severe cases, speaking to your doctor right away is highly recommended to avoid complications and severe heel pain. Your podiatrist can work with you to provide the appropriate treatment options tailored to your condition.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in Gold Canyon, AZ . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.
Facts About Plantar Warts
A plantar wart is a small, rough growth that appears on the bottom of the foot caused by the human papillomavirus, or HPV, infecting the skin through tiny cuts. It commonly develops in areas of pressure such as the heel or ball of the foot. Risk factors include walking barefoot in communal areas, weakened immunity, and skin trauma. Symptoms include thickened skin, pain when walking, and small black dots within the wart, which are clotted blood vessels. A podiatrist can accurately diagnose plantar warts and offer treatments such as removal, cryotherapy, or topical medications to eliminate the virus and relieve discomfort. If you have developed a plantar wart, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist promptly who can offer appropriate treatment solutions.
Plantar warts can be very uncomfortable. If you need your feet checked, contact John McGhan, DPM from Gold Canyon Foot & Ankle. Our doctor will assist you with all of your foot and ankle needs.
About Plantar Warts
Plantar warts are the result of HPV, or human papillomavirus, getting into open wounds on the feet. They are mostly found on the heels or balls of the feet.
While plantar warts are generally harmless, those experiencing excessive pain or those suffering from diabetes or a compromised immune system require immediate medical care. Plantar warts are easily diagnosed, usually through scraping off a bit of rough skin or by getting a biopsy.
Symptoms
- Lesions on the bottom of your feet, usually rough and grainy
- Hard or thick callused spots
- Wart seeds, which are small clotted blood vessels that look like little black spots
- Pain, discomfort, or tenderness of your feet when walking or standing
Treatment
- Freezing
- Electric tool removal
- Laser Treatment
- Topical Creams (prescription only)
- Over-the-counter medications
To help prevent developing plantar warts, avoid walking barefoot over abrasive surfaces that can cause cuts or wounds for HPV to get into. Avoiding direct contact with other warts, as well as not picking or rubbing existing warts, can help prevent the further spread of plantar warts. However, if you think you have developed plantar warts, speak to your podiatrist. He or she can diagnose the warts on your feet and recommend the appropriate treatment options.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in Gold Canyon, AZ . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.
