A bunion is a bony growth that develops at the base of the big toe when the joint becomes misaligned. Bunions are often the result of inherited foot structure problems, such as flat feet or joint looseness. Over time, the top of the toe leans inward, causing pain, swelling, and difficulty walking. Bunions can lead to complications, if ignored. Bursitis, which is inflammation of the joint's fluid-filled sac, may develop and cause additional pain and stiffness. Other complications include hammertoes, overlapping toes, metatarsal pain, and thickened skin or calluses. In certain cases, joint damage can limit motion in the big toe or result in permanent deformity. A podiatrist can assess the severity of the bunion and determine the most appropriate care. Treatment options include custom orthotics to relieve pressure or bunion surgery to realign the bones and remove inflamed tissue. If you have painful bunions, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for an exam and appropriate treatment options.

If you are suffering from bunion pain, contact one of our podiatrists of Montgomery Foot Care Specialists. 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 office located in Montgomery, AL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

A plantar fibroma is a benign growth that forms within the plantar fascia, the thick band of tissue along the bottom of the foot. This firm lump usually develops in the arch and may increase in size over time. The exact cause is not always clear, but it may be linked to genetics, repeated trauma, or underlying conditions that affect connective tissue. Symptoms include a noticeable bump in the arch, discomfort when walking or standing, and pain when pressure is applied to the area. A podiatrist can diagnose a plantar fibroma through physical examination and imaging, and offer treatments such as custom orthotics, footwear modifications, or other noninvasive options to reduce pain and improve foot function. If you have a lump in the arch of your foot, it is suggested that you contact a podiatrist for an exam and treatment options.

A plantar fibroma may disrupt your daily activities. If you have any concerns, contact one of our podiatrists of Montgomery Foot Care Specialists. our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Plantar Fibroma

A plantar fibroma is a fibrous knot in the arch of the foot. It is embedded in the plantar fascia which is a band of tissue that extends from the heel to the toes along the bottom of the foot. There can be multiple plantar fibromas in the feet at the same time. There are no known causes for this condition. If you have a plantar fibroma, there will be a bump in the arch of your foot that cannot be missed. Any associated pain is most often due to a shoe rubbing against the nodule. Non-surgical options, such as steroid injections, physical therapy, and orthotics should be tried first. Surgery is a last resort and is the only thing that will remove a plantar fibroma entirely. Consult with a podiatrist for a proper diagnosis and to determine the treatment regimen that is right for you.

What Causes a Plantar Fibroma?

While there are no specific causes identified, a plantar fibroma can possibly come from genetic predisposition or the formation of scar tissue that forms from healing the tears in the plantar fascia.

What Are the Symptoms of a Plantar Fibroma?

There will be a noticeable lump in the arch of the foot that may or may not cause pain. If pain is felt, it is typically because a shoe is rubbing up against the lump or when walking or standing barefoot.

Treatment and Prevention

A plantar fibroma will not disappear without treatment, but it can get smaller and be a non-issue. If pain persists, a podiatrist examines the foot and when the arch of the foot is pressed, pain can be felt down to the toes. An MRI or biopsy might be performed to help diagnose or evaluate the plantar fibroma. The following non-surgical options are generally enough to reduce the size and pain of these nodules:

• Steroid injections
• Orthotics
• Physical therapy to help apply anti-inflammatory creams on the bump 

Surgery is considered if the mass increases in size and the patient continues to feel pain after non-surgical methods are tried.

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

A podiatrist is a medical professional who specializes in diagnosing and treating conditions related to the feet, ankles, and lower legs. They receive extensive training in foot and ankle care, including both non-surgical and surgical treatment options. Podiatrists treat a wide range of issues such as heel pain, bunions, hammertoes, ingrown toenails, fungal infections, and foot injuries. They also manage complications related to diabetes, including foot ulcers and nerve damage. Podiatrists provide care for individuals of all ages, from children with flat feet to seniors with arthritis or circulation problems. This type of doctor also plays an important role in preventive care by offering guidance on footwear, gait, and foot hygiene. If you have foot or ankle pain, it is suggested that you promptly contact a podiatrist for treatment.

If you are dealing with pain in your feet and ankles, you may want to seek help from a podiatrist. Feel free to contact one of our podiatrists from Montgomery Foot Care Specialists. our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

What Is a Podiatrist?

A podiatrist is a doctor of podiatric medicine who diagnoses and treats conditions of the foot, ankle, and related structures of the leg. Your podiatrist may specialize in a certain field such as sports medicine, wound care, pediatrics, and diabetic care. Podiatrists have the ability to become board certified through training, clinical experience, and then taking an exam.

What Do Podiatrists Do?

On a daily basis, a podiatrist may perform the following activities:

• Diagnose foot ailments such as ulcers, tumors, fractures, etc.
• Use innovative methods to treat conditions
• Use corrective orthotics, casts, and strappings to correct deformities
• Correct walking patterns and balance
• Provide individual consultations to patients

It is very important that you take care of your feet. It’s easy to take having healthy feet for granted, however foot problems tend to be among the most common health conditions. Podiatrists can help diagnose and treat a variety of feet related conditions, so it is crucial that you visit one if you need assistance.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our office located in Montgomery, AL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.