A bunion is a bony bump that forms at the base of the big toe when the joint becomes misaligned. It develops gradually as the big toe leans toward the second toe. Common causes include wearing tight or narrow shoes, inherited foot structure, or arthritis. A bunion often looks swollen and red and may cause pain or stiffness when walking. Risk factors include family history, flat feet, and prolonged pressure on the feet. A podiatrist can assess the severity, recommend supportive footwear, custom orthotics, or surgery, if needed. If you have a painful bump on your big toe, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can provide effective relief tips, and help prevent further deformity.
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 Honolulu, HI. We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.
After ankle or distal tibia surgery, preventing wound complications is essential for proper recovery. Incisional Negative Pressure Wound Therapy, or NPWT, has been shown to significantly lower the risk of infection and promote faster healing. This method gently applies controlled suction to the closed surgical incision, helping remove excess fluid and improve blood circulation around the wound. Better circulation delivers oxygen and nutrients to the tissue, supporting the body’s natural repair process and reducing swelling. Studies show patients treated with NPWT experience fewer complications and faster recovery times compared to traditional dressings. This advanced therapy is particularly helpful for individuals with higher risk factors such as diabetes or poor circulation. If you are recovering from foot or ankle surgery, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist as to whether incisional NPWT can help protect your incision and promote optimal healing.
Wound care is an important part in dealing with diabetes. If you have diabetes and a foot wound or would like more information about wound care for diabetics, consult with one of our podiatrists from Comprehensive Footcare Clinic - Hawaii. Our doctors will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.
What Is Wound Care?
Wound care is the practice of taking proper care of a wound. This can range from the smallest to the largest of wounds. While everyone can benefit from proper wound care, it is much more important for diabetics. Diabetics often suffer from poor blood circulation which causes wounds to heal much slower than they would in a non-diabetic.
What Is the Importance of Wound Care?
While it may not seem apparent with small ulcers on the foot, for diabetics, any size ulcer can become infected. Diabetics often also suffer from neuropathy, or nerve loss. This means they might not even feel when they have an ulcer on their foot. If the wound becomes severely infected, amputation may be necessary. Therefore, it is of the upmost importance to properly care for any and all foot wounds.
How to Care for Wounds
The best way to care for foot wounds is to prevent them. For diabetics, this means daily inspections of the feet for any signs of abnormalities or ulcers. It is also recommended to see a podiatrist several times a year for a foot inspection. If you do have an ulcer, run the wound under water to clear dirt from the wound; then apply antibiotic ointment to the wound and cover with a bandage. Bandages should be changed daily and keeping pressure off the wound is smart. It is advised to see a podiatrist, who can keep an eye on it.
If you have any questions please contact our office located in Honolulu, HI. We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.
Foot pain from plantar fasciitis often stems from tightness in a band of tissue that runs from the heel to the toes, placing strain on the arch and heel area. Stretching is an important way to reduce the tension and pain from plantar fasciitis. Calf stretches, performed while standing with one foot behind the other and the heel pressed to the floor, help release tightness that pulls on the heel bone. Seated stretches that involve gently pulling the toes upward or using a towel under the arches can directly lengthen the plantar fascia and support healing. These movements improve flexibility in the feet and ankles, reduce inflammation, and may lessen the frequency of flare-ups. A podiatrist can examine the cause of your heel pain, recommend effective stretching routines, and provide additional treatment. If you have foot and heel pain from plantar fasciitis, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist for an exam and treatment options.
Exercising your feet regularly with the proper foot wear is a great way to prevent injuries and build strength. If you have any concerns about your feet, contact one of our podiatrists from Comprehensive Footcare Clinic - Hawaii. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.
Exercise for Your Feet
Exercise for your feet can help you gain strength, mobility and flexibility in your feet. They say that strengthening your feet can be just as rewarding as strengthening another part of the body. Your feet are very important, and we often forget about them in our daily tasks. But it is because of our feet that are we able to get going and do what we need to. For those of us fortunate enough to not have any foot problems, it is an important gesture to take care of them to ensure good health in the long run.
Some foot health exercises can include ankle pumps, tip-toeing, toe rises, lifting off the floor doing reps and sets, and flexing the toes. It is best to speak with Our doctors to determine an appropriate regimen for your needs. Everyone’s needs and bodies are different, and the activities required to maintain strength in the feet vary from individual to individual.
Once you get into a routine of doing regular exercise, you may notice a difference in your feet and how strong they may become.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in Honolulu, HI. We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.
If left untreated, an ingrown toenail can lead to more serious concerns, such as an infection. Knowing proper nail care can help in the prevention of an ingrown toenail. Give us a call, and get treated!
