If you have a bony area on the side of your big toe, chances are that you may have a bunion.  Typically a progressive disorder, bunions tend to be very painful and result from changes to your foot’s bone structure.  Bunions have many causes, including a foot type that’s inherited or an uneven weight in the tendon, causing instability in the toe joint.  Other problems that can potentially arise from bunions include calluses, arthritis, and difficulty in walking.  Padding the toe or putting it in a splint may be a recommended first step.  Surgery involving a corrective procedure to realign the joint may also be an option; another is repairing the ligaments.  Consult with a podiatrist for a proper diagnosis and appropriate treatment options.

If you are suffering from bunions, contact one of our podiatrists of VIP Foot & Ankle Center. 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?

Podiatrists 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 provider.

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 office located in Pembroke Pines, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Painful attacks in the joints of the foot, especially the big toe, may be indicative of a condition referred to as gout. When an excess of uric acid builds up in the body, it can typically form into crystals; this can inflame the joints, possibly causing severe pain and swelling. Long-term arthritis is common if the cartilage is damaged due to a build up of crystals. Most sufferers of gout can find relief in lifestyle changes, including a healthy diet and exercise. Lowering the amount of uric acid in the body is an effective way in treating gout and can possibly be achieved by drinking plenty of water and limiting alcohol. Additionally, avoiding red meat and consuming a diet rich in vitamin C may also be helpful in eliminating crystals from the kidneys. If  you experience pain in the big toe and foot, a consultation with a podiatrist is advised.

Gout is a foot condition that requires certain treatment and care. If you are seeking treatment, contact one of our podiatrists from VIP Foot & Ankle Center. Our doctors will treat your foot and ankle needs.

What Is Gout?

Gout is a type of arthritis caused by a buildup of uric acid in the bloodstream. It often develops in the foot, especially the big toe area, although it can manifest in other parts of the body as well. Gout can make walking and standing very painful and is especially common in diabetics and the obese.

People typically get gout because of a poor diet. Genetic predisposition is also a factor. The children of parents who have had gout frequently have a chance of developing it themselves.

Gout can easily be identified by redness and inflammation of the big toe and the surrounding areas of the foot. Other symptoms include extreme fatigue, joint pain, and running high fevers. Sometimes corticosteroid drugs can be prescribed to treat gout, but the best way to combat this disease is to get more exercise and eat a better diet.

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

Many seniors develop foot issues as they age, commonly due to loss of strength resulting from lack of exercise. Walking helps to maintain healthy feet, which aids in keeping the body balanced, therefore preventing falls. Good everyday foot care practices are crucial in avoiding foot problems and may include washing the feet daily, trimming toenails often, and keeping the skin moisturized to avoid cracked heels. Avoiding tight socks, elevating the feet, and wiggling your toes while sitting for long periods of time may benefit general foot health. Buying shoes with closed toes and low heels will not only protect your feet from injury, but may prevent falling and tripping. Checking the feet daily for any type of redness, swelling, or possible infected toenails is also important in keeping the feet healthy. If you have any questions about how to properly maintain the feet as you age, contact a podiatrist.

If you need your feet checked, contact one of our podiatrists of VIP Foot & Ankle Center. Our doctors will attend to all of your foot and ankle needs and provide you with quality treatment.

Geriatrics and Podiatry
When people age, some common issues that may occur are bone density loss, dry skin, poor circulation, and rough brittle nails. These issues may also affect your foot health if the necessary steps are not taken to alleviate the problems.

It is important to take care of your feet because feet that are injured or diseased can affect your overall health. Having painful feet hinders your ability to do daily activities or may decrease your willingness to do the things that you need to do.

Visiting Your Geriatrician
As we age, health problems become more likely, so it is essential to visit your doctor for check-ups to ensure that you are doing the best you can to take care of your health. It is recommended to check your feet frequently for any possible cuts, bruises, swelling, corns or any other irregularities. 

Taking Care of Elderly Feet
Cracked or dry feet can be treated by applying moisturizer often. It is also important not to wear old socks because the older the sock is, the higher the possibility there will be that there is bacteria there. Wear fresh socks and make sure they fit properly.

Proper foot health means that you can have a more active lifestyle and you will not be bogged down by pain. Foot health also leads to good circulation, which is paramount for overall health.

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

Problems with the feet can indicate serious health conditions in different parts of the body. Muscle spasms, also known as “charley horses," in the feet may indicate that you are dehydrated. If a spasm occurs while walking, it may be a sign of a circulatory issue. Gout, a form of arthritis, can cause the joints in the foot to become painful. Gout occurs when uric acid crystals build up in the joints and is especially common in the feet. Additionally, it can increase the risk of kidney stones. Cold feet may indicate anemia, poor circulation, or diabetes. Swollen feet may be a sign of serious issues like poor circulation, deep vein thrombosis, or a blood clot. Concave or yellow toenails may be indicative of nutritional deficiencies or an infection. Treatments vary, and may include rest, wearing shoe inserts, or taking proper nutritional supplements for minor issues. Contact your podiatrist if you feel pain in the feet.  

When dealing with systemic disease of the feet, it is extremely important to check the affected areas routinely so that any additional problems are caught quickly.  If you have any concerns about your feet and ankles contact one of our podiatrists from VIP Foot & Ankle Center. Our doctors will assist you with all of your podiatric needs.

Systemic Diseases of the Feet

Systemic diseases affect the whole body, and symptoms usually are displayed in the feet. This condition can make a patient’s ability to walk unbearable.  Systemic diseases include gout, diabetes mellitus, neurological disorders, and arthritis.

Gout – is caused by an excess of uric acid in the body. Common symptoms include pain, inflammation, and redness at the metatarsal/phalangeal joint of the base big toe. Gout can be treated by NSAIDs to relieve pain and inflammation, and other drugs that lower the acid levels in the body.

Diabetes mellitus – is an increase in the level of blood sugar that the body cannot counteract with its own insulin. Failure to produce enough insulin is a factor in Diabetes.

Diabetes of the Feet

Diabetic Neuropathy – may lead to damaged nerves and affect the feet through numbness and loss of sensation.

Peripheral Vascular Disease – can restrict the blood flow to the feet, and often times lead to amputation of the feet. 

If you have any questions please contact our office located in Pembroke Pines, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.