A bunion is a foot condition where there is a bony protrusion on the side of the big toe. It can develop as a result of genetic factors or from wearing shoes that do not have adequate room for the toes to move freely in. Larger shoes may need to be purchased for existing bunions, and it may be difficult to walk. Additionally, patients may notice the affected joint has become stiff and red, and it may be challenging to maintain balance. Specific foot stretches and exercises may be beneficial in improving general foot function by strengthening the muscles, tendons, and ligaments. Wearing custom-made orthotics may help to reduce the discomfort from having a bunion, and toe separators may help to alleviate a portion of the pain. If you have a painful bunion, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist who can recommend treatment options, which may include surgery for permanent removal.

If you are suffering from bunion pain, contact Jordan Baker, DPM of Best Foot Forward Surgical Podiatry. 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 Florence, SC . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

A corn is a small, thickened area of skin that develops as a protective response to repeated friction and pressure. Corns are usually smaller and deeper than calluses, and may have a hard center that can cause tenderness. Calluses tend to be larger, flatter areas of thickened skin that form over wider regions. Corns often appear on the side of the feet from wearing tight shoes, while calluses may develop on the ball of the foot from activities such as running barefoot. Risk factors include poor footwear, repetitive motion, and foot structure. A podiatrist can safely treat corns, reduce pressure, and recommend proper footwear to prevent recurrence. Corns can be painful, and may cause difficulty in completing daily activities. If you have a foot corn, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can offer you effective relief and treatment solutions.

Corns can make walking very painful and should be treated immediately. If you have questions regarding your feet and ankles, contact Jordan Baker, DPM of Best Foot Forward Surgical Podiatry. Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.

Corns: What Are They? And How Do You Get Rid of Them?
Corns are thickened areas on the skin that can become painful. They are caused by excessive pressure and friction on the skin. Corns press into the deeper layers of the skin and are usually round in shape.

Ways to Prevent Corns
There are many ways to get rid of painful corns such as:

• Wearing properly fitting shoes that have been measured by a professional
• Wearing shoes that are not sharply pointed or have high heels
• Wearing only shoes that offer support

Treating Corns

Although most corns slowly disappear when the friction or pressure stops, this isn’t always the case. Consult with your podiatrist to determine the best treatment option for your case of corns.

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

Foot care while working is important because many jobs require long hours of standing, walking, or lifting, which can place stress on the feet. Wearing the right shoes is essential, since proper support helps reduce pressure on the heels, arches, and toes. Stretching the feet when possible can also help improve flexibility and reduce stiffness during the day. At home, basic care like resting the feet and monitoring discomfort can help prevent problems from getting worse. Without proper care, people may develop pain, swelling, or fatigue that affects daily movement. A podiatrist can evaluate foot structure, recommend supportive footwear, and provide treatment plans tailored to work-related strain. If foot discomfort continues, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist for an evaluation and appropriate care.

While working on the feet, it is important to take the proper care of them. For more information about working on your feet, contact Jordan Baker, DPM from Best Foot Forward Surgical Podiatry. 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 Florence, SC . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Pain in the ball of the foot, termed metatarsalgia, refers to discomfort under the front part of the foot where weight is placed when walking. This pain can feel like a dull ache or a burning sensation, and it may worsen with standing or activity. Common causes include overuse, foot injuries, and pressure from wearing tight or high-heeled shoes. Conditions like a thickened nerve, joint strain, or a small fracture may also contribute to symptoms. Some people notice tingling or numbness in the toes, which can point to nerve involvement. Risk factors include aging and high-impact activities. Poor foot alignment can also increase stress in this area. A podiatrist can evaluate the foot and use imaging to identify the source of pain. Treatment includes custom orthotics, padding, footwear guidance, or other methods to reduce pressure and improve function. If you have pain in the ball of the foot, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for a diagnosis and appropriate treatment.

Foot Pain

Foot pain can be extremely painful and debilitating. If you have a foot pain, consult with Jordan Baker, DPM from Best Foot Forward Surgical Podiatry. Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

Causes

Foot pain is a very broad condition that could be caused by one or more ailments. The most common include:

• Bunions
• Hammertoes
• Plantar Fasciitis
• Bone Spurs
• Corns
• Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome
• Ingrown Toenails
• Arthritis (such as Gout, Rheumatoid, and Osteoarthritis)
• Flat Feet
• Injury (from stress fractures, broken toe, foot, ankle, Achilles tendon ruptures, and sprains)
• And more

Diagnosis

To figure out the cause of foot pain, podiatrists utilize several different methods. This can range from simple visual inspections and sensation tests to X-rays and MRI scans. Prior medical history, family medical history, and any recent physical traumatic events will all be taken into consideration for a proper diagnosis.

Treatment

Treatment depends upon the cause of the foot pain. Whether it is resting, staying off the foot, or having surgery; podiatrists have a number of treatment options available for foot pain.

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