September 2024

A bunion is a bony bump that develops on the side of the foot, near the base of the big toe. Bunions often cause pain and present challenges when wearing shoes. Bunion surgery may become necessary if non-surgical treatments, such as wearing wider shoes, padding, or toe spacers are not effective in relieving pain. The goal of bunion surgery is to realign the bones, remove the bony lump, and restore the normal function of the toe. Without surgery, bunions tend to worsen over time and may lead to further complications, like joint pain or inflammation. A podiatrist can guide you through both surgical and non-surgical options to help manage the condition and improve your comfort. Deciding on surgery depends on factors like pain levels, activity limitations, and the progression of the bunion. If you are uncertain about bunion surgery, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist for an exam, diagnosis, and treatment options.

If you are suffering from bunion pain, contact one of our podiatrists of Westside Podiatry Center, LLP. 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 one of our offices located in Liverpool, Camillus, Skaneateles, Oswego, and Cicero, NY . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

A diabetic foot ulcer is a common complication of diabetes, characterized by open sores or wounds that develop on the feet, often due to poor circulation and neuropathy. These ulcers can result from minor injuries or pressure points and can be slow to heal, posing a risk of infection. Finding relief involves several steps. Firstly, controlling blood sugar levels is essential to promote healing. Regularly inspecting and cleaning the ulcer with mild soap and water helps prevent infection. Using appropriate wound dressings and ensuring the affected foot is kept dry and protected is also important. Offloading pressure through custom orthotic devices or specialized footwear can aid in healing. Seeking prompt medical attention from a podiatrist for advanced treatments, such as debridement or antibiotics, ensures effective management and reduces the risk of complications. If you have diabetes or have developed a foot ulcer, it is suggested that you are under the care of a podiatrist who can effectively treat foot wounds. 

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 Westside Podiatry Center, LLP. 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 feel free to contact one of our offices located in Liverpool, Camillus, Skaneateles, Oswego, and Cicero, NY . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Gout is a form of arthritis that often targets the big toe, causing sudden, intense pain, swelling, and redness in the joint. This happens when uric acid crystals build up in the joints, leading to inflammation. During a gout attack, the affected joint, especially the big toe, can become extremely painful, making even light contact unbearable. Treatment focuses on relieving the pain and inflammation quickly, usually with medications like NSAIDs, colchicine, or steroids. These are most effective when taken as soon as the attack begins. To prevent future flare-ups, a podiatrist may prescribe medication that lowers uric acid levels in the blood, helping to dissolve the crystals and prevent new ones from forming. Restricting intake of certain foods that contribute to uric acid build up is also important. A podiatrist can diagnose gout and offer effective treatments to manage both the immediate pain and long-term prevention. If you are experiencing pain from gout, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist.

Gout is a foot condition that requires certain treatment and care. If you are seeking treatment, contact one of our podiatrists from Westside Podiatry Center, LLP. 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 one of our offices located in Liverpool, Camillus, Skaneateles, Oswego, and Cicero, NY . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

A Lisfranc injury is a serious condition that involves damage to the midfoot, specifically the Lisfranc joint, where the metatarsal bones connect with the tarsal bones. This injury is common in sports that involve high-impact activities, such as football, soccer, or gymnastics, where sudden twists or heavy forces are applied to the foot. When a Lisfranc injury occurs, the ligaments that stabilize the midfoot are torn or the bones are fractured, leading to pain, swelling, and difficulty in bearing weight. Athletes often describe feeling a popping sensation during the injury, followed by severe pain. Diagnosis usually involves a physical exam and imaging tests like X-rays, MRI, or CT scans to assess the extent of the damage. Treatment can range from immobilization with a cast or boot for milder cases to surgery for more severe injuries. Recovery can take several months, and proper rehabilitation is critical for athletes to regain full function and return to their sport. If you are an athlete who has sustained a midfoot injury while playing your sport, it is strongly suggested that you promptly visit a podiatrist for a proper diagnosis and appropriate treatment methods.

Ankle and foot injuries are common among athletes and in many sports. They can be caused by several problems and may be potentially serious. If you are feeling pain or think you were injured in a sporting event or when exercising, consult with one of our podiatrists from Westside Podiatry Center, LLP. Our doctors will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

Common Injuries

The most common injuries that occur in sporting activities include:

• Achilles Tendonitis
• Achilles Tendon Rupture
• Ankle Sprains
• Broken Foot
• Plantar Fasciitis
• Stress Fractures
• Turf Toe

Symptoms

Symptoms vary depending upon the injury and in some cases, there may be no symptoms at all. However, in most cases, some form of symptom is experienced. Pain, aching, burning, bruising, tenderness, tightness or stiffness, sensation loss, difficulty moving, and swelling are the most common symptoms.

Treatment

Just as symptoms vary depending upon the injury, so do treatment options. A common treatment method is known as the RICE method. This method involves rest, applying ice, compression and elevating the afflicted foot or ankle. If the injury appears to be more serious, surgery might be required, such as arthroscopic or reconstructive surgery. Lastly, rehabilitation or therapy might be needed to gain full functionality in the afflicted area. Any discomfort experienced by an athlete must be evaluated by a licensed, reputable medical professional.  

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact one of our offices located in Liverpool, Camillus, Skaneateles, Oswego, and Cicero, NY . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.