The location on the foot where a bunion generally develops is the bottom of the joint in the big toe. It can happen due to genetics, or if an injury has occurred. The bony protrusion of a bunion that develops in this area may cause the big toe to shift toward the other toes, and the foot may look deformed. Many patients have to purchase larger shoes to accommodate the shape of the foot. Additionally, walking may be uncomfortable, and limping may help to alleviate the discomfort. Mild relief may be found when the affected foot is soaked in warm water, and it may help to wear a protective pad over the bunion. Effective prevention methods of bunions can include avoiding wearing high heels, wearing shoes with bigger toe areas, and by developing strength in the feet with a routine exercise regime. If you have developed a bunion, it is advised that you schedule an appointment with a chiropodist who can effectively treat this condition.

Bunions progressively worsen over time and may cause walking in your shoes to become difficult. To learn more about bunions, please consult with one of the chiropodists from The Footcare Centre. Our chiropodists will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment. 

What Are Bunions? 

A bunion is a bony bump that protrudes from the base of the big toe. Bunions are caused due to a misalignment of the first metatarsal. The characteristic bump of a bunion forms when the metatarsal shifts outwards from its proper position. Bunions develop slowly over time and progressively worsen without treatment. The skin over the bunion may develop calluses due to the friction from shoes. Eventually, a bunion can make walking uncomfortable or even painful. Bunions are one of the most common foot deformities and are especially common in women and older adults.

Symptoms

A bunion appears as a bulging bump on the outside of the base of the big toe.

The bunion may also: 

• Be swollen, red, or sore
• Develop corns or calluses over it
• Cause pain
• Limit the big toe’s range of motion

Treatment

There are several different treatments available for bunions. Conservative treatment options include wearing shoes with a wider toe box, cushioning the bunion with a specialized pad, wearing shoe inserts, icing the bunion if it becomes inflamed, and taking medications to relieve pain. In more severe cases, more invasive procedures may be done. This may involve removing the swollen tissue around the bunion, straightening the big toe, realigning the bones at the front of the foot, or a combination of these procedures. 

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

Anyone with diabetes may be at a higher risk of developing foot ulcers. They are usually caused by sores or wounds that do not heal properly and spread beneath the skin to the soft tissue and muscle sheaths below. A diabetic who has developed peripheral neuropathy often loses the feeling in the toes and feet. Because a sore or minor cut can’t always be detected, particularly if it is on the bottom of the foot, it may form an ulcer. Symptoms of diabetic ulcers include discoloration of the skin or toenails, pain and redness, swelling, pus or fluid discharge, and a foul odor coming from the foot. The most common treatment is debridement, a process that removes dead tissue. It is strongly suggested that you not do this on your own, but consult a chiropodist, who can conduct the process in a safe and hygienic way. Afterward, you may be directed to wear special shoes or use crutches or a wheelchair until the wound heals completely. It is also suggested to avoid walking barefoot and make sure the wounded area is kept clean. 

Diabetes can cause serious problems in the lower limbs if proper preventive measures are not taken and diabetic wound care is not performed. If you would like to learn more about caring for diabetic feet, please consult with one of the chiropodists from The Footcare Centre. Our chiropodists can help you maintain the health of your lower limbs and your mobility. 

Diabetes can lead to a host of foot and ankle complications, including: 

• Poor circulation
• Peripheral neuropathy
• Diabetic foot wounds and ulcers
• Infection
• Corns and calluses
• Dry, cracked skin
• Nail disorders
• Hammertoes
• Bunions
• Charcot foot

If you have diabetes, you must be vigilant of any changes in your foot health. This is best done through daily foot inspections. Using a mirror to help you if necessary, look for any: 

• Cuts, scrapes, sores, or wounds
• Bruising or discoloration
• Swelling
• Rash
• Foul odor
• Nail changes
• Hair loss
• Warmth and inflammation
• Deformities
• Lower limb pain
• Strange sensations (numbness, tingling, burning, pins, and needles)

If you detect anything unusual, seek the care of a chiropodist as soon as possible. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

A blister is a pocket of fluid that forms on the skin, including the skin of the feet. There are many causes of foot blisters. They generally arise from rubbing or friction from poor fitting shoes or socks or long periods of being on the feet – walking, standing, or exercising. Foot blisters can become painful and interfere with daily functioning. Typically, one can treat a blister at home by simply covering it with a Band-aid to help protect the sore. It should eventually harden and disappear. Long-term, make sure to wear shoes and socks that fit properly and do not rub or constrict the foot in any way. If a blister on your foot does not heal in a relatively short period of time, or if you develop other symptoms (such as a fever, nausea, and chills), it is wise to consult with a chiropodist to make sure it has not become infected and to obtain suggestions for proper treatment protocols.

Blisters can usually be treated at home, however, if you have recurring blisters or experience significant discomfort or pain, please consult with one of the chiropodists from The Footcare Centre. Our chiropodists will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment. 

What Is a Blister? 

A blister is a small pocket of fluid in the upper skin layers and is one of the body’s natural responses to injury or pressure. Blisters can also result from burns, fungal or viral skin infections, and the feet are particularly prone due to ill-fitting footwear and friction. Friction on the skin causes the upper layer of skin to separate from the lower layers. The space that this separation creates then becomes filled with a liquid called serum, which protects the lower layers of skin. 

Treatment 

If you notice a blister on your foot, you can cover it with a soft bandage or dressing to protect it. Popping the blister is discouraged. Doing so exposes the raw skin underneath it to bacteria and also raises the risk of infection. If a blister pops naturally, let it drain before covering it with a bandage. Blisters usually heal on their own or with home treatment, however, if your blister is recurring, very painful, or appears infected, it is recommended that you see a chiropodist for treatment. 

Prevention

You can help to prevent blisters by wearing comfortable, well-fitted shoes. Keep your feet dry by wearing moisture-wicking socks and dust your feet with talcum powder if they tend to get sweaty. If you have areas on your feet that are more susceptible to blisters, you might be able to prevent the blister from forming by covering it with a pad. 

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