Blog

Bunions are one of the most common conditions I treat in my foot and ankle practice. While they can occur at any age, I see them most often in older adults and more frequently in women than men.
A bunion is easy to recognize. It looks like a bony bump at the base of the big toe joint. Typically a bunion develops over time due to pressure put on the feet and especially the toes.

The patient hobbled into my office, clearly in pain. After she removed her right sneaker and sock, the cause was clear. Her big toe was inflamed, weeping, and warm to the touch. The diagnosis: An infected ingrown toenail.

Ingrown toenails are one of the most common problems I treat in my foot and ankle practice. They typically affect the big toe and occur when the toenail curves and grows into the skin next to it. As the nail digs in, the toe can become red and swollen, making it painful to walk or stand.

More than two thirds of American adults are overweight or obese, and many are trapped in a vicious cycle when they try to lose weight. Obesity aggravates foot problems, like heel pain and flat feet. Sore feet make it hard to exercise and lose weight. And without exercise, obesity worsens and can exacerbate diabetes, heart disease and other serious health threats.

Ullcers, or open skin sores, can develop anywhere on the body, including the legs and feet. They may signal an underlying condition and take a long time to heal.
Ulcers can be caused by an injury that breaks the skin, too much pressure from shoes that don’t fit properly, or extended periods in bed.