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What
is a Bunion? A bunion is a protrusion of the
bone of the great toe joint. It usually grows toward the mid-line of the body, pushing the big toe toward the smaller toes.
Sometimes the extra bone growth is on top of the knuckle.This enlarged bone can limit normal foot function and make wearing everyday shoes
uncomfortable or even unbearable. Without treatment, bunions often continue to grow and become more painful. Bunions develop over a period
of years. They are initially caused by inherited bone structure, and may be further irritated by shoes. People of any age
can develop bunions. Reshaping the great toe knuckle at the earliest signs of bunion formation can minimize inevitable discomfort
and add to the quality of life of the patient.
What are Warts? A wart is an
infection caused by a virus, which can invade your skin through small cuts or breaks. Over time, the wart grows in to a rough,
hard growth on the surface of the skin. Warts are most commonly seen on the bottom of the foot, but can also appear on the
top. Warts are sometimes mistaken for corns or calluses, and can persist for years and recur in the same area. If left
untreated, warts can be spread to other parts of the foot or even to the hands or other parts of the body. Since they are
caused by a virus, warts are easily transmitted to others via common locations: household bathrooms, gyms, and around the
swimming pool where people are prone to walking barefoot. There are many ways to treat warts, depending on their size
and location. Medication or surgical removal, or both, may be effective treatments. Even after warts are removed, they may
still occur.
What is Plantar Fasciitis? The
plantar fascia is a ligament-like band that runs from your heel to the ball of your foot. this band pulls on the heel bone,
raising the arch of your foot as it pushes off the ground. If your foot moves incorrectly, the plantar fascia may become strained
and may begin to swell. This condition is called Plantar Fasciitis. Symptoms include pain upon standing, especially first
thing in the morning and when getting up from a resting position. Pain usually occurs on the inside of the foot, near the
spot where your heel and arch meet. Plantar fasciitis can cause related problems such as heel spurs or bursitis. Common treatments
include medications, injections, gentle stretching exercises, strapping and taping, custom made foot orthotics, or even surgery.
What are Neuromas?
A neuroma begins when the outer coating of a nerve thickens. This thickening is usually caused by irritation
that results when two bones repeatedly rub together (often due to ill-fitting shoes or abnormal bone movement). The area between
the third and fourth toes is most commonly affected; the area between the second and third toes is another irritation point.
Nerve problems due to diabetes or alcoholism can also cause neuroma-like symptoms. the pain from neuromas may start gradually,
causing burning, tingling, cramping or numbness. Symptoms often occur after you've been walking or standing for a
period of time. In some cases, the pain radiates from the tip of the toes to the ankle. Treatment options include medications,
injections, shoe changes, ultrasound therapy, custom made foot orthotics, and surgery.
What are Hammer Toes?
In general, the term "hammer toe" describes a buckling of any of the toe joints. Joints at the middle of the toe,
as well as the joint near the ball of the foot, may be affected. Toe joints usually curl because of a muscle imbalance or
tight tendons. Hammer toes vary in severity and in the number of joints and toes involved. Hammer toes may be flexible or
rigid, depending on the joint's ability to move. A flexible joint may become more rigid as you age. Hammer toes can cause
corns, which often form between curled toes or on top of buckled joints where toes rub. Hammer toes can also cause calluses,
which form on the bottom of the foot due to the extra stress and pressure caused by the bone. Treatments for hammer toes vary
depending on the severity of the problem, and include shoe changes, splinting or padding, or surgery to correct the buckling.
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