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The largest joint in the big toe is referred to as the metatarsophalangeal (MTP) joint. The MTP joint helps to balance the body’s weight while performing daily activities. A bunion is a bony protrusion that is considered to be a deformity that forms at this specific joint. It can develop from genetic factors, or from wearing shoes that do not have adequate room for the toes to move freely in. It may cause the second and third toe to overlap, and larger shoes may need to be worn. In larger bunions, a callus may form on top of the toe, and this is generally a result of excess friction that is caused by the shoe. Mild relief may be found when a protective pad is worn over the bunion. If you have developed this condition, it is best that you speak with a podiatrist who may suggest surgery for permanent removal.
If you are suffering from bunions, contact Dr. Thomas Tran of Southwestern Foot & Ankle Associates, P.C.. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.
What Is a Bunion?
A bunion is formed of swollen tissue or an enlargement of boney growth, usually located at the base joint of the toe that connects to the foot. The swelling occurs due to the bones in the big toe shifting inward, which impacts the other toes of the foot. This causes the area around the base of the big toe to become inflamed and painful.
Why Do Bunions Form?
Genetics – Susceptibility to bunions are often hereditary
Stress on the feet – Poorly fitted and uncomfortable footwear that places stress on feet, such as heels, can worsen existing bunions
How Are Bunions Diagnosed?
Doctors often perform two tests – blood tests and x-rays – when trying to diagnose bunions, especially in the early stages of development. Blood tests help determine if the foot pain is being caused by something else, such as arthritis, while x-rays provide a clear picture of your bone structure to your doctor.
How Are Bunions Treated?
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in Frisco, TX . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.
Custom orthotics, or shoe inserts, should be periodically replaced. Orthotics must fit properly to give you the best results. Protect your feet and ankles!
Athlete’s foot is a fungal infection of the skin on the feet that can cause a scaly, itchy rash to develop between your toes. This infection is contagious and is often contracted by walking barefoot in damp places, such as showers, public swimming pools, and locker rooms, or from sharing personal items with an infected individual. To prevent athlete’s foot, it is recommended that you keep your feet clean and dry, wear clean socks, avoid walking barefoot in public areas, and keep your toenails clean and trimmed. It is also important to refrain from sharing personal items like socks and towels with an infected individual. If you suspect that you may have athlete’s foot, it is suggested that you consult with a podiatrist for treatment.
Athlete’s foot is an inconvenient condition that can be easily reduced with the proper treatment. If you have any concerns about your feet and ankles, contact Dr. Thomas Tran from Southwestern Foot & Ankle Associates, P.C.. Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.
Athlete’s Foot: The Sole Story
Athlete's foot, also known as tinea pedis, can be an extremely contagious foot infection. It is commonly contracted in public changing areas and bathrooms, dormitory style living quarters, around locker rooms and public swimming pools, or anywhere your feet often come into contact with other people.
Solutions to Combat Athlete’s Foot
Athlete’s foot can cause many irritating symptoms such as dry and flaking skin, itching, and redness. Some more severe symptoms can include bleeding and cracked skin, intense itching and burning, and even pain when walking. In the worst cases, Athlete’s foot can cause blistering as well. Speak to your podiatrist for a better understanding of the different causes of Athlete’s foot, as well as help in determining which treatment options are best for you.
If you have any questions please feel free to contact our office located in Frisco, TX . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.
Much like adults, infants can also develop painful ingrown toenails. Fortunately, these are fairly easy to prevent. When trimming your baby’s toenails, it is suggested that you use nail clippers. This is because nail scissors tend to cut the nails in a curved or rounded shape, and it is easier for the rounded edge of the toenail to grow into the surrounding skin, whereas nail clippers can easily cut the toenails straight across. Longer toenails can make an ingrown toenail more likely to develop, so it is best that you trim your baby’s nails regularly. In some cases, this may mean once a week or more. When you do cut your baby’s toenails, please refrain from cutting them too close to the skin. It is also suggested that you let your baby go barefoot or dress them in loose-fitting socks and shoes, as tight footwear can compress the toes and push the toenails into the skin. For more information about handling ingrown toenails in infants, please consult with a podiatrist.
Ingrown toenails can become painful if they are not treated properly. For more information about ingrown toenails, contact Dr. Thomas Tran of Southwestern Foot & Ankle Associates, P.C.. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.
Ingrown Toenails
Ingrown toenails occur when a toenail grows sideways into the bed of the nail, causing pain, swelling, and possibly infection.
Causes
Prevention
Because ingrown toenails are not something found outside of shoe-wearing cultures, going barefoot as often as possible will decrease the likeliness of developing ingrown toenails. Wearing proper fitting shoes and using proper cutting techniques will also help decrease your risk of developing ingrown toenails.
Treatment
Ingrown toenails are a very treatable foot condition. In minor cases, soaking the affected area in salt or antibacterial soaps will not only help with the ingrown nail itself, but also help prevent any infections from occurring. In more severe cases, surgery is an option. In either case, speaking to your podiatrist about this condition will help you get a better understanding of specific treatment options that are right for you.
If you have any questions please feel free to contact our office located in Frisco, TX . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.
Read more about Ingrown Toenails
Blisters are a noticeable and uncomfortable condition when they form on the feet. They generally develop from excess friction, which may be caused by wearing shoes and socks that do not fit correctly. A blister is a small area of raised skin that is filled with liquid and resembles a bubble. The fluid inside the bubble protects the raw skin underneath, and will gradually drain as new skin forms. There are other reasons why blisters may develop. These can include insect bites, frostbite, or medical conditions such as psoriasis or eczema. Blisters on the feet can be protected when comfortable shoes are worn, and this may help to prevent premature popping and drainage of the blister. If you would like additional information about how to prevent and treat foot blisters, please consult with a podiatrist.
Blisters may appear as a single bubble or in a cluster. They can cause a lot of pain and may be filled with pus, blood, or watery serum. If your feet are hurting, contact Dr. Thomas Tran of Southwestern Foot & Ankle Associates, P.C.. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.
Foot Blisters
Foot blisters are often the result of friction. This happens due to the constant rubbing from shoes, which can lead to pain.
What Are Foot Blisters?
A foot blister is a small fluid-filled pocket that forms on the upper-most layer of the skin. Blisters are filled with clear fluid and can lead to blood drainage or pus if the area becomes infected.
Symptoms
(Blister symptoms may vary depending on what is causing them)
Prevention & Treatment
In order to prevent blisters, you should be sure to wear comfortable shoes with socks that cushion your feet and absorb sweat. Breaking a blister open may increase your chances of developing an infection. However, if your blister breaks, you should wash the area with soap and water immediately and then apply a bandage to the affected area. If your blisters cause severe pain it is important that you call your podiatrist right away.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in Frisco, TX . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.
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