Bunions are bony bumps that form at the base of the big toe, as the top of the toe angles inward. Women tend to suffer from bunions more than men. Bunions often result from genetics, poor-fitting shoes, flat feet, or arthritis. Symptoms include pain, swelling, and difficulty wearing shoes. The area may feel tender or stiff, and walking can become increasingly uncomfortable. Bunions can worsen over time if left untreated. A podiatrist can evaluate the condition through a physical examination and imaging, such as X-rays. Conservative treatment includes padding, orthotics, shoe modifications, and anti-inflammatory medications. If you are dealing with a painful bunion, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist to receive an accurate diagnosis and explore the best treatment options tailored to your needs.

If you are suffering from bunion pain, contact one of our podiatrists of Carolina Foot & Ankle Specialists. 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 our offices located in Mount Pleasant and Charleston, SC . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Patients who have experienced an ingrown toenail are often aware of the pain and discomfort this condition can cause. It is defined as the corner of the toenail growing into the surrounding skin. It can occur as a result of wearing shoes that do not have adequate room for the toes to move freely in, or from trimming the toenails improperly. Mild relief can be found when the affected nail is soaked in warm water. This may help in lifting a portion of the skin away from the nail while using a cotton swab. If the toenail becomes infected, a yellow discharge may appear, and a fever may develop. It is suggested that you consult with a podiatrist if you have an ingrown toenail who can determine what the best treatment method is for you.

Ingrown toenails may initially present themselves as a minor discomfort, but they may progress into an infection in the skin without proper treatment. For more information about ingrown toenails, contact one of our podiatrists of Carolina Foot & Ankle Specialists. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Ingrown Toenails

Ingrown toenails are caused when the corner or side of a toenail grows into the soft flesh surrounding it. They often result in redness, swelling, pain, and in some cases, infection. This condition typically affects the big toe and may recur if it is not treated properly.

Causes

• Improper toenail trimming
• Genetics
• Improper shoe fitting
• Injury from pedicures or nail picking
• Abnormal gait
• Poor hygiene

You are more likely to develop an ingrown toenail if you are obese, have diabetes, arthritis, or have any fungal infection in your nails. Additionally, people who have foot or toe deformities are at a higher risk of developing an ingrown toenail.

Symptoms

Some symptoms of ingrown toenails are redness, swelling, and pain. In rare cases, there may be a yellowish drainage coming from the nail.

Treatment

Ignoring an ingrown toenail can have serious complications. Infections of the nail border can progress to a deeper soft-tissue infection, which can then turn into a bone infection. You should always speak with your podiatrist if you suspect you have an ingrown toenail, especially if you have diabetes or poor circulation.

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

The Achilles tendon is a band of tissue that connects the muscles in your calf to your heel. Injuries to this tissue can be common, especially among athletes. The typical symptoms of an Achilles tendon injury can include pain down the back of your leg near your heel, pain that worsens with activity, stiffness or soreness in the Achilles tendon upon waking, pain in the tendon the day after exercising, swelling that worsens with activity, thickening of the tendon, bone spurs on the heel bone, and difficulty flexing the affected foot. If you are injured and hear a popping sound, followed by a sudden, sharp pain, this could be indicative of an Achilles tendon rupture. If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, please consult with a podiatrist. 

Achilles tendon injuries need immediate attention to avoid future complications. If you have any concerns, contact one of our podiatrists of Carolina Foot & Ankle Specialists. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

What Is the Achilles Tendon?

The Achilles tendon is a tendon that connects the lower leg muscles and calf to the heel of the foot. It is the strongest tendon in the human body and is essential for making movement possible. Because this tendon is such an integral part of the body, any injuries to it can create immense difficulties and should immediately be presented to a doctor.

What Are the Symptoms of an Achilles Tendon Injury?

There are various types of injuries that can affect the Achilles tendon. The two most common injuries are Achilles tendinitis and ruptures of the tendon.

Achilles Tendinitis Symptoms

• Inflammation
• Dull to severe pain
• Increased blood flow to the tendon
• Thickening of the tendon

Rupture Symptoms

• Extreme pain and swelling in the foot
• Total immobility

Treatment and Prevention

Achilles tendon injuries are diagnosed by a thorough physical evaluation, which can include an MRI. Treatment involves rest, physical therapy, and in some cases, surgery. However, various preventative measures can be taken to avoid these injuries, such as:

• Thorough stretching of the tendon before and after exercise
• Strengthening exercises like calf raises, squats, leg curls, leg extensions, leg raises, lunges, and leg presses

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our offices located in Mount Pleasant and Charleston, SC . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.

Turf toe is an injury affecting the first metatarsophalangeal joint at the base of the big toe, often caused by hyperextension or excessive upward bending. Athletes who play on artificial turf or participate in sports requiring sudden stops and pushes are at higher risk. Causes include repetitive stress, trauma, or wearing improper footwear. Symptoms may involve pain, swelling, stiffness, and difficulty pushing off the foot during movement. Without proper care, turf toe can lead to chronic discomfort or long-term joint problems. A podiatrist can diagnose the injury, provide treatment, and recommend supportive footwear. If you have toe pain, it is suggested that you contact a podiatrist who can accurately diagnose and treat what may be going on.

Toe pain can disrupt your daily activities. If you have any concerns, contact one of our podiatrists of Carolina Foot & Ankle Specialists. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

What Causes Toe Pain?

Most severe toe pain is caused due to a sports injury, trauma from dropping something heavy on the toe, or bumping into something rigid. Other problems can develop over time for various reasons.

Toe pain can be caused by one or more ailments. The most common include:

• Trauma
• Sports injury
• Wearing shoes that are too tight
• Arthritis
• Gout
• Corns and calluses
• Hammertoe
• Bunions
• Blisters
• Ingrown toenails
• Sprains
• Fractures (broken bones)
• Dislocations

When to See a Podiatrist

• Severe pain
• Persistent pain that lasts more than a week
• Signs of infection
• Continued swelling
• Pain that prevents walking

Diagnosis

In many cases the cause of toe pain is obvious, but in others, a podiatrist may want to use more advanced methods to determine the problem. These can range from simple visual inspections and sensation tests to X-rays and MRI scans. Prior medical history, family medical history, and any recent physical traumatic events will all be taken into consideration for a proper diagnosis.

Treatment

Treatments for toe pain and injuries vary and may include shoe inserts, padding, taping, medicines, injections, and in some cases, surgery. If you believe that you have broken a toe, please see a podiatrist as soon as possible.

If you have any questions please contact our offices located in Mount Pleasant and Charleston, SC . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.