Bunions, a common foot deformity, occur when the big toe joint shifts out of place, causing the toe to bend towards the other toes and a bony bump to form on the side of the foot. This misalignment often results from genetic predisposition, wearing tight or narrow shoes, or foot stress. Individuals with certain factors, such as family history, arthritis, or foot injuries, are at higher risk of developing bunions. Symptoms can range from pain and swelling to difficulty walking or wearing shoes comfortably. Podiatrists specialize in diagnosing and treating bunions, offering a range of treatments to alleviate discomfort and prevent worsening of symptoms. Treatment options may include wearing supportive footwear, using custom orthotic inserts, toe exercises, or in severe cases, surgical correction. If you have a painful bunion, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist for care.

If you are suffering from bunions, contact Dr. Michael D. Garvin of Florida. 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?

• Refrain from wearing heels or similar shoes that cause discomfort
• Select wider shoes that can provide more comfort and reduce pain
• Anti-inflammatory and pain management drugs
• Orthotics or foot inserts
• Surgery

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

Foot and ankle problems are prevalent among young athletes, often stemming from the intense physical demands and repetitive movements associated with sports participation. These conditions can range from minor injuries to more severe issues, impacting performance and overall well-being. Common foot and ankle problems in young athletes include sprains, strains, stress fractures, Achilles tendonitis, and plantar fasciitis. These injuries may result from overuse, improper training techniques, inadequate footwear, or biomechanical abnormalities. Ignoring or neglecting such issues can lead to chronic pain, decreased mobility, and prolonged recovery times, potentially hindering athletic pursuits and future opportunities. Therefore, early recognition, proper diagnosis, and prompt intervention are essential in managing foot and ankle problems in young athletes. Implementing preventive measures such as proper warm-up and stretching routines, gradual training progression, and wearing supportive footwear can help reduce the risk of injury and promote long-term musculoskeletal health. If your child is involved in sports and has endured a foot or ankle injury, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist.

Ankle and foot injuries are common among athletes and in many sports. They can be caused by several problems and may be potentially serious. If you are feeling pain or think you were injured in a sporting event or when exercising, consult with Dr. Michael D. Garvin from Florida. Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

Common Injuries

The most common injuries that occur in sporting activities include:

• Achilles Tendonitis
• Achilles Tendon Rupture
• Ankle Sprains
• Broken Foot
• Plantar Fasciitis
• Stress Fractures
• Turf Toe

Symptoms

Symptoms vary depending upon the injury and in some cases, there may be no symptoms at all. However, in most cases, some form of symptom is experienced. Pain, aching, burning, bruising, tenderness, tightness or stiffness, sensation loss, difficulty moving, and swelling are the most common symptoms.

Treatment

Just as symptoms vary depending upon the injury, so do treatment options. A common treatment method is known as the RICE method. This method involves rest, applying ice, compression and elevating the afflicted foot or ankle. If the injury appears to be more serious, surgery might be required, such as arthroscopic or reconstructive surgery. Lastly, rehabilitation or therapy might be needed to gain full functionality in the afflicted area. Any discomfort experienced by an athlete must be evaluated by a licensed, reputable medical professional.  

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

Brittle toenails can lead to discomfort and even pain. They can occur due to factors such as aging, repetitive trauma, fungal infections, or nutritional deficiencies. Individuals most prone to brittle toenails are often women, older adults, athletes engaging in high-impact activities, or those with certain medical conditions like diabetes or thyroid disorders. Brittle toenails can cause pain by becoming jagged or splitting, leading to ingrown toenails or infections. A podiatrist can offer several solutions to alleviate discomfort and address the underlying causes. They may recommend proper nail care techniques, such as keeping nails trimmed and moisturized, or suggest dietary supplements to improve nail health. Treatments for underlying conditions like fungal infections or medical management for systemic issues may also be provided. Additionally, custom orthotics can offer support and alleviate pressure on the feet, promoting overall foot health and reducing discomfort associated with brittle toenails. If you suffer from brittle toenails, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for consultation and care.

Toe pain can disrupt your daily activities. If you have any concerns, contact Dr. Michael D. Garvin of Florida. Our doctor 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 feel free to contact our offices located in Port St. Lucie, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.