Or Arch Pain (Plantar Fasciitis)

Bunion pain caused by bunions or hallux valgus is a deformity of the foot which causes the big toe to tilt inwards or towards other toes while the base of the toe has a bony protuberance, looking swollen and turning painful. The tilting of the toe causes enlargement of the metatarso-phalangeal joint. This deformity is what grows into the bump so often associated with the bunions. Bunions can often be caused by wearing uncomfortable shoes although, there is much debate on what leads primarily to bunions. There are several ways to eliminate this painful condition. Engineers in the UK launched the "Fit Flop" as a stylish way to strengthen your legs, thighs and "bum" muscles while walking. Surprisingly, these also have been found to help with back pain and do not cause many of the same foot problems as the common flip flop sandal. The makers of "Fit Flops" have some good science behind their claim to increase muscle activation 10-12% and it was verified by an independent lab outside their company. Consumers should be cautioned to wear the "Fit Flops" gradually because of the delayed muscle soreness that occurs just like the beginning of a work out routine. A 2-mm incision is made in the medial side of the great toe, approximately 5 mm plantar to the proximal edge of the nail (Figure 1). The wire entrance may be located dorsally when plantar metatarsal head displacement is desired, and plantarly if dorsal metatarsal head displacement is chosen. A second incision is made at the subcapital region of the first metatarsal, equidistant between the dorsal and plantar aspects of the bone (Figure 2). A 2-mm Kirschner wire is inserted retrograde from the first to the second incision (Figure 3). The K-wire must be placed subcutaneously and extraperiosteally to perform the metatarsal head displacement at the osteotomy site. It is more likely that re-alignment of the big toe will also be necessary. The major decision that must be made, is whether or not the metatarsal bone will need to be cut and re-aligned as well. The angle made between the first metatarsal and the second metatarsal is used to make this decision. The normal angle is around 9-10 degrees. If the angle is 13 degrees or more, the metatarsal will probably need to be cut and realigned. This effectively reduces the angle between the first and second metatarsal bones, narrowing the foot. The bone is held in the desired position with a metal screw or pin. Moderate bunion. For a moderate bunion, the surgeon may cut the bone and shift it to its proper position. Whether or not the bone is cut depends on the severity and location of the deformity. In addition, the surrounding tendons and ligaments may need to be repositioned. Arthritic bunion or big toe joint. If the joint is damaged beyond repair, as is commonly seen in arthritis, it may need to be reconstructed or replaced with an artificial joint. Joint replacement implants may be used in the reconstruction of the big toe joint. Reasons for the procedure I also was thinking I do like that I had this done in November. I think with the holidays it has really made the time go by quickly and I'm hoping winter seems shorter too. Figure I haven't left my house much in the last "almost 3 weeks", so I haven't felt much cold. I'm assuming (or hoping) come Jan. 1st I will be able to be back to more of my normal schedule and then I will also only have to deal with 2 1/2 months of WINTER! Don't get me wrong I like Winter. Thoughts on that one? Figure mid-January I'd be at 8 weeks. You can retrieve the article in plain text form, and set the column width to whatever you like automatically; or you can copy it as HTML, ready to copy and paste directly into a web page. Article body (HTML version) For years podiatrists have been maligning the flip flop sandal as a cause of many common foot problems. In fact, multiple articles have been published about the dangers encountered in the current flip-flop phenomenon. Still, most teenagers and young adults spend more time in flip-flop sandals then any other shoes. You might notice on your feet or others’ that the big toe makes a sharp angle in and collides with the second toe. This is a bunion, otherwise, medically known as hallux valgus. It’s possible that at first you never noticed because you thought it was hereditary and/or either of your parents had it. It’s also possible that you didn’t really care about the look because it never bothered you. Regardless if the above is even true—there is a common problem with bunion victim’s gait or walking pattern. Addressing those will help decrease the chances of having that big toe bend in more and getting the outsides of it irritated. The treatments for a hallux rigidus is a rocker on the shoe or a surgical replacement for the joint, so it can be used as the pivot. The treatment for functional hallux limitus is a foot orthotic or support with design features to try and restore normal motion to the joint during weight bearing. If you suspect a wart, contact a Boston podiatrist to confirm a diagnosis and get professional treatment, which may be a combination of shaving, application of a very strong acid, laser, freezing, or surgical excision. A series of treatments may be necessary to successfully eradicate plantar warts, which may grow deep into the skin. You may also use bunion shield pads or toe separators on bunions. However, make sure that your shoes are large enough to comfortably contain the extra padding. Moleskin or gel-filled pads can help take pressure off different areas of bunion-affected toes. Other measures include the use of orthotics to help position your feet properly as you hit the ground when you walk. Bunion splints can be worn at night to help keep the deformed toe straight. Bunion slings, which are usually softer, are worn with normal footwear. Add a positive heel to that shoe and a narrow toe box and you are talking major bunion making environment.