Bunions are bony bumps that form at the base of the big toe as the tip of the toe angles toward the second toe. Bunions are common among women, especially those who wear tight or high-heeled shoes, and older adults, whose joints may naturally weaken over time. Symptoms include pain, swelling, and redness surrounding the affected area, with the bunion becoming more noticeable as it grows. The condition can make walking uncomfortable and cause difficulty fitting into shoes. The primary cause of bunions is abnormal foot mechanics, often made worse by wearing ill-fitting shoes or having a family history of the condition. Arthritis or other joint conditions can also contribute to bunion development. A podiatrist can help by offering custom orthotics, padding, or shoe modifications to alleviate pain. In severe cases, surgery may be prescribed to correct the deformity. If you are have a painful bunion, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist.

If you are suffering from bunion pain, contact one of our podiatrists of Advanced Foot & Ankle Care Centers. 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 Nashville, Smyrna, Spring Hill, Columbia, Dickson, Fairview, Hohenwald, TN and the Middle Tennessee community . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Heel fat pad syndrome is a condition where the protective fat cushion beneath the heel becomes thin or damaged, leading to pain and discomfort. This fat pad acts as a shock absorber, protecting the heel bone from impact during walking, running, and standing. Over time, factors such as aging, repetitive stress, prolonged standing, or high-impact activities can cause the fat pad to wear down. Wearing unsupportive shoes or walking on hard surfaces can increase pressure on the heel, worsening the condition. Individuals with flat feet or high arches may also experience greater stress on the fat pad. Taking steps to protect the heel can reduce pain and prevent further deterioration of the fat pad. If you have this condition, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can guide you toward effective management methods.

Many people suffer from bouts of heel pain. For more information, contact one of our podiatrists of Advanced Foot & Ankle Care Centers. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Causes of Heel Pain

Heel pain is often associated with plantar fasciitis. The plantar fascia is a band of tissues that extends along the bottom of the foot. A rip or tear in this ligament can cause inflammation of the tissue.

Achilles tendonitis is another cause of heel pain. Inflammation of the Achilles tendon will cause pain from fractures and muscle tearing. Lack of flexibility is also another symptom.

Heel spurs are another cause of pain. When the tissues of the plantar fascia undergo a great deal of stress, it can lead to ligament separation from the heel bone, causing heel spurs.

Why Might Heel Pain Occur?

• Wearing ill-fitting shoes                  
• Wearing non-supportive shoes
• Weight change           
• Excessive running

Treatments

Heel pain should be treated as soon as possible for immediate results. Keeping your feet in a stress-free environment will help. If you suffer from Achilles tendonitis or plantar fasciitis, applying ice will reduce the swelling. Stretching before an exercise like running will help the muscles. Using all these tips will help make heel pain a condition of the past.

If you have any questions please contact our offices located in Nashville, Smyrna, Spring Hill, Columbia, Dickson, Fairview, Hohenwald, TN and the Middle Tennessee community . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

A burning sensation in the toes can result from nerve damage, poor circulation, or external factors like pressure and friction. Peripheral neuropathy, commonly linked to diabetes or excessive alcohol use, can impair nerve function and lead to persistent burning toe pain. Circulatory issues that restrict blood flow to the feet may also contribute to burning toe pain. Wearing ill-fitting shoes, prolonged pressure on the toes, or injuries such as burns or stubbing a toe can irritate nerves and result in a burning feeling. Certain autoimmune disorders, vitamin deficiencies, and infections like shingles can further damage nerves, leading to abnormal sensations. Other symptoms include tingling, numbness, or sharp pain, which can worsen at night or with activity. If the burning sensation persists or worsens, a podiatrist can perform an exam to determine the underlying cause. Treatment may involve addressing nerve damage, improving circulation, or making footwear adjustments to relieve pressure on the toes. If your toes feel like they are burning, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for an exam, diagnosis, and treatment.

Toe pain can disrupt your daily activities. If you have any concerns, contact one of our podiatrists of Advanced Foot & Ankle Care Centers. 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 feel free to contact our offices located in Nashville, Smyrna, Spring Hill, Columbia, Dickson, Fairview, Hohenwald, TN and the Middle Tennessee community . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.

Plantar fasciitis causes heel pain due to inflammation of the thick band of tissue along the bottom of the foot. Stretching and strengthening exercises can help relieve discomfort and improve flexibility. A gentle calf stretch, performed by pressing the heel down while leaning against a wall, helps reduce tension in the plantar fascia. Rolling a ball or a frozen water bottle under the foot provides a deep stretch and massage to the arch. Toe stretches, where the toes are gently pulled back toward the shin, can improve mobility and relieve tightness. Additionally, strengthening exercises, such as towel scrunches and toe lifts, help support the foot structure. If you have plantar fasciitis, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can offer effective treatment and relief tips.

Stretching the feet is a great way to prevent injuries. If you have any concerns with your feet consult with one of our podiatrists from Advanced Foot & Ankle Care Centers. Our doctors will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

Stretching the Feet

Stretching the muscles in the foot is an important part in any physical activity. Feet that are tight can lead to less flexibility and make you more prone to injury. One of the most common forms of foot pain, plantar fasciitis, can be stretched out to help ease the pain. Stretching can not only ease pain from plantar fasciitis but also prevent it as well. However, it is important to see a podiatrist first if stretching is right for you. Podiatrists can also recommend other ways to stretch your feet. Once you know whether stretching is right for you, here are some excellent stretches you can do.

• Using a foam roller or any cylindrical object (a water bottle or soda can will do), roll the object under your foot back and forth. You should also exert pressure on the object. Be sure to do this to both feet for a minute. Do this exercise three times each.
• Similar to the previous one, take a ball, such as a tennis ball, and roll it under your foot while seated and exert pressure on it.
• Grab a resistance band or towel and take a seat. If you are using a towel, fold it length wise. Next put either one between the ball of your foot and heel and pull with both hands on each side towards you. Hold this for 15 seconds and then switch feet. Do this three times for each foot.
• Finally hold your big toe while crossing one leg over the other. Pull the toe towards you and hold for 15 seconds. Once again do this three times per foot.

It is best to go easy when first stretching your foot and work your way up. If your foot starts hurting, stop exercising and ice and rest the foot. It is advised to then see a podiatrist for help.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our offices located in Nashville, Smyrna, Spring Hill, Columbia, Dickson, Fairview, Hohenwald, TN and the Middle Tennessee community . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.