April 2022

Bunions, also referred to as “hallux valgus” can become painful. A bunion is a bump on the side of the big toe that comes from an inherited structural problem with the foot or changes in the bones in the front part of the foot from wearing shoes that crowd the toes. When one develops a bunion, it means that the big toe starts leaning towards the second toe rather than pointing straight forward. Though symptoms such as pain, inflammation and redness, a burning sensation, and numbness can come in later stages of bunion development, sometimes there are never symptoms other than the bump. Dealing with a bunion may be as simple as changing shoes to ones that have more room in the toe box and don’t put the foot at an unnatural angle, such as when wearing high heels. Other ways of helping with a bunion include placing padding over the bump, spending less time on your feet, modifying activities, getting cortisone shots, or possibly having surgery. A visit to a podiatrist will confirm a diagnosis of a bunion and appropriate treatment will be suggested.

If you are suffering from bunion pain, contact one of our podiatrists of Integrative Foot & Ankle Centers of Washington. 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 one of our offices located in Kirkland, Everett, and Renton, WA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Orthotics are shoe or heel inserts that can be custom made by a podiatrist if you are having foot, leg, or back pain. Orthotics are generally used to help correct foot abnormalities, ease pain in feet and ankles, and reduce the risk of injury. Continued heel and foot pain are customary complaints that are diagnosed and can lead to a trial use of orthotics. A podiatrist will usually examine your feet, ask you to walk and perform movements to look at how your feet and ankles are positioned and how the feet strike the ground, and possibly order further imaging, such as an X-ray or MRI to help them identify problem areas. Arthritis, lack of cushioning, bunions, bursitis, flat feet, and hammertoes are all examples of conditions that orthotics might help. Though you can buy over-the-counter foot pads, do home exercises, and/or try nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS) to try and help with pain and associated problems, you might be prescribed orthotics if these do not help. It is suggested that you visit a podiatrist for any issues that cause discomfort that might be related to your feet for proper diagnosis and treatment.

If you are having discomfort in your feet and would like to try orthotics, contact one of our podiatrists from Integrative Foot & Ankle Centers of Washington. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

What Are Orthotics?

Orthotics are inserts you can place into your shoes to help with a variety of foot problems such as flat feet or foot pain. Orthotics provide relief and comfort for minor foot and heel pain but can’t correct serious biomechanical problems in your feet.

Over-the-Counter Inserts

Orthotics come in a wide variety of over-the-counter inserts that are used to treat foot pain, heel pain, and minor problems. For example, arch supports can be inserted into your shoes to help correct overarched or flat feet, while gel insoles are often used because they provide comfort and relief from foot and heel pain by alleviating pressure.

Prescription Orthotics

If over-the-counter inserts don’t work for you or if you have a more severe foot concern, it is possible to have your podiatrist prescribe custom orthotics. These high-quality inserts are designed to treat problems such as abnormal motion, plantar fasciitis, and severe forms of heel pain. They can even be used to help patients suffering from diabetes by treating foot ulcers and painful calluses and are usually molded to your feet individually, which allows them to provide full support and comfort.

If you are experiencing minor to severe foot or heel pain, it’s recommended to speak with your podiatrist about the possibilities of using orthotics. A podiatrist can determine which type of orthotic is right for you and allow you to take the first steps towards being pain-free.

If you have any questions please contact one of our offices located in Kirkland, Everett, and Renton, WA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Putting your best foot forward means having healthy feet, which takes time and dedication. As a rule, it is important to keep your feet clean and dry, wear shoes that fit well and give proper support, and practice good foot hygiene. This includes such things as checking for abnormalities, cuts and sores on the skin, properly trimming toenails, removal of calluses, and moisturizing. But even healthy feet are subject to numerous problems, including plantar fasciitis (heel pain), bunions, plantar warts, ingrown toenails, athlete’s foot, corns and blisters. Common injuries include sprains, strains, stress fractures and broken bones. Several serious conditions, such as diabetes, peripheral artery disease, and different  types of arthritis also can cause or contribute to foot problems, like swelling, redness, numbness, infections, ulcerous wounds and pain. Further, as you age and become more sedentary, minor foot problems can worsen. To ensure that your feet can take you where you want to go for many more years, it is a good idea to develop an ongoing relationship with a podiatrist who can help you deal with foot and ankle problems when they arise.

Everyday foot care is very important to prevent infection and other foot ailments. If you need your feet checked, contact one of our podiatrists from Integrative Foot & Ankle Centers of Washington. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Everyday Foot Care

Often, people take care of their bodies, face and hair more so than they do for their feet. But the feet are a very important aspect of our bodies, and one that we should pay more attention to. Without our feet, we would not be able to perform most daily tasks.

It is best to check your feet regularly to make sure there are no new bruises or cuts that you may not have noticed before. For dry feet, moisturizer can easily be a remedy and can be applied as often as necessary to the affected areas. Wearing shoes that fit well can also help you maintain good foot health, as well as making it easier to walk and do daily activities without the stress or pain of ill-fitting shoes, high heels, or even flip flops. Wearing clean socks with closed shoes is important to ensure that sweat and bacteria do not accumulate within the shoe. Clean socks help to prevent Athlete’s foot, fungi problems, bad odors, and can absorb sweat.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact one of our offices located in Kirkland, Everett, and Renton, WA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Anyone who is active in sports or running is probably familiar with foot and ankle pain, the most common of which are strains and sprains. A strain affects a muscle or tendon, which is the tissue that attaches the muscle to a bone. A sprain, however, affects a ligament, which is the band of tissue that actually holds the muscle to the bone. Strains and sprains have similar symptoms, including pain, swelling, bruising, and weakness when you move the injured body part. The main differences between them are how the injury occurs, how serious it is, and how long it may take to recover. A strain, sometimes called a pulled muscle, is more likely to occur when a person doesn’t warm up before the activity, returns to an activity after time off, or continues an activity when their muscles are tired. The muscle or tendon is stretched too far, but will probably heal in a couple of weeks. A sprain is generally the result of twisting a joint, such as an ankle, or landing wrong on the foot from a jump. The ligament is stretched or torn, and is more likely to take between four to six weeks to heal, possibly longer. If you have injured your foot or ankle during an exercise, it is wise to see a podiatrist as soon as possible for a proper diagnosis and options for treatment.

Sports related foot and ankle injuries require proper treatment before players can go back to their regular routines. For more information, contact one of our podiatrists of Integrative Foot & Ankle Centers of Washington. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Sports Related Foot and Ankle Injuries

Foot and ankle injuries are a common occurrence when it comes to athletes of any sport. While many athletes dismiss the initial aches and pains, the truth is that ignoring potential foot and ankle injuries can lead to serious problems. As athletes continue to place pressure and strain the area further, a mild injury can turn into something as serious as a rupture and may lead to a permanent disability. There are many factors that contribute to sports related foot and ankle injuries, which include failure to warm up properly, not providing support or wearing bad footwear. Common injuries and conditions athletes face, including:

• Plantar Fasciitis
• Plantar Fasciosis
• Achilles Tendinitis
• Achilles Tendon Rupture
• Ankle Sprains

Sports related injuries are commonly treated using the RICE method. This includes rest, applying ice to the injured area, compression and elevating the ankle. More serious sprains and injuries may require surgery, which could include arthroscopic and reconstructive surgery. Rehabilitation and therapy may also be required in order to get any recovering athlete to become fully functional again. Any unusual aches and pains an athlete sustains must be evaluated by a licensed, reputable medical professional.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact one of our offices located in Kirkland, Everett, and Renton, WA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.