A bunionette, also called a tailor’s bunion, is a painful bump that forms on the outside of the foot at the base of the fifth toe. It gets its name from tailors who once sat cross-legged for long periods, placing pressure on the outer edge of the foot. Over time the fifth metatarsal bone begins to shift outward, creating a noticeable bump that may rub against shoes. Patients often notice redness, swelling, and tenderness along the outside of the foot. The area may feel irritated when walking or wearing narrow footwear. Causes include foot structure, inherited bone shape, or long-term pressure from tight shoes. A podiatrist can diagnose a bunionette through examination and imaging to determine the alignment of the bone. Treatment focuses on reducing pressure and correcting the underlying problem. Care may include wider footwear, protective padding, custom orthotics, and targeted exercises to support the foot. In more severe cases, surgery may be recommended to realign the bone. If you think you have a bunionette, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist.

If you are suffering from bunion pain, contact one of our podiatrists of Advanced Foot 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 Rockwall, Greenville, Dallas, Sachse, and Lewisville, TX . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Reasons for toenail removal often relate to ongoing pain or damage that does not improve with standard care. An ingrown toenail is a common cause, where the nail edge grows into the skin and leads to swelling and infection. Thick, discolored nails from a fungal infection can also require removal when the nail becomes painful or unstable. Trauma from an injury may damage the nail so severely that it cannot grow back normally. In some cases, repeated infections or deformity make removal the best option to restore comfort. A podiatrist can examine the toe, explain the problem, and perform a safe, in-office procedure to remove part or all of the nail. The procedure is done with numbing medicine to keep you comfortable. This helps relieve pain and allows healthier nail growth. If you have constant pain from a toenail, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist for help.

Toe pain can disrupt your daily activities. If you have any concerns, contact one of our podiatrists of Advanced Foot 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 Rockwall, Greenville, Dallas, Sachse, and Lewisville, TX . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

An ankle fracture is more than a broken bone. It can affect nearly every part of daily living. Simple tasks such as walking, driving, cooking, or climbing stairs may suddenly become difficult. Many people require crutches, a walking boot, or even surgery, followed by weeks of limited movement. During recovery, muscle strength and joint flexibility often decrease, which can lead to stiffness and balance problems. Time away from work and reduced activity can also affect emotional well-being. Some individuals feel frustrated or isolated as they depend on others for help. For older adults, a fall-related fracture may increase concern about future mobility and independence. Even after the bone heals, lingering swelling or discomfort may continue for months. Proper treatment and guided rehabilitation play an important role in restoring strength and stability. If you have suffered an ankle injury with lasting pain or instability, it is suggested that you see a podiatrist for guidance.

Broken ankles need immediate treatment. If you are seeking treatment, contact one of our podiatrists from Advanced Foot Specialists. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet. 

Broken Ankles
A broken ankle is experienced when a person fractures their tibia or fibula in the lower leg and ankle area. Both of these bones are attached at the bottom of the leg and combine to form what we know to be our ankle.

When a physician is referring to a break of the ankle, he or she is usually referring to a break in the area where the tibia and fibula are joined to create our ankle joint. Ankles are more prone to fractures because the ankle is an area that suffers a lot of pressure and stress. There are some obvious signs when a person experiences a fractured ankle, and the following symptoms may be present.

Symptoms of a Fractured Ankle

• Excessive pain when the area is touched or when any pressure is placed on the ankle
• Swelling around the area
• Bruising of the area
• Area appears to be deformed

If you suspect an ankle fracture, it is recommended to seek treatment as soon as possible. The sooner you have your podiatrist diagnose the fracture, the quicker you’ll be on the way towards recovery.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our offices located in Rockwall, Greenville, Dallas, Sachse, and Lewisville, TX . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Smoker’s feet is a term used to describe foot problems linked to reduced blood flow caused by smoking. Nicotine narrows blood vessels, which limits circulation to the feet and toes. Signs include coldness, color changes, slow-growing nails, and a tingling or numb feeling. People may notice pain when walking or sores that heal slowly. As blood supply worsens, there is a higher risk of infection, nerve damage, and tissue breakdown. In severe cases, parts of the skin may not receive enough oxygen, leading to serious complications. Smoking can weaken bones, which may increase the risk of fractures and delay healing. A podiatrist can assess circulation, check nerve function, and look for skin changes. Imaging and vascular testing may be used to evaluate blood flow and guide care. If you have symptoms of smoker's feet, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for a diagnosis and appropriate treatment.

Poor circulation is a serious condition and needs immediate medical attention. If you have any concerns with poor circulation in your feet contact one of our podiatrists of Advanced Foot Specialists. Our doctors will treat your foot and ankle needs.

Poor Circulation in the Feet

Poor blood circulation in the feet and legs is can be caused by peripheral artery disease (PAD), which is the result of a buildup of plaque in the arteries.

Plaque buildup or atherosclerosis results from excess calcium and cholesterol in the bloodstream. This can restrict the amount of blood which can flow through the arteries. Poor blood circulation in the feet and legs are sometimes caused by inflammation in the blood vessels, known as vasculitis.

Causes

Lack of oxygen and oxygen from poor blood circulation restricts muscle growth and development. It can also cause:

• Muscle pain, stiffness, or weakness 
• Numbness or cramping in the legs
• Skin discoloration
• Slower nail & hair growth
• Erectile dysfunction

Those who have diabetes or smoke are at greatest risk for poor circulation, as are those who are over 50. If you have poor circulation in the feet and legs it may be caused by PAD and is important to make changes to your lifestyle in order to reduce risk of getting a heart attack or stroke. Exercise and maintaining a healthy lifestyle will dramatically improve conditions.

As always, see a podiatrist as he or she will assist in finding a regimen that suits you. A podiatrist can also prescribe you any needed medication. 

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our offices located in Rockwall, Greenville, Dallas, Sachse, and Lewisville, TX . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.