Bunions, also known as hallux valgus, are a deformity at the base of the big toe's joint. This deformity occurs when the big toe moves out of place and when the enlarged joint constantly rubs against your footwear, basically the big toe moves out of alignment. Your podiatrists, Drs. Michael Stein and Zeindelin Ahmad, at Foot Doctor of the East Bay, can help treat bunions at any of their three convenient locations in San Leandro, Pleasanton, and Los Gatos, CA.

As time goes by, the toe starts bending towards the rest of the toes and the pain can become intolerable, especially when the big toe overlaps other toes. The condition comes with a list of issues like discomfort, swelling, tenderness, irritation, and inflammation.

Other problems arise as a result of bunions, such as:

• Hallus Abducto Valgus (the big toe moves towards the second toe)
• Hammertoes
• The skin over the big toe becomes thicker and more tender
• Bursitis
• Blisters
• Arthritis
• Corns and Calluses

The causes of bunions vary but usually about 30% suffer from bunions and it could be as a result of other conditions like flat feet, foot injuries, neuromuscular problems, and faulty foot structure.

Other causes are linked to poor shoes. If you wear high heels or tight shoes, you are more likely to develop bunions.

Pain Relief

Your San Leandro, Pleasanton, and Los Gatos, podiatrists can help relieve your bunion pain using several techniques and methods:

• Wearing protective padding, made of felt, to eliminate friction against shoes, alleviate inflammation, and other skin problems.
• Remove any corns and calluses that may have developed.
• Wear custom-made shoes or specialty shoes that accommodate bunions.
• Over-the-counter or custom made orthotic devices support the joint and re-align the toe, like splints.
• Ask your podiatrist about certain exercises prevent stiffness.

If the previous non-invasive methods don't work, you may want to opt for surgical treatment, bunionectomy.

Bunions are common and Drs. Michael Stein and Zeindelin Ahmad understand your pain and frustration. If you need help from your foot doctor, make sure you visit him at any of the three convenient locations: San Leandro, Pleasanton, and Los Gatos, CA.

Bunions are a foot condition that can become especially painful over time if not treated properly. While many patients assume that surgery is the only real option to treat bunions, experts suggest trying other conservative treatment options before attempting anything invasive. Mayo Clinic suggests first making changes in your footwear by choosing shoes with a wide toe box and soft leather uppers to relieve pressure. Certain over-the-counter pain medications such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen can also help relieve bunion pain. It best to discuss your options with your podiatrist, who can help you determine the best treatment method for your needs.   

To avoid extended pain, consider bunion treatment as soon as possible. For more information about bunion treatments, consult with one of our podiatrists of Foot Doctor of the East Bay. Our doctors will attend to all of your foot and ankle needs.

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 by 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 cause bunions to form

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 contact our offices located in San Leandro, Pleasanton, and Los Gatos, CA. We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

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It Hurts to Put on My Shoes, What Can I Do? What are the treatment options for bunions?

You might be wondering what that large hard bump is next to your big toe. It wasn’t there a few months ago, but now you can hardly walk without pain. It sounds like you may have a bunion, but the only way to know for sure is to visit Dr. Michael Stein, your podiatrist in San Leandro, California.

According to the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons, women suffer most from bunions, with over half of the women in America having them. Typically, bunions arise from wearing shoes that are too tight or too narrow and high heels. But there is relief available.

When you visit Dr. Michael Stein, he will examine your foot, and take x-rays, to determine the degree of bone involvement. He will also check how much the movement of your big toe is affected by the bunion.

If you have a small, non-painful bunion, he might suggest one of several easy treatments you can do at home. Some common methods of self-care include:

• Taking pain medication such as ibuprofen or Tylenol
• Cortisone injections around the bunion
• Taping your foot for added support and to cushion the bunion
• Icing the bunion
• Wearing padded or orthotic inserts in your shoes

Above all, if you have a bunion, it is time to change to wide, comfortable shoes with plenty of room for your toes.

If, after trying the home therapies listed above, you still experience a lot of pain and limited movement, it may be time to think about surgery.

Dr. Stein may suggest a surgical treatment such as:

• Joining the joints in your toe, a process known as fusing
• Removing swollen, extra tissue around the toe joint
• Straightening your foot and big toe
• Removing some of the bone in your big toe

If you think you may have a bunion, don’t despair and don’t delay. Stop in for a consultation with Dr. Michael Stein, your podiatrist in San Leandro, California. He can make it a pleasure to walk again.

Jake Locker of the NFL’s Tennessee Titans underwent foot surgery, which means he is out for the rest of the season. Although he’s off the field, Locker’s recovery process is far from simply resting. For the first time, Locker hosted his first event known as the Titans and T-Bone fundraiser for his new charity The Pass it On foundation.

Because he’s very busy and has something to focus towards, Locker remains optimistic about his recovery process. “I’m looking forward to getting it fixed and starting the healing process,” Locker said. “I feel confident I’ll come back stronger than I was and I’ll have no side effects from this injury.”

Foot surgery is a serious proposition that should only be done after a medical consultation. If you are thinking about surgery to fix your foot injury, visit a podiatrist like Dr. Michael Stein of Foot Doctor of the East Bay. Dr. Stein canassess your condition and walk you through all the corrective options available to you.

When Is Surgery Necessary?

Foot and ankle surgery is generally reserved for cases in which less invasive, conservative procedures have failed to help with the problem. Some of the cases in which surgery may be necessary are:

- Removing foot deformities like bone spurs and bunions
- Severe arthritis that has caused bone issues
- Reconstruction to attend injuries caused by accidents or malformations

What Types of Surgery Are There?

The type of surgery you receive will be dependent on the nature of the problem you have. Some of the possible surgeries include:

- Bunionectomy for painful bunions
- Surgical fusion for realignment of bones
- Nerve removal for painful nerve endings

Benefits of Surgery

Although surgery is usually a last resort, when it is undertaken, if can provide more complete pain relief than before, and may allow you to finally resume full activity.

Surgical techniques have also become increasingly sophisticated. Such techniques like endoscopic surgery allow for smaller incisions and faster recovery times.

If you have any questions, feel free to call one of our offices in San Leandro, CA, Pleasonton, CA, or Los Gatos, CA. We offer the best in diagnostic and treatment technology for any complication you might have.

Read more about Foot Surgery.

In the journal PLoS One, researchers uncovered that conventional wisdom regarding flat feet is indeed true. The Framingham Foot Study, which measured foot posture in 3,000 adults, found that those with flat feet were more likely to have overlapping toes and adverse conditions such as hammertoe and bunions.

This is due to the flat feet having more pronation as opposed to high arched feet, which were shown to be less likely to have arthritis and develop painful foot conditions since high arched feet supinated as opposed to pronating. Fortunately, the study indicated no relationship between foot type and developing plantar fasciitis.

Having flat-feet can lead to complications down the road. If you think you have flat feet you should seek out the care of a podiatrist such as like Dr. Michael Stein of Foot Doctor of the East Bay. Dr. Stein will diagnose any foot conditions you may have as well as provide you with a range of treatment options.

What are Flat Feet?

Conditions & Problems:

Having flat feet makes it difficult to run or walk because of the stress placed on the ankles.

Alignment – The general alignment of your legs can be disrupted, because the ankles move inward which can cause major discomfort.

Knees– if you have complications with your knees, flat feet can be a contributor to arthritis in that area.  

Symptoms:

• Pain around the heel or arch area.
• Swelling around the inside of the ankle.
• Flat look to one or both feet.
• Having your shoes feel uneven when worn.

If you feel that you have flat feet, or you know that you have them and think they are causing problems for you, don’t hesitate to contact a medical specialist.

For more information on the treatment of flat feet, visit our link below.

If you have any questions, please contact one of our offices which are located in San Leandro, Pleasanton and Los Gatos, CA. We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Read more on Flat-feet.