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Bunions and Effective Ways to Manage Foot Alignment

A bunion is a structural foot condition that develops as a bony bump at the base of the big toe. It forms when the top of the toe shifts out of alignment, causing it to lean toward the others. This misalignment places pressure on the joint and surrounding tissues, often leading to discomfort over time. Bunions are a progressive condition, meaning they can worsen without proper care. They are more commonly seen in women, largely due to footwear choices and anatomical differences in foot structure.

 

Pain from a bunion often begins with visible swelling at the base of the big toe. The area may appear red, inflamed, and tender to the touch. Many individuals experience pain when walking or wearing shoes, especially styles that compress the toes. As the condition progresses, stiffness and limited movement in the joint may develop. Some individuals also notice thickened skin or callus formation due to repeated friction against footwear.

 

Several causes contribute to bunion development. Wearing high-heeled shoes or tight-fitting footwear places excessive pressure on the front of the foot and forces the toes into an unnatural position. Genetics also play a significant role, as inherited foot structure can increase the likelihood of joint misalignment. Hormonal changes during pregnancy or menopause may further weaken supportive tissues, allowing the condition to progress. Over time, these combined factors can lead to persistent discomfort and structural changes in the foot.

 

Risk factors include prolonged use of narrow shoes, family history of bunions, occupations that require extended standing, and underlying foot mechanics. Women are at higher risk due to footwear habits and ligament flexibility. Managing bunions involves wearing supportive shoes, reducing pressure on the joint, and maintaining proper foot alignment. Early care can help slow progression and improve comfort. If you have a painful or uncomfortable bunion, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist for effective relief and management solutions.

If you are suffering from bunions, contact Dr. Steven Shlonsky of Louisville, Kentucky. Dr. Shlonsky can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

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 due to 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 worsen existing bunions

How Are Bunions Diagnosed?

Podiatrists 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 provider.

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 feel free to contact our office located in Louisville, KY . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

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Signs of Ingrown Toenails in Babies

Parents are sometimes surprised to notice that a baby's toenail appears to be growing into the surrounding skin. In many cases, the nail is simply soft and naturally curved, making it look ingrown without causing a problem. A true ingrown toenail develops when the edge of the nail presses into the skin and causes irritation. This condition occurs most often on the big toe. Babies, toddlers, and young children can all develop an ingrown toenail. Causes include nails that curve inward, trimming the corners too short, and pressure from shoes that are too tight. Symptoms include redness, swelling, tenderness, and pain when the toe is touched. If the area becomes infected, drainage or pus can appear, and the skin can become increasingly swollen and sore.

A podiatrist can determine whether a child's toenail is truly ingrown or simply has a normal curve. This examination is important because treatment depends on the condition of the nail and the surrounding skin. A podiatrist can gently remove the portion of the nail causing irritation while protecting the healthy tissue. When infections are present, prompt treatment helps reduce discomfort and lowers the risk of the infection spreading. Children with recurring ingrown toenails can also be evaluated to determine whether the shape of the nail or another foot problem is contributing to repeated episodes.

Parents can help reduce the chance of ingrown toenails by trimming nails straight across instead of rounding the corners. Shoes should fit properly and leave enough room for growing toes. Regularly checking a child's feet also helps identify early signs of redness or swelling before the condition becomes more painful. Babies and young children cannot always explain where they hurt, so changes in walking, fussiness, or avoiding pressure on one foot deserve attention. If your child has symptoms of an ingrown toenail, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for a diagnosis and appropriate treatment.

Ingrown toenails may initially present themselves as a minor discomfort, but they may progress into an infection in the skin without proper treatment. For more information about ingrown toenails, contact Dr. Steven Shlonsky of Louisville, Kentucky. Dr. Shlonsky can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Ingrown Toenails

Ingrown toenails are caused when the corner or side of a toenail grows into the soft flesh surrounding it. They often result in redness, swelling, pain, and in some cases, infection. This condition typically affects the big toe and may recur if it is not treated properly.

Causes

  • Improper toenail trimming
  • Genetics
  • Improper shoe fitting
  • Injury from pedicures or nail picking
  • Abnormal gait
  • Poor hygiene

You are more likely to develop an ingrown toenail if you are obese, have diabetes, arthritis, or have any fungal infection in your nails. Additionally, people who have foot or toe deformities are at a higher risk of developing an ingrown toenail.

Symptoms

Some symptoms of ingrown toenails are redness, swelling, and pain. In rare cases, there may be a yellowish drainage coming from the nail.

Treatment

Ignoring an ingrown toenail can have serious complications. Infections of the nail border can progress to a deeper soft-tissue infection, which can then turn into a bone infection. You should always speak with your podiatrist if you suspect you have an ingrown toenail, especially if you have diabetes or poor circulation.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in Louisville, KY . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

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Heel Pain and Podiatry Care

Heel pain can make walking, standing, and daily activities uncomfortable. It may develop suddenly after an injury or appear slowly from repeated stress on the foot. One common cause is plantar fasciitis, which involves irritation of the strong band of tissue that supports the arch and connects to the heel. Pain may also come from Achilles tendon irritation, bursitis, or a heel fracture. Symptoms can include sharp pain under the heel, aching at the back of the heel, or discomfort that worsens after activity. Pain that continues or returns often means the heel needs professional attention. Early evaluation can help identify the cause before the problem becomes harder to treat.

 

A podiatrist can examine the heel and determine what may be causing the pain. During the visit, the podiatrist checks the location of discomfort, foot movement, and signs of swelling or injury. Imaging may be recommended if a fracture, bone spur, or deeper injury is suspected. Treatment depends on the diagnosis and may include custom orthotics, medical therapies, or advanced care when needed. A podiatrist can also evaluate how foot structure and walking patterns may be adding stress to the heel. This helps create a treatment plan that supports healing and improves comfort.

 

Professional heel pain treatment can help restore mobility and protect long-term foot health. Delaying care may allow irritation, inflammation, or injury to worsen over time. A podiatrist can monitor progress and adjust treatment as symptoms improve. Proper diagnosis is especially important, because other heel conditions can feel similar but require different care. Whether pain is under the heel or near the back of the ankle, podiatry care can help address the source of discomfort. If you have ongoing heel pain, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist for an evaluation.

Many people suffer from bouts of heel pain. For more information, contact Dr. Steven Shlonsky of Louisville, Kentucky. Dr. Shlonsky 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 feel free to contact our office located in Louisville, KY . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

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Why Flat Feet Can Cause Foot and Ankle Pain

Flat feet occur when the arches of the feet are lower than normal or do not develop fully. In some people, the arches appear when they are sitting, but flatten when they stand. This is called flexible flatfoot because the arch changes position with movement. Many people with flat feet have no pain, but others develop discomfort after standing for long periods of time or while walking. Pain can affect the heel, ankle, or even the lower leg. The feet can also become tired more quickly during daily activities. Factors like inherited foot structure, injuries, and shoes that lack proper support can increase stress on the feet and contribute to symptoms.

A podiatrist can determine whether flat feet are causing your pain or whether another condition is responsible. The evaluation includes examining your feet while sitting, standing, and walking. Your podiatrist also checks how the ankles move and whether the arches change shape with movement. X-rays can show the position of the bones and help identify arthritis or other structural problems. In some cases, advanced imaging provides a closer look at the tendons and other soft tissues. A tendon is a strong band of tissue that connects muscle to bone. Finding the exact cause of pain helps your podiatrist develop the most effective treatment plan.

Treatment depends on the severity of the symptoms and the condition of the feet. A podiatrist can recommend custom orthotics to improve foot support and reduce strain on the arches. Orthotics are specially designed shoe inserts that help improve foot alignment and distribute pressure more evenly. Additional treatment includes supportive braces, or medication to reduce pain and inflammation. Some patients with severe deformity or long-lasting pain that does not respond to other treatments benefit from surgery. Early evaluation can improve comfort, protect foot function, and help prevent worsening problems. If you have symptoms of flat feet, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for effective relief and management tips.

Flatfoot is a condition many people suffer from. If you have flat feet, contact Dr. Steven Shlonsky from Louisville, Kentucky. Dr. Shlonsky will treat your foot and ankle needs.

What Are Flat Feet?

Flatfoot is a condition in which the arch of the foot is depressed and the sole of the foot is almost completely in contact with the ground. About 20-30% of the population generally has flat feet because their arches never formed during growth.

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
  • Trouble standing on the tip toe
  • Swelling around the inside of the ankle
  • Flat look to one or both feet
  • Having your shoes feel uneven when worn

Treatment

If you are experiencing pain and stress on the foot you may weaken the posterior tibial tendon, which runs around the inside of the ankle. 

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in Louisville, KY . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

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