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August 2025

Tuesday, 26 August 2025 00:00

Symptoms and Treatment of Bunions

A bunion is a foot deformity where the big toe gradually shifts toward the second toe, typically creating a bony prominence at the base of the big toe. This change in alignment can lead to irritation of the joint, causing pain, redness, and swelling, especially along the inner side of the foot. The joint may become stiff, and fluid-filled sacs called bursae can develop, sometimes leading to inflammation known as bursitis. The discomfort from a bunion may worsen when wearing shoes that lack adequate support or have a narrow toe box. A podiatrist can evaluate the degree of deformity and determine if structural issues in the foot, such as excess pronation or joint instability, are contributing factors. When discomfort interferes with walking or conservative options fail, surgery may be considered to realign the toe and reduce pain. If you are experiencing pain from a bunion, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for an exam and appropriate treatment options.

If you are suffering from bunions, contact one of our podiatrists of The Podiatry Center. Our doctors 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 one of our offices located in Richmond and Glen Allen, VA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Read more about Bunions
Published in Blog
Tuesday, 19 August 2025 00:00

Assessing Foot and Ankle Pain in Children

Foot and ankle discomfort in children can arise from a variety of causes, including growth-related changes, overuse injuries, or structural concerns. A podiatrist evaluates the child’s medical history, activity level, and footwear to identify potential contributing factors. The examination may include checking joint flexibility, muscle strength, and walking patterns to detect abnormalities. Imaging tests are sometimes used to confirm the diagnosis or rule out more serious conditions. Early identification of the underlying issue is important to prevent the problem from interfering with daily activities or sports participation. Treatment may involve activity modification, stretching, wearing supportive footwear, or custom orthotics to address specific needs. Timely intervention can help relieve discomfort, promote healthy development, and reduce the risk of chronic problems. If your child experiences persistent foot or ankle pain, it is suggested you arrange for an evaluation with a podiatrist.

The health of a child’s feet is vital to their overall well-being. If you have any questions regarding foot health, contact one of our podiatrists of The Podiatry Center. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Tips for Keeping Children's Feet Healthy

  • Make sure their shoes fit properly
  • Look for any signs of in-toeing or out-toeing
  • Check to see if they have Clubfoot (condition that affects your child’s foot and ankle, twisting the heel and toes inward) which is one of the most common nonmajor birth defects.
  • Lightly cover your baby’s feet (Tight covers may keep your baby from moving their feet freely, and could prevent normal development)
  • Allow your toddler to go shoeless (Shoes can be restricting for a young child’s foot)
  • Cut toenails straight across to avoid ingrown toenails
  • Keep your child’s foot clean and dry
  • Cover cuts and scrapes. Wash any scratches with soap and water and cover them with a bandage until they’ve healed.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact one of our offices located in Richmond and Glen Allen, VA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Read more about What to Do to Keep Your Child’s Feet Healthy
Published in Blog
Tuesday, 12 August 2025 00:00

How Flat Feet Are Diagnosed

Flat feet occur when the arches of the feet are low or absent, causing the soles to make full contact with the ground. Diagnosis begins with a physical exam. A podiatrist will observe how you stand, walk, and bear weight. They may check the alignment of your ankles and ask you to rise onto your toes. If the arch does not appear when standing on tiptoe, it may suggest a more rigid form of flatfoot. Imaging tests such as X-rays or an MRI scan may be used to assess bone structure, joint alignment, or soft tissue involvement. Some people have flat feet without symptoms, while others may experience pain or fatigue in the feet, ankles, or legs. If you have foot discomfort or are unsure about changes in your foot shape, it is suggested that you visit a podiatrist for an accurate diagnosis and care plan.

Flatfoot is a condition many people suffer from. If you have flat feet, contact one of our podiatrists from The Podiatry Center. Our doctors 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 one of our offices located in Richmond and Glen Allen, VA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Read more about What is Flexible Flat Foot?
Published in Blog

If you are suffering from tenderness, pain, or stiffness in the joints of your feet or ankles, call us to schedule an appointment.

Published in Blog
Tuesday, 05 August 2025 00:00

What Is Achilles Tendinopathy?

Achilles tendinopathy affects the Achilles tendon, the strong band connecting the calf muscles to the heel bone. It develops from overuse, sudden increases in physical activity, wearing poor shoes, or tight calf muscles. Common symptoms include heel pain, stiffness, swelling, and tenderness along the tendon, especially during movement. A podiatrist can diagnose Achilles tendinopathy through physical examination and imaging studies to assess the extent of the damage. Treatment may involve stretching exercises, orthotics, or other conservative methods. If you are experiencing pain near your heel or along the back of your ankle, it is strongly suggested that you promptly consult a podiatrist for expert care and a personalized plan to support healing and restore function.

Achilles tendon injuries need immediate attention to avoid future complications. If you have any concerns, contact one of our podiatrists of The Podiatry Center. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

What Is the Achilles Tendon?

The Achilles tendon is a tendon that connects the lower leg muscles and calf to the heel of the foot. It is the strongest tendon in the human body and is essential for making movement possible. Because this tendon is such an integral part of the body, any injuries to it can create immense difficulties and should immediately be presented to a doctor.

What Are the Symptoms of an Achilles Tendon Injury?

There are various types of injuries that can affect the Achilles tendon. The two most common injuries are Achilles tendinitis and ruptures of the tendon.

Achilles Tendinitis Symptoms

  • Inflammation
  • Dull to severe pain
  • Increased blood flow to the tendon
  • Thickening of the tendon

Rupture Symptoms

  • Extreme pain and swelling in the foot
  • Total immobility

Treatment and Prevention

Achilles tendon injuries are diagnosed by a thorough physical evaluation, which can include an MRI. Treatment involves rest, physical therapy, and in some cases, surgery. However, various preventative measures can be taken to avoid these injuries, such as:

  • Thorough stretching of the tendon before and after exercise
  • Strengthening exercises like calf raises, squats, leg curls, leg extensions, leg raises, lunges, and leg presses

If you have any questions please feel free to contact one of our offices located in Richmond and Glen Allen, VA . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.

Read more about Achilles Tendon Injuries
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