Considering Bunion Treatment? Here’s Your Ultimate Guide!

Have you been suffering from a bump on the outer edge of your big toe? Do you think your big toe is moving and pointing towards your second toe? Experienced foot doctors consider this physical deformity at the base of your big toe as a bunion.

Bunions are structural problems where the joint of your big toe becomes subluxed and drifts towards the smaller toes. It is an enlargement of tissue or bone around the big toe joint. As compared to their male counterparts, women report about bunions more than ten times due to their poor footwear selection.

Though bunions may start of as a minor issue at first, over time, they may develop into a severe foot deformity. Seeking the assistance of a certified foot doctor can thus be a great way to cure this painful foot condition, despite its severity. While some patients begin their treatment with the smallest bunion, there are others who consider neglecting the condition until it gets severe.

Here’s all you need to know about Bunion!

What Causes Bunions?

It is usually believed that a distortion of the bone caused by various genetic factors leads to the development of bunions. 

Other factors which can lead to bunion include-

• Previous foot injury
• Loose ligaments
• Arthritis
• Abnormal development of your foot

Symptoms You Need Bunion Treatment

Bunions may or may not cause any symptoms. Even if they have symptoms, it includes-

• Joint stiffness or foot pain
• Joint redness
• Enlargement or swelling at the base of the big toe
• Displacement of the big toe
• Bony bump which feels tender to touch
• Skin irritation over the enlarged area

When To Call A Foot Doctor?

Consider calling in an experienced foot doctor if-

• Your big toe is beginning to overlap your second toe
• You suffer from severe big toe pain 
• Foot pain interferes with your daily or walking activities
• Pain in the big toe does not get better even after 2-3 weeks

Treatment For Bunions

While it’s true that you can always try home treatment options, it is always wise to consult a skilled foot specialist for advanced bunion treatment. At first, your doctor will check on why you have got bunions. This cause will affect the treatment you need. Your doctor may recommend a prescription or over-the-counter pain reliever and medicines to relieve pain and swelling.

Some other treatment options for bunions include custom-made orthotics, arch supports and custom-made footwear. Each of these may change the way muscles, bones and ligaments of the foot work together. Though these will not cure the bunion, they will definitely help in relieving some structural problems.

Can A Bunion Be Prevented?

Bunions, when identified early can be slowed or stopped during their development. Delaying the progression of bunions and preventing the symptoms rely on wearing proper footwear. In case you have bunions, you may relieve foot pain and prevent the progression of your condition by wearing proper shoes which are customised to fit your feet and accommodate your condition.

So what’s still holding you back? Visit a renowned podiatric clinic and fix your appointment with a leading podiatrist!  

Some Common Children’s Foot Problems Needing Podiatric Interference

Children’s feet changes with their growth. There are some common feet conditions that can seriously affect children and should be taken care of by a professional specialized in podiatry inCrawley (if you are a resident of Crawley) to ensure that the problem doesn’t get worse making their activities painful.  

Some common feet issues of children may include,

• Flat feet
• Ingrown toenails
•  Corns and callus 

Flat feet

Many infants by birth appear flat-footed. But usually this disappears as the baby starts standing and walking. Children with the problem of flat feet and/or low arches might not be able to perform usual chores like other children due to added strain on legs as well as feet.

Causes – There is no remedy to give a child an arch if they have a flat feet. But there are some children who have that normal arch but flatten as they stand. This is medically known as pronation. This may result in a number of painful issues, make the child get tired easily or face problem with basic motor skills. Orthotic devices may come handy, if the child is pronating his/her feet; it would help to improve the foot movement and relieve painful symptoms as well. 

Flat feet can be treated with orthotics. Such devices provide proper foot support. They are usually made of plastic and should be reconstructed as a child grows. The device helps the user realign the foot and distribute his/her body weight evenly. Orthodontics can be used for a variety of reasons including poor stability, pain and gross motor issues. But they are not simple-arch supports and have to be tailor-made according to the shape and size of the feet of every individual user.

Ingrown toenails

This is very common among foot problem in children that podiatrists always recommend to get treated. Ingrown toenails can be severely painful and due to the apprehension of surgery, people, especially the children don’t want to get treated until the nail reaches a chronic state. Not all ingrown toenails need a surgery but conservative measures must be taken and that means the children must be taken for a visit to a podiatrist at a regular interval. And if surgery is the only option, it can be done in the doctor’s room, without a hospital stay. It takes no more than an hour for the procedure to be done.

Corns and callus

The body skin can protect itself from the pressure by growing quicker than it should otherwise take. It forms a thick outer layer. But sometimes if the pressure is too high, the outer layer becomes too thick that it looks and acts like a foreign body on the skin. This is commonly known as a callus. A focus of pressure within callus may occur and that can cause a hard skin plug known as a corn.

Causes – Both corns and calluses are caused when the body’s protective mechanism works wrongly. Since the corns and calluses form on the dead surface of the skin, they have no root.

Irrespective of the issues, you must consult a professional specialized in podiatry to get the issue of your child properly diagnosed and thus perfectly treated. 

Planning To Get Orthotics In Horsham? Checkout The Unique Benefits

Are you looking for ways which can help you prevent injuries and improve your sports performance? Wondering if orthotics will be of any assistance? Trust us; if you are really concerned about your foot health, getting orthotics from a reputed foot care clinic can indeed be your best decision.

Regular physical activities, walking and sports often cause inconceivable sprain on muscles, ligaments, bones and tendons. It is here that various orthopaedic devices come to the rescue to alleviate the terrible pain. These devices are used for facilitating optimal biomechanics either by compensating or correcting your body parts which are unable to function properly. Not only can orthotics help you with body movement but even reduce the chances of future injuries.

Still wondering what makes these so beneficial? Then scroll down below to get your answers.

Top Benefits Of Choosing Orthotics In Horsham For Your Foot Problems

• Proprioception

Your foot can benefit from orthotics by the materials used, by following a complex mechanism of neural feedback. This will give your body a better feedback of joint position and even allow more quick control of your foot’s motion. Further, on landing, it will boost your motor control and help with fatigue too.

• Reduces Abnormal Biomechanics Of Your Foot

Your foot abnormality can be reduced by adding postings to orthotics. The wedge-shaped posting allows the foot to align properly, thus helping it to prevent tissue loading along with an abnormal pronation at the forefoot, rearfoot.

• Increases Shock Absorption And Motor Control

One of the greatest benefits you can avail with orthotics in Horsham is that it increases shock absorption and motor control. During mid-stance, the muscles in your lower limb absorb the majority of shock. This repetitive strain increases shock throughout your lower limbs, leading to injuries.

Through the above ways, orthotics increases the shock absorption of your body and boosts the motor control. This allows the runner to recover quickly between runs and improves his performance as orthotics reduces the risk of muscle fatigue and injury.

• Fixes Poor Limb Alignment

A runner with poor limb alignment is more prone to injuries. While running this improper alignment can lead to muscle fatigue and terrible injuries. Thus, through orthotics, specialists can carry full assessment to decide the cause of misalignment and suggest necessary treatment.

Now that you know the benefits of orthotics, what are you still waiting for? Get in touch with a reputed podiatrist and get the right treatment for your foot.

6 Common Situations When People Avail Sports Podiatry In Horsham

Do you participate in sports on a regular basis or undergo high-intensity exercises? Then you must have surely suffered from injuries and is not new to the term sports podiatry. It is the field of medical that “deals with various methods to prevent, diagnosis and treat injuries occurred like participating in some sports or while exercising.”

If you have recently hurt yourself, it’s high-time to visit a sports podiatrist and check whether you have fractured your bone or have some serious muscle and tendon injury. Getting fit again is vital since the health benefits offered by sports are more valuable than those accidental injuries.

Few Causes Of Sports Injuries And Reasons To Undergo Sports Podiatry In Horsham

• Overuse

Overusing your muscles or repetitive movements by swimmers, tennis players, or runners make them more prone to overuse injuries. They generally end up injuring their tendinitis, shoulder impingement, tennis elbow, or shin splints.

•  Twists And Stops

Stopping suddenly while playing gymnastics, soccer, and basketball or while you are in a twisting motion can lead to ankle or knee injury. Athletes suffer from sprain injury while rolling their feet, thus stretching the adjacent ligaments. Stopping suddenly or uncontrolled twist can affect the cushioning cartilage around your shoulder, knee, or other joints.

• Inappropriate Equipment

People engaged in playing badminton often suffer from arm or lower back pain if they lift a racket or any other weight that is too heavy for them. Wearing helmets or shoes that do not fit you well or does not offer adequate support can also cause injuries. Few issues you can expect to face are planter fasciitis or inflammation of arch shock absorber.

• Increase In Activities

Did you just enhance your intensity of activity or started a new one? Then there is a high chance that you will soon be suffering from lower back pain or plantar fasciitis and have to undergo Sports Podiatry in Horsham. Starting a new activity or sport employ your unused muscles or enhances the functionality of your muscles, thus leading to cramps.

•  Negligence To Warm-up

Gym instructors advice athletes to stretch and warm-up before undergoing any athletic endeavor. Suddenly jumping into an exercise, sports, or activity without easing your muscles properly can lead to muscle cramps or pulls. Warming up distribute oxygen and blood to your muscles, thus helping you to work with ease.

• Joint Movements

Pain in the lower back is something every tennis player and golfer has to suffer sooner or later. The activities undertaken by them by using only one hand or one side of their body is supposed to be the prime reason behind the pain. The muscles on the less active side become weak and cause pain.

Though there are numerous reasons for which you can end-up getting a sports injury, gathering adequate knowledge about the risk factors involved can help you prevent those to a large extent. Try getting proper rest, toughen your muscles, and play at a proper pace.

Willing to Know About Sports Podiatry in Crawley? Have a Look Below

Are you into sports or athletics? Do you often face issues with your feet? It’s time that you visit a sports podiatrist in Crawley then! Have you started wondering why? Scroll down then!

Whether you are a sportsperson or someone who is a fitness freak, you will agree that your feet and limbs are one of the most valuable assets. But due to regular fitness training or sports practice, your foot has to undergo rigorous punishments daily. These result in pains, injuries, aches and discomfort. Since these should not be taken lightly, it is here that sports podiatry comes into picture. 

Now you must be wondering what sports podiatry is all about, isn’t it? Read on then to get your answers on- what it entails, the benefits and when you need to consult a sports podiatrist.

Sports Podiatry In Crawley- What is it?

This deals with the treatment and examination of all problems related to your feet, limbs and ankles. Sports Podiatry in Crawley specialises in the diagnosis, management and prevention of all disorders and injuries which arise from a sports activity. These include heel pain, arch pain, lower back pain, shin splints and knee pain. The treatment focuses on recovering the function of limbs and reduces load on injured areas through stretching, exercising, stretching, etc.

Benefits of Sports Podiatry

The benefits of sports podiatry are-

• Podiatrists advice you on the measures and steps which need to be taken for improving the injuries of your feet, ankles and limbs.
• Determines whether your leg’s alignment and stability is optimal.
• Through bio-mechanical assessments, the podiatrist checks if you can perform your usual sports or athletic activities. 

When Should You be Examined by a Sports Podiatrist?

There are various reputed clinics which have podiatrists who cater to sports podiatry in Surrey, Horsham, Reigate and Dorking. Whether it is podiatry services which include foot and ankle surgery or other treatments, these specialists have exceptional creditability along with professional expertise. Some of the most common situations when you need to consult a sports podiatrist are-

1) For treating your injuries

Every kind of sports and athletic activities involve the risk of injuries. It often happens that a sportsperson suffers from general aches and pains, limb injuries and discomfort. A visit to a sports podiatrist brings forth the ability where he diagnoses your injury and treats accordingly.

2) For performing better in your respective sport

There are many athletes and sports individuals who consult sports podiatrists in Crawley regularly even if they are not suffering from any disorder. They visit to assess if their feet and ankles are flexible enough, limbs are movable, etc. This helps them in performing better in their chosen sport.

3) For avoiding unwanted injuries

Several sports enthusiasts take precautions from before by visiting podiatrists to follow various warm up recommendations, training programs and other health recommendations. This offers them the best possible precautions from injuries.

So, what are you still waiting for? Start prepping up for your upcoming tournament by visiting a reputed sports podiatrist immediately. Time to avail the best sports podiatry services.

Say Bye To The Ingrown Toenails With 10 Simple Home Remedial Tricks

Once someone was asked a very simple question- “What is a nightmare?”

Do you know, what was his answer?

-Ingrown toenails.

Isn’t it a funny answer? 

Oops!!! It’s not supposed to be funny for you??

So, you must have been suffering from this nightmare for years.

No worries!!! Here are some everyday health care tips that are suggested by a group of skilled Podiatrist coming from every corner of Britain.

No More Pain Due to Ingrown Toenails from Today

Last year in a medical conference a group of podiatrists revealed the fact that most people were suffering from this painful disease. But surprisingly almost half of them fail to understand that it is a disease and half of the rest have no interest to consult with a doctor.

And they suggested some home-applied tips and tricks to reduce the pain.

Here are the fruitful ideas:

1.Soak Your Foot:

Salt is the best friend of sores. Surprised?? Ohh!! It’s quite unbelievable, isn’t it? But the podiatrist suggested you to soak your shored feet to the worm salt water. Doing it for 10 minutes will reduce your pain. Dry your foot after every soaking.

2.Keep Your Foot Dry:

Water is the deadliest foe of your foot-shore unless it’s salt water. Try to keep it dry.

3.Pain Killer:

Most of the time doctors suggest to get rid of the pain-relieving medicines. But you can use some pain-reliever like acetaminophen or ibuprofen if the pain becomes agonizing.

4.Skin Pulling - The Tricky hing:

It is painful as the sharp nail pricks your skin due to its ingrown. The tricky part is to separate the skin from the nail which creates constant pressure on the skinny part. 

5.The Moist Cotton Therapy:

If you overcome the step 4 you have already won half of the battle. The painful part is over now put a piece of moist cotton in between the skin and the nail.

6.Cutting and Setting Process:

The nail has been separated from the shore. It’s the time to cut the nail to ensure it will not hurt the same shore. Cut the nail with a medicated nail cutter carefully.

7.Antibiotic Ointments:

Rub a good amount of antibiotic ointment all over the foot including the shoring part.

8.Band-Aid is the Help Aid:

Cover the shore with band-aid at once. Add some extra padding for extra protection.

9.Welcome Open Shoes:

Avoid the close footed shoes like the snickers or the jogging shoes or the formal footwear. Slippers are the best-chosen footwear now.

10.Meet the Podiatrist:

Here comes the most important part. You have already made yourself happy by reducing the pain. Not give it to the specialist. Specialists suggest you the complete recovery from ingrown toenails in Horsham, Crawley, Reigate, Surrey, Dorking and in every corner of the nation.

Magic After Meeting the Podiatrist:

Are you happy to reduce the pain or want to uproot it? If you choose the second option,  book an appointment now with a podiatrist and say bye to the shore from ingrown toenails forever.