Bunions
 Bunions are an enlargement of the big toe joint which usually involves a drifting of the big toe toward the second toe. These can become quite painful especially in certain shoes.
Treatment consists of using more comfortable shoes or surgery. Due to many technical advances of equipment and surgeons, the surgery is not as painful as it used to be.
If you have a bunion, it should be evaluated and you should be fully informed of your treatment options.
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Heel Pain
 Heel Pain may be the result of excessive standing or walking. Often the ligaments become inflamed. This is known as plantar fasciitis. A heel spur may also be developing.
Treatment options include strappings, anti-inflammatory medication, custom made orthotics, cortisone injection or possible surgery. Shockwave treatment is also available.
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Hammer Toe
 Hammertoes may be the result of excessive contracting of one or more toes. The toes becomes progressively stiff and crooked. On top of the toe a hard skin may develop known as a corn.
Treatment includes shaving the corn every 1-2 months, padding or possible surgery to straighten the toe.
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Calluses
 Calluses may be the result of Excessive pressure under one of your foot bones. Typically, the foot bone involved is a metatarsal. Normally weight bearing under all the metatarsals are evenly distributed. If there is an imbalance causing excessive pressure under one metatarsal, a callus (dead skin) may develop. This can be quite painful with walking and standing.
Treatment includes shaving the callus every 1-2 months, padding and orthotics. Surgery may be necessary if the pain continues.
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Ingrown Toenails
 Ingrown toenails develop as a result of a curved toenail pushing into the adjacent skin. The side of the toe becomes red, swollen and inflamed. Infection often develops.
Treatment includes removal of the side of the toenail. This is done under local anesthesia. Antibiotics, soaks and pain medications are also prescribed.
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Warts
 Warts are due to a wart virus that grows inside your skin. They often appear around or irregular in shape. When they become thick and grow deep into the skin, pain may develop.
Treatments include routine shaving, topical acids, burning or surgical removal.
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Fungus Toenails
 Fungus may grow in the toe nail causing it to become thick and brown. The toe may become painful with shoe gear pressure.
Treatment includes trimming the toenail every 2 months. Topical and oral anti fungal medications are available. Surgical removal of the toenail may also be required.
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Sprained Ankles
A sprained ankle may result from an excessive turning or rolling of your foot. This is often due to a sports injury or ambulating on an uneven terrain. The ligaments on the side ankle may be strained or ruptured.
Treatment includes soft cast, hard casts, rest and elevation. Surgery maybe required if the ligament tear is to severe.
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Fractures
Fractures result from trauma to the bones of your feet. Depending on the extent of the fracture, treatment options may vary. Often, a hard cast is necessary to heal the broken bone. Surgery to realign the broken bone may also be required.
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Swollen Ankles
Swollen ankles may be the result of numerous causes.
These include:
1) Arthritis (inflammation of the joints)
2) Weak veins
3) Systemic Disease
4) Sodium retention
Treatment may include soft casts, elevation of your feet or compression stockings. A full history and physical by your primary care physician may be necessary to determine a systemic cause. Often, medication may be necessary.
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