A bunionette, also called a tailor’s bunion, is a painful bump that forms on the outside of the foot at the base of the fifth toe. It gets its name from tailors who once sat cross-legged for long periods, placing pressure on the outer edge of the foot. Over time the fifth metatarsal bone begins to shift outward, creating a noticeable bump that may rub against shoes. Patients often notice redness, swelling, and tenderness along the outside of the foot. The area may feel irritated when walking or wearing narrow footwear. Causes include foot structure, inherited bone shape, or long-term pressure from tight shoes. A podiatrist can diagnose a bunionette through examination and imaging to determine the alignment of the bone. Treatment focuses on reducing pressure and correcting the underlying problem. Care may include wider footwear, protective padding, custom orthotics, and targeted exercises to support the foot. In more severe cases, surgery may be recommended to realign the bone. If you think you have a bunionette, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist.

If you are suffering from bunions, contact Scott O'Connor, DPM of Premier Podiatry. 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 our office located in Bloomington and Pontiac, IL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Healthcare workers spend long hours standing and walking, which makes wearing proper footwear essential for comfort, safety, and injury prevention. Wearing well-fitted, supportive shoes helps reduce strain on the feet, ankles, and lower legs, which can lower the risk of conditions such as plantar fasciitis, tendon irritation, and joint discomfort. Protective, slip-resistant footwear can also help guard against workplace hazards, including exposure to blood-borne pathogens and other fluids that may be present in medical environments. Wearing supportive shoes can also help reduce muscle fatigue by providing cushioning and stability throughout demanding shifts. A podiatrist can evaluate foot structure, recommend proper footwear, and address developing foot problems. If foot pain or fatigue affects work performance, it is suggested that you promptly consult a podiatrist who can guide you on correct shoes to wear for ease and foot protection during your work day. 

While working on the feet, it is important to take the proper care of them. For more information about working on your feet, contact Scott O'Connor, DPM from Premier Podiatry. Our doctors will treat your foot and ankle needs.

Working on Your Feet

Standing on your feet for long periods of time can cause stress and pain in your feet. Your whole body may experience change in terms of posture, back pain, bunions, callouses and or plantar warts. There are ways to avoid these conditions with proper foot care, smart choices and correct posture.

Positive Changes

Negative heeled shoe – Choosing this shoe type places the heel slightly lower than the ball of the foot. These are great for overall foot health. Find shoes that fit you correctly.

Go barefoot – Our feet were not designed to be enclosed for all hours of the day. Try to periodically expose your feet to air.

Eliminate Pain

Foot Exercises – Performing simple exercises, incorporating yoga and doing stretches are beneficial. This will allow increased blood flow to the area and muscles of the foot.

Achilles tendon – Stretching the foot out flat on the floor will relax the calf muscles and tendon. These exercises can be performed almost anywhere. Make sure you add these exercises to your daily regimen. 

With a little bit of this information and knowing more about foot health, you will notice changes. Foot stretches and proper footwear will help with pain and prevent further issues.

If you have any questions please contact our office located in Bloomington and Pontiac, IL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Pain under the heel is a frequent complaint and can stem from several conditions. The most common cause is plantar fasciitis involving irritation of the thick band of tissue that supports the arch. This often leads to sharp discomfort with the first steps in the morning, or after long periods of rest. Tenderness is usually felt along the bottom of the heel. Another source may be a stress injury to the heel bone. This type of pain often worsens with activity, and may feel deeper or more constant. Nerve irritation can also create burning, tingling, or shooting sensations that travel into the arch. In some cases, thinning of the natural fat pad under the heel reduces cushioning and leads to soreness when standing on hard surfaces. Because symptoms can overlap, a careful examination is important. If you have ongoing pain beneath your heel, it is suggested that you see a podiatrist for a proper diagnosis and appropriate treatment.

Many people suffer from bouts of heel pain. For more information, contact Scott O'Connor, DPM of Premier Podiatry. Our doctors 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 Bloomington and Pontiac, IL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Gout is a form of inflammatory arthritis caused by a buildup of uric acid crystals within a joint. It most commonly affects the big toe, although other joints in the foot and ankle can be involved. One of the key signs of gout is sudden, intense pain that often begins at night. The joint may become red, swollen, warm, and extremely tender to the touch. Even the pressure of a bedsheet can feel unbearable. The skin over the area may appear tight or shiny, and walking can become very difficult. Gout attacks can last several days and may return if the underlying uric acid levels are not controlled. Risk factors include diet, dehydration, certain medications, and family history. A podiatrist can evaluate the painful joint, review medical history, and coordinate testing to confirm the diagnosis. Treatment focuses on reducing inflammation and preventing future attacks. If you have signs of gout, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist for proper evaluation and care.

Gout is a foot condition that requires certain treatment and care. If you are seeking treatment, contact Scott O'Connor, DPM from Premier Podiatry. Our doctors will treat your foot and ankle needs.

What Is Gout?

Gout is a type of arthritis caused by a buildup of uric acid in the bloodstream. It often develops in the foot, especially the big toe area, although it can manifest in other parts of the body as well. Gout can make walking and standing very painful and is especially common in diabetics and the obese.

People typically get gout because of a poor diet. Genetic predisposition is also a factor. The children of parents who have had gout frequently have a chance of developing it themselves.

Gout can easily be identified by redness and inflammation of the big toe and the surrounding areas of the foot. Other symptoms include extreme fatigue, joint pain, and running high fevers. Sometimes corticosteroid drugs can be prescribed to treat gout, but the best way to combat this disease is to get more exercise and eat a better diet.

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