Bunions

Bunions: Dealing With These Bony Bumps

There is so much pressure on our feet to support our entire body. As such, our feet are prone to many conditions. Some - like bunions - are very common. Bunions are bony bumps that typically occur on the big toe, although sometimes the other toes may be affected as well. It's important to treat bunions promptly, as they can cause pain and gait issues. Charlotte podiatrist Dr. Kristine M. Strauss can diagnose and treat bunions before they cause mobility issues.

Causes of Bunions

Bunions can be caused by the following:

• Wearing tight shoes
• Excessive stress on the feet
• Arthritis or other medical condition
• Improper alignment
• Heredity/genes

Symptoms

Think you might have a bunion? Symptoms include the following:

• Bulge or bump at the base of the big toe
• Soreness or redness
• Inflammation
• Pain
• Corns or calluses on the foot
• Thickening skin around the big toe
• Inability to move the big toe

Bunion Treatment

Most bunions can be treated at home. Wearing more comfortable shoes can help relieve pain. If necessary, try custom orthotics. Bunion pads and booties can be worn on the affected foot to bring about relief. Cold compresses can help with inflammation, as can anti-inflammatory drugs such as ibuprofen. There are also bunion shavers you can buy to reduce the appearance of larger bunions. Only in severe cases is surgery required.

Make Walking More Comfortable

Bunions can be painful and annoying. To treat them and get tips on preventing future occurrences, give Charlotte podiatrist Dr. Kristine M. Strauss a call at (704) 504-4000.

www.charlottefoot.com

Ingrown Toenails

Ingrown Toenail

Here at Charlotte Foot & Ankle Specialists, we specialize in the treatment for ingrown toenail problems. An ingrown toenail can be annoying, but it can also become a serious problem if you don't get treatment for it. When a part of your toenail embeds into your skin that surrounds your nail, it becomes ingrown and painful. Ingrown toenails are characterized by redness, swelling, pain and bacteria which can lead to infection.

Causes of Ingrown Toenails

In some cases, the way you trim your nails can cause ingrown nails. They can also come about from trauma from a repeated action or if you stub your toe.

Diagnosing your Ingrown Toenail

Our podiatrist in Charlotte, NC, Dr. Kristine M. Strauss, exams your foot to see if the skin around your nail is swollen, red, firm, tender or if it is growing over your nail. She looks for pus as well. Usually x-rays and tests are not needed.

Treatment for Ingrown Toenail Problems

Dr. Strauss prescribes antibiotics if you have an infection or if there is pain, swelling, inflammation, or discharge, which could be an indication of infection. She may have to remove part of your nail or the whole thing as well as parts of the growth center and adjacent soft tissues.

For the last 16 years, Dr. Strauss has been a practicing podiatrist and is happy to accept both new and existing patients. Give our podiatric office a call at 704-504-4000 today to set up your appointment with Dr. Strauss and allow her to address your ingrown toenail or other foot problems.

http://www.charlottefoot.com