Bunions are a progressive deformity of the joint at the base of the big toe, where the bone shifts outward and the toe angles inward. They often appear as a noticeable bump that may look swollen or red and feel tender, especially in tight shoes. Pain can range from a dull ache to sharp discomfort with walking. Even after treatment, bunions may come back for several reasons. Genetics, continued use of narrow footwear, abnormal foot mechanics, arthritis, and incomplete correction of the deformity can contribute to recurrence. Over time, the joint may again become enlarged and irritated. A podiatrist begins with a thorough evaluation, including examination and imaging, to understand the structure of the foot and the severity of the deformity. Treatment may include custom orthotics, footwear modification, or targeted exercises to support alignment. Anti-inflammatory care or surgical revision may be recommended when necessary. If you have recurring bunion pain, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist.

If you are suffering from bunions, contact one of our podiatrists of Palm Beach Foot & Ankle. 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 offices located in Boynton Beach, Palm Beach Gardens, and West Palm Beach, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Breaking a toe can occur when it strikes a hard object or when something heavy lands on the foot. Symptoms include pain, swelling, bruising, and difficulty bearing weight, and the toe may look angled. A podiatrist determines whether the injury is a fracture or a sprain through examination and imaging, such as X-rays. Treatment of a broken toe focuses on stabilizing the bone so it heals in proper alignment. This may involve medical splinting to a neighboring toe, protective footwear, or a walking cast to limit motion and reduce joint stress. More severe fractures with displaced fragments or joint involvement may require surgical repair using small pins or screws. Proper care helps prevent long-term complications like stiffness, arthritis, or chronic walking pain. A podiatrist also monitors healing and guides the return to activity. If you have pain from a broken toe, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist for an exam, diagnosis, and treatment.

Broken toes may cause a lot of pain and should be treated as soon as possible. If you have any concerns about your feet, contact one of our podiatrists from Palm Beach Foot & Ankle. Our doctors will treat your foot and ankle needs.

What Is a Broken Toe?

A broken toe occurs when one or more of the toe bones of the foot are broken after an injury. Injuries such as stubbing your toe or dropping a heavy object on it may cause a toe fracture.

Symptoms of a Broken Toe

• Swelling
• Pain (with/without wearing shoes)
• Stiffness
• Nail Injury

Although the injured toe should be monitored daily, it is especially important to have a podiatrist look at your toe if you have severe symptoms. Some of these symptoms include worsening or new pain that is not relieved with medication, sores, redness, or open wounds near the toe.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our offices located in Boynton Beach, Palm Beach Gardens, and West Palm Beach, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.

Exercises for foot problems can improve strength, flexibility, and support long-term foot health, when done correctly. Choosing the right level of exercise is important because pushing too hard can increase pain or delay healing. Gentle movements performed with proper form help activate muscles without causing strain. Repetitions should be kept comfortable, and spread out in small amounts during the day rather than completed all at once. Allowing time for rest between exercise sessions gives tissues a chance to recover and adapt. A podiatrist can help by identifying the cause of foot pain, creating an individualized exercise plan, and guiding safe progression. If foot discomfort or weakness is limiting daily activities, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can provide effective relief tips, which may include an exercise program tailored to your needs. 

Exercising your feet regularly with the proper foot wear is a great way to prevent injuries and build strength. If you have any concerns about your feet, contact one of our podiatrists from Palm Beach Foot & Ankle. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Exercise for Your Feet

Exercise for your feet can help you gain strength, mobility and flexibility in your feet. They say that strengthening your feet can be just as rewarding as strengthening another part of the body. Your feet are very important, and we often forget about them in our daily tasks. But it is because of our feet that are we able to get going and do what we need to. For those of us fortunate enough to not have any foot problems, it is an important gesture to take care of them to ensure good health in the long run.

Some foot health exercises can include ankle pumps, tip-toeing, toe rises, lifting off the floor doing reps and sets, and flexing the toes. It is best to speak with Our doctors to determine an appropriate regimen for your needs. Everyone’s needs and bodies are different, and the activities required to maintain strength in the feet vary from individual to individual. 

Once you get into a routine of doing regular exercise, you may notice a difference in your feet and how strong they may become.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our offices located in Boynton Beach, Palm Beach Gardens, and West Palm Beach, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Flat feet is a condition in which the arches of the feet are low or absent, causing the entire sole to contact the ground while standing or walking. Some people do not experience issues, while others develop symptoms such as foot fatigue, aching pain in the arches or heels, swelling along the inside of the ankle, and discomfort with activity. Causes may include genetics, ligament laxity, injury, arthritis, or changes that occur with aging. Risk factors include obesity, prolonged standing, and certain medical conditions. A podiatrist can evaluate foot structure and gait and recommend treatments such as supportive footwear, custom orthotics, stretching exercises, or advanced care, when needed. If you have flat feet, and foot pain or fatigue limits your daily activities, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can offer effective relief and management tips. 

Flatfoot is a condition many people suffer from. If you have flat feet, contact one of our podiatrists from Palm Beach Foot & Ankle. 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 our offices located in Boynton Beach, Palm Beach Gardens, and West Palm Beach, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.