A bunion is a deformity defined as an enlargement of bone or soft tissue at the joint located at the base of the big toe. This condition develops when the top of the big toe gradually shifts toward the other toes, as the bottom of the joint protrudes outward and becomes irritated. Causes include inherited foot structure, prolonged pressure from tight footwear, and abnormal foot mechanics. Symptoms often include pain, swelling, redness, and difficulty wearing certain shoes. In more severe cases, surgery may be recommended to repair the area of enlarged bone or tissue and restore proper joint alignment. Recovery commonly involves temporary pain and swelling, and the bandage must remain dry while showering. If you have a bunion that is interfering with daily activities, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can offer effective treatment solutions, which may include surgery for removal. 

If you are suffering from bunion pain, contact Gabrielle Clark, DPM of LA Feet Foot & Ankle Center, Inc. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

What Is a Bunion?

Bunions are painful bony bumps that usually develop on the inside of the foot at the joint of the big toe. As the deformity increases over time, it may become painful to walk and wear shoes. Women are more likely to exacerbate existing bunions since they often wear tight, narrow shoes that shift their toes together. Bunion pain can be relieved by wearing wider shoes with enough room for the toes.

Causes

• Genetics – some people inherit feet that are more prone to bunion development
• Inflammatory Conditions - rheumatoid arthritis and polio may cause bunion development

Symptoms

• Redness and inflammation
• Pain and tenderness
• Callus or corns on the bump
• Restricted motion in the big toe

In order to diagnose your bunion, your podiatrist may ask about your medical history, symptoms, and general health. Your doctor might also order an x-ray to take a closer look at your feet. Nonsurgical treatment options include orthotics, padding, icing, changes in footwear, and medication. If nonsurgical treatments don’t alleviate your bunion pain, surgery may be necessary.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our offices located in New Orleans, Metairie, and Slidell, LA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Falls prevention at home is an important part of protecting health and maintaining independence. Many falls occur because of hazards that can be corrected with simple safety improvements. Checking floor surfaces for loose rugs, uneven areas, or slippery spots can help reduce the risk of slipping. Improving lighting throughout the home allows better visibility, especially in hallways and stairways. Rearranging furniture to create clear walking paths and removing clutter from floors can also improve safety and mobility. Additionally, installing grab bars in the bathroom provides additional support when stepping in or out of the shower or bathtub. Foot health also plays a key role in balance and stability. Falling can seriously impact the feet. If you have injured your foot or ankle from falling, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can offer effective relief and additional falls prevention tips.

Preventing falls among the elderly is very important. If you are older and have fallen or fear that you are prone to falling, consult with Gabrielle Clark, DPM from LA Feet Foot & Ankle Center, Inc. Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality advice and care.

Every 11 seconds, an elderly American is being treated in an emergency room for a fall related injury. Falls are the leading cause of head and hip injuries for those 65 and older. Due to decreases in strength, balance, senses, and lack of awareness, elderly persons are very susceptible to falling. Thankfully, there are a number of things older persons can do to prevent falls.

How to Prevent Falls

Some effective methods that older persons can do to prevent falls include:

• Enrolling in strength and balance exercise program to increase balance and strength
• Periodically having your sight and hearing checked
• Discuss any medications you have with a doctor to see if it increases the risk of falling
• Clearing the house of falling hazards and installing devices like grab bars and railings
• Utilizing a walker or cane
• Wearing shoes that provide good support and cushioning
• Talking to family members about falling and increasing awareness

Falling can be a traumatic and embarrassing experience for elderly persons; this can make them less willing to leave the house, and less willing to talk to someone about their fears of falling. Doing such things, however, will increase the likelihood of tripping or losing one’s balance. Knowing the causes of falling and how to prevent them is the best way to mitigate the risk of serious injury.  

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our offices located in New Orleans, Metairie, and Slidell, LA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

A fungal infection of the toenails, termed onychomycosis, causes changes in color, thickness, and texture. The nail may appear yellow, brown, or white, and can become brittle, crumbly, or separated from the nail bed. Some patients notice a foul odor or debris collecting under the nail. This condition develops when fungi enter through small cracks in the nail or surrounding skin, often thriving in warm, moist environments like sweaty shoes. Although it may begin as a cosmetic concern, untreated toenail fungus can lead to discomfort, pressure while wearing shoes, and the spread of infection to other nails or skin. A podiatrist will examine the nail and may take a sample to confirm the diagnosis before recommending treatment. Options include topical medication, oral antifungal therapy, or, in some cases, removal of the infected portion of the nail. If you have signs of a toenail infection, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for a proper diagnosis and appropriate treatment.

If left untreated, toenail fungus may spread to other toenails, skin, or even fingernails. If you suspect you have toenail fungus it is important to seek treatment right away. For more information about treatment, contact Gabrielle Clark, DPM of LA Feet Foot & Ankle Center, Inc. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Symptoms

• Warped or oddly shaped nails
• Yellowish nails
• Loose/separated nail
• Buildup of bits and pieces of nail fragments under the nail
• Brittle, broken, thickened nail

Treatment

If self-care strategies and over-the-counter medications does not help your fungus, your podiatrist may give you a prescription drug instead. Even if you find relief from your toenail fungus symptoms, you may experience a repeat infection in the future.

Prevention

In order to prevent getting toenail fungus in the future, you should always make sure to wash your feet with soap and water. After washing, it is important to dry your feet thoroughly especially in between the toes. When trimming your toenails, be sure to trim straight across instead of in a rounded shape. It is crucial not to cover up discolored nails with nail polish because that will prevent your nail from being able to “breathe”.

In some cases, surgical procedure may be needed to remove the toenail fungus. Consult with your podiatrist about the best treatment options for your case of toenail fungus.  

If you have any questions please contact our offices located in New Orleans, Metairie, and Slidell, LA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Pain in the pinky toe is common because it sits on the outer edge of the foot, where it frequently strikes objects and absorbs pressure from footwear and activity. Injuries like fractures, stress fractures, sprains, and dislocations can cause swelling, bruising, and difficulty bearing weight. Structural problems may also develop, including a tailor’s bunion, in which the fifth metatarsal shifts outward and forms a painful bump that rubs against shoes. Repeated friction can create corns and inflamed soft tissue, while certain toe deformities may place abnormal pressure on joints and nerves. A podiatrist can perform a physical examination and order the necessary imaging to determine the cause. This foot doctor can also realign injured structures, relieve pressure points, and provide medical treatment to restore proper function. If your pinky toe is in pain, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist for an exam, diagnosis, and treatment.

Toe pain can disrupt your daily activities. If you have any concerns, contact Gabrielle Clark, DPM of LA Feet Foot & Ankle Center, Inc. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

What Causes Toe Pain?

Most severe toe pain is caused due to a sports injury, trauma from dropping something heavy on the toe, or bumping into something rigid. Other problems can develop over time for various reasons.

Toe pain can be caused by one or more ailments. The most common include:

• Trauma
• Sports injury
• Wearing shoes that are too tight
• Arthritis
• Gout
• Corns and calluses
• Hammertoe
• Bunions
• Blisters
• Ingrown toenails
• Sprains
• Fractures (broken bones)
• Dislocations

When to See a Podiatrist

• Severe pain
• Persistent pain that lasts more than a week
• Signs of infection
• Continued swelling
• Pain that prevents walking

Diagnosis

In many cases the cause of toe pain is obvious, but in others, a podiatrist may want to use more advanced methods to determine the problem. These can range from simple visual inspections and sensation tests to X-rays and MRI scans. Prior medical history, family medical history, and any recent physical traumatic events will all be taken into consideration for a proper diagnosis.

Treatment

Treatments for toe pain and injuries vary and may include shoe inserts, padding, taping, medicines, injections, and in some cases, surgery. If you believe that you have broken a toe, please see a podiatrist as soon as possible.

If you have any questions please contact our offices located in New Orleans, Metairie, and Slidell, LA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.