Hallux valgus, commonly known as a bunion, is a deformity where the tip of the big toe shifts inward toward the other toes, causing a bony bump to develop at the base of the toe. Bunions can form from genetics, wearing tight or narrow shoes, flat feet, or arthritis. Symptoms often include pain, swelling, redness, and difficulty wearing shoes comfortably. Risk factors include family history, high-heeled footwear, and foot shape abnormalities. A podiatrist can help by providing customized footwear advice, orthotics, padding, and, in severe cases, surgical options to correct the deformity and restore comfort. If you have bunion pain or notice changes in your feet, it is suggested that you schedule a visit with a podiatrist who can offer effective relief and treatment solutions.

If you are suffering from bunions, contact one of our podiatrists of Waterbury Podiatry Consultants. 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?

Doctors 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 doctor.

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 Waterbury and Southington, CT . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Plantar fibromatosis is a condition where benign fibrous nodules develop within the plantar fascia, the thick band of tissue along the bottom of the foot. These growths can cause discomfort, pain when walking, or difficulty fitting into shoes. Symptoms often include firm lumps in the arch of the foot that may slowly increase in size. Causes are not fully understood but may involve genetic factors, repetitive stress, or injury. Risk factors include middle age, male gender, and a family history of the condition. A podiatrist can provide treatments, such as orthotics, or, in severe cases, surgical options. If you notice painful lumps in your foot arch, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can accurately diagnose and offer relief and treatment solutions. 

A plantar fibroma may disrupt your daily activities. If you have any concerns, contact one of our podiatrists of Waterbury Podiatry Consultants. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Plantar Fibroma

A plantar fibroma is a fibrous knot in the arch of the foot. It is embedded in the plantar fascia which is a band of tissue that extends from the heel to the toes along the bottom of the foot. There can be multiple plantar fibromas in the feet at the same time. There are no known causes for this condition. If you have a plantar fibroma, there will be a bump in the arch of your foot that cannot be missed. Any associated pain is most often due to a shoe rubbing against the nodule. Non-surgical options, such as steroid injections, physical therapy, and orthotics should be tried first. Surgery is a last resort and is the only thing that will remove a plantar fibroma entirely. Consult with a podiatrist for a proper diagnosis and to determine the treatment regimen that is right for you.

What Causes a Plantar Fibroma?

While there are no specific causes identified, a plantar fibroma can possibly come from genetic predisposition or the formation of scar tissue that forms from healing the tears in the plantar fascia.

What Are the Symptoms of a Plantar Fibroma?

There will be a noticeable lump in the arch of the foot that may or may not cause pain. If pain is felt, it is typically because a shoe is rubbing up against the lump or when walking or standing barefoot.

Treatment and Prevention

A plantar fibroma will not disappear without treatment, but it can get smaller and be a non-issue. If pain persists, a podiatrist examines the foot and when the arch of the foot is pressed, pain can be felt down to the toes. An MRI or biopsy might be performed to help diagnose or evaluate the plantar fibroma. The following non-surgical options are generally enough to reduce the size and pain of these nodules:

• Steroid injections
• Orthotics
• Physical therapy to help apply anti-inflammatory creams on the bump 

Surgery is considered if the mass increases in size and the patient continues to feel pain after non-surgical methods are tried.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our offices located in Waterbury and Southington, CT . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Tophaceous gout is a severe form of arthritis that develops in people with chronic, untreated gout. Growths, known as tophi,  develop when uric acid crystals form masses around affected joints and soft tissues. These growths are often visible under the skin and can cause pain, swelling, and deformity in the feet, particularly around the toes and ankles. Over time, tophi can damage joints, reduce mobility, and even lead to disability. Tophaceous gout is caused by high levels of uric acid in the blood, which forms sharp crystals that trigger inflammation. Risk factors include a family history of gout, excessive alcohol consumption, obesity, and medical conditions like diabetes or high blood pressure. While medications to lower uric acid levels are effective in managing the condition, surgery may be required for large, painful tophi. If you have symptoms of tophaceous gout, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for ongoing management and treatment.

Gout is a foot condition that requires certain treatment and care. If you are seeking treatment, contact one of our podiatrists from Waterbury Podiatry Consultants. 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 offices located in Waterbury and Southington, CT . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

A metatarsal stress fracture is a tiny crack in one of the long bones of the foot, often caused by repetitive stress or overuse during activities like running or jumping. Symptoms include localized pain, swelling, and tenderness that worsens with activity. Preventing metatarsal stress fractures involves gradually increasing activity levels, wearing supportive footwear, and incorporating rest days into your exercise routine. Proper warm-up and stretching before activities can also reduce the risk. Treatment typically includes using supportive footwear or orthotics to relieve pressure on the foot. In severe cases, immobilization with a cast or walking boot may be necessary. A podiatrist can conduct a thorough evaluation, using imaging studies, and recommend appropriate treatments to promote healing and prevent further injury. Early intervention can speed up recovery and prevent long-term complications. If you suspect a metatarsal stress fracture or experience persistent foot pain, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for an accurate diagnosis and treatment solutions.

Foot Pain

Foot pain can be extremely painful and debilitating. If you have a foot pain, consult with one of our podiatrists from Waterbury Podiatry Consultants. Our doctors will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

Causes

Foot pain is a very broad condition that could be caused by one or more ailments. The most common include:

• Bunions
• Hammertoes
• Plantar Fasciitis
• Bone Spurs
• Corns
• Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome
• Ingrown Toenails
• Arthritis (such as Gout, Rheumatoid, and Osteoarthritis)
• Flat Feet
• Injury (from stress fractures, broken toe, foot, ankle, Achilles tendon ruptures, and sprains)
• And more

Diagnosis

To figure out the cause of foot pain, podiatrists utilize several different methods. This 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

Treatment depends upon the cause of the foot pain. Whether it is resting, staying off the foot, or having surgery; podiatrists have a number of treatment options available for foot pain.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our offices located in Waterbury and Southington, CT . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.