Bunions develop when the joint at the base of the big toe gradually changes position, creating a noticeable bump along the inner side of the foot. As the big toe shifts toward the smaller toes, pressure increases around the affected joint. Early symptoms include tenderness, swelling, or redness near the big toe. Some people also notice stiffness that makes bending the toe uncomfortable. Foot shape, inherited traits, and the way a person walks may influence bunion development. Shoes that place pressure on the front of the foot may worsen irritation. Bunions generally develop over several years, and their appearance may change as the affected joint becomes increasingly misaligned. Understanding these changes helps explain why bunion pain may gradually become more noticeable during everyday activities.

Bunion symptoms differ depending on how much the joint has changed. Pain may feel dull and persistent or become sharper when pressure is placed on the affected area. Some individuals notice throbbing discomfort at night, while others experience pain that spreads toward the ball of the foot. As the big toe moves closer to its neighboring toe, crowding may cause additional irritation. Repeated rubbing may lead to thickened skin, corns, or calluses. In more advanced cases, the big toe may overlap the second toe, making walking and wearing shoes uncomfortable. Swelling around the joint may also press against nearby nerves and produce shooting pain. The size of the bump does not always reflect how painful it feels. Changes in toe alignment and increasing difficulty with normal movement are important signs to discuss during a foot examination.

A podiatrist focuses on identifying the cause of bunion discomfort and evaluating changes in foot structure. This foot doctor examines the big toe joint, checks its range of motion, and reviews how symptoms affect walking. The assessment also helps distinguish bunions from other problems that cause pain near the toes. Treatment planning depends on the severity of the deformity and the amount of discomfort. A podiatrist may recommend appropriate footwear modifications or supportive devices to reduce pressure on the affected joint. Early evaluation helps identify changes in the joint and determine which treatment options are most appropriate. If bunion pain or changes in toe alignment are affecting your daily life, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist for an evaluation and appropriate treatment options.

If you are suffering from bunions, contact John F. Torregrosa, DPM of Florida Ankle & Foot Institute. 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 Tavernier, Marathon, and Key West, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Walking gives the feet regular movement while supporting the health of the entire body. With each step, the foot absorbs weight, adjusts to the ground, and helps move the body forward. This coordinated action engages muscles in the feet and lower legs. Regular walking also supports heart health and circulation. For many people, it offers a practical way to remain active without the higher impact of running. Healthy movement depends on comfortable joints and muscles that provide adequate support. When pain changes the way someone walks, other parts of the foot may take on extra pressure, making a podiatric assessment important.

Although walking benefits foot health, repeated pressure sometimes reveals an underlying problem. Heel pain might reflect irritation of the strong band of tissue beneath the foot. Aching in the ball of the foot may develop when pressure concentrates beneath the toe joints. Arthritis also causes discomfort by affecting the joints used with each step. Shoes that fit poorly contribute to rubbing and crowd the toes. A sudden increase in walking distance places additional demands on bones and tendons, the strong tissues connecting muscles to bones. Persistent soreness requires attention because continuing to walk through pain may worsen an injury.

A podiatrist evaluates foot structure and watches how the feet move while walking. The examination also includes checking joint movement, muscle strength, and areas of tenderness. An assessment of circulation and sensation helps identify concerns that affect walking safety, particularly in patients with diabetes. Treatment depends on the cause of the pain. A podiatrist recommends appropriate walking shoes and determines whether custom orthotics would improve support or redistribute pressure. These prescription shoe inserts address specific foot mechanics. Guidance about suitable activity levels helps patients stay active while protecting injured tissues. Follow-up visits allow treatment adjustments as symptoms improve. If you have foot pain, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for a diagnosis and appropriate treatment.

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 John F. Torregrosa, DPM from Florida Ankle & Foot Institute. 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 Tavernier, Marathon, and Key West, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

The feet support the body’s full weight with every step, so excess weight can place greater pressure on bones, joints, and soft tissues. This added strain can change how the feet spread and move when walking. It can also affect balance and make activity uncomfortable. Heel pain, arch pain, and ankle pain can develop when the feet must manage greater force. Extra pressure can also contribute to corns, calluses, and bunions. Joint stiffness or swelling may make standing and movement more difficult. When discomfort limits activity, managing weight can become more challenging, creating a cycle of pain and reduced movement.

Obesity is linked to several foot conditions. Plantar fasciitis causes pain where a strong band of tissue supports the arch and connects to the heel. Added pressure can irritate this tissue and make the first steps after rest especially painful. Excess weight can also increase stress on the ankles and raise the risk of osteoarthritis, which develops as joint cartilage breaks down. Gout, a painful form of arthritis that frequently affects the big-toe joint, is also associated with obesity. People who are obese also have a higher risk of type 2 diabetes. This condition can damage nerves and reduce blood flow, allowing wounds to develop or worsen without clear warning signs.

A podiatrist can examine the feet and identify areas receiving too much pressure. Treatment includes custom orthotics to improve weight distribution and provide support. A podiatrist can recommend well-fitted shoes and provide care for corns or calluses. Treatment for heel pain can reduce strain and improve movement. Patients with diabetes can receive foot examinations to detect skin damage, reduced feeling, or circulation concerns early. Addressing foot pain can help patients stay active. If you have foot or ankle pain related to being overweight, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for a diagnosis and appropriate treatment.

Obesity has become very problematic at this point in time and can have extremely negative effects on the feet. If you’re an obese individual and are concerned about your feet, contact John F. Torregrosa, DPM from Florida Ankle & Foot Institute. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Obesity and Your Feet

Since your feet are what support your entire weight when standing, any additional weight can result in pain and swelling. Being overweight is one of the main contributors to foot complications.

Problems & Complications

Extra Weight – Even putting on just a few extra pounds could create serious complications for your feet. As your weight increases, your balance and body will shift, creating new stresses on your feet. This uneven weight distribution can cause pain, even while doing the simplest tasks, such as walking.

Diabetes – People who are overweight are at serious risk of developing type-2 diabetes, which has a drastic impact on the health of your feet. As you get older, your diabetes might worsen, which could lead to loss of feeling in your feet, sores, and bruises. You could also become more prone to various infections.

Plantar fasciitis – Pressure and stress that is placed on muscles, joints, and tendons can trigger plantar fasciitis, which is an inflammation of tissue that forms along the bottom of the foot. 

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

Falling at home is a common concern for older adults and can happen during ordinary daily activities. Several factors can increase risk, including poor lighting, clutter, and reduced stability. Foot and ankle problems may also affect balance. Pain, stiffness, or limited movement can make walking less secure and increase the chance of falling. Simple home adjustments can reduce hazards. Older adults can also keep emergency contacts nearby and use sturdy handrails when needed.

Preventing falls starts with making the home easier and safer to navigate. Remove loose rugs or secure them firmly to the floor. Clear clutter from hallways, stairs, and frequently used rooms. Keep rooms and walkways well lit, especially near bedrooms and bathrooms. Handrails can provide additional support on stairs. Older adults should also wear supportive, properly fitting shoes rather than walking barefoot on slippery surfaces. Regular foot checks can identify problems that may affect comfortable movement. Taking time to stand slowly can help reduce sudden balance changes.

A fall can cause several foot and ankle problems. Common injuries include sprains, bruises, and tendon irritation. Symptoms may include pain, swelling, or difficulty bearing weight. Risk increases with fragile bones, poor balance, and previous falls. After a fall, a podiatrist can examine the feet and ankles for signs of injury. The evaluation may include checking movement, stability, and areas of tenderness. Imaging tests may be ordered when a fracture is suspected. Well-fitting shoes can improve traction and provide a steadier base while moving around the home.

Treatment after a fall depends on the injury and its severity. A podiatrist may recommend rest, supportive footwear, or temporary immobilization. Follow-up appointments can help monitor healing and identify ongoing problems. Do not ignore foot or ankle pain after falling, even if symptoms seem mild at first. If you have fallen at home and have foot or ankle pain, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist for an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment.

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 John F. Torregrosa, DPM from Florida Ankle & Foot Institute. Our doctors 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 Tavernier, Marathon, and Key West, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.