Items filtered by date: March 2025

A bunion is a bony bump that forms at the base of the big toe when the joint becomes misaligned. This condition develops gradually as the big toe shifts toward the smaller toes, causing inflammation, discomfort, and difficulty wearing certain shoes. High heels do not directly cause bunions, but they can contribute to their development by placing excessive pressure on the front of the foot. Shoes with a narrow toe box force the toes into an unnatural position, increasing strain on the joint. People with a genetic predisposition or preexisting foot conditions are more likely to develop bunions when wearing high heels frequently. If you have a bunion, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can offer you appropriate treatment solutions, and guide you on what type of shoes to wear to prevent bunions.

If you are suffering from bunions, contact Thomas Bobrowski, DPM of InStride Crystal Coast Podiatry. Our doctor 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 office located in New Bern, NC . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Hammertoe is not just a toe that curls. It is a deformity where the middle joint bends abnormally, often due to muscle imbalance, wearing ill-fitting shoes, or genetics. Unlike mallet toe, which affects only the joint nearest the nail, hammertoe strikes the middle joint. And unlike a bunion, which pushes the big toe sideways, hammertoe causes smaller toes to contract, sometimes painfully. Left untreated, the toe stiffens, making walking uncomfortable and shoe choices frustrating. Treatments include toe exercises and padding, along with wearing custom orthotics and wider footwear. If the joint becomes rigid, surgery may be necessary. Ignoring a hammertoe can lead to corns, ulcers, and permanent damage. If you have a hammertoe that is causing you discomfort, it is suggested that you see a podiatrist who can assess its severity, and guide you on the best course of action.

Hammertoes can be a painful condition to live with. For more information, contact Thomas Bobrowski, DPM of InStride Crystal Coast Podiatry. Our doctor will answer any of your foot- and ankle-related questions.

Hammertoe

Hammertoe is a foot deformity that occurs due to an imbalance in the muscles, tendons, or ligaments that normally hold the toe straight. It can be caused by the type of shoes you wear, your foot structure, trauma, and certain disease processes.

Symptoms

• Painful and/or difficult toe movement
• Swelling
• Joint stiffness
• Calluses/Corns
• Physical deformity

Risk Factors

• Age – The risk of hammertoe increases with age
• Sex – Women are more likely to have hammertoe compared to men
• Toe Length – You are more likely to develop hammertoe if your second toe is longer than your big toe
• Certain Diseases – Arthritis and diabetes may make you more likely to develop hammertoe

Treatment

If you have hammertoe, you should change into a more comfortable shoe that provides enough room for your toes. Exercises such as picking up marbles may strengthen and stretch your toe muscles. Nevertheless, it is important to seek assistance from a podiatrist in order to determine the severity of your hammertoe and see which treatment option will work best for you.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in New Bern, NC . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

A stiff big toe, medically known as hallux rigidus, affects the larger joint at the base of the big toe, reducing its ability to move freely and causing pain during activities like walking. Initially, people may notice mild stiffness in the big toe, which progressively worsens as movement becomes increasingly limited. Hallux rigidus is often linked to osteoarthritis, a condition involving joint wear-and-tear. This can lead to symptoms like persistent pain, swelling, limited range of motion, and eventual loss of joint mobility. Risk factors for a stiff big toe include prior toe injuries, repetitive stress from sports or work activity, genetic predisposition, specific foot structures, and inflammatory arthritis. Early symptoms include difficulty bending the toe and pain that intensifies with activity, eventually becoming constant, even at rest. A podiatrist can conduct a thorough examination of the big toe joint through imaging studies like X-rays to determine the correct treatment. Options range from custom orthotics to surgery, in advanced cases. If your big toe becomes unusually stiff and continually painful, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for an exam, diagnosis, and treatment.

Toe pain can disrupt your daily activities. If you have any concerns, contact Thomas Bobrowski, DPM of InStride Crystal Coast Podiatry. 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 feel free to contact our office located in New Bern, NC . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.

Diabetic foot care is essential for managing the effects of diabetes on the feet. High blood sugar levels can cause poor circulation and lead to nerve damage, resulting in dry, cracked skin, sores, and changes in the shape of the feet. Symptoms include numbness, tingling, and a loss of sensation, making it harder to notice injuries. If left untreated, cracks or sores can lead to infections, which can become serious for people with diabetes. A podiatrist can help manage and prevent these complications by providing regular foot exams and addressing any existing issues. This type of doctor can treat cracked skin and recommend diabetic-friendly footwear to reduce pressure on the feet. If sores or infections develop, a podiatrist can clean and dress the wounds, and in some cases, prescribe antibiotics. They may also provide custom orthotics to help with changes in foot shape. If you are experiencing any foot-related issues due to diabetes, it is suggested that you are under the care of a podiatrist. 

Diabetic foot care is important in preventing foot ailments such as ulcers. If you are suffering from diabetes or have any other concerns about your feet, contact Thomas Bobrowski, DPM from InStride Crystal Coast Podiatry. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Diabetic Foot Care

Diabetes affects millions of people every year. The condition can damage blood vessels in many parts of the body, especially the feet. Because of this, taking care of your feet is essential if you have diabetes, and having a podiatrist help monitor your foot health is highly recommended.

The Importance of Caring for Your Feet

• Routinely inspect your feet for bruises or sores.
• Wear socks that fit your feet comfortably.
• Wear comfortable shoes that provide adequate support.

Patients with diabetes should have their doctor monitor their blood levels, as blood sugar levels play such a huge role in diabetic care. Monitoring these levels on a regular basis is highly advised.

It is always best to inform your healthcare professional of any concerns you may have regarding your feet, especially for diabetic patients. Early treatment and routine foot examinations are keys to maintaining proper health, especially because severe complications can arise if proper treatment is not applied.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our office located in New Bern, NC . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.