My Orthopedic Surgery

Bone spurs of the toes most commonly occur on the fifth toe. They occur less frequently on the other toes. The areas of the fifth toe that can form bone spurs are the outside of the toe next to the toenail, the inside of the toe near the tip of the toe where the toe presses up against the fourth toe, and on the inside of the base of the fifth toe.

Hallux Valgus is a condition which affects the joint at the base of the big toe. The condition is commonly called a bunion. The bunion actually refers to the bump that grows on the side of the first metatarsophalangeal(MTP) joint. In reality, the condition is much more complex than a simple bump on the side of the toe.

One of the more common conditions treated by podiatric surgeons is the painful bunion. Patients with this condition will usually complain of pain when wearing certain shoes, especially snug fitting dress shoes, or with physical activity, such as walking or running.

AAOS: Your Orthopaedic Connection Patient Education Booklets

Definition A bunionectomy is a surgical procedure to excise, or remove, a bunion. A bunion is an enlargement of the joint at the base of the big toe and is comprised of bone and soft tissue. It is usually a result of inflammation and irritation from poorly fitting (narrow and tight) shoes in conjunction with an overly mobile first metatarsal joint and over-pronation of the foot. Over time, a painful lump appears at the side of the joint, while the big toe appears to buckle and move sideway towards the second toe. New bone growth can occur in response to the inflammatory process, and a bone spur may develop. Therefore, the development of a bunion may involve soft tissue as well as a hard bone spur. The intense pain makes walking and other activities extremely difficult. Since the involved joint is a significant structure in providing weight-bearing stability, walking on the foot while trying to avoid putting pressure on the painful area can create an unstable gait. Encyclopedia of Surgery: A Guide for Patients and Caregivers

A bunionette is similar to a bunion, but on the outside of the foot. It is sometimes referred to as a tailor's bunion due to the fact that tailors once sat cross legged all day with the outside edge of their feet rubbing on the ground. This produced a pressure area and callus at the bottom of the fifth toe.

Hallux valgus is a condition in which the big toe migrates laterally toward the second toe. This results in a bump on the inner side of the foot, know as a bunion. It is related to a combination of genetic factors, activities, and inheritance. Some patients who have this condition do not have symptoms. Sometimes symptoms can be relieved just by modifying the shoe to have enough room in the forefoot to accommodate the changed shape. (Further pages)

Bunions: Rothman Institute

AAOS Online Service Fact SheetClaw Toe

The hammertoe deformity usually consists of a hyperflexion deformity of the proximal interphalangeal (PIP) joint. Clawing of the lesser toes is a combination of the hammertoe deformity, plus hyperextension of the metatarsal phalangeal (MTP) joint.

Information on common foot problems including: posterior tibial tendon dysfunctional, sesamoiditis, tarsal tunnel syndrome, plantar fibromas, metatarsal stress fracture, bunions, flatfoot, arthritis, hammertoes, achilles tendonitis, plantar fasciitis and more.

Corns and calluses are areas of thick skin that result form excessive pressure or friction over a boney prominence. When these areas develop on the bottom of the foot they are called calluses. When they occur on the top of the toes they are called corns.

Cryosurgery, also known as Cryotherapy or Neuroablation, is a minimally invasive FDA approved procedure done by Dr. Katz in the office for pain relief. Finally get relief from heel pain, plantar fasciitis, diabetic neuropathy and Morton's neuroma using advanced Cryosurgery.

Persons with diabetes, be it type 1 or 2, are individuals who share a common disease that causes high blood sugars. The effects of the high blood sugars will vary from person to person. Likewise diabetes will affect the feet of each individual person with diabetes in a different manner. Some persons with diabetes have a high risk for foot problems, whereas others are not really at increased risk for foot problems. It is extremely important to screen persons with diabetes to find out who is at increased risk for foot problems. Those who are at increased risk require specialized foot care in order to lower the risk for foot problems. Any person with diabetes should be in the habit of removing his/her shoes and socks upon entering his/her health care providers examining room so that the feet will not be overlooked.

Calluses are thick skin that forms in response to repeated pressure over a course of time. Blisters are fluid filled pockets that are also the result of increased pressure but typically the pressure is more intense and for a shorter period of time than the pressure that causes a callus. The roof of a blister is typically very thin because there is not enough time to form a thick callus. Calluses form over pressure points to protect the skin from injury. Without calluses the skin is more prone to blisters. If calluses are protective then why is there so much concern about calluses on the soles of a person with diabetes? Calluses form to protect the skin; however, in persons with diabetes the body does not know how much callus to lay down and the callus is different. Elevated blood sugars affect the skin and cause thicker and harder calluses.