Bunions

A bunion occurs when the big toe shifts over toward the second toe and a bump develops on the inner part of the foot.  This may cause pain, swelling, and difficulty with 

shoegear.  

What causes bunions?  Arthritis, genetics, trauma, certain diseases, and shoegear

What are the symptoms?  A painful bump near the big toe develops, and occasionally, it may be hot, red or swollen.

How are they treated?  Conservative measures like padding, oral medication, orthotics, and different shoegear may relieve bunion pain.  Sometimes, the only was to reduce the pain and deformity of a bunion is to have surgery to correct the abnormal bone alignment.  Surgery may involve the placement of screws, wires, or pins in the foot to hold the newly aligned bones in place and typically takes 6-8 weeks for the initial healing. 

If you think you have bunion pain, contact Dr. Bender at 708-763-0580

Ouch!  My big toe hurts!

Pain at the big toe joint is frequently assumed to be bunion pain. However, there are many things that can cause pain at this joint:  bunions, arthritis, hallux limitus/rigidus, gout, sesmoid bone problems, avascular necrosis, capsulitis, fractures, neuritis, peripheral vascular disease, and turf toe.  There are other causes of pain at this joint which may not be as common.  In order to determine why the joint is hurting, a variety of  tests, both laboratory and radiological, may be ordered.  In the upcoming weeks, this blog will discuss each of these causes of big toe pain!  Stay tuned each week!

Dr. Bender

6931 W. North Ave.

Oak Park, IL  60302

708-763-0580

drbender@oakparkpodiatry.com

Although the other doctors at Advanced Physical Medicine are no longer accepting United Health Care, Dr. Bender is still accepting United Health Care PPO plans.  Make your appointment today!

Calcaneal Apophysitis is an irritation of the growth plate of the heel, and it often occurs in children aged seven through fourteen.  Children often complain of pain at the heel with activity and may also limp due to the pain.  This condition is common in athletic children but may also occur due to obesity.  Typically, the diagnosis is made clinically, but X-Rays may be taken to rule out other conditions, such as stress fractures of the heel bone or calcaneus.  The condition eventually will resolve on its own.  However, various conservative therapies may be used to reduce the child's pain:  icing, stretching, physical therapy, proper shoegear, heel cups, rest, weight loss, antiinflammatory medicine, and orthotic devices.  

Please visit Dr. Bender and the Advanced Physical Medicine staff at The Race That's Good for Life this Sunday, April 1, 2012.  This event is sponsored by the Oak Park Runner's Club.  Dr. Bender will be available to answer your foot and ankle questions!