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Bunions and How They Affect Foot Structure

Tuesday, 28 April 2026

A bunion is a bony deformity that develops at the base of the big toe. The top of the toe points toward the smaller toes and the joint shifts outward. This structural change can lead to pain, inflammation, swelling, and difficulty wearing certain shoes. The misalignment may worsen and affect overall foot function. Causes include inherited foot structure, improper footwear, and abnormal pressure on the joint. Risk factors involve tight shoes, prolonged standing, and certain foot mechanics. A podiatrist can assess the severity of the bunion, recommend supportive footwear, provide custom orthotics, and suggest treatment to relieve discomfort and slow progression. If you have a bunion, it is suggested that you are under the care of a podiatrist who can help you to manage this condition.

If you are suffering from bunion pain, contact one of our podiatrists of Eastern Carolina Foot & Ankle Specialists. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

What Is a Bunion?

Bunions are painful bony bumps that usually develop on the inside of the foot at the joint of the big toe. As the deformity increases over time, it may become painful to walk and wear shoes. Women are more likely to exacerbate existing bunions since they often wear tight, narrow shoes that shift their toes together. Bunion pain can be relieved by wearing wider shoes with enough room for the toes.

Causes

Genetics – some people inherit feet that are more prone to bunion development
Inflammatory Conditions - rheumatoid arthritis and polio may cause bunion development

Symptoms

Redness and inflammation
Pain and tenderness
Callus or corns on the bump
Restricted motion in the big toe

In order to diagnose your bunion, your podiatrist may ask about your medical history, symptoms, and general health. Your doctor might also order an x-ray to take a closer look at your feet. Nonsurgical treatment options include orthotics, padding, icing, changes in footwear, and medication. If nonsurgical treatments don’t alleviate your bunion pain, surgery may be necessary.

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

Acute Ankle Trauma in Athletes

Tuesday, 21 April 2026

Ankle sprains are acute injuries that commonly affect athletes, especially in sports such as basketball, football, and soccer. They often occur when the foot twists or rolls unexpectedly, placing stress on the ligaments on the outer side of the ankle. This can happen during jumping, cutting, or sudden changes in direction. Symptoms include pain, swelling, bruising, and difficulty bearing weight. Risk factors include previous ankle injuries, poor conditioning, inadequate footwear, and uneven playing surfaces. Without proper care, sprains may lead to instability or repeated injury. A podiatrist can help by evaluating the severity of the sprain, providing treatment to reduce inflammation, and guiding rehabilitation. If you have instability from a sprained ankle, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can offer effective relief and treatment solutions.

Ankle sprains are common but need immediate attention. If you need your feet checked, contact one of our podiatrists from Eastern Carolina Foot & Ankle Specialists. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

How Does an Ankle Sprain Occur?

Ankle sprains take place when the ligaments in your ankle are torn or stretched beyond their limits. There are multiple ways that the ankle can become injured, including twisting or rolling over onto your ankle, putting undue stress on it, or causing trauma to the ankle itself.

What Are the Symptoms?

Mild to moderate bruising
Limited mobility
Swelling
Discoloration of the skin (depending on severity)

Preventing a Sprain

Wearing appropriate shoes for the occasion
Stretching before exercises and sports
Knowing your limits

Treatment of a Sprain

Treatment of a sprain depends on the severity. Many times, people are told to rest and remain off their feet completely, while others are given an air cast. If the sprain is very severe, surgery may be required.

If you have suffered an ankle sprain previously, you may want to consider additional support such as a brace and regular exercises to strengthen the ankle.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our office located in Greenville, NC . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.

Peripheral Artery Disease and Blood Vessel Health

Tuesday, 14 April 2026

Peripheral artery disease, often called PAD, affects how blood flows to the legs and feet. It is commonly thought of as a problem in the larger arteries, where plaque buildup can limit circulation. However, smaller vessels can also be involved, further reducing blood flow at the tissue level. This combination can make it harder for the body to deliver oxygen and nutrients needed for healing and daily function. People with PAD may notice leg fatigue, cramping with walking, slower healing of cuts, or changes in skin color and temperature. Because both large and small vessels can be affected, symptoms may vary and sometimes appear gradually. Early recognition is important to help manage circulation and reduce the risk of more serious complications. Treatment may include lifestyle changes, medical care, and monitoring of foot health. If you notice signs of poor circulation, it is suggested that you see a podiatrist for a proper diagnosis and appropriate treatment.

Peripheral artery disease can pose a serious risk to your health. It can increase the risk of stroke and heart attack. If you have symptoms of peripheral artery disease, consult with one of our podiatrists from Eastern Carolina Foot & Ankle Specialists. Our doctors will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

Peripheral artery disease (PAD) is when arteries are constricted due to plaque (fatty deposits) build-up. This results in less blood flow to the legs and other extremities. The main cause of PAD is atherosclerosis, in which plaque builds up in the arteries.

Symptoms

Symptoms of PAD include:

Claudication (leg pain from walking)
Numbness in legs
Decrease in growth of leg hair and toenails
Paleness of the skin
Erectile dysfunction
Sores and wounds on legs and feet that won’t heal
Coldness in one leg

It is important to note that a majority of individuals never show any symptoms of PAD.

Diagnosis

While PAD occurs in the legs and arteries, Podiatrists can diagnose PAD. Podiatrists utilize a test called an ankle-brachial index (ABI). An ABI test compares blood pressure in your arm to you ankle to see if any abnormality occurs. Ultrasound and imaging devices may also be used.

Treatment

Fortunately, lifestyle changes such as maintaining a healthy diet, exercising, managing cholesterol and blood sugar levels, and quitting smoking, can all treat PAD. Medications that prevent clots from occurring can be prescribed. Finally, in some cases, surgery may be recommended.

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

Are You Suffering From Ingrown Toenails?

Friday, 10 April 2026

If left untreated, an ingrown toenail can lead to more serious concerns, such as an infection. Knowing proper nail care can help in the prevention of an ingrown toenail. Give us a call, and get treated!

When a Lump on the Sole of the Foot Needs Attention

Tuesday, 07 April 2026

A bump on the bottom of the foot can be caused by several conditions, including plantar fibromas, calluses, or plantar warts. Plantar fibromas are firm nodules within the arch that may feel like a small knot under the skin. Calluses develop from repeated pressure or friction and appear as thickened, hardened skin that can become uncomfortable over time. Plantar warts are caused by a viral infection and may look rough with small dark dots, often feeling tender with pressure. Some bumps remain painless, while others cause discomfort when walking or standing. The area may look raised, thickened, or irregular depending on the cause, and many patients describe a sensation of stepping on something. A podiatrist can evaluate the size, texture, and location of the bump and may use imaging or gentle debridement to confirm the diagnosis. Treatment options include padding, orthotics, or in-office procedures. If you have a troublesome bump on the bottom of your foot, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist.

Foot Pain

Foot pain can be extremely painful and debilitating. If you have a foot pain, consult with one of our podiatrists from Eastern Carolina Foot & Ankle Specialists. 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 office located in Greenville, NC . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

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