A tailor’s bunion, also known as a bunionette, is a bony bump that forms on the outside of the foot near the base of the little toe. It occurs when the fifth metatarsal bone shifts outward, often due to genetics, improper foot structure, or wearing narrow, tight shoes that squeeze the toes together. Symptoms include a visible bump, redness, swelling, and pain along the outside of the foot. It may feel irritated or sore, especially when walking or wearing tight shoes. Over time, the discomfort can worsen and make regular activities more difficult. A podiatrist can diagnose a tailor’s bunion through a physical exam and X-rays, then recommend a personalized treatment plan. Non-surgical options include padding, footwear modifications, custom orthotics, and anti-inflammatory medications. In severe cases, surgery may be considered to realign the bone and relieve pain. If you are experiencing this condition, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for appropriate treatment.

If you are suffering from bunion pain, contact one of our podiatrists of Plaza Podiatry. 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 offices located in Baltimore, Lutherville, and Dundalk, MD . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Morton's toe is often confused with Morton's neuroma, although they are different foot conditions. Morton's toe refers to a structural variation where the second toe appears to be longer than the big toe. In reality, it is the big toe that is shorter. This imbalance can shift weight improperly across the foot, sometimes leading to pain, calluses, or stress fractures. Morton's neuroma involves a thickening of tissue around a nerve between the toes, typically causing sharp or burning pain in the ball of the foot. A podiatrist can conduct an examination and order imaging tests in order to recommend the appropriate treatment for either condition. For Morton's toe, options include custom orthotics to better distribute weight or, if necessary, surgery to correct the bone structure. Morton's neuroma may be managed through footwear changes, injections to reduce nerve irritation, or surgery to remove the affected nerve, if pain is severe. If you are experiencing toe pain, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for an exam and appropriate treatment.

Toe pain can disrupt your daily activities. If you have any concerns, contact one of our podiatrists of Plaza Podiatry. Our doctors 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 offices located in Baltimore, Lutherville, and Dundalk, MD . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.

Foot pain is a frequent complaint among elderly individuals and can significantly affect mobility and independence. One common cause is hallux valgus, a deformity of the big toe joint that often leads to bunions, swelling, and discomfort when walking. Abnormal structure of the medial arch can also contribute to pain, especially if the arch is excessively high or collapsed, placing extra strain on other parts of the foot. Neurological disorders, such as peripheral neuropathy or spinal issues, can lead to altered sensation, burning pain, or muscle weakness in the feet. These conditions often interfere with balance and walking. If you are a senior or caring for an older person and have foot pain, it is suggested that you visit a podiatrist who can treat various foot conditions.

If you need your feet checked, contact one of our podiatrists of Plaza Podiatry. Our doctors will attend to all of your foot and ankle needs and provide you with quality treatment.

Geriatrics and Podiatry
When people age, some common issues that may occur are bone density loss, dry skin, poor circulation, and rough brittle nails. These issues may also affect your foot health if the necessary steps are not taken to alleviate the problems.

It is important to take care of your feet because feet that are injured or diseased can affect your overall health. Having painful feet hinders your ability to do daily activities or may decrease your willingness to do the things that you need to do.

Visiting Your Geriatrician
As we age, health problems become more likely, so it is essential to visit your doctor for check-ups to ensure that you are doing the best you can to take care of your health. It is recommended to check your feet frequently for any possible cuts, bruises, swelling, corns or any other irregularities. 

Taking Care of Elderly Feet
Cracked or dry feet can be treated by applying moisturizer often. It is also important not to wear old socks because the older the sock is, the higher the possibility there will be that there is bacteria there. Wear fresh socks and make sure they fit properly.

Proper foot health means that you can have a more active lifestyle and you will not be bogged down by pain. Foot health also leads to good circulation, which is paramount for overall health.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our offices located in Baltimore, Lutherville, and Dundalk, MD . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.

Webbed toes, also known as syndactyly, refer to a condition where two or more toes are fused together by skin, soft tissue, or, in rare cases, bone. This occurs during early fetal development when the toes fail to separate completely. Webbed toes are often inherited and may appear as an isolated trait or as part of a genetic syndrome. In most cases, the condition does not cause pain or interfere with walking, although it may be noticeable in appearance. Environmental factors during pregnancy, such as exposure to certain medications or substances, may also contribute to its development. Webbed toes can vary in severity and may be found in both feet or just one. While usually harmless, surgical correction is an option for individuals who desire a change in function or appearance. If you have been born with this condition and are experiencing discomfort, it is suggested that you are under the care of a podiatrist who can discuss relief options, including the possibility of surgery.

Congenital foot problems require immediate attention to avoid future complications. If you have any concerns, contact one of our podiatrists of Plaza Podiatry. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Congenital foot problems are deformities affecting the feet, toes, and/or ankles that children are born with. Some of these conditions have a genetic cause while others just happen. Some specific foot ailments that children may be born with include clubfeet, polydactyly/macrodactyly, and cleft foot. There are several other foot anomalies that can occur congenitally. What all of these conditions have in common is that a child may experience difficulty walking or performing everyday activities, as well as trouble finding footwear that fits their foot deformity. Some of these conditions are more serious than others. Consulting with a podiatrist as early as possible will help in properly diagnosing a child’s foot condition while getting the necessary treatment underway.

What are Causes of Congenital Foot Problem?

A congenital foot problem is one that happens to a child at birth. These conditions can be caused by a genetic predisposition, developmental or positional abnormalities during gestation, or with no known cause.

What are Symptoms of Congenital Foot Problems?

Symptoms vary by the congenital condition. Symptoms may consist of the following:

• Clubfoot, where tendons are shortened, bones are shaped differently, and the Achilles tendon is tight, causing the foot to point in and down. It is also possible for the soles of the feet to face each other.
• Polydactyly, which usually consists of a nubbin or small lump of tissue without a bone, a toe that is partially formed but has no joints, or an extra toe.
• Vertical talus, where the talus bone forms in the wrong position causing other bones in the foot to line up improperly, the front of the foot to point up, and the bottom of the foot to stiffen, with no arch, and to curve out.
• Tarsal coalition, when there is an abnormal connection of two or more bones in the foot leading to severe, rigid flatfoot.
• Cleft foot, where there are missing toes, a V-shaped cleft, and other anatomical differences.
• Macrodactyly, when the toes are abnormally large due to overgrowth of the underlying bone or soft tissue.

Treatment and Prevention

While there is nothing one can do to prevent congenital foot problems, raising awareness and receiving neonatal screenings are important. Early detection by taking your child to a podiatrist leads to the best outcome possible.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our offices located in Baltimore, Lutherville, and Dundalk, MD . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.

Tennis players are at risk for various foot and ankle injuries due to the sport’s fast-paced lateral movements and frequent pivoting. Among the most common tennis injuries are ankle sprains, Achilles tendonitis, plantar fasciitis, and stress fractures. These conditions can result from repetitive impact, poor foot alignment, or sudden changes in direction on hard courts. For example, an ankle sprain occurs when the ligaments surrounding the ankle are overstretched or torn, often after a quick pivot or awkward landing. Achilles tendonitis and plantar fasciitis are overuse injuries that affect the soft tissues in the heel and can lead to chronic pain if left untreated. Stress fractures, which are hairline cracks in the bones, result from repetitive pounding of the feet during play. A podiatrist can use diagnostic imaging to confirm the exact type and extent of the injury. Depending on the diagnosis, medical treatment may include immobilization, custom orthotic support, anti-inflammatory medication, or surgery for more serious cases. If you experience foot or ankle pain after playing tennis, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist for an exam, diagnosis, and treatment.

Sports related foot and ankle injuries require proper treatment before players can go back to their regular routines. For more information, contact one of our podiatrists of Plaza Podiatry. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Sports Related Foot and Ankle Injuries

Foot and ankle injuries are a common occurrence when it comes to athletes of any sport. While many athletes dismiss the initial aches and pains, the truth is that ignoring potential foot and ankle injuries can lead to serious problems. As athletes continue to place pressure and strain the area further, a mild injury can turn into something as serious as a rupture and may lead to a permanent disability. There are many factors that contribute to sports related foot and ankle injuries, which include failure to warm up properly, not providing support or wearing bad footwear. Common injuries and conditions athletes face, including:

• Plantar Fasciitis
• Plantar Fasciosis
• Achilles Tendinitis
• Achilles Tendon Rupture
• Ankle Sprains

Sports related injuries are commonly treated using the RICE method. This includes rest, applying ice to the injured area, compression and elevating the ankle. More serious sprains and injuries may require surgery, which could include arthroscopic and reconstructive surgery. Rehabilitation and therapy may also be required in order to get any recovering athlete to become fully functional again. Any unusual aches and pains an athlete sustains must be evaluated by a licensed, reputable medical professional.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our offices located in Baltimore, Lutherville, and Dundalk, MD . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.