A bunion happens when the joint at the base of the big toe becomes enlarged. Wearing narrow shoes can cause bunions. Bunions can also develop as a result of an inherited structural defect, or a health condition, such as arthritis. Dr. Daniel Alberts, Dr. Richard Rolfes and Dr. Jasper Lee at Stonestown Podiatry Group, which is located in San Francisco, CA, offer a full range of podiatric services. Read on to learn about treatment options for bunions.

1. Padding & Taping- Bunion treatment often begins with padding and taping. Padding the bunion will alleviate your pain and allow you to continue a normal, active life. Taping the bunion will keep your foot in a normal position, thus reducing pressure and discomfort. This will also help prevent your bunion from getting worse. 

2. Custom Orthotics- Podiatrists use orthotics to treat foot problems. Many individuals rely on orthotics to keep their feet in their most efficient alignment, prevent injuries, reduce pain, and increase efficiency. Custom-made orthotic devices can be a valuable treatment for bunions. Orthotics are footbeds or inserts that are inserted into shoes. Orthotics can prevent the progression of bunions and alleviate pain.

3. Steroid Injections- Cortisone shots, or steroid shots, can reduce your pain temporarily by reducing inflammation. The injections usually comprise a local anesthetic and corticosteroid medication. You can get steroid injections at your podiatrist's office.

4. Bunion Surgery- If your symptoms are severe, your doctor may recommend surgery to treat your bunion. The surgery is called bunionectomy. A bunionectomy is performed to excise, or remove a bunion and to realign the toe.

Don't let a bunion knock you off your feet. Call Stonestown Podiatry Group at (415) 731-6700 today to schedule a consultation in San Francisco, CA. We can help you get rid of that bunion once and for all.

Dealing with heel pain? Isn’t it time you found out more about what’s causing your discomfort?

Heel pain is nothing to scoff at. While it might not seem like a big deal when you first notice it, over time it can become a downright nuisance. Heel pain can make it more difficult to move around and it can even limit your day-to-day activities. If you have no idea what might be going on, your San Francisco podiatrist might be able to answer your burning questions.

What is causing my heel pain?

There are many reasons why you could be experiencing heel pain, which is why it’s so important to visit your foot doctor at the first sign of an issue. Only then can we really determine the root cause. Of course, one of the most common causes of heel pain is plantar fasciitis.

What is plantar fasciitis?

The plantar fascia is a thick band of ligaments that connect your toes to your heel bone. When they become inflamed, this causes heel pain, stiffness and a host of other issues.

What are the symptoms of plantar fasciitis?

If this condition is truly the cause of your heel pain, then you’ll more than likely notice a stabbing pain in the bottom of your foot that may be worse in the morning when you take your first couple steps. You may also notice that the pain subsides a bit during physical activity, but immediately comes back full force right after. You may also experience stiffness or limited mobility as a result of the plantar fasciitis.

How can I treat my heel pain?

Most heel pain can easily be treated with more conservative measures including:

• Rest
• Avoiding high-impact activities
• Elevating the foot
• Taking over-the-counter pain relievers
• Splinting
• Icing

Most causes of heel pain like plantar fasciitis or Achilles tendinitis will go away with these simple at-home measures. However, for those with more persistent or severe cases, you may need to talk to your foot doctor about other options including extracorporeal shockwave therapy or corticosteroid injections to reduce pain and swelling, and to help speed up the healing process.

Contact your San Francisco Podiatrist

Heel pain doesn’t have to take over your life. Turn to your San Francisco foot doctor for the help and care your feet need to stay healthy.

Welcome to the Blog of Stonestown Podiatry Group

Whether you are an existing patient or searching for a podiatrist in the San Francisco, CA area, we’re excited you are here. With the podiatric industry advancing, we recognize the importance of keeping our patients and visitors up to date with all of the new and exciting things taking place in our practice.

As we move forward with our blog, we hope to promote good foot health as a vital part of your healthy lifestyle. Here you will find a variety of articles and topics including podiatry news, advancements in podiatric treatments, practical foot and ankle health advice and updates from our practice. 

We hope you find our blog to be helpful, engaging and informational to ensure your best foot and ankle health

As always, feel free to contact Stonestown Podiatry Group with any questions or concerns.

-- The Podiatry Team at Stonestown Podiatry Group