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How Bunions Form and Progress

Tuesday, 02 June 2026

A bunion is a foot deformity that affects the joint at the base of the big toe, causing it to shift out of proper alignment and form a visible bump along the side of the foot. This condition usually develops as the big toe leans toward the neighboring toes. It may cause discomfort, swelling, and limited movement, especially during walking or when wearing tight shoes. Contributing factors include genetics, poorly fitting footwear, and past injuries that weaken the joint. People with flat feet, arthritis, or jobs that involve long periods of standing may have a higher risk. A podiatrist can evaluate the condition, relieve pain, and recommend treatment to improve function and alignment. If you have developed a bunion, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist treatment options.

If you are suffering from bunions, contact one of our podiatrists of Foothill Podiatry Clinic. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

What Is a Bunion?

A bunion is formed of swollen tissue or an enlargement of boney growth, usually located at the base joint of the toe that connects to the foot. The swelling occurs due to the bones in the big toe shifting inward, which impacts the other toes of the foot. This causes the area around the base of the big toe to become inflamed and painful.

Why Do Bunions Form?

Genetics – Susceptibility to bunions are often hereditary

Stress on the feet – Poorly fitted and uncomfortable footwear that places stress on feet, such as heels, can worsen existing bunions

How Are Bunions Diagnosed?

Podiatrists often perform two tests – blood tests and x-rays – when trying to diagnose bunions, especially in the early stages of development. Blood tests help determine if the foot pain is being caused by something else, such as arthritis, while x-rays provide a clear picture of your bone structure to your provider.

How Are Bunions Treated?

Refrain from wearing heels or similar shoes that cause discomfort
Select wider shoes that can provide more comfort and reduce pain
Anti-inflammatory and pain management drugs
Orthotics or foot inserts
Surgery

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

Keep Your Feet Healthy So You Can Stay Active

Sunday, 31 May 2026

Have your feet inspected by a professional before starting a new sport or physical activity. Taking charge of your foot health will keep you in good physical condition and can help you avoid a potential injury, such as a fracture or sprained ankle.

Prevent injuries and see a foot specialist.

Lingering Ankle Pain

Tuesday, 26 May 2026

Ankle impingement syndrome develops when soft tissue or bone in the ankle becomes compressed during movement, often after repeated sprains or ongoing instability. Many people notice pain at the front or back of the ankle, especially while walking uphill, squatting, running, or pointing the foot downward. Swelling, stiffness, and a limited range of motion are also common. In some cases, scar tissue or bony growths form inside the joint and create ongoing irritation each time the ankle bends. Athletes and active individuals are frequently affected, but anyone with a history of ankle injuries can develop this condition. A podiatrist can evaluate joint movement, order imaging studies, identify areas of inflammation, and recommend treatments designed to reduce pressure within the ankle. Care may include bracing, custom orthotics, targeted exercises, anti-inflammatory treatment, or surgical correction when symptoms become severe. It is strongly suggested that people with chronic ankle pain or restricted motion visit a podiatrist for an evaluation and appropriate care.

Ankle pain can have many different causes and the pain may potentially be serious. If you have ankle pain, consult with one of our podiatrists from Foothill Podiatry Clinic. Our doctors will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

Ankle pain is any condition that causes pain in the ankle. Due to the fact that the ankle consists of tendons, muscles, bones, and ligaments, ankle pain can come from a number of different conditions.

Causes

The most common causes of ankle pain include:

Types of arthritis (rheumatoid, osteoarthritis, and gout)
Ankle sprains
Broken ankles
Achilles tendinitis
Achilles tendon rupture
Stress fractures
Tarsal tunnel syndrome
Plantar fasciitis

Symptoms

Symptoms of ankle injury vary based upon the condition. Pain may include general pain and discomfort, swelling, aching, redness, bruising, burning or stabbing sensations, and/or loss of sensation.

Diagnosis

Due to the wide variety of potential causes of ankle pain, podiatrists will utilize a number of different methods to properly diagnose ankle pain. This can include asking for personal and family medical histories and of any recent injuries. Further diagnosis may include sensation tests, a physical examination, and potentially x-rays or other imaging tests.

Treatment

Just as the range of causes varies widely, so do treatments. Some more common treatments are rest, ice packs, keeping pressure off the foot, orthotics and braces, medication for inflammation and pain, and surgery.

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

Ankle Sprains and Simple Ways to Prevent Them

Tuesday, 19 May 2026

An ankle sprain occurs when the ligaments supporting the ankle are stretched or torn, often from twisting or rolling the foot. Prevention focuses on improving strength and flexibility. Strengthening the calf muscles can be done by slowly rising onto the toes and lowering back down with control. Practicing gentle side to side movements can help improve balance and ankle stability. Additionally, stretching the calf muscles by placing the hands against a wall and extending one leg back can increase flexibility and reduce strain. These habits can support safer movement during daily activities and exercise. A podiatrist can evaluate ankle stability, provide personalized guidance, and recommend supportive care. If you have sprained your ankle, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can offer effective relief, treatment, and prevention solutions.

Ankle sprains are common but need immediate attention. If you need your feet checked, contact one of our podiatrists from Foothill Podiatry Clinic. 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 Grass Valley, CA . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.

Common Types of Foot Pain and What They Mean

Tuesday, 12 May 2026

Foot pain can come from several conditions that affect daily comfort and movement. An ingrown toenail occurs when the nail grows into the surrounding skin, causing pain and swelling. Hammertoe is a bending of the toe joint that leads to pressure and irritation. Pain in the ball of the foot, often called metatarsalgia, involves discomfort in the front of the foot from repeated stress. Bunions are bony bumps that form at the base of the big toe, and Morton's neuroma is a thickening of tissue surrounding a nerve that can cause burning pain. A podiatrist can diagnose each condition and provide treatment to relieve symptoms. If you have any type of foot pain, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can determine the cause and offer appropriate treatment solutions.

Foot Pain

Foot pain can be extremely painful and debilitating. If you have a foot pain, consult with one of our podiatrists from Foothill Podiatry Clinic. 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 Grass Valley, CA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

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