Tailor's Bunion

Tailor's bunion, also called a bunionette, is an enlargement of the fifth metatarsal bone at the base of the little toe. The metatarsals are the five long bones of the foot. The enlargement that characterizes a tailor's bunion occurs at the metatarsal "head," located at the far end of the bone where it meets the toe. Tailor's bunions are not as common as bunions, which occur on the inside of the foot, but both are similar in symptoms and causes.
The symptoms of tailor's bunions include redness, swelling, and pain at the site of the enlargement. These symptoms occur when wearing shoes that rub against the enlargement, irritating the soft tissues underneath the skin and producing inflammation.
Why do we call it "tailor's bunion"? The deformity received its name centuries ago, when tailors sat cross-legged all day with the outside edge of their feet rubbing on the ground. This constant rubbing led to a painful bump at the base of the little toe.
Often a tailor's bunion is caused by an inherited faulty mechanical structure of the foot. In these cases, changes occur in the foot's bony framework that result in the development of an enlargement. The fifth metatarsal bone starts to protrude outward, while the little toe moves inward. This shift creates a bump on the outside of the foot that becomes irritated whenever a shoe presses against it.
Sometimes a tailor's bunion is actually a bony spur (an outgrowth of bone) on the side of the fifth metatarsal head. Heredity is the main reason that these spurs develop.
Regardless of the cause, the symptoms of a tailor's bunion are usually aggravated by wearing shoes that are too narrow in the toe, producing constant rubbing and pressure. In fact, wearing shoes with a tight toe box can make the deformity get progressively worse.

Dr. Tina A. Boucher, DPM
Central Connecticut Foot Care, LLC
Podiatrist in Meriden CT
http://www.centralctfootcare.com/
Order your free copy of our books "Why Do My Feet Hurt?" and "Heal My Heel!" Today!

40% of Americans Suffer from Heel Pain

From http://www.apma.org/:

Bethesda, MD – While foot problems such as bunions, corns and dry, cracked skin affect many Americans on a daily basis, one particular ailment—heel pain—stands out among foot disorders, according to a new survey by the American Podiatric Medical Association (APMA).
The 2009 APMA survey, which polled close to 420 Americans aged 18 and older, found that 39 percent of adults have experienced heel pain more than any other foot ailment within the last 12 months. Additionally, nearly 60 percent of respondents believed they suffered heel pain while wearing ill-fitting footwear. However, 64 percent of respondents said they had not yet visited a medical professional—such as a podiatrist—to diagnose and treat their heel pain.
“Heel pain is a detrimental foot ailment that affects millions of Americans every day, and foot pain of any kind is not normal,” said Ronald D. Jensen, DPM, president of the APMA. “If detected early, most types of heel pain—including the most common, plantar fasciitis—can be treated with non-invasive treatment options. However, the longer one waits to have their heel pain evaluated, the more difficult it is to successfully treat.”
Sixteen percent of Americans surveyed regularly experience heel pain. Wearing shoes that fit well, wearing the proper shoes for each activity, not wearing shoes with excessive or uneven worn heels or soles, and stretching foot and ankle muscles properly before exercising are several ways to avoid heel pain altogether. However, visiting a podiatric physician, also known as a podiatrist, as soon as foot pain is experienced drastically improves the chance of finding a solution for heel pain.

Dr. Tina A. Boucher, DPM
Central Connecticut Foot Care, LLC
Podiatrist in Meriden CT
http://www.centralctfootcare.com/
Order your free copy of our books "Why Do My Feet Hurt?" and "Heal My Heel!" today!

Caring for Diabetic Feet

According to the American Diabetes Association, about 15.7 million people (5.9% of the United States population) have diabetes. Nervous system damage (also called neuropathy) affects about 60 to 70 percent of people with diabetes and is a major complication that may cause diabetics to lose feeling in their feet or hands.

Foot problems are a big risk in diabetics. Diabetics must constantly monitor their feet or face severe consequences, including amputation.

With a diabetic foot, a wound as small as a blister from wearing a shoe that's too tight can cause a lot of damage. Diabetes decreases blood flow, so injuries are slow to heel. When your wound is not healing, it's at risk for infection. As a diabetic, your infections spread quickly. If you have diabetes, you should inspect your feet every day. Look for puncture wounds, bruises, pressure areas, redness, warmth, blisters, ulcers, scratches, cuts, and nails problems. Get someone to help you, or use a mirror.

Dr. Tina A. Boucher, DPM
Central Connecticut Foot Care, LLC
Podiatrist in Meriden CT
http://www.centralctfootcare.com/
Order your free copy of our books "Why Do My Feet Hurt?" and "Heal My Heel!" today!

Shoe of the Month: Crocs

If you're like many people, you are often wondering what to put on your feet. You know not to wear flip-flops, clogs, or unsupportive shoes, but what does that leave you with? Many people are turning to Crocs for comfort and support. Look past the tough exterior to find the softer side of clogs. Choose a pair with ultra-soft soles that provide cushioning, such as APMA-accepted Crocs, which are ideal for sufferers of plantar fasciitis, neuromas, bunions, hammertoes or achy feet. The wide toe box also affords the front of the foot lots of room to move around, making it a very comfortable shoe inside and out. Crocs come in many different varieties, colors, shapes, and sizes, making them a perfect fit for the person who is unsure of what they like or need. These shoes have moved beyond the traditional clog with a strap. Visit http://www.crocs.com/ for more information and to browse their large collection.

Dr. Tina A. Boucher, DPM
Central Connecticut Foot Care, LLC
Podiatrist in Meriden CT
http://www.centralctfootcare.com/
Order your free copy of our books "Why Do My Feet Hurt?'" and "Heal My Heel!" today!