Bunionette Deformity (Tailor's Bunion)

Overview: This bony bump forms on the outer side of the foot at the base of the fifth toe. Like a traditional bunion where the big toe is, a bunionette on the 5th toe can be sore and painful. The skin covering the bump can become red and irritated.

Causes: A bunionette is typically caused by footwear. High heel shoes and shoes with pointed toes are common culprits, because they place constant pressure on the toes and cause them to misalign. Bunionettes can also develop because of congenital structural problems of the foot.

Etiology: A bunionette forms gradually as the base of the fifth toe becomes partially dislocated. The toe turns inward, exposing the head of the metatarsal to the outer side of the foot. The head of this bone is then subjected to constant pressure from footwear, and this pressure causes a bony bump to form.

Symptoms: The most obvious symptom of a bunionette is a bony prominence at the base of the fifth toe. The skin at the bunionette may be thickened and calloused, and the bump may be tender and painful. A person who has a bunionette may have trouble finding comfortable shoes.

Treatment: Bunionettes can often be treated without surgery. A person with a bunionette may be encouraged to avoid wearing shoes that place stress on the toes. Pads can be worn on the outer side of the foot to help relieve pressure and cushion the foot. If these options are not effective, surgery may be needed to remove the bunionette and to realign the toe. This can be done through a minimal incision so you can get on with your life! Call us to discuss further at 626-517-0022.

Warts

Plantar warts affect 14 percent of Americans annually. If you're one of the unlucky ones, learn how to recognize this common foot issue and seek treatment with Dr. Sara Shirazi.

Overview: Plantar Wart is a type of wart that forms on the sole of the foot. It causes a patch of thickened skin. Plantar warts are common, and they aren't harmful. But they can be tender, and they can be embarrassing and contagious.

Causes: Plantar warts are caused by the human papillomavirus. We call it "HPV." You can come into contact with this virus if you walk barefoot in places that are warm and damp. It can enter the sole of your foot through a cut or a sore. It infects the outermost layer of your skin.

Symptoms: A plantar wart can be uncomfortable. It can cause pain when you stand or walk. Most plantar warts are no larger than a pencil eraser. Your wart may be flat like a callus. It may grow inward instead of outward. It may have tiny black dots in its center. You may have one wart, or you may have several. They can form in a cluster. In some cases a cluster of plantar warts grows very large and covers much of the sole of your foot.

Treatment: In some cases, plantar warts don't need to be treated. Over time, they often clear up on their own. But a painful or unsightly wart can be treated and removed. Often times, these do present in pediatric patients. No need to worry---Call us at 626-517-0022 to discuss further!

Hallux Rigidus (Stiff Big Toe Joint)

Overview : Hallux Rigidus is a type of arthritis that affects the base of the big toe. It forms in the metatarsophalangeal joint (doctors call it the "MTPJ"). With hallux rigidus, the protective cartilage on the ends of these bones wears away which causes bone to rub against bone. Bony growths called "bone spurs" may form. Your toe stiffens, and this can make walking uncomfortable or even painful.

Causes: Doctors don't fully understand exactly what causes this type of arthritis. It may be caused by overuse, genetics, poor shoe gear, etc. It may be linked to a foot injury or other problem. It may be linked to a certain type of foot anatomy that puts stress on the MTP joint.

Symptoms: Hallux rigidus tends to develop between the ages of 30 and 60. It causes pain and stiffness. You may not be able to bend the toe up or down. The joint may swell. Your toe may hurt more with activity. Calluses may form which is an indication that you may need either orthotics or, in the more serious case, surgical treatment.

Treatment: Treatment may include medication, inserts/orthotics, specific shoes that support your toe. You may need to limit activities that make your symptoms worse. If these don't help, you may benefit from surgery. Call us to discuss further at 626-517-0022.