A bunion can change the way a person walks by shifting pressure across the foot and altering balance. In middle-aged and older adults, this misalignment may lead to discomfort, reduced stability, slower walking, and a greater risk of falls. When conservative care no longer provides relief, surgical bunion correction may help restore better foot positioning and improve function. By realigning the big toe and reducing joint strain, surgery can help create a more natural walking pattern and better weight distribution during movement. Recovery takes time, and improvements in strength, coordination, and mobility often continue as healing progresses. Individual outcomes depend on overall health, severity of deformity, and adherence to recovery recommendations. Improved comfort and foot mechanics can make daily activity easier for many patients. If a bunion is affecting your walking, balance, or quality of life, it is suggested that you visit a podiatrist to discuss appropriate treatment options.

Foot surgery is sometimes necessary to treat a foot ailment. To learn more, contact one of our podiatrists of Pima Foot and Ankle Surgery. Our doctors will assist you with all of your foot and ankle needs.

When Is Surgery Necessary?

Foot and ankle surgery is generally reserved for cases in which less invasive, conservative procedures have failed to alleviate the problem. Some of the cases in which surgery may be necessary include:

• Removing foot deformities like bunions and bone spurs
• Severe arthritis that has caused bone issues
• Cosmetic reconstruction

What Types of Surgery Are There?

The type of surgery you receive will depend on the nature of the problem you have. Some of the possible surgeries include:

• Bunionectomy for painful bunions
• Surgical fusion for realignment of bones
• Neuropathy decompression surgery to treat nerve damage

Benefits of Surgery

Although surgery is usually a last resort, it can provide more complete pain relief compared to non-surgical methods and may allow you to finally resume full activity.

Surgical techniques have also become increasingly sophisticated. Techniques like endoscopic surgery allow for smaller incisions and faster recovery times.

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

A baby’s first steps are an exciting part of growth, and the right shoes can help support healthy foot development. Before children begin walking, spending time barefoot helps strengthen the feet and improve balance. Once walking begins, shoes should protect the feet while still allowing natural movement. Good walking shoes include flexible soles, lightweight materials, and non-slip bottoms to help improve stability. Shoes should fit securely without being too tight or too loose. Shoes that are too large can cause tripping and affect walking patterns, while tight shoes can place pressure on growing feet and toenails. Many parents choose shoes with Velcro straps because they are easy to fasten and remove. A podiatrist can examine your child’s feet, check walking patterns, and recommend shoes that match your child’s stage of development. If your child is starting to walk, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist for guidance on footwear choices that promote foot health.

The health of a child’s feet is vital to their overall well-being. If you have any questions regarding foot health, contact one of our podiatrists of Pima Foot and Ankle Surgery. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Tips for Keeping Children's Feet Healthy

• Make sure their shoes fit properly
• Look for any signs of in-toeing or out-toeing
• Check to see if they have Clubfoot (condition that affects your child’s foot and ankle, twisting the heel and toes inward) which is one of the most common nonmajor birth defects.
• Lightly cover your baby’s feet (Tight covers may keep your baby from moving their feet freely, and could prevent normal development)
• Allow your toddler to go shoeless (Shoes can be restricting for a young child’s foot)
• Cut toenails straight across to avoid ingrown toenails
• Keep your child’s foot clean and dry
• Cover cuts and scrapes. Wash any scratches with soap and water and cover them with a bandage until they’ve healed.

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

Shooting pain in the feet often feels sharp, sudden, and electric. It may travel through the foot or into the toes. Some people notice tingling, numbness, or burning pain. Shooting pain in the foot often points to an irritated or damaged nerve, but it can also result from issues in the bones or soft tissues. The location of the pain and how it spreads can help identify the underlying cause. Common causes include Morton’s neuroma, which is thickened tissue around a nerve, and tarsal tunnel syndrome, where a nerve is squeezed near the ankle. Nerve problems from the lower back can also send pain into the feet. Other causes include stress fractures, which are small bone cracks, and tendon irritation from overuse. A podiatrist can examine the foot, check nerve function, and use imaging to find the source. Treatment may include custom orthotics, certain exercises, and targeted care to reduce pressure and improve movement. If you frequently experience shooting foot pain, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist for a diagnosis and treatment.

Foot Pain

Foot pain can be extremely painful and debilitating. If you have a foot pain, consult with one of our podiatrists from Pima Foot and Ankle Surgery. 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 offices located in . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Morton’s neuroma involves thickening of tissue surrounding a nerve in the ball of the foot, most commonly between the third and fourth toes. This can create irritation and pressure on the nerve, leading to pain and discomfort during movement. Symptoms include a sharp or burning pain in the forefoot, tingling in the toes, or the feeling of standing on a small object inside the shoe. Some people also notice numbness that comes and goes depending on activity. Risk factors include wearing tight or narrow shoes, repetitive stress from running or jumping, and abnormal foot mechanics. A podiatrist can diagnose the condition through examination and imaging, then recommend treatment to reduce nerve pressure and improve comfort. If you have pain in this part of your foot,  it is suggested that you visit a podiatrist for an evaluation and appropriate care.

Morton’s neuroma is a very uncomfortable condition to live with. If you think you have Morton’s neuroma, contact one of our podiatrists of Pima Foot and Ankle Surgery. Our doctors will attend to all of your foot care needs and answer any of your related questions.  

Morton’s Neuroma

Morton's neuroma is a painful foot condition that commonly affects the areas between the second and third or third and fourth toe, although other areas of the foot are also susceptible. Morton’s neuroma is caused by an inflamed nerve in the foot that is being squeezed and aggravated by surrounding bones.

What Increases the Chances of Having Morton’s Neuroma?

• Ill-fitting high heels or shoes that add pressure to the toe or foot
• Jogging, running or any sport that involves constant impact to the foot
• Flat feet, bunions, and any other foot deformities

Morton’s neuroma is a very treatable condition. Orthotics and shoe inserts can often be used to alleviate the pain on the forefront of the feet. In more severe cases, corticosteroids can also be prescribed. In order to figure out the best treatment for your neuroma, it’s recommended to seek the care of a podiatrist who can diagnose your condition and provide different treatment options.

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