A bunion is a bony bump that forms at the base of the big toe, where the toe meets the foot. Meanwhile, the big toe gradually shifts toward the smaller toes. This change can place extra pressure on the joint and make walking uncomfortable. People with bunions frequently notice pain, swelling, and redness surrounding the affected area. The joint can also become stiff, making it harder to move the big toe. Bunions develop for several reasons, including inherited foot structure, arthritis, and wearing shoes that do not fit properly. A podiatrist examines the foot, evaluates the alignment of the toe, and determines how much the joint has changed. X-rays provide detailed images that help guide diagnosis and treatment.

As a bunion worsens, it can affect the way weight is distributed across the foot. This added pressure sometimes causes calluses or irritation where the toes rub together. In more advanced cases, the second toe can also change position. Pain can increase while walking or standing for long periods of time, making everyday activities more difficult. A podiatrist evaluates the severity of the bunion and checks for joint damage, reduced motion, and changes in foot function. Early diagnosis helps identify the best treatment approach before the deformity becomes more severe. A deformity is an abnormal change in the shape or position of a body part.

Treatment focuses on reducing discomfort, improving foot function, and slowing the progression of the bunion. A podiatrist develops a personalized treatment plan based on the size of the bunion and the condition of the joint. Care includes recommending shoes that fit properly, providing custom shoe inserts, and monitoring changes in the foot. Custom orthotics are specially made shoe inserts that improve foot support and alignment. When the bunion causes significant pain or severely limits movement, surgery can correct the position of the joint. If you have symptoms of a bunion, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for diagnosis and appropriate treatment.

If you are suffering from bunions, contact one of our podiatrists of Grobowski Foot & Ankle. 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 one of our offices located in Bellevue, Seattle, and Issaquah, WA, . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Foot blisters are one of the most common skin conditions that affect active individuals and others who spend long hours standing or walking. A blister forms when repeated friction or pressure causes the upper layer of skin to separate from the layers beneath it. Fluid then collects in the space as a protective response. Blisters frequently affect the heels, toes, and the ball of the foot, especially when footwear does not fit properly or when moisture builds up from sweat.

Early symptoms often include a hot spot on the skin, followed by redness and mild irritation. As the blister develops, it becomes a raised, fluid-filled area that may feel tender or painful. Walking can become uncomfortable, and pressure from shoes may worsen the irritation. If a blister breaks open, the underlying skin becomes exposed and more vulnerable to infection. Proper care involves keeping the area clean, dry, and covered with a sterile dressing. Avoid removing the top layer of skin, as it helps protect the healing tissue.

Several factors contribute to the development of foot blisters. Tight-fitting shoes, poorly designed insoles, and rough seams can create repeated friction. Moisture from sweating softens the skin and increases susceptibility to damage. Long-distance walking, running, and high-impact activities also raise the risk. In addition, burns, allergic reactions, and viral skin infections may cause blister-like symptoms, which require careful evaluation to determine the correct treatment approach.

Prevention plays a key role in maintaining foot health. Wearing well-fitted, supportive shoes and moisture-wicking socks can significantly reduce friction. Keeping feet dry and using protective padding in high-risk areas may help prevent recurrence. Paying attention to early warning signs allows for quick action before a blister worsens. If you have foot blisters, it is suggested that you see a podiatrist for a proper diagnosis and safe treatment.

Blisters may appear as a single bubble or in a cluster. They can cause a lot of pain and may be filled with pus, blood, or watery serum. If your feet are hurting, contact one of our podiatrists of Grobowski Foot & Ankle. our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Foot Blisters

Foot blisters are often the result of friction. This happens due to the constant rubbing from shoes, which can lead to pain.

What Are Foot Blisters?

A foot blister is a small fluid-filled pocket that forms on the upper-most layer of the skin. Blisters are filled with clear fluid and can lead to blood drainage or pus if the area becomes infected.

Symptoms

(Blister symptoms may vary depending on what is causing them)

• Bubble of skin filled with fluid
• Redness
• Moderate to severe pain
• Itching

Prevention & Treatment

In order to prevent blisters, you should be sure to wear comfortable shoes with socks that cushion your feet and absorb sweat. Breaking a blister open may increase your chances of developing an infection. However, if your blister breaks, you should wash the area with soap and water immediately and then apply a bandage to the affected area. If your blisters cause severe pain it is important that you call your podiatrist right away.

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

Plantar fasciitis is one of the most common causes of foot pain. It affects a strong band of tissue that runs along the bottom of the foot from the heel to the toes. This tissue, called the plantar fascia, helps support the arch and absorbs stress when walking. When it becomes irritated, pain can develop near the heel or along the bottom of the foot. Heel pain is frequently felt where the plantar fascia attaches to the heel bone. The discomfort is often strongest with the first steps in the morning. It can also occur after sitting for a long period. Pain may ease after moving around, but often returns later in the day. 

Several factors can increase stress on the plantar fascia. These include standing for long periods, wearing shoes that lack adequate support, and suddenly increasing physical activity. People with very high arches or very flat feet can also develop this condition. Symptoms include a burning sensation and a sharp, stabbing pain when walking. The discomfort can make daily activities more difficult to carry out and may affect balance and movement. Left untreated, plantar fasciitis can cause people to change the way they walk. This can place extra strain on other parts of the foot and ankle and cause further difficulties.

A podiatrist can diagnose plantar fasciitis through a physical examination and a review of symptoms. Diagnostic imaging and X-rays may be used to rule out other causes of heel pain. Treatment options include stretching exercises, custom orthotics, and night splints that gently stretch the foot while sleeping. Additional treatment may focus on reducing stress placed on the plantar fascia and improving foot function. If you have symptoms of plantar fasciitis in your feet, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist for an exam and diagnosis.

Plantar fasciitis is a common foot condition that is often caused by a strain injury. If you are experiencing heel pain or symptoms of plantar fasciitis, contact one of our podiatrists from Grobowski Foot & Ankle. our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

What Is Plantar Fasciitis?

Plantar fasciitis is one of the most common causes of heel pain. The plantar fascia is a ligament that connects your heel to the front of your foot. When this ligament becomes inflamed, plantar fasciitis is the result. If you have plantar fasciitis you will have a stabbing pain that usually occurs with your first steps in the morning. As the day progresses and you walk around more, this pain will start to disappear, but it will return after long periods of standing or sitting.

What Causes Plantar Fasciitis?

• Excessive running
• Having high arches in your feet
• Other foot issues such as flat feet
• Pregnancy (due to the sudden weight gain)
• Being on your feet very often

There are some risk factors that may make you more likely to develop plantar fasciitis compared to others. The condition most commonly affects adults between the ages of 40 and 60. It also tends to affect people who are obese because the extra pounds result in extra stress being placed on the plantar fascia.

Prevention

• Take good care of your feet – Wear shoes that have good arch support and heel cushioning.
• Maintain a healthy weight
• If you are a runner, alternate running with other sports that won’t cause heel pain

There are a variety of treatment options available for plantar fasciitis along with the pain that accompanies it. Additionally, physical therapy is a very important component in the treatment process. It is important that you meet with your podiatrist to determine which treatment option is best for you.

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

Inflammatory arthritis can affect the joints of the feet and ankles, sometimes making everyday movement uncomfortable and difficult. Because the foot contains many small joints, ongoing inflammation can lead to pain, stiffness, swelling, warmth, and tenderness, especially in the morning or after periods of rest. Some people notice discomfort in the ball of the foot, heel, toes, or ankle, while others develop changes in foot shape over time as joint damage progresses. Walking may become harder, and supportive shoes may suddenly feel uncomfortable. Since these symptoms can worsen without treatment, evaluation is important to identify the source of pain and protect joint function. Treatment may include custom orthotics, footwear guidance, supportive bracing, activity adjustments, and other therapies aimed at reducing stress on affected areas. If you have foot pain related to inflammatory arthritis, it is suggested that you visit a podiatrist for effective relief and management tips.

Arthritis can be a difficult condition to live with. If you are seeking treatment, contact one of our podiatrists from Grobowski Foot & Ankle. our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Arthritic Foot Care  

Arthritis is a term that is commonly used to describe joint pain.  The condition itself can occur to anyone of any age, race, or gender, and there are over 100 types of it.  Nevertheless, arthritis is more commonly found in women compared to men, and it is also more prevalent in those who are overweight. The causes of arthritis vary depending on which type of arthritis you have. Osteoarthritis for example, is often caused by injury, while rheumatoid arthritis is caused by a misdirected immune system.

Symptoms

• Swelling
• Pain
• Stiffness
• Decreased Range of Motion

Arthritic symptoms range in severity, and they may come and go. Some symptoms stay the same for several years but could potentially get worse with time. Severe cases of arthritis can prevent its sufferers from performing daily activities and make walking difficult.

Risk Factors

• Occupation – Occupations requiring repetitive knee movements have been linked to osteoarthritis
• Obesity – Excess weight can contribute to osteoarthritis development
• Infection – Microbial agents can infect the joints and trigger arthritis
• Joint Injuries – Damage to joints may lead to osteoarthritis
• Age – Risk increases with age
• Gender –Most types are more common in women
• Genetics – Arthritis can be hereditary

If you suspect your arthritis is affecting your feet, it is crucial that you see a podiatrist immediately. Your doctor will be able to address your specific case and help you decide which treatment method is best for you.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact one of our offices located in Bellevue, Seattle, and Issaquah, WA, . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.