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Types of Bunion Surgery

Tuesday, 13 January 2026

Bunion surgery is used to correct a painful bony bump that forms at the base of the big toe and interferes with normal foot alignment. Several types of bunion surgery exist depending on severity and joint condition. An exostectomy involves removing the enlarged bone to reduce pressure and irritation. An osteotomy corrects the deformity by cutting and realigning the bone to restore proper positioning, and arthrodesis, used for more advanced cases, involves fusing the joint to relieve pain and improve stability. Each approach is selected to reduce discomfort and improve function. A podiatrist evaluates foot structure, symptoms, and lifestyle needs to determine the most appropriate surgical or nonsurgical care. If bunion pain is limiting walking or daily activities, it is suggested that you schedule a consultation with a podiatrist to explore treatment options and steps toward lasting foot relief.

Foot surgery is sometimes necessary to treat a foot ailment. To learn more, contact Dawn Miles, DPM of Florida. Our doctor 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 one of our offices located in Palatka and Saint Augustine, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Why the Big Toe Is Affected by Ingrown Toenails

Tuesday, 06 January 2026

The big toe carries much of the body weight and often experiences the most pressure inside a shoe, which makes the nail more likely to grow into the surrounding skin. Its nail is larger, thicker, and more curved than the others, so even a small change in how the nail grows or how the shoe fits can cause irritation. Wearing tight shoes, improper nail trimming, and repeated bumping of the toe can increase the chance of the nail edge digging into the tissue. When discomfort develops, a podiatrist can provide gentle care that removes the offending nail portion and eases the inflammation. Treatment may include reshaping the nail, protecting the skin, or using a procedure that prevents the troublesome edge from returning. If you notice pain, swelling, or difficulty walking because of a toenail problem, it is suggested that you see a podiatrist who can offer effective treatment solutions for ingrown toenails.

Ingrown toenails can become painful if they are not treated properly. For more information about ingrown toenails, contact Dawn Miles, DPM of Florida. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Ingrown Toenails

Ingrown toenails occur when a toenail grows sideways into the bed of the nail, causing pain, swelling, and possibly infection.

Causes

Bacterial infections
Improper nail cutting such as cutting it too short or not straight across
Trauma to the toe, such as stubbing, which causes the nail to grow back irregularly
Ill-fitting shoes that bunch the toes too close together
Genetic predisposition

Prevention

Wearing proper fitting shoes and using proper cutting techniques will also help decrease your risk of developing ingrown toenails.

Treatment

Ingrown toenails are a very treatable foot condition. In minor cases, soaking the affected area in salt or antibacterial soaps will not only help with the ingrown nail itself, but also help prevent any infections from occurring. In more severe cases, surgery is an option. In either case, speaking to your podiatrist about this condition will help you get a better understanding of specific treatment options that are right for you.

Gout Pain Can Be Managed

Wednesday, 31 December 2025

Gout is a painful, inflammatory form of arthritis. Those affected will typically feel an intense stiffness in the joints of their feet, particularly in the big toe. Schedule a visit to learn about how gout can be managed and treated.

Anterior Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome and Foot Nerve Compression

Tuesday, 30 December 2025

Anterior tarsal tunnel syndrome is a condition caused by compression of the deep peroneal nerve as it passes under the structures on the top of the foot. This compression can result from wearing tight shoes, repetitive activity, trauma, or swelling in the area. Symptoms include tingling, numbness, burning, or sharp pain between the first and second toes, as well as discomfort on the top of the foot that may worsen with activity or footwear pressure. Risk factors include engaging in activities that place repeated stress on the foot, wearing improperly fitting shoes, or having structural foot abnormalities. A podiatrist can diagnose the condition using a physical exam and imaging if needed, as well as recommend supportive footwear, orthotics, or anti inflammatory therapy. If you have pain in this part of your foot, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can accurately diagnose and treat the condition.

Tarsal tunnel syndrome can be very uncomfortable to live with. If you are experiencing tarsal tunnel syndrome, contact Dawn Miles, DPM of Florida. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome

Tarsal tunnel syndrome, which can also be called tibial nerve dysfunction, is an uncommon condition of misfiring peripheral nerves in the foot. The tibial nerve is the peripheral nerve in the leg responsible for sensation and movement of the foot and calf muscles. In tarsal tunnel syndrome, the tibial nerve is damaged, causing problems with movement and feeling in the foot of the affected leg.

Common Cause of Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome

Involves pressure or an injury, direct pressure on the tibial nerve for an extended period of time, sometimes caused by other body structures close by or near the knee.
Diseases that damage nerves, including diabetes, may cause tarsal tunnel syndrome.
At times, tarsal tunnel syndrome can appear without an obvious cause in some cases.

The Effects of Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome

Different sensations, an afflicted person may experience pain, tingling, burning or other unusual sensations in the foot of the affected leg.
The foot muscles, toes and ankle become weaker, and curling your toes or flexing your foot can become difficult.
If condition worsens, infections and ulcers may develop on the foot that is experiencing the syndrome.

A physical exam of the leg can help identify the presence of tarsal tunnel syndrome. Medical tests, such as a nerve biopsy, are also used to diagnose the condition. Patients may receive physical therapy and prescriptive medication. In extreme cases, some may require surgery.

If you have any questions please contact one of our offices located in Palatka and Saint Augustine, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

How Corns and Calluses Differ

Tuesday, 23 December 2025

Corns and calluses both develop when the skin on the feet is exposed to repeated pressure, but they are not the same. A corn is a small, cone-shaped bump that often appears on the top of a toe, usually over a joint, and it can feel sore when touched. Corns between the toes are softer because the skin stays moist in that area. A callus is a wider, flatter patch of thick skin that often forms on the ball of the foot or the sides of the feet where weight and rubbing increase. Calluses rarely hurt unless they become very thick. A podiatrist can tell the difference by looking at the size, shape, and location of the hardened skin. Treatment options for a painful corn include reducing pressure on the toe, removing the hardened center, and safely trimming the thickened skin. If you have a painful corn on your foot, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for a diagnosis and safe, sterile treatment.

If you have any concerns regarding your feet and ankles, contact Dawn Miles, DPM of Florida. Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.

Corns: What Are They? and How Do You Get Rid of Them?
Corns can be described as areas of the skin that have thickened to the point of becoming painful or irritating. They are often layers and layers of the skin that have become dry and rough, and are normally smaller than calluses.

Ways to Prevent Corns
There are many ways to get rid of painful corns such as wearing:

Well-fitting socks
Comfortable shoes that are not tight around your foot
Shoes that offer support

Treating Corns
Treatment of corns involves removing the dead skin that has built up in the specific area of the foot. Consult with Our doctor to determine the best treatment option for your case of corns.

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