A bunion, also known as hallux valgus,  is a deformity of the big toe joint that can cause pain, swelling, and difficulty walking. Surgery is sometimes chosen when conservative treatments no longer provide relief. For middle-aged and older adults, one important consideration is how the procedure may influence balance and gait. Research has shown that correcting the alignment of the big toe can improve stability, reduce pain, and restore more natural walking patterns. However, recovery requires time and rehabilitation, and some individuals may experience temporary weakness or changes in weight distribution. Wearing proper footwear, targeted exercises, and a gradual return to activity are key factors in regaining full function. Each patient’s outcome can vary depending on health, activity level, and severity of the deformity. If you are considering bunion surgery and have concerns about balance or gait, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist for personalized guidance and appropriate care.

Foot surgery is sometimes necessary to treat a foot ailment. To learn more, contact Barbara J. Aung, DPM of Aung Foot Health Clinic . 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 our office located in Tuscon, AZ . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Warts on the feet can appear in different forms, and knowing the difference helps in choosing the right treatment. Plantar warts usually form on the soles of the feet where pressure is greatest. They may grow inward due to walking, and often feel like a painful pebble under the skin. These warts sometimes show small black dots, which are tiny clotted blood vessels. Other types of warts, such as common warts, may develop on the top of the foot or around the toes, and are usually raised and rough to the touch. While both are caused by strains of the human papillomavirus, treatment may vary depending on the location and severity. If you notice unusual growths on your feet, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for proper evaluation and appropriate treatment.

Plantar warts can be very uncomfortable. If you need your feet checked, contact Barbara J. Aung, DPM from Aung Foot Health Clinic . Our doctor will assist you with all of your foot and ankle needs.

About Plantar Warts

Plantar warts are the result of HPV, or human papillomavirus, getting into open wounds on the feet. They are mostly found on the heels or balls of the feet.

While plantar warts are generally harmless, those experiencing excessive pain or those suffering from diabetes or a compromised immune system require immediate medical care. Plantar warts are easily diagnosed, usually through scraping off a bit of rough skin or by getting a biopsy.

Symptoms

• Lesions on the bottom of your feet, usually rough and grainy
• Hard or thick callused spots
• Wart seeds, which are small clotted blood vessels that look like little black spots
• Pain, discomfort, or tenderness of your feet when walking or standing

Treatment

• Freezing
• Electric tool removal
• Laser Treatment
• Topical Creams (prescription only)
• Over-the-counter medications

To help prevent developing plantar warts, avoid walking barefoot over abrasive surfaces that can cause cuts or wounds for HPV to get into. Avoiding direct contact with other warts, as well as not picking or rubbing existing warts, can help prevent the further spread of plantar warts. However, if you think you have developed plantar warts, speak to your podiatrist. He or she can diagnose the warts on your feet and recommend the appropriate treatment options.

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

Gout is a form of inflammatory arthritis that often affects the feet, especially the big toe. It is caused by a buildup of uric acid in the blood, which forms sharp crystals in the joints. Common triggers include a diet high in purines, alcohol consumption, obesity, and certain medications or health conditions. Symptoms typically appear suddenly and may include intense pain, swelling, and warmth in the affected joint. The pain can be severe enough to wake someone from sleep, and may make walking or wearing shoes difficult. Visually, the joint may appear inflamed and extremely tender. A podiatrist can help diagnose gout through a physical examination, medical history, and possibly a fluid or blood test. Treatment options may include anti-inflammatory medications, dietary guidance, and long-term management strategies to prevent future flare-ups. A podiatrist can also help monitor joint health and manage ongoing discomfort. If you are dealing with gout, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist to properly manage and treat this condition.

Gout is a foot condition that requires certain treatment and care. If you are seeking treatment, contact Barbara J. Aung, DPM from Aung Foot Health Clinic . Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.

What Is Gout?

Gout is a type of arthritis caused by a buildup of uric acid in the bloodstream. It often develops in the foot, especially the big toe area, although it can manifest in other parts of the body as well. Gout can make walking and standing very painful and is especially common in diabetics and the obese.

People typically get gout because of a poor diet. Genetic predisposition is also a factor. The children of parents who have had gout frequently have a chance of developing it themselves.

Gout can easily be identified by redness and inflammation of the big toe and the surrounding areas of the foot. Other symptoms include extreme fatigue, joint pain, and running high fevers. Sometimes corticosteroid drugs can be prescribed to treat gout, but the best way to combat this disease is to get more exercise and eat a better diet.

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

Ankle fractures are breaks in one or more of the bones that make up the ankle joint and can result from sports injuries, falls, car accidents, or by simply twisting the ankle the wrong way. Symptoms often include sudden pain or swelling, difficulty bearing weight, and a visible deformity, in more severe cases. The area may feel tender, unstable, or too painful to touch or move. An ankle fracture can sometimes be mistaken for a sprain, making proper diagnosis essential. A podiatrist can assess the injury through a physical exam and imaging tests such as X-rays or CT scans to determine the type and severity of the fracture. Treatment options include immobilization with a cast or brace, or, in more serious cases, surgical intervention to realign the bones. Rehabilitation and targeted exercises may also be needed for full recovery. If you experience symptoms of an ankle fracture, it is suggested that you promptly schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for appropriate treatment.

Broken ankles need immediate treatment. If you are seeking treatment, contact Barbara J. Aung, DPM from Aung Foot Health Clinic . Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet. 

Broken Ankles
A broken ankle is experienced when a person fractures their tibia or fibula in the lower leg and ankle area. Both of these bones are attached at the bottom of the leg and combine to form what we know to be our ankle.

When a physician is referring to a break of the ankle, he or she is usually referring to a break in the area where the tibia and fibula are joined to create our ankle joint. Ankles are more prone to fractures because the ankle is an area that suffers a lot of pressure and stress. There are some obvious signs when a person experiences a fractured ankle, and the following symptoms may be present.

Symptoms of a Fractured Ankle

• Excessive pain when the area is touched or when any pressure is placed on the ankle
• Swelling around the area
• Bruising of the area
• Area appears to be deformed

If you suspect an ankle fracture, it is recommended to seek treatment as soon as possible. The sooner you have your podiatrist diagnose the fracture, the quicker you’ll be on the way towards recovery.

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