When should you consider having bunion surgery? The decision to have bunion surgery is personal and unique for each person.  The most common reasons include:

• Pain
• Difficulty walking
• Difficulty fitting shoes
• Worsening bunion
• Pain at the ball of the foot
• Big toe is causing lesser toes to drift or sit on top of the big toe
• Failed conservative measures.

An important factor in deciding whether to have bunion surgery is a full understanding of what the procedure can and can not do. The vast majority of patients who have bunion surgery feel a dramatic reduction of foot pain after surgery, and a significant improvement in the alignment of their big toe. Often, with bunion surgery, you get more for less when you correct the deformity sooner rather than later. Conventional wisdom suggests that you leave the bunion until you can’t stand it any more. This just leads to greater deformity, which is harder to correct. Please consider earlier intervention for a better result.

A bunion is an enlargement of the joint at the base of the big toe. It is comprised of bone and soft tissue. They are more prevalent among women, but can also affect men and children of all ages. The most common cause of bunions is congenital – if your mother had them, you probably will, too. 

Over time, a painful bump develops at the side of the joint. The big toe moves at an angle toward the second toe. Lesser toes can become bent, or hammertoes. Bone growth can occur in response to the inflammatory process, and a hard bone spur can develop. Bunions can be very painful - making walking and other activities very difficult.

There are many non-surgical treatment options. However, the bunion is a structural problem; conservative treatment will probably not reduce the size of the bunion but may help to reduce associated pain.

Things you can do:

1.      Wear appropriate fitting shoes that do not crowd your toes

2.      Avoid high heel shoes

3.      Use a bunion pad to prevent the bunion from rubbing on the shoe

4.      Calf stretches

5.      Ice the area (Avoid if you have circulation or sensation problems)

6.      Do not use spacers between the toes

Things your doctor can do:

1. Use Anti-inflammatories to help reduce inflammation
2. Create a custom insole (orthotics) for your shoe
3. Cortisone injection(s)

Dr. Mike Kokat here. Get ready for more outdoor information as  Dr. Michael Nute and I blog our intimate secrets for successful hunting and fishing in our great state of Wisconsin. We will offer tips regarding what the salmon are hitting on at particular times, when the steelhead runs begin in certain counties, extensions on white tail hunting, when the coyotes are most active, statewide musky action, and recommendations on hunting clubs.  Here is a huge buck I caught on my trail cam in Franksville, Wisconsin.

Did you know that white tail season is not over in our great state of Wisconsin? CDW zones in Racine and Kenosha county offer hunting through the end of March 2012.  Even though most deer are herded up, great hunting is still available.  All you need to do is purchase a two dollar CDW tag and get written permission from your local land owner!

Whether you are hunting exotic game in the bush, pursuing the elusive white tail deer during Wisconsin's week-long rifle season, or stalking North America's big game high up in the Rockies, your feet are an indispensable commodity.  A small amount of planning and effort can keep you moving without pain or injuries. As an avid hunter, fisherman, and outdoorsman, I wish you good luck! 

Neuropathy does not only occur in diabetics -it can have many other causes. It’s not always easy to pinpoint the exact cause of peripheral neuropathy, because it can be caused by a number of factors. A consultation with your doctor is the best place to start. Common causes of neuropathy include:

Diabetes

When damage occurs to several nerves, the cause frequently is diabetes. Changes in blood sugar can damage the nervous system. At least half of all people with diabetes develop some type of neuropathy.

Chemotherapy

Many times when people have chemotherapy, or chemo,for treatment, they develop neuropathy during or after the treatment. This new symptom or side effect can be permanent. Certain other medications are also known to cause neuropathy.

Trauma or pressure on the nerve

Traumas, such as motor vehicle accidents, falls or sports injuries, can sever or damage peripheral nerves. Nerve pressure can result from using a cast or crutches, spending a long time in an unnatural position, or repatative motion injuries.

Alcoholism

Many alcoholics develop peripheral neuropathy because they have poor dietary habits, leading to vitamin deficiencies.

Infections

Certain viral or bacterial infections can cause peripheral neuropathy, including Lyme disease, shingles (varicella-zoster), Epstein-Barr, hepatitis C and HIV/AIDS.

Diseases

Autoimmune diseases including lupus, rheumatoid arthritis and Guillain-Barre syndrome. Other diseases, including Kidney disease, liver disease and an underactive thyroid (hypothyroidism) also can cause peripheral neuropathy.

Here is an article on the limb and life saving work being done by Dr. David Armstrong, a podiatrist in Tucson, Arizona. Amputation is a serious problem - "At least half of the (diabetic) people who are amputated are dead in three to five years," says podiatric surgeon Dr. Armstrong. "Up to 80 percent in some studies." Elevated blood sugar in diabetics can harm blood flow and your immune response, leaving your feet vulnerable to infections. These infections can spread to other parts of your body and become life thretening.

The easiest and most cost-effective way to diabetic amputation prevention is an annual diabetic foot exam performed by a podiatrist. Preventative podiatric visits can reduce diabetic foot complications - including amputation! Just ONE visit to a podiatrist reduces the risk of lower limb amputation, but yearly exams are best.