The Unrelenting Callus

I have a male patient whom I have been treating for several years for a painful callus on the inside of his 5th little toe. Under the callus is a prominent little bone, which pinches the skin when it is caught between the 5th and 4th toes. The callus is produced for the resulting pressure. In spite of trimming the callus and applying many different types of pads to take pressure off the area, the painful callus still returns, and is becoming more and more painful as time goes on. I suggested he consider surgical removal of the small bony prominence to remove the cause of the pressure and the callus. This can be done under local anesthesia and often in a doctor's office surgery room. He will likely get great relief from this procedure.

Bunion Pain

The man in this photo has bunion pain. He asked me if he needs surgery. I looked at his orthotics and said I think I can decrease if not eliminate his pain without surgery. His orthotics are not made very well. The molds were taken with him standing. Once you are standing, the foot is already compensated for any imbalances that are present. I make the orthotic molds with the foot in subtalar joint neutral position, and load the foot as though the patient was standing on it. This is the best position for the foot to function around. The orthotics are conformed close to the patient's foot and are comfortable. They actually change the way the patient walks, to a more physiologically appropriate walking pattern. Making this man more appropriate orthotics will relieve his pain without surgery. For more questions about this contact Dr. Stone