Pain in the big toe joint can come from several conditions, but bunions and gout are two common causes that feel very different. A bunion develops slowly as the big toe shifts toward the second toe, creating a bony bump on the side of the joint. The area may be enlarged, irritated by shoes, and sore after long periods of walking or standing. In contrast, gout often appears suddenly. The joint may become red, swollen, and extremely painful within hours. Many patients describe the pain as burning or throbbing, and the skin may feel warm and tight. Bunions are usually linked to foot structure, genetics, or long-term pressure from footwear. Gout is caused by uric acid crystals building up inside the joint. A podiatrist can evaluate the toe through examination and imaging to determine the source of the pain. Treatment may include supportive footwear, custom orthotics, medication, or surgical correction for severe bunions. If you have pain in the big toe, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist for a diagnosis and treatment.

If you are suffering from bunion pain, contact Steven Lashley, DPM of Florida. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

What Is a Bunion?

Bunions are painful bony bumps that usually develop on the inside of the foot at the joint of the big toe. As the deformity increases over time, it may become painful to walk and wear shoes. Women are more likely to exacerbate existing bunions since they often wear tight, narrow shoes that shift their toes together. Bunion pain can be relieved by wearing wider shoes with enough room for the toes.

Causes

• Genetics – some people inherit feet that are more prone to bunion development
• Inflammatory Conditions - rheumatoid arthritis and polio may cause bunion development

Symptoms

• Redness and inflammation
• Pain and tenderness
• Callus or corns on the bump
• Restricted motion in the big toe

In order to diagnose your bunion, your podiatrist may ask about your medical history, symptoms, and general health. Your doctor might also order an x-ray to take a closer look at your feet. Nonsurgical treatment options include orthotics, padding, icing, changes in footwear, and medication. If nonsurgical treatments don’t alleviate your bunion pain, surgery may be necessary.

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

Athlete's foot is a fungal infection that affects the skin of the feet, particularly between the toes. This condition develops when fungi grow in warm, moist environments that allow organisms to multiply and irritate the skin. Symptoms include itching, burning, redness, peeling skin, cracking, and discomfort while walking. Causes include prolonged moisture exposure, shared locker rooms, tight footwear, and inadequate foot hygiene. Risk factors can include excessive sweating, walking barefoot in public shower areas, and wearing non-breathable shoes for extended periods of time. Environments like gyms, swimming areas, and communal changing rooms may increase exposure. A podiatrist can diagnose the infection, recommend antifungal treatment, and guide prevention strategies. Athlete's foot can be uncomfortable. If you have any of the above symptoms, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can provide effective relief and treatment solutions, which may include prescribed medication.

Athlete’s Foot

Athlete’s foot is often an uncomfortable condition to experience. Thankfully, podiatrists specialize in treating athlete’s foot and offer the best treatment options. If you have any questions about athlete’s foot, consult with Steven Lashley, DPM from Florida. Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality treatment.

What Is Athlete’s Foot?

Tinea pedis, more commonly known as athlete’s foot, is a non-serious and common fungal infection of the foot. Athlete’s foot is contagious and can be contracted by touching someone who has it or infected surfaces. The most common places contaminated by it are public showers, locker rooms, and swimming pools. Once contracted, it grows on feet that are left inside moist, dark, and warm shoes and socks.

Prevention

The most effective ways to prevent athlete’s foot include:

• Thoroughly washing and drying feet
• Avoid going barefoot in locker rooms and public showers
• Using shower shoes in public showers
• Wearing socks that allow the feet to breathe
• Changing socks and shoes frequently if you sweat a lot

Symptoms

Athlete’s foot initially occurs as a rash between the toes. However, if left undiagnosed, it can spread to the sides and bottom of the feet, toenails, and if touched by hand, the hands themselves. Symptoms include:

• Redness
• Burning
• Itching
• Scaly and peeling skin

Diagnosis and Treatment

Diagnosis is quick and easy. Skin samples will be taken and either viewed under a microscope or sent to a lab for testing. Sometimes, a podiatrist can diagnose it based on simply looking at it. Once confirmed, treatment options include oral and topical antifungal medications.

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

An ankle fracture is more than a broken bone. It can affect nearly every part of daily living. Simple tasks such as walking, driving, cooking, or climbing stairs may suddenly become difficult. Many people require crutches, a walking boot, or even surgery, followed by weeks of limited movement. During recovery, muscle strength and joint flexibility often decrease, which can lead to stiffness and balance problems. Time away from work and reduced activity can also affect emotional well-being. Some individuals feel frustrated or isolated as they depend on others for help. For older adults, a fall-related fracture may increase concern about future mobility and independence. Even after the bone heals, lingering swelling or discomfort may continue for months. Proper treatment and guided rehabilitation play an important role in restoring strength and stability. If you have suffered an ankle injury with lasting pain or instability, it is suggested that you see a podiatrist for guidance.

Broken ankles need immediate treatment. If you are seeking treatment, contact Steven Lashley, DPM from Florida. 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 Boynton Beach, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Foot orthotics are an effective solution for managing a wide range of foot and ankle disorders, helping to restore normal function, reduce pain, and improve mobility. By supporting proper alignment, redistributing pressure, and stabilizing the foot, orthotics can prevent further progression of conditions, such as plantar fasciopathy, flat feet, arthritis, or tendon injuries. They also enhance balance and gait efficiency, reducing strain on muscles and joints throughout the lower limbs. A podiatrist can evaluate foot structure, assess movement patterns, and design custom orthotics tailored to each patient’s specific needs. If foot or ankle discomfort is affecting your daily activities or limiting mobility, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can guide you toward the right type of orthotics for relief.

Custom orthotics can be an important solution for reducing foot pain by targeting its structural causes rather than just the symptoms. When the feet are misaligned, excess strain develops in the muscles, tendons, and ligaments, often resulting in discomfort in the arches, balls of the feet, or toes. Orthotics are designed to match each foot’s natural shape, supporting proper alignment and evenly distributing pressure to ease pain and improve movement.

Foot pain is commonly caused by overuse, wearing improper footwear, or biomechanical issues that place added stress on sensitive areas. By stabilizing the foot and restoring natural motion, custom orthotics help reduce strain, calm inflammation, and promote healing. Many patients experience lasting relief and greater comfort while walking, standing, or exercising.

Created from a detailed assessment using advanced imaging or casting, each pair of orthotics is tailored to your individual needs. If you are experiencing ongoing foot pain, it is suggested that you contact our office for an evaluation and treatment.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in Boynton Beach, FL .

Pickleball is popular because it feels low impact, but the quick starts, sudden stops, and side-to-side movements place real stress on the feet and ankles. Sprains can occur when the ankle rolls during a fast change in direction, while muscle strains may develop from pushing off quickly or reaching for wide shots. Seniors are more prone to these injuries due to natural changes with aging, including reduced balance, slower reaction time, decreased muscle strength, and stiffer joints. Previous injuries, arthritis, or reduced flexibility can further increase risk. Wearing improper footwear and playing on hard courts also add strain to the lower extremities. Early care is important, since minor injuries can worsen if ignored. If foot or ankle pain, swelling, or instability develops after playing pickleball, it is suggested that you see a podiatrist for evaluation, treatment, and guidance on a safe return to activity.

Ankle and foot injuries are common among athletes and in many sports. They can be caused by several problems and may be potentially serious. If you are feeling pain or think you were injured in a sporting event or when exercising, consult with Steven Lashley, DPM from Florida. Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

Common Injuries

The most common injuries that occur in sporting activities include:

• Achilles Tendonitis
• Achilles Tendon Rupture
• Ankle Sprains
• Broken Foot
• Plantar Fasciitis
• Stress Fractures
• Turf Toe

Symptoms

Symptoms vary depending upon the injury and in some cases, there may be no symptoms at all. However, in most cases, some form of symptom is experienced. Pain, aching, burning, bruising, tenderness, tightness or stiffness, sensation loss, difficulty moving, and swelling are the most common symptoms.

Treatment

Just as symptoms vary depending upon the injury, so do treatment options. A common treatment method is known as the RICE method. This method involves rest, applying ice, compression and elevating the afflicted foot or ankle. If the injury appears to be more serious, surgery might be required, such as arthroscopic or reconstructive surgery. Lastly, rehabilitation or therapy might be needed to gain full functionality in the afflicted area. Any discomfort experienced by an athlete must be evaluated by a licensed, reputable medical professional.  

If you have any questions please contact our office located in Boynton Beach, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Daily foot care plays a growing role in comfort and mobility as people get older. Aging skin tends to lose moisture and elasticity, making regular cleansing and gentle moisturizing important to reduce cracking and irritation. Nails often thicken or become brittle, so careful trimming helps prevent pressure and discomfort. Changes in circulation and sensation mean small issues may go unnoticed without routine visual checks. Wearing clean socks and properly fitting shoes each day protects the feet from friction and uneven pressure. Staying active within personal limits supports circulation and joint movement, while rest allows irritated areas to recover. These simple habits help maintain foot health and reduce the risk of complications that can affect walking and balance. Paying attention to the feet as part of everyday self-care supports independence and comfort. If concerns arise despite routine care, it is suggested that you see a podiatrist for a proper diagnosis and appropriate treatment.

Everyday foot care is very important to prevent infection and other foot ailments. If you need your feet checked, contact Steven Lashley, DPM from Florida. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Everyday Foot Care

Often, people take care of their bodies, face and hair more so than they do for their feet. But the feet are a very important aspect of our bodies, and one that we should pay more attention to. Without our feet, we would not be able to perform most daily tasks.

It is best to check your feet regularly to make sure there are no new bruises or cuts that you may not have noticed before. For dry feet, moisturizer can easily be a remedy and can be applied as often as necessary to the affected areas. Wearing shoes that fit well can also help you maintain good foot health, as well as making it easier to walk and do daily activities without the stress or pain of ill-fitting shoes, high heels, or even flip flops. Wearing clean socks with closed shoes is important to ensure that sweat and bacteria do not accumulate within the shoe. Clean socks help to prevent Athlete’s foot, fungi problems, bad odors, and can absorb sweat.

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