Frequently Asked Questions

Although they may develop on the fifth (little) toe, bunions usually occur at the base of the big toe. Bunions are often caused by incorrect foot mechanics. The foot may flatten too much, forcing the toe joint to move beyond normal range. In some cases, joint damage caused by arthritis or an injury produces a bunion.

A neuroma is a painful growth of nerve tissue in the foot, most often between the third and fourth toe bones. It forms when bones in the feet press together and irritate a nerve. This may be caused by wearing tight or poorly fitted shoes, or by repeated stress on the foot.

A wart is an infection caused by a virus which can invade your skin through small cuts or breaks. Over time the wart develops into a hard, rough growth on the surface of the skin. A wart is most commonly seen on the bottom of the foot (plantar wart), but can also appear on the top.

Force or friction against the bottom of your foot causes the skin to thicken, forming a callus. If the skin keeps thickening the callus presses up into the foot. This kills healthy tissue and causes pain.