Conditions

Bunionette

A bunionette, also known as a Tailor’s Bunion, is a painful bony bump that develops on the outside of the foot, near the base of the little toe. While similar in nature to a traditional bunion, which occurs at the base of the big toe, a bunionette affects the smaller side of your foot and can cause significant discomfort, especially when wearing shoes.

This condition develops when the fifth metatarsal bone (the bone behind your smallest toe) begins to protrude outward, causing the little toe to angle inward. This misalignment creates friction and pressure inside your shoes, often resulting in redness, swelling, and a burning sensation.

Common causes include inherited foot structure, tight or ill-fitting shoes, arthritis, or repetitive stress from activities that place pressure on the outside of the foot. Symptoms tend to worsen over time if not addressed, making early evaluation important.

At Emerald Coast Foot and Ankle Center, we take a compassionate, conservative-first approach. In many cases, non-surgical treatments such as shoe modifications, orthotics, padding, or anti-inflammatory medications can offer relief. However, for persistent or severe bunionettes, minimally invasive surgical correction may be the best option. Dr. Carl Speer specializes in advanced, small-incision techniques that help reduce recovery time and improve long-term comfort.

If you notice a painful bump near your pinky toe or are having trouble fitting into your usual shoes, don’t wait; our team is here to help you find lasting relief.

Bunions

A bunion is a bony bump that forms on the joint at the base of the big toe. It develops when some of the bones in the front part of your foot move out of alignment, causing the big toe to lean toward the second toe. Over time, this can make the joint stick out, become painful, and interfere with your ability to walk comfortably or wear certain shoes.

Bunions are one of the most common foot deformities and can result from genetics, poor footwear, or biomechanical issues such as flat feet or abnormal gait. They often worsen gradually and can lead to redness, swelling, calluses, and chronic discomfort.

Early signs of bunions may include aching at the base of the big toe, difficulty wearing shoes, or visible shifting of the toe alignment. While some people live with mild symptoms for years, bunions tend to progress, especially without proper treatment.

At Emerald Coast Foot and Ankle Center, we believe in addressing bunions with a combination of expert insight and patient-centered care. We offer a range of non-surgical options, including custom orthotics, toe spacers, and anti-inflammatory treatments, all aimed at relieving pain and slowing progression.

When surgery is the best path forward, Dr. Speer is proud to offer the Emerald Bunion Transformation. This minimally invasive surgical solution uses tiny incisions and advanced technology to realign the foot with minimal downtime. Our approach is designed to reduce pain, limit scarring, and get you back on your feet faster.

If bunions are limiting your lifestyle, know that expert help is just a step away.

Hammertoes

Hammertoes are a common deformity where one or more of the smaller toes (usually the second, third, or fourth) become bent at the middle joint, resembling a hammer. This abnormal bend can cause pain, irritation, and difficulty walking, especially when wearing shoes that press on the top of the toe.

Hammertoes typically start out as flexible, meaning they can still be straightened manually. However, over time, they can become rigid and fixed in position, leading to more severe symptoms. You may also notice corns, calluses, or redness developing where the bent toe rubs against footwear.

Several factors contribute to hammertoes, including heredity, foot structure, trauma, arthritis, and ill-fitting shoes, particularly those that are too tight or have high heels. When the toe muscles become unbalanced, they pull unevenly on the joints, gradually deforming the toe’s shape.

At Emerald Coast Foot and Ankle Center, we provide individualized, comprehensive care for hammertoes, starting with non-invasive solutions. These may include custom orthotics, toe splints, shoe modifications, and anti-inflammatory medication to relieve pain and prevent worsening.

When conservative treatments no longer offer relief or if the hammertoe becomes rigid, surgical correction may be necessary. Dr. Carl Speer specializes in minimally invasive foot surgery, allowing patients to achieve straightened toes with smaller incisions, less pain, and faster recovery times than traditional methods.

If you’re experiencing toe pain, visible deformity, or difficulty walking comfortably, don’t ignore the signs. Our team is here to help you move forward with confidence and comfort.

Heel Pain

Heel pain is one of the most common reasons patients seek podiatric care, and it can interfere with even the simplest daily activities. If you’re experiencing discomfort when you take your first steps in the morning or pain that worsens with activity, you may be dealing with a condition like plantar fasciitis, heel spurs, or Achilles tendinitis.

The heel is a complex structure that absorbs a tremendous amount of impact every day. When inflamed or strained, the soft tissues and bones in the heel can become irritated, causing sharp or throbbing pain. Common causes include overuse, poor shoe support, abnormal foot mechanics, or tight calf muscles.

At Emerald Coast Foot and Ankle Center, we understand how debilitating heel pain can be. That’s why we take the time to diagnose the root cause of your symptoms, rather than simply masking them. Through advanced diagnostics, Dr. Carl Speer tailors each treatment plan to your individual needs.

Treatment often includes stretching programs, orthotics, night splints, or shockwave therapy, and we also offer innovative regenerative medicine options to promote healing without surgery. In cases where conservative care isn’t effective, minimally invasive procedures can provide long-lasting relief.

If heel pain is keeping you from enjoying your life, don’t ignore it. Early treatment can prevent the condition from becoming chronic, and we’re here to help you walk pain-free again.

Ingrown Toenails

An ingrown toenail occurs when the edge of the toenail grows into the surrounding skin, causing pain, redness, swelling, and often infection. This common condition can affect anyone, but it’s especially problematic for individuals who wear tight shoes, cut their nails too short, or have naturally curved toenails.

Most ingrown toenails occur on the big toe and can start out as a minor annoyance. However, if left untreated, the discomfort can escalate into a serious infection, especially for patients with diabetes or circulation issues.

At Emerald Coast Foot and Ankle Center, we offer gentle and effective care for ingrown toenails. Dr. Carl Speer understands how painful and frustrating this condition can be and how important it is to treat it properly the first time.

Our treatment options include nail edge removal, infection management, and in some cases, a permanent nail procedure to prevent recurrence. We prioritize your comfort, using local anesthetics and minimally invasive techniques to ensure a smooth and speedy recovery.

For recurring ingrown nails, we take time to assess the cause and recommend long-term strategies, from proper nail trimming techniques to footwear advice. And if your condition has progressed to infection, rest assured that we can provide immediate relief.

If you’re dealing with persistent toe pain, swelling, or drainage, don’t wait. Prompt treatment can restore your comfort and prevent complications.

Neuropathy

Peripheral neuropathy is a condition that affects the nerves in your feet, leading to numbness, tingling, burning sensations, or even loss of balance. It can feel like walking on pins and needles, or worse, like your feet are completely disconnected from the ground.

Neuropathy often stems from underlying conditions such as diabetes, vitamin deficiencies, autoimmune disorders, or nerve compression, but it can also occur without a clear cause. As the condition progresses, it can significantly impair your quality of life, making walking and even sleeping uncomfortable.

At Emerald Coast Foot and Ankle Center, we specialize in identifying and managing the complex causes of foot and ankle neuropathy. Dr. Speer performs thorough evaluations to determine the severity and source of your nerve symptoms, ensuring a targeted and effective treatment plan.

Depending on your diagnosis, we may recommend topical or oral medications, custom orthotics, physical therapy, or advanced regenerative medicine techniques designed to support nerve healing and reduce inflammation. Our goal is to improve sensation, reduce pain, and help you regain your mobility safely.

Living with neuropathy isn’t easy, but with early intervention and expert care, you don’t have to accept it as your new normal. Let us help you restore function and comfort to your daily life.

Joint Pain

Whether it’s your toes, midfoot, or ankle, joint pain in the foot can be a sign of underlying inflammation, injury, or arthritis. Joint discomfort may start as stiffness or swelling and can progress to chronic pain that makes walking or wearing shoes difficult.

Common causes include osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, post-traumatic joint damage, or overuse injuries. Poor foot alignment or past injuries can also lead to uneven pressure on your joints, accelerating wear and tear.

At Emerald Coast Foot and Ankle Center, we take a comprehensive and patient-focused approach to diagnosing joint pain. Dr. Carl Speer will perform a detailed physical exam and may use imaging to better understand what’s causing your discomfort.

Our treatment plans are personalized to your needs and may include joint-friendly footwear, custom orthotics, physical therapy, anti-inflammatory medications, and cutting-edge regenerative therapies to support joint function and reduce inflammation. In some cases, minimally invasive joint surgery may offer the most lasting relief.

We believe in preserving and protecting joint health through early, compassionate intervention. If you’re noticing stiffness, swelling, or reduced mobility in your feet or ankles, don’t wait until the pain worsens — let us help you take a proactive step toward comfort and healing.

Tendon Pain

Tendon pain, also known as tendinopathy or tendinitis, is a common condition that results from inflammation or irritation of the tendons — the strong, cord-like tissues that connect muscles to bones. In the foot and ankle, tendons play a critical role in every step you take, and when they become injured, even simple movements can become painful.

The most frequently affected tendons include the Achilles tendon, peroneal tendons, and the posterior tibial tendon. Causes of tendon pain can include overuse, improper footwear, flat feet, sports injuries, or sudden changes in activity levels.

Symptoms often include aching, swelling, stiffness, and tenderness along the tendon, especially after activity. Left untreated, tendon issues can worsen and even lead to tears or long-term disability.

At Emerald Coast Foot and Ankle Center, we’re committed to restoring tendon health through expert diagnosis and evidence-based treatment. Dr. Carl Speer evaluates each patient’s foot structure, activity level, and injury history to craft a custom recovery plan.

Non-surgical treatments include rest, immobilization, physical therapy, orthotics, and regenerative medicine techniques that help heal damaged tissue and reduce inflammation. For more severe or chronic cases, minimally invasive surgical repair may be recommended.

With the right care, tendon pain can be fully resolved, getting you back to walking, running, and living without limits. If you’re experiencing pain along the side or back of your foot, let us help you take the first step toward healing.