Gout, an inflammatory ailment caused by excess uric acid, often triggers sudden and severe joint pain. Commonly affecting the big toe, gout attacks are often described as feeling like a fracture or a severe burn. Along with the intense pain, symptoms include visible swelling, redness, and inflammation in the affected joint, making movement difficult and leading to stiffness. These symptoms tend to worsen over time if left untreated, potentially causing joint deformity and long-term complications. Recurrent gout attacks can occur in clusters, affecting both mobility and overall quality of life. Seeking professional help from a podiatrist is essential for comprehensive care, including diagnosis, treatment, and long-term management. Podiatrists can offer a combination of medication, lifestyle adjustments, and preventive strategies to alleviate gout symptoms and reduce the risk of future attacks. If you experience such painful symptoms, particularly in your big toe, it is suggested that you are under the care of a podiatrist for treatment.
Gout is a foot condition that requires certain treatment and care. If you are seeking treatment, contact Gerald Erskine, DPM from Seneca Family Footcare. Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.
What Is Gout?
Gout is a type of arthritis caused by a buildup of uric acid in the bloodstream. It often develops in the foot, especially the big toe area, although it can manifest in other parts of the body as well. Gout can make walking and standing very painful and is especially common in diabetics and the obese.
People typically get gout because of a poor diet. Genetic predisposition is also a factor. The children of parents who have had gout frequently have a chance of developing it themselves.
Gout can easily be identified by redness and inflammation of the big toe and the surrounding areas of the foot. Other symptoms include extreme fatigue, joint pain, and running high fevers. Sometimes corticosteroid drugs can be prescribed to treat gout, but the best way to combat this disease is to get more exercise and eat a better diet.
If you have any questions please feel free to contact our office located in Ronceverte, WV . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.
Podiatrists specialize in treating foot conditions, including the common yet painful issue of ingrown toenails. These occur when the edge of a toenail grows into the surrounding skin, causing discomfort, redness, and even infection. When treating an ingrown toenail, a podiatrist may start with conservative treatments, such as properly trimming the nail, lifting it from the skin, and recommending appropriate footwear to alleviate pressure. In cases where the ingrown toenail is recurrent or severe, a podiatrist may perform a minor surgical procedure under local anesthesia to remove part of the nail. This professional intervention not only addresses the immediate pain and infection but can also prevent recurrence of ingrown nails in that area. Patients can usually return to their daily activities quickly and comfortably, with minimal risk of complications. If you are suffering from an ingrown toenail, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist for treatment.
Ingrown toenails may initially present themselves as a minor discomfort, but they may progress into an infection in the skin without proper treatment. For more information about ingrown toenails, contact Gerald Erskine, DPM of Seneca Family Footcare. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.
Ingrown Toenails
Ingrown toenails are caused when the corner or side of a toenail grows into the soft flesh surrounding it. They often result in redness, swelling, pain, and in some cases, infection. This condition typically affects the big toe and may recur if it is not treated properly.
Causes
Improper toenail trimming
Genetics
Improper shoe fitting
Injury from pedicures or nail picking
Abnormal gait
Poor hygiene
You are more likely to develop an ingrown toenail if you are obese, have diabetes, arthritis, or have any fungal infection in your nails. Additionally, people who have foot or toe deformities are at a higher risk of developing an ingrown toenail.
Symptoms
Some symptoms of ingrown toenails are redness, swelling, and pain. In rare cases, there may be a yellowish drainage coming from the nail.
Treatment
Ignoring an ingrown toenail can have serious complications. Infections of the nail border can progress to a deeper soft-tissue infection, which can then turn into a bone infection. You should always speak with your podiatrist if you suspect you have an ingrown toenail, especially if you have diabetes or poor circulation.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in Ronceverte, WV . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.
If left untreated, an ingrown toenail can lead to more serious concerns, such as an infection. Knowing proper nail care can help in the prevention of an ingrown toenail. Give us a call, and get treated!
Blisters on the feet, though seemingly minor, can lead to more serious complications if not treated properly. These small pockets of fluid form as a result of friction or pressure, commonly from wearing ill-fitting shoes or increased physical activity. While they often heal on their own, blisters can become infected. Infections are indicated by increased pain, redness, swelling, or the presence of pus. It is important to seek medical attention if there are signs of infection, which can escalate into cellulitis, a deeper, more serious skin infection that can spread quickly. For individuals with diabetes or compromised immune systems, the risk of complications from foot blisters is significantly higher. These conditions can impair blood circulation and wound healing, making even small blisters potential gateways to severe infections. If you have a blister that is showing signs of infection, especially if a blister is not healing as expected, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist as quickly as possible.
Blisters may appear as a single bubble or in a cluster. They can cause a lot of pain and may be filled with pus, blood, or watery serum. If your feet are hurting, contact Gerald Erskine, DPM of Seneca Family Footcare. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.
Foot Blisters
Foot blisters are often the result of friction. This happens due to the constant rubbing from shoes, which can lead to pain.
What Are Foot Blisters?
A foot blister is a small fluid-filled pocket that forms on the upper-most layer of the skin. Blisters are filled with clear fluid and can lead to blood drainage or pus if the area becomes infected.
Symptoms
(Blister symptoms may vary depending on what is causing them)
Bubble of skin filled with fluid
Redness
Moderate to severe pain
Itching
Prevention & Treatment
In order to prevent blisters, you should be sure to wear comfortable shoes with socks that cushion your feet and absorb sweat. Breaking a blister open may increase your chances of developing an infection. However, if your blister breaks, you should wash the area with soap and water immediately and then apply a bandage to the affected area. If your blisters cause severe pain it is important that you call your podiatrist right away.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in Ronceverte, WV . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.
Podiatrists specialize in treating foot conditions, including the common yet painful issue of ingrown toenails. These occur when the edge of a toenail grows into the surrounding skin, causing discomfort, redness, and even infection. When treating an ingrown toenail, a podiatrist may start with conservative treatments, such as properly trimming the nail, lifting it from the skin, and recommending appropriate footwear to alleviate pressure. In cases where the ingrown toenail is recurrent or severe, a podiatrist may perform a minor surgical procedure under local anesthesia to remove part of the nail. This professional intervention not only addresses the immediate pain and infection but can also prevent recurrence of ingrown nails in that area. Patients can usually return to their daily activities quickly and comfortably, with minimal risk of complications. If you are suffering from an ingrown toenail, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist for treatment. 
Blisters on the feet, though seemingly minor, can lead to more serious complications if not treated properly. These small pockets of fluid form as a result of friction or pressure, commonly from wearing ill-fitting shoes or increased physical activity. While they often heal on their own, blisters can become infected. Infections are indicated by increased pain, redness, swelling, or the presence of pus. It is important to seek medical attention if there are signs of infection, which can escalate into cellulitis, a deeper, more serious skin infection that can spread quickly. For individuals with diabetes or compromised immune systems, the risk of complications from foot blisters is significantly higher. These conditions can impair blood circulation and wound healing, making even small blisters potential gateways to severe infections. If you have a blister that is showing signs of infection, especially if a blister is not healing as expected, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist as quickly as possible.