Ankle sprains or strains are common injuries involving damage to the ligaments, tendons, or muscles that support the ankle joint. A sprain affects ligaments, while a strain involves muscles or tendons. These injuries often occur due to poor athletic conditions, muscle and ligament fatigue, or not warming up before activity. Being overweight can also increase stress on the ankle, raising the risk of injury. Symptoms include pain, swelling, bruising, and difficulty bearing weight. Ankle sprains can limit movement, if not treated properly. A podiatrist can provide accurate diagnosis, recommend rehabilitation, and offer support such as bracing or orthotics. If you have ankle pain, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can determine if it is a sprain or a strain, and offer effective relief and treatment solutions. 

Although ankle sprains are common, they aren’t always minor injuries. If you need your ankle injury looked at, contact Gerald Erskine, DPM from Seneca Family Footcare. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

How Does an Ankle Sprain Occur?

Ankle sprains are the result of a tear in the ligaments within the ankle. These injuries may happen when you make a rapid shifting movement while your foot is planted. A less common way to sprain your ankle is when your ankle rolls inward while your foot turns outward.

What Are the Symptoms?

• Pain at the sight of the tear
• Bruising/Swelling
• Ankle area is tender to touch
• In severe cases, may hear/feel something tear
• Skin discoloration

Preventing a Sprain

• Wearing appropriate shoes for the occasion
• Stretching before exercises and sports
• Knowing your limits

Treatment of a Sprain

In many cases, the RICE method (Rest, Ice, Compression, and Elevate) is used to treat ankle sprains. However, you should see a podiatrist to see which treatment option would work best with your injury. In severe cases, surgery may be required.

It is important to ask your doctor about rehab options after you receive treatment for your injury. Stretching, strength training, and balance exercises may help the ankle heal while also preventing further injury.

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.

Foot care becomes especially important as people grow older because the skin, joints, and circulation of the feet can change over time. Small problems such as dry skin, thick nails, or poorly fitting shoes can quickly turn into painful conditions if they are not addressed early. Maintaining healthy feet helps support balance, mobility, and independence. One of the most important steps is wearing properly fitting shoes that provide support, cushioning, and enough room for the toes. Shoes that are too tight or worn out can lead to pressure points, blisters, or joint pain. Daily hygiene is also essential. Feet should be washed with mild soap, dried carefully between the toes, and moisturized to prevent cracking skin. Toenails should be trimmed straight across and not cut too short to help avoid ingrown nails. Regular foot checks are helpful for noticing redness, swelling, or skin changes early. If you are experiencing foot discomfort or changes in your feet, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist.

If you need your feet checked, contact Gerald Erskine, DPM of Seneca Family Footcare. Our doctor will attend to all of your foot and ankle needs and provide you with quality treatment.

Geriatrics and Podiatry
When people age, some common issues that may occur are bone density loss, dry skin, poor circulation, and rough brittle nails. These issues may also affect your foot health if the necessary steps are not taken to alleviate the problems.

It is important to take care of your feet because feet that are injured or diseased can affect your overall health. Having painful feet hinders your ability to do daily activities or may decrease your willingness to do the things that you need to do.

Visiting Your Geriatrician
As we age, health problems become more likely, so it is essential to visit your doctor for check-ups to ensure that you are doing the best you can to take care of your health. It is recommended to check your feet frequently for any possible cuts, bruises, swelling, corns or any other irregularities. 

Taking Care of Elderly Feet
Cracked or dry feet can be treated by applying moisturizer often. It is also important not to wear old socks because the older the sock is, the higher the possibility there will be that there is bacteria there. Wear fresh socks and make sure they fit properly.

Proper foot health means that you can have a more active lifestyle and you will not be bogged down by pain. Foot health also leads to good circulation, which is paramount for overall health.

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.

Many infants and young children have naturally plump feet due to healthy baby fat, which is soft, symmetrical, and not painful. Swollen feet, however, may appear stretched or shiny and can be accompanied by redness, warmth, or tenderness to the touch. Unlike normal fullness, swelling may cause discomfort or sensitivity when pressure is applied. Common causes include wearing improper shoes, minor bruises from bumps, insect bites, or mild infections. Persistent swelling should never be ignored, especially if a child shows signs of pain or difficulty standing. A podiatrist can evaluate the cause, recommend proper footwear, and provide appropriate treatment. If you notice your child’s feet look swollen, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can determine what the cause is, and offer appropriate treatment solutions.

Swollen feet can be a sign of an underlying condition. If you have any concerns, 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.

Swollen feet are a common ailment among pregnant women and people who stand or sit for extended periods. Aging may increase the possibility of swollen feet and patients who are obese often notice when their feet are swelling too. There may be medical reasons why swollen feet occur:

• Phlebitis - A condition that causes the veins to become inflamed and can also cause leg pain.
• Liver disease - This may lead to low blood levels of albumin which is a protein. This can cause fluid in the blood to pass into the tissues and several areas of the body can become swollen.
• Heart failure - When the heart doesn’t pump properly the blood that is normally pumped back to the heart can pool in the veins of the legs causing swollen feet.
• Kidney disease - One of the main functions of the kidneys is releasing excess fluid in the body. This type of condition can make it difficult for the kidneys to function properly, and as a result the feet may become swollen.
• Deep-vein thrombosis (DVT)- This is a serious condition where blood clots form in the veins of the legs. They can block the return of blood from the legs to the heart which may cause the feet to swell. It is important to be treated by a podiatrist if this condition is present.

Swollen feet can also be caused by bone and tendon conditions, including fractures, arthritis, and tendinitis. Additionally, there may be skin and toenail conditions and an infection may cause the feet to swell. Patients who take medicine to treat high blood pressure may be prone to getting swollen feet. 

Many patients elevate their feet to help relieve the swelling and this is generally a temporary remedy. When a podiatrist is consulted the reason behind the swelling can be uncovered and subsequently treated.

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

Morton's neuroma is a painful condition caused by thickening of the tissue surrounding a nerve between the toes, most commonly between the third and fourth toes. It develops when the nerve is compressed or irritated over time. Common causes include wearing high heels, narrow or pointed shoes, repetitive impact activities, and foot deformities such as bunions or hammertoes. Symptoms include burning pain, tingling, numbness, and the sensation of standing on a small stone. Risk factors include excessive walking or running, improper footwear, and certain foot shapes. A podiatrist can provide an accurate diagnosis, recommend footwear modifications, offer nonsurgical treatments, and guide long-term management. If you have pain in this part of your foot, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can accurately diagnose and treat Morton’s neuroma.

Morton’s neuroma is a very uncomfortable condition to live with. If you think you have Morton’s neuroma, contact Gerald Erskine, DPM of Seneca Family Footcare. Our doctor will attend to all of your foot care needs and answer any of your related questions.  

Morton’s Neuroma

Morton's neuroma is a painful foot condition that commonly affects the areas between the second and third or third and fourth toe, although other areas of the foot are also susceptible. Morton’s neuroma is caused by an inflamed nerve in the foot that is being squeezed and aggravated by surrounding bones.

What Increases the Chances of Having Morton’s Neuroma?

• Ill-fitting high heels or shoes that add pressure to the toe or foot
• Jogging, running or any sport that involves constant impact to the foot
• Flat feet, bunions, and any other foot deformities

Morton’s neuroma is a very treatable condition. Orthotics and shoe inserts can often be used to alleviate the pain on the forefront of the feet. In more severe cases, corticosteroids can also be prescribed. In order to figure out the best treatment for your neuroma, it’s recommended to seek the care of a podiatrist who can diagnose your condition and provide different treatment options.

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.