Items filtered by date: December 2024

Morton's neuroma is a painful condition that affects the ball of the foot, typically between the 3rd and 4th toes. It occurs when the tissue surrounding a nerve becomes thickened, causing irritation or compression. The exact cause of Morton's neuroma is not always clear, but factors like wearing tight or ill-fitting shoes, particularly high heels, can contribute by putting pressure on the ball of the foot. Other causes include repetitive stress or activities that involve high-impact movements, like running or jumping. Symptoms of Morton's neuroma include sharp, burning pain in the ball of the foot, tingling or numbness in the toes, and a feeling of something being stuck or bunched up in the shoe. These symptoms are often aggravated by walking or standing for long periods. If you have any of these symptoms, it is suggested that you contact a podiatrist who can successfully 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.

Metatarsalgia is characterized by pain and inflammation in the ball of the foot, often radiating into the toes. It occurs when excessive pressure is placed on the metatarsal bones, which bear much of the body’s weight during walking or running. High-impact activities, improper footwear like high heels or unsupportive shoes, foot deformities, or conditions such as arthritis or bunions can contribute to the development of metatarsalgia. The pain, often described as sharp, aching, or like walking on pebbles, can extend to the toes due to the close proximity of nerves and tissues. To manage metatarsalgia, rest, switch to supportive footwear with cushioning, and use insoles or padding to redistribute pressure. If pain persists, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist for further evaluation and treatment to prevent the worsening of symptoms.

Toe pain can disrupt your daily activities. 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.

What Causes Toe Pain?

Most severe toe pain is caused due to a sports injury, trauma from dropping something heavy on the toe, or bumping into something rigid. Other problems can develop over time for various reasons.

Toe pain can be caused by one or more ailments. The most common include:

• Trauma
• Sports injury
• Wearing shoes that are too tight
• Arthritis
• Gout
• Corns and calluses
• Hammertoe
• Bunions
• Blisters
• Ingrown toenails
• Sprains
• Fractures (broken bones)
• Dislocations

When to See a Podiatrist

• Severe pain
• Persistent pain that lasts more than a week
• Signs of infection
• Continued swelling
• Pain that prevents walking

Diagnosis

In many cases the cause of toe pain is obvious, but in others, a podiatrist may want to use more advanced methods to determine the problem. These can range from simple visual inspections and sensation tests to X-rays and MRI scans. Prior medical history, family medical history, and any recent physical traumatic events will all be taken into consideration for a proper diagnosis.

Treatment

Treatments for toe pain and injuries vary and may include shoe inserts, padding, taping, medicines, injections, and in some cases, surgery. If you believe that you have broken a toe, please see a podiatrist as soon as possible.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our office located in Ronceverte, WV . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.

Pickleball, a blend of tennis, badminton, and ping-pong, is a low-impact sport that is gaining popularity for its joint-friendly benefits. Low impact means less stress on weight-bearing joints like hips, knees, and ankles, making it ideal for individuals with arthritis. The gentle, consistent movement during pickleball stimulates the production of synovial fluid, which lubricates joints and reduces stiffness. Regular play also improves balance, agility, and joint flexibility, key factors in preventing falls, which is a common concern for those with arthritis. To maximize the benefits, proper preparation is essential. Warm up before playing to loosen joints, and use supportive footwear designed to accommodate arthritic feet. If you play pickleball and have persistent joint pain, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist to help you stay active safely.

Arthritis can be a difficult condition to live with. If you are seeking treatment, 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.

Arthritic Foot Care  

Arthritis is a joint disorder that involves the inflammation of different joints in your body, such as those in your feet. Arthritis is often caused by a degenerative joint disease and causes mild to severe pain in all affected areas. In addition to this, swelling and stiffness in the affected joints can also be a common symptom of arthritis.

In many cases, wearing ill-fitting shoes can worsen the effects and pain of arthritis. Wearing shoes that have a lower heel and extra room can help your feet feel more comfortable. In cases of rheumatoid arthritis, the arch in your foot may become problematic. Buying shoes with proper arch support that contour to your feet can help immensely.

Alleviating Arthritic Pain

• Exercises that stretch the foot can prevent further pain and injury and increase mobility
• Most of the pain can be alleviated with anti-inflammatory drugs, heat, and topical medications
• Massages can help temporarily alleviate pain.

It is best to see your doctor for the treatment that is right for your needs and symptoms. Conditions vary, and a podiatrist can help you determine the right method of care for your feet.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in Ronceverte, WV . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.

Flat feet, also known as fallen arches, can cause discomfort and affect posture and mobility. One of the best ways to manage flat feet is through exercises that target the muscles supporting the feet. Strengthening exercises can improve the arch and relieve pain. A common exercise involves curling the toes to grip a towel or small object on the floor, which helps activate the arch muscles. Another effective exercise is to try lifting the arch of the foot while keeping the toes and heel grounded, promoting better alignment. Calf stretches and ankle rolls can also provide relief by improving flexibility and reducing tension. Consistently practicing these exercises can increase foot strength, enhance stability, and decrease the discomfort caused by flat feet. If you have flat feet, it is suggested that you are under the care of a podiatrist who can effectively monitor this condition and offer you additional relief options.

Exercising your feet regularly with the proper foot wear is a great way to prevent injuries and build strength. If you have any concerns about your feet, 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.

Exercise for Your Feet

Exercise for your feet can help you gain strength, mobility and flexibility in your feet. They say that strengthening your feet can be just as rewarding as strengthening another part of the body. Your feet are very important, and we often forget about them in our daily tasks. But it is because of our feet that are we able to get going and do what we need to. For those of us fortunate enough to not have any foot problems, it is an important gesture to take care of them to ensure good health in the long run.

Some foot health exercises can include ankle pumps, tip-toeing, toe rises, lifting off the floor doing reps and sets, and flexing the toes. It is best to speak with Our doctor to determine an appropriate regimen for your needs. Everyone’s needs and bodies are different, and the activities required to maintain strength in the feet vary from individual to individual. 

Once you get into a routine of doing regular exercise, you may notice a difference in your feet and how strong they may become.

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.

A foot corn is a thick, hardened area of skin that forms due to repeated friction or pressure. It most commonly appears on the toes or the soles of the feet, where shoes or other foot coverings create constant rubbing. Corns can develop on the top of the toes, between the toes, or on the heels, often causing discomfort or pain when walking. The primary cause of corns is wearing ill-fitting shoes that do not provide enough room or support. Tight shoes, high heels, or sandals that do not properly align the foot can all contribute to the formation of corns. To prevent foot corns, wearing shoes that fit properly and provide sufficient cushioning is essential. Corns can cause pain and discomfort, and it may become difficult to complete daily activities. If you have developed a corn, it is suggested that you contact a podiatrist who can offer you effective relief and prevention techniques. 

If you have any concerns regarding your feet and ankles, contact Gerald Erskine, DPM of Seneca Family Footcare. Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.

Corns: What Are They? and How Do You Get Rid of Them?
Corns can be described as areas of the skin that have thickened to the point of becoming painful or irritating. They are often layers and layers of the skin that have become dry and rough, and are normally smaller than calluses.

Ways to Prevent Corns
There are many ways to get rid of painful corns such as wearing:

• Well-fitting socks
• Comfortable shoes that are not tight around your foot
• Shoes that offer support

Treating Corns
Treatment of corns involves removing the dead skin that has built up in the specific area of the foot. Consult with Our doctor to determine the best treatment option for your case of corns.

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.