Pain in the ball of the foot can make each step uncomfortable. This area bears considerable pressure when a person stands, walks, or pushes off the ground. Symptoms include aching, sharp pain, or tenderness beneath the toes. Swelling or hardened skin can also develop near the painful area. Burning, numbness, or tingling can point to an irritated nerve rather than a joint problem. Because several bones, joints, and soft tissues meet in this area, finding the exact source of pain is important.

Several conditions can place too much pressure on the front of the foot. A high arch, flat feet, or an abnormal walking pattern can shift weight toward the ball of the foot. Bunions and hammertoes can also change how pressure moves across the foot. Other causes include arthritis, a damaged joint, or inflammation in the tissue supporting a toe joint. A thinning fat pad can reduce the natural cushioning beneath the bones. Running and other high-impact activities can increase discomfort. Shoes with a narrow toe box, high heels, or limited cushioning can also place added stress on this sensitive area.

A podiatrist can examine the painful area and assess how the foot moves while walking. The examination includes checking joint motion, areas of tenderness, and changes in foot shape. X-rays or other imaging tests can help reveal bone or joint damage. Treatment depends on the cause and severity of the symptoms. A podiatrist can provide custom orthotics to improve weight distribution and reduce pressure. Other options include protective padding, footwear recommendations, or a medical walking boot. In severe cases involving major joint damage or a lasting deformity, surgery may be considered. Early care can keep the problem from limiting normal movement and help protect nearby joints from added strain. If you have persistent pain in the ball of your foot, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for a diagnosis and appropriate treatment.

Foot Pain

Foot pain can be extremely painful and debilitating. If you have a foot pain, consult with Gerald Erskine, DPM from Seneca Family Footcare. Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

Causes

Foot pain is a very broad condition that could be caused by one or more ailments. The most common include:

• Bunions
• Hammertoes
• Plantar Fasciitis
• Bone Spurs
• Corns
• Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome
• Ingrown Toenails
• Arthritis (such as Gout, Rheumatoid, and Osteoarthritis)
• Flat Feet
• Injury (from stress fractures, broken toe, foot, ankle, Achilles tendon ruptures, and sprains)
• And more

Diagnosis

To figure out the cause of foot pain, podiatrists utilize several different methods. This 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

Treatment depends upon the cause of the foot pain. Whether it is resting, staying off the foot, or having surgery; podiatrists have a number of treatment options available for foot pain.

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.

Athlete's foot is a common fungal infection that affects the skin of the feet. Despite its name, anyone can develop athlete's foot, not just athletes. The infection often begins between the toes, but may spread to other areas of the foot if exposed to the fungus. Common symptoms include itching, redness, and peeling skin. Some people also notice burning, cracking, or dry, flaky patches that become uncomfortable while walking. Because the infection thrives in warm, moist environments, it is more likely to develop in places where feet remain damp for extended periods. A professional evaluation is important because athlete's foot can resemble other skin conditions, making an accurate diagnosis essential for effective treatment.

Although athlete's foot usually starts as a skin infection, it can become more serious if it continues to spread. Cracked skin may allow bacteria to enter, increasing the risk of a secondary infection. In some cases, the fungus may also spread to the toenails, making treatment more challenging. Individuals with diabetes or weakened immune systems may have a greater risk of complications and should not ignore persistent symptoms. A comprehensive podiatry examination helps confirm the diagnosis while evaluating the extent of the infection and the overall health of the feet. Early diagnosis allows treatment to begin before the condition becomes more widespread or leads to additional foot problems.

A podiatrist specializes in diagnosing and treating athlete's foot while identifying any underlying conditions that may contribute to recurring infections. Professional care focuses on eliminating the infection, relieving uncomfortable symptoms, and protecting the health of the skin and toenails. Treatment is tailored to each patient's condition and adjusted as needed to support recovery. Regular podiatry visits may also help identify changes in foot health before they become more serious. If you have persistent itching, peeling skin, or other symptoms of athlete's foot, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist for an evaluation and appropriate treatment options.

Athlete’s Foot

Athlete’s foot is often an uncomfortable condition to experience. Thankfully, podiatrists specialize in treating athlete’s foot and offer the best treatment options. If you have any questions about athlete’s foot, consult with Gerald Erskine, DPM from Seneca Family Footcare. Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality treatment.

What Is Athlete’s Foot?

Tinea pedis, more commonly known as athlete’s foot, is a non-serious and common fungal infection of the foot. Athlete’s foot is contagious and can be contracted by touching someone who has it or infected surfaces. The most common places contaminated by it are public showers, locker rooms, and swimming pools. Once contracted, it grows on feet that are left inside moist, dark, and warm shoes and socks.

Prevention

The most effective ways to prevent athlete’s foot include:

• Thoroughly washing and drying feet
• Avoid going barefoot in locker rooms and public showers
• Using shower shoes in public showers
• Wearing socks that allow the feet to breathe
• Changing socks and shoes frequently if you sweat a lot

Symptoms

Athlete’s foot initially occurs as a rash between the toes. However, if left undiagnosed, it can spread to the sides and bottom of the feet, toenails, and if touched by hand, the hands themselves. Symptoms include:

• Redness
• Burning
• Itching
• Scaly and peeling skin

Diagnosis and Treatment

Diagnosis is quick and easy. Skin samples will be taken and either viewed under a microscope or sent to a lab for testing. Sometimes, a podiatrist can diagnose it based on simply looking at it. Once confirmed, treatment options include oral and topical antifungal medications.

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.

The feet carry the body's weight with every step. For that reason, extra weight can place added stress on the bones, joints, and soft tissues. This increased pressure may change the way the feet function and lead to ongoing discomfort. People living with obesity are more likely to experience foot pain, heel pain, and problems with balance or walking. They may also have a greater risk of developing conditions like plantar fasciitis, flat feet, or arthritis in the foot and ankle. These changes can make everyday activities more difficult and may reduce overall mobility. As discomfort increases, staying active often becomes more challenging, which can further affect foot health and quality of life.

A podiatrist can evaluate how extra weight is affecting the feet and identify problems before they become more severe. During an examination, the podiatrist assesses foot alignment, joint movement, and areas of increased pressure. They also look for signs of skin damage, joint changes, or tendon strain that may contribute to pain. Treatment is based on each person's needs and may include custom orthotics, supportive footwear recommendations, or other medical treatments to improve comfort and reduce stress on the feet. Regular podiatry visits also help monitor changes over time and support better foot function.

Professional foot care can play an important role in improving comfort and protecting long-term mobility. Early treatment may help reduce pain, improve walking, and prevent foot problems from becoming more serious. A podiatrist works to address the underlying cause of discomfort while helping patients maintain healthy foot function. Professional foot pain treatment and podiatry care can also support people with obesity as they work toward their overall health goals. If obesity is causing foot pain or affecting your mobility, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist for an evaluation.

Obesity has become very problematic at this point in time and can have extremely negative effects on the feet. If you’re an obese individual and are concerned 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.

Obesity and Your Feet

Since your feet are what support your entire weight when standing, any additional weight can result in pain and swelling. Being overweight is one of the main contributors to foot complications.

Problems & Complications

Extra Weight – Even putting on just a few extra pounds could create serious complications for your feet. As your weight increases, your balance and body will shift, creating new stresses on your feet. This uneven weight distribution can cause pain, even while doing the simplest tasks, such as walking.

Diabetes – People who are overweight are at serious risk of developing type-2 diabetes, which has a drastic impact on the health of your feet. As you get older, your diabetes might worsen, which could lead to loss of feeling in your feet, sores, and bruises. You could also become more prone to various infections.

Plantar fasciitis – Pressure and stress that is placed on muscles, joints, and tendons can trigger plantar fasciitis, which is an inflammation of tissue that forms along the bottom of the foot. 

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.

Sinus tarsi syndrome is a painful condition affecting the lateral, or outer side of the foot, specifically in the sinus tarsi, a small cavity located between the talus and calcaneus bones. This syndrome often develops after an ankle sprain or from repetitive strain, leading to inflammation and instability in the area. People with flat feet or those engaged in activities involving quick turns and uneven surfaces, like runners and dancers, are more prone to sinus tarsi syndrome. Symptoms typically include tenderness, a feeling of instability, and a dull, persistent pain on the outer foot, which can worsen with activity or while walking on uneven ground. Diagnosis involves a physical examination, often followed by imaging, such as MRI scans to confirm. Treatment options include rest, anti-inflammatory medications, and supportive orthotics. In more severe cases, steroid injections or surgery may be recommended for lasting relief. If you have pain on the outer part of your foot, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for a proper diagnosis and treatment.

Ankle pain can be caused by a number of problems and may be potentially serious. If you have ankle pain, consult with Gerald Erskine, DPM from Seneca Family Footcare. Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

Ankle pain is any condition that causes pain in the ankle. Due to the fact that the ankle consists of tendons, muscles, bones, and ligaments, ankle pain can come from a number of different conditions.

Causes

The most common causes of ankle pain include:

• Types of arthritis (rheumatoid, osteoarthritis, and gout)
• Ankle sprains
• Broken ankles
• Achilles tendonitis
• Achilles tendon rupture
• Stress fractures
• Bursitis
• Tarsal tunnel syndrome
• Plantar fasciitis

Symptoms

Symptoms of ankle injury vary based upon the condition. Pain may include general pain and discomfort, swelling, aching, redness, bruising, burning or stabbing sensations, and/or loss of sensation.

Diagnosis

Due to the wide variety of potential causes of ankle pain, podiatrists will utilize a number of different methods to properly diagnose ankle pain. This can include asking for personal and family medical histories and of any recent injuries. Further diagnosis may include sensation tests, a physical examination, and potentially x-rays or other imaging tests.

Treatment

Just as the range of causes varies widely, so do treatments. Some more common treatments are rest, ice packs, keeping pressure off the foot, orthotics and braces, medication for inflammation and pain, and surgery.

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.