Daily foot care plays a growing role in comfort and mobility as people get older. Aging skin tends to lose moisture and elasticity, making regular cleansing and gentle moisturizing important to reduce cracking and irritation. Nails often thicken or become brittle, so careful trimming helps prevent pressure and discomfort. Changes in circulation and sensation mean small issues may go unnoticed without routine visual checks. Wearing clean socks and properly fitting shoes each day protects the feet from friction and uneven pressure. Staying active within personal limits supports circulation and joint movement, while rest allows irritated areas to recover. These simple habits help maintain foot health and reduce the risk of complications that can affect walking and balance. Paying attention to the feet as part of everyday self-care supports independence and comfort. If concerns arise despite routine care, it is suggested that you see a podiatrist for a proper diagnosis and appropriate treatment.

Everyday foot care is very important to prevent infection and other foot ailments. If you need your feet checked, 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.

Everyday Foot Care

Often, people take care of their bodies, face and hair more so than they do for their feet. But the feet are a very important aspect of our bodies, and one that we should pay more attention to. Without our feet, we would not be able to perform most daily tasks.

It is best to check your feet regularly to make sure there are no new bruises or cuts that you may not have noticed before. For dry feet, moisturizer can easily be a remedy and can be applied as often as necessary to the affected areas. Wearing shoes that fit well can also help you maintain good foot health, as well as making it easier to walk and do daily activities without the stress or pain of ill-fitting shoes, high heels, or even flip flops. Wearing clean socks with closed shoes is important to ensure that sweat and bacteria do not accumulate within the shoe. Clean socks help to prevent Athlete’s foot, fungi problems, bad odors, and can absorb sweat.

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.

Ingrown toenails occur when the edge of a toenail grows into the surrounding skin, causing inflammation, pain,and possible infection. This condition often leads to redness, swelling, tenderness, and drainage surrounding the nail. Common causes include improper nail trimming, curved nails, wearing tight shoes that place pressure on the toes, and repeated trauma to the nail. Ingrown toenails are one of the most common nail problems treated in podiatry, and can worsen if not addressed early. A podiatrist can safely remove the ingrown portion of the nail, treat the infection, and provide guidance on proper nail care and footwear. If you notice toe pain, redness or swelling, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can accurately diagnose the problem, and offer effective relief and treatment solutions. 

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.

A bunion is a bony prominence that forms at the base of the big toe when the joint becomes misaligned, and the tip of the toe gradually shifts toward the others. This condition often develops when the foot rolls inward, as seen with flat feet, placing extra stress on the joint, and it can be worsened by wearing tight or pointy shoes that crowd the toes. Common symptoms include pain, swelling, redness, and limited motion of the toe joint that may affect walking and daily comfort. Risk factors include family history, foot structure, and long-term footwear choices. A podiatrist can evaluate the cause, recommend custom orthotics, footwear changes, or advanced treatment options. If you have symptoms of a bunion, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can offer effective relief and management tips.

If you are suffering from bunion pain, 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 Is a Bunion?

Bunions are painful bony bumps that usually develop on the inside of the foot at the joint of the big toe. As the deformity increases over time, it may become painful to walk and wear shoes. Women are more likely to exacerbate existing bunions since they often wear tight, narrow shoes that shift their toes together. Bunion pain can be relieved by wearing wider shoes with enough room for the toes.

Causes

• Genetics – some people inherit feet that are more prone to bunion development
• Inflammatory Conditions - rheumatoid arthritis and polio may cause bunion development

Symptoms

• Redness and inflammation
• Pain and tenderness
• Callus or corns on the bump
• Restricted motion in the big toe

In order to diagnose your bunion, your podiatrist may ask about your medical history, symptoms, and general health. Your doctor might also order an x-ray to take a closer look at your feet. Nonsurgical treatment options include orthotics, padding, icing, changes in footwear, and medication. If nonsurgical treatments don’t alleviate your bunion pain, surgery may be necessary.

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.

When thick, painful corns do not respond to routine care, a procedure called surgical enucleation may be  used. A corn forms when repeated pressure or friction causes layers of hardened skin to build up around a central core. During enucleation, a podiatrist carefully removes this core, relieving pressure on the underlying tissue. The procedure is typically performed in the office and does not involve stitches. Patients often experience immediate reduction in discomfort when walking. After treatment, addressing the cause of pressure is essential. This may include footwear changes, padding, or custom orthotics to prevent recurrence. A podiatrist can also evaluate foot structure and gait patterns that contribute to corn formation. Proper treatment and prevention help restore comfort and reduce the risk of ongoing skin irritation and pain. If you have foot corn that is painful, it is suggested that you see a podiatrist for proper care.

Corns can make walking very painful and should be treated immediately. If you have questions 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 are thickened areas on the skin that can become painful. They are caused by excessive pressure and friction on the skin. Corns press into the deeper layers of the skin and are usually round in shape.

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

• Wearing properly fitting shoes that have been measured by a professional
• Wearing shoes that are not sharply pointed or have high heels
• Wearing only shoes that offer support

Treating Corns

Although most corns slowly disappear when the friction or pressure stops, this isn’t always the case. Consult with your podiatrist 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 care needs.