Items filtered by date: August 2024

Gout is a form of arthritis resulting in severe pain that can happen suddenly, along with swelling, and tenderness in joints, and often starts with the big toe. This condition occurs when urate crystals accumulate in the joints due to high levels of uric acid in the blood. The pain typically peaks within a few hours and can be accompanied by warmth and redness around the affected joint. Gout attacks can occur suddenly, often waking individuals from sleep with intense discomfort. Recurrent gout episodes can lead to joint damage and deformities, if left untreated. Besides the big toe, gout can affect other joints such as ankles, knees, elbows, wrists, and fingers. Managing gout involves lifestyle changes like reducing purine-rich foods and alcohol consumption, along with medications to lower uric acid levels and prevent future attacks. If you have excruciating pain in your big toe, it is strongly suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can provide an accurate diagnosis and treatment.

Gout is a painful condition that can be treated. 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 form of arthritis that is characterized by sudden, severe attacks of pain, redness, and tenderness in the joints. The condition usually affects the joint at the base of the big toe. A gout attack can occur at any random time, such as the middle of the night while you are asleep.

Symptoms

• Intense Joint Pain - Usually around the large joint of your big toe, and it most severe within the first four to twelve hours
• Lingering Discomfort - Joint discomfort may last from a few days to a few weeks
• Inflammation and Redness -Affected joints may become swollen, tender, warm and red
• Limited Range of Motion - May experience a decrease in joint mobility

Risk Factors

• Genetics - If family members have gout, you’re more likely to have it
• Medications - Diuretic medications can raise uric acid levels
• Gender/Age - Gout is more common in men until the age of 60. It is believed that estrogen protects women until that point
• Diet - Eating red meat and shellfish increases your risk
• Alcohol - Having more than two alcoholic drinks per day increases your risk
• Obesity - Obese people are at a higher risk for gout

Prior to visiting your podiatrist to receive treatment for gout, there are a few things you should do beforehand. If you have gout you should write down your symptoms--including when they started and how often you experience them, important medical information you may have, and any questions you may have. Writing down these three things will help your podiatrist in assessing your specific situation so that he or she may provide the best route of treatment for you.

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.

Orthotics significantly contribute to alleviating foot pain by offering customized support and rectifying biomechanical imbalances. These specially crafted insoles help redistribute pressure across the feet, minimizing strain on specific areas such as the arches, heels, and balls of the feet. This pressure relief can substantially reduce discomfort associated with conditions like plantar fasciitis, flat feet, and metatarsalgia. In addition to orthotics, other treatments can enhance the management of foot pain. Gentle exercises can strengthen the muscles and improve flexibility, aiding in pain relief and preventing future injuries. Anti-inflammatory medications and pain relievers can help manage acute discomfort. For more severe cases, corticosteroid injections may be used to reduce inflammation and pain. Combining orthotics with proper footwear, stretching routines, and weight management further optimizes treatment outcomes. If you have persistent foot pain, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist for a comprehensive approach, tailoring a treatment plan that includes orthotics and other modalities to effectively manage and alleviate the pain.

If you are having discomfort in your feet and would like to try orthotics, 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.

What Are Orthotics?

Orthotics are inserts you can place into your shoes to help with a variety of foot problems such as flat feet or foot pain. Orthotics provide relief and comfort for minor foot and heel pain but can’t correct serious biomechanical problems in your feet.

Over-the-Counter Inserts

Orthotics come in a wide variety of over-the-counter inserts that are used to treat foot pain, heel pain, and minor problems. For example, arch supports can be inserted into your shoes to help correct overarched or flat feet, while gel insoles are often used because they provide comfort and relief from foot and heel pain by alleviating pressure.

Prescription Orthotics

If over-the-counter inserts don’t work for you or if you have a more severe foot concern, it is possible to have your podiatrist prescribe custom orthotics. These high-quality inserts are designed to treat problems such as abnormal motion, plantar fasciitis, and severe forms of heel pain. They can even be used to help patients suffering from diabetes by treating foot ulcers and painful calluses and are usually molded to your feet individually, which allows them to provide full support and comfort.

If you are experiencing minor to severe foot or heel pain, it’s recommended to speak with your podiatrist about the possibilities of using orthotics. A podiatrist can determine which type of orthotic is right for you and allow you to take the first steps towards being pain-free.

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.

Pain in the big toe joint can stem from various conditions, with arthritis, bunions, and extensor tendonitis being common culprits. Arthritis in the big toe joint often leads to inflammation and stiffness, resulting in discomfort and limited movement. A bunion, characterized by a bony protrusion at the base of the big toe, can cause significant pain due to misalignment and increased pressure on the joint. Extensor tendonitis occurs when the tendons responsible for lifting the toe become inflamed, leading to pain and difficulty in movement. Each condition can contribute to discomfort and mobility issues, making early diagnosis and appropriate treatment essential for effective management and relief. If you have pain in your big toe, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can accurately diagnose the cause and offer you appropriate treatment solutions.

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.

Broken toes are often caused by trauma, like dropping something on them, stubbing them, or bending them the wrong way. They can also result from stress fractures after sudden activity increases. Common signs of a broken toe can include a snapping or popping sound, swelling, bruising, deformity, and pain that worsens with movement. If you notice these symptoms, it is suggested that you visit a podiatrist. This foot doctor will likely order an X-ray to assess the injury and recommend the best treatment, which may include buddy-taping, a cast, or surgery, in severe cases. It is suggested you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist if you suspect a broken toe.

A broken toe can be very painful and lead to complications if not properly fixed. If you have any concerns about your feet, contact Gerald Erskine, DPM from Seneca Family Footcare. Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.

What to Know About a Broken Toe

Although most people try to avoid foot trauma such as banging, stubbing, or dropping heavy objects on their feet, the unfortunate fact is that it is a common occurrence. Given the fact that toes are positioned in front of the feet, they typically sustain the brunt of such trauma. When trauma occurs to a toe, the result can be a painful break (fracture).

Symptoms of a Broken Toe

• Throbbing pain
• Swelling
• Bruising on the skin and toenail
• The inability to move the toe
• Toe appears crooked or disfigured
• Tingling or numbness in the toe

Generally, it is best to stay off of the injured toe with the affected foot elevated.

Severe toe fractures may be treated with a splint, cast, and in some cases, minor surgery. Due to its position and the pressure it endures with daily activity, future complications can occur if the big toe is not properly treated.

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.