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Gout, a form of inflammatory arthritis, can lead to several complications if not properly managed. Chronic gout can cause persistent pain and swelling in the joints, significantly affecting mobility and quality of life. Over time, the buildup of uric acid crystals in the joints can lead to tophi, which are lumpy deposits that can be felt under the skin. These tophi can become inflamed or infected, causing further discomfort and complications. Repeated gout attacks can also lead to joint damage and deformity, particularly in the big toe, feet, ankles, and knees. This damage can be debilitating, leading to reduced joint function and chronic pain. Moreover, gout is often associated with other serious health conditions, including kidney stones as a result of excess uric acid. It can also increase the risk of cardiovascular diseases and chronic kidney disease. These complications underscore the importance of making an appointment with a podiatrist. If you have developed gout, it is strongly suggested that you are under the care of this type of doctor who can offer you relief and preventive options. 

Gout is a foot condition that requires certain treatment and care. If you are seeking treatment, contact Vincent, Vess from Fourth River Foot & Ankle. Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.

What Is Gout?

Gout is a type of arthritis caused by a buildup of uric acid in the bloodstream. It often develops in the foot, especially the big toe area, although it can manifest in other parts of the body as well. Gout can make walking and standing very painful and is especially common in diabetics and the obese.

People typically get gout because of a poor diet. Genetic predisposition is also a factor. The children of parents who have had gout frequently have a chance of developing it themselves.

Gout can easily be identified by redness and inflammation of the big toe and the surrounding areas of the foot. Other symptoms include extreme fatigue, joint pain, and running high fevers. Sometimes corticosteroid drugs can be prescribed to treat gout, but the best way to combat this disease is to get more exercise and eat a better diet.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our offices located in Pittsburgh, White Oak, and McKeesport,PA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Fungal nail infections, medically known as onychomycosis, can be stubborn and challenging to treat. Traditional methods consisting of topical antifungal creams or oral medications may not always provide the desired results. In such cases, laser treatment for fungal nails has emerged as an alternative solution. Laser treatment, often referred to as laser therapy or laser fungal nail treatment, is a non-invasive procedure designed to target and eradicate the fungal infection in toenails or fingernails. During the procedure, a specialized laser emits a focused beam of light, which generates heat that penetrates the infected nail and the underlying fungal structures. This controlled heat effectively kills the fungus without causing damage to surrounding tissues. Laser treatment for fungal nails is considered a safe and efficient option, particularly for individuals who are reluctant to use or cannot tolerate traditional medications. If you have developed toenail fungus, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist who can determine if laser treatment is right for you.  

Laser treatment can be an effective way to get rid of toenail fungus. If you have any questions about laser treatment, consult with Vincent, Vess from Fourth River Foot & Ankle. Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality treatment for fungal nails.

What Are Toenail Fungal Infections?

Onychomycosis, or fungal infection of the nail, is a relatively common and non-serious condition. Around 10 percent of U.S. citizens are afflicted with fungal nails. Common forms of fungus that infect the nail include dermatophytes, yeasts, and molds.

Symptoms of Toenail Fungal Infections Include:

• Nail thickening
• Brittleness of the nail
• Discoloration of the nail

Diagnosis for Fungal Nails

Fungal infections are diagnosed by fungal culture and microscopy. This will rule out any other conditions such as nail trauma, psoriasis, lichen planus, and onychogryphosis.

What Is Laser Treatment?

Laser treatment is a non-invasive, safe, quick, and painless procedure that uses the heat from a laser to kill fungus in the nail. Each infected nail is targeted with a laser for several minutes. The treatment is usually utilized several different times over a select period. During this time, a podiatrist will keep an eye on the infection.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our offices located in Pittsburgh, White Oak, and McKeesport,PA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Turf toe is an injury to the big toe's ligaments, commonly afflicting athletes like those who play football or soccer as they often play on artificial surfaces. It arises when there is excessive force exerted on the toe's metatarsophalangeal, or MTP, joints, through actions such as sprinting or jumping. This injury can also happen to dancers and gymnasts, given their frequent hard surface toe flexes. Turf toe can result from overextending the big toe upwards, which can happen due to various activities that stress the toe, such as certain sports movements, wearing heels, or improper walking. The risk may increase by choosing to wear footwear that is too tight.  The toe's joint and the sesamoid bones within the tendons bear the body's weight and aid movement. If these are forced backward beyond their limit, or if the toe stays flat instead of lifting during motion, the ligaments can strain or tear. Turf toe may occur in an instant from a sharp movement, or it may happen gradually from repetitive strain. This is generally a minor ailment, sidestepping the need for surgery. Symptoms range from pain and swelling to a snapping sensation during the incident. Initial mild symptoms can worsen with continuous stress, potentially leading to severe and immediate manifestations upon injury. If you suffer from toe pain, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist for a proper diagnosis and treatment.

Toe pain can disrupt your daily activities. If you have any concerns, contact Vincent, Vess of Fourth River Foot & Ankle. 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 contact our offices located in Pittsburgh, White Oak, and McKeesport,PA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Sever's disease, also known as calcaneal apophysitis, is a common condition affecting children and adolescents. It occurs due to the inflammation of the growth plate in the heel bone, typically during the growth spurts of puberty. One of the primary causes of Sever's disease is the imbalance between the growth of the heel bone and the Achilles tendon. This imbalance can result from intense physical activities, such as running or jumping, which put excessive stress on the heel area. The common symptoms of Sever's disease include heel pain, especially when walking or participating in sports. Pain is often worse during or after activities, and may be accompanied by limping. Swelling and tenderness in the affected heel are also common. It is essential to recognize these signs early, as a timely intervention may help to manage the condition and prevent long-term complications. If your child experiences persistent heel pain, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can determine the appropriate course of treatment and ensure a healthy, pain-free adolescence.

Sever's disease often occurs in children and teens. If your child is experiencing foot or ankle pain, see Vincent, Vess from Fourth River Foot & Ankle. Our doctor can treat your child’s foot and ankle needs.

Sever’s Disease

Sever’s disease is also known as calcaneal apophysitis, which is a medical condition that causes heel pain I none or both feet. The disease is known to affect children between the ages of 8 and 14.

Sever’s disease occurs when part of the child’s heel known as the growth plate (calcaneal epiphysis) is attached to the Achilles tendon. This area can suffer injury when the muscles and tendons of the growing foot do not keep pace with bone growth. Therefore, the constant pain which one experiences at the back of the heel will make the child unable to put any weight on the heel. The child is then forced to walk on their toes.

Symptoms

Acute pain – Pain associated with Sever’s disease is usually felt in the heel when the child engages in physical activity such as walking, jumping and or running.

Highly active – Children who are very active are among the most susceptible in experiencing Sever’s disease, because of the stress and tension placed on their feet.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our offices located in Pittsburgh, White Oak, and McKeesport,PA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.