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Bunions are a common foot problem, particularly prevalent among women. These bony bumps form on the joint at the base of the big toe, causing the big toe to lean towards the others. They develop due to genetic factors, foot structure, and wearing tight or ill-fitting shoes. Conditions such as arthritis can also contribute to bunion formation. Bunions can cause significant discomfort, including pain, swelling, and redness surrounding the affected joint. The skin over the bunion may become thickened and sore, making it difficult to walk or wear certain shoes, and often leading to embarrassment when wearing open-toe shoes. Caring for bunions involves wearing comfortable, well-fitting shoes with ample toe space, and avoiding high heels. Using padded shoe inserts or bunion pads can alleviate pressure and reduce pain. Taking pain relievers can help manage symptoms. In severe cases, bunions can lead to arthritis, and surgery may be necessary to correct the deformity. For persistent pain or severe bunions, it is suggested that you visit a podiatrist for professional treatment options.

If you are suffering from bunion pain, 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 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 offices located in Pittsburgh, White Oak, and McKeesport,PA . 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 pain, swelling, and sometimes infection. They often result from improper nail trimming, wearing tight footwear, or injury to the toe. Genetic predisposition and certain activities that put pressure on the toes, such as running or ballet, can also contribute to this condition. People with curved or thick nails are more susceptible to ingrown toenails. Symptoms include redness, tenderness, and sometimes pus if an infection develops. If left untreated, the pain can intensify, making walking difficult. To find relief for an ingrown toenail, soak the foot in warm water to reduce swelling, and gently lift the nail away from the skin using a cotton ball or dental floss. Prevent ingrown toenails by trimming nails straight across, wearing properly fitting shoes, and avoiding trauma to the toes. If you have a persistent or severe ingrown toenail, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for professional treatment and guidance. 

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 Vincent, Vess of Fourth River Foot & Ankle. 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 offices located in Pittsburgh, White Oak, and McKeesport,PA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Endoscopic plantar fasciotomy, or EPF, is a surgical procedure used to treat plantar fasciitis. This painful foot condition is caused by inflammation of the thick band of tissue that runs along the bottom of the foot, known as the plantar fascia. During an EPF procedure, a small incision is made in the foot, and a thin, tube-like instrument called an endoscope is inserted to visualize the plantar fascia. Using specialized instruments, the podiatrist then cuts or releases the tight or damaged portion of the plantar fascia, relieving tension and reducing pain. Unlike traditional open surgery, EPF is minimally invasive and typically results in less postoperative pain, faster recovery times, and smaller scars. This procedure is often recommended for patients who have not responded to conservative treatments, such as rest, orthotic devices, or steroid injections. If you have plantar fasciitis, it is suggested that you are under the care of a podiatrist who can determine if this type of surgery is right for you.

Foot surgery is sometimes necessary to treat a foot ailment. To learn more, contact Vincent, Vess of Fourth River Foot & Ankle. Our doctor will assist you with all of your foot and ankle needs.

When Is Surgery Necessary?

Foot and ankle surgery is generally reserved for cases in which less invasive, conservative procedures have failed to alleviate the problem. Some of the cases in which surgery may be necessary include:

• Removing foot deformities like bunions and bone spurs
• Severe arthritis that has caused bone issues
• Cosmetic reconstruction

What Types of Surgery Are There?

The type of surgery you receive will depend on the nature of the problem you have. Some of the possible surgeries include:

• Bunionectomy for painful bunions
• Surgical fusion for realignment of bones
• Neuropathy decompression surgery to treat nerve damage

Benefits of Surgery

Although surgery is usually a last resort, it can provide more complete pain relief compared to non-surgical methods and may allow you to finally resume full activity.

Surgical techniques have also become increasingly sophisticated. Techniques like endoscopic surgery allow for smaller incisions and faster recovery times.

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.

Ensuring the health of your feet is paramount for overall well-being, yet it is a facet of the body that is often disregarded until discomfort arises. With the intricate structure of 28 bones, more than 30 joints, numerous ligaments, tendons and muscles, your feet demand regular maintenance. Starting out the day with gentle calf stretches has been pivotal in alleviating strain, and is especially beneficial for individuals susceptible to overuse conditions like plantar fasciitis. Incorporating simple foot massages with a roller or water bottle aids in releasing tension and fosters relaxation. This simple exercise also offers respite after enduring hours of standing or activity. Foot exercises concentrating on the arch area serve to fortify foot muscles, thereby enhancing stability and bolstering support. By integrating these exercises into your daily routine, you can help to ward off foot pain and fatigue, enabling you to remain on your feet for extended periods of time with reduced strain. If you are experiencing persistent foot pain or discomfort, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for a diagnosis and treatment.

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 Vincent, Vess from Fourth River Foot & Ankle. 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 offices located in Pittsburgh, White Oak, and McKeesport,PA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.