March 2023

Psoriasis is a skin condition that causes red patches of skin with silvery scales. Psoriatic arthritis or PsA is a kind of inflammatory arthritis that affects people who suffer from psoriasis. PsA causes pain, swelling, and tenderness in joints, and it can affect the feet, toes, and toenails. In fact, these are some of the unique traits of this type of arthritis. When PsA leads to swelling of the toes, it is called dacylitis of the toes. This swelling, caused by tenosynovitis or inflammation of the tendon sheath, usually impacts the entire toe rather than a single joint, and the toe can look like a sausage. Psoriatic arthritis can also result in swelling and tenderness in the ankles and heels, accompanied by a red or purple tint of the skin. Furthermore, PsA sufferers can develop enthesitis, which is inflammation where the tendons and ligaments connect with bone. This often affects one's Achilles tendon, which connects the heel to the calf muscles. This, too, leads to swelling and pain in the back of the heel and ankle, as well as the sole of the foot. The effects on the feet from psoriatic arthritis are numerous. If you have developed this condition, it is strongly suggested that you have a podiatrist on your medical team who can help you navigate the uncomfortable symptoms you may feel.

Arthritis can be a difficult condition to live with. If you are seeking treatment, contact one of our podiatrists from Canonsburg Podiatry Associates. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Arthritic Foot Care  

Arthritis is a term that is commonly used to describe joint pain.  The condition itself can occur to anyone of any age, race, or gender, and there are over 100 types of it.  Nevertheless, arthritis is more commonly found in women compared to men, and it is also more prevalent in those who are overweight. The causes of arthritis vary depending on which type of arthritis you have. Osteoarthritis for example, is often caused by injury, while rheumatoid arthritis is caused by a misdirected immune system.

Symptoms

• Swelling
• Pain
• Stiffness
• Decreased Range of Motion

Arthritic symptoms range in severity, and they may come and go. Some symptoms stay the same for several years but could potentially get worse with time. Severe cases of arthritis can prevent its sufferers from performing daily activities and make walking difficult.

Risk Factors

• Occupation – Occupations requiring repetitive knee movements have been linked to osteoarthritis
• Obesity – Excess weight can contribute to osteoarthritis development
• Infection – Microbial agents can infect the joints and trigger arthritis
• Joint Injuries – Damage to joints may lead to osteoarthritis
• Age – Risk increases with age
• Gender –Most types are more common in women
• Genetics – Arthritis can be hereditary

If you suspect your arthritis is affecting your feet, it is crucial that you see a podiatrist immediately. Your doctor will be able to address your specific case and help you decide which treatment method is best for you.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in Canonsburg and McMurray, PA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Blisters are a natural method the body uses to heal areas of damaged skin. They form as a result of excess friction that is generally caused by shoes or socks that do not fit correctly. They are defined as a small formation that resembles a bubble and is filled with serum that protects the raw skin. Blisters are common among runners, as a result of the consistent rubbing of the shoe against the heels and toes. The beginning symptoms of a blister will generally be a reddened area, and the skin may tear. There may be medical reasons why blisters form. These can consist of eczema, psoriasis, or contact dermatitis. An allergic reaction to an insect bite may also cause a blister to form, in addition to first-degree burns. It is beneficial to avoid popping the blister prematurely. It will gradually drain when new skin has formed. If you are prone to getting blisters on your feet, it is suggested that you speak with a podiatrist who can help you with effective prevention methods.

Blisters are prone to making everyday activities extremely uncomfortable. If your feet are hurting, contact one of our podiatrists of Canonsburg Podiatry Associates. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Foot Blisters

Foot blisters develop as a result of constantly wearing tight or ill-fitting footwear. This happens due to the constant rubbing from the shoe, which can often lead to pain.

What Are Foot Blisters?

A foot blister is a small fluid-filled pocket that forms on the upper-most layer of the skin. Blisters are filled with clear fluid and can lead to blood drainage or pus if the area becomes infected.

How Do Blisters Form?

Blisters on the feet are often the result of constant friction of skin and material, usually by shoe rubbing. Walking in sandals, boots, or shoes that don’t fit properly for long periods of time can result in a blister. Having consistent foot moisture and humidity can easily lead to blister formation.

Prevention & Treatment

It is important to properly care for the affected area in order to prevent infection and ease the pain. Do not lance the blister and use a Band-Aid to provide pain relief. Also, be sure to keep your feet dry and wear proper fitting shoes. If you see blood or pus in a blister, seek assistance from a podiatrist.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in Canonsburg and McMurray, PA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

An ingrown toenail is easy to notice. The nail grows into the skin instead of over it, and it may appear red. Ingrown toenails may also become infected and bleed if prompt medical attention is not sought. This foot condition can happen from wearing shoes that are too tight or from improperly trimming the toenails. People who are born with naturally curved toenails may be prone to ingrown toenails. Temporary relief may be found when the foot is soaked in warm water and a small piece of cotton is used to gently pull the skin away from the nail. A more permanent solution is provided by a podiatrist in partially or fully removing the affected nail. This is a relatively fast procedure, but it is suggested to consult with a podiatrist to learn more. If you have developed an ingrown toenail, call your local podiatrist today. 

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 one of our podiatrists of Canonsburg Podiatry Associates. Our doctors 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 Canonsburg and McMurray, PA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Sever’s disease is a relatively common affliction of the foot that primarily targets children. Children with this condition of the foot might experience any number of symptoms, including heel pain, swelling at the heel, and even redness at the heel. If your child is currently suffering from Sever’s disease, there are several things that a medical professional like a podiatrist might recommend to ultimately treat the condition. For example, some potential treatments for Sever’s disease include performing certain stretching exercises. To treat Sever’s disease, a medical professional might also recommend wearing certain devices, such as heel cups, to protect the heel from impact. Also, if the case of Sever’s disease is particularly painful, the podiatrist might even recommend wearing something such as a short leg cast. If your child has Sever’s disease, it is strongly suggested that you consult a podiatrist for treatment. 

Sever's disease often occurs in children and teens. If your child is experiencing foot or ankle pain, see one of our podiatrists from Canonsburg Podiatry Associates. Our doctors 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 office located in Canonsburg and McMurray, PA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle injuries.