July 2023

A corn is a small, hardened layer of skin that develops from excessive friction. Despite its small size, it can cause a considerable amount of discomfort. A corn can develop from wearing shoes that are too tight, and a common place to find a corn is on the pinky toe. They can also form on top of the toes with existing foot conditions such as hammer toe or bunions. Some people find that corns have developed between the toes, and these are referred to as soft corns. Mild relief may be found temporarily when a protective pad is worn over the corn. Additionally, it may be beneficial to change the type of shoes that are worn or to wear a different size. If corns are consistently developing, or if the pain level increases, it is suggested that you seek the counsel of a podiatrist who can provide you with correct treatment methods.

If you have any concerns regarding your feet and ankles, contact one of our podiatrists of Canonsburg Podiatry Associates. Our doctors will treat your foot and ankle needs.

Corns: What Are They? and How Do You Get Rid of Them?
Corns can be described as areas of the skin that have thickened to the point of becoming painful or irritating. They are often layers and layers of the skin that have become dry and rough, and are normally smaller than calluses.

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

• Well-fitting socks
• Comfortable shoes that are not tight around your foot
• Shoes that offer support

Treating Corns
Treatment of corns involves removing the dead skin that has built up in the specific area of the foot. Consult with Our doctors 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 Canonsburg and McMurray, PA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

A bunion is a bone disorder that is on the side of the big toe, and it will gradually become larger if treatment is not received. Bunions can develop as a result of wearing shoes that do not have enough room in the toe area to move freely in. Severe bunions may cause the other toes to shift together and larger shoes may need to be purchased. Some people are born with an abnormal foot structure causing the feet to be out of alignment. This may affect the metatarsophalangeal joint, possibly causing a bunion to form. Overpronation, or the amount the foot rolls inward while walking, may lead to a bunion developing. Additionally, people who have flat feet may have bunions, and wearing orthotics may help to stabilize the arch of the foot. A protective pad can be worn over the bunion to help prevent corns from developing on top of it. This can happen as the top of the bunion rubs against the shoe, causing pain and discomfort. If you have a bunion, it is strongly suggested that you are under the care of a podiatrist who can help you with permanent relief options.

If you are suffering from bunions, 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.

What Is a Bunion?

A bunion is formed of swollen tissue or an enlargement of boney growth, usually located at the base joint of the toe that connects to the foot. The swelling occurs due to the bones in the big toe shifting inward, which impacts the other toes of the foot. This causes the area around the base of the big toe to become inflamed and painful.

Why Do Bunions Form?

Genetics – Susceptibility to bunions are often hereditary

Stress on the feet – Poorly fitted and uncomfortable footwear that places stress on feet, such as heels, can worsen existing bunions

How Are Bunions Diagnosed?

Doctors often perform two tests – blood tests and x-rays – when trying to diagnose bunions, especially in the early stages of development. Blood tests help determine if the foot pain is being caused by something else, such as arthritis, while x-rays provide a clear picture of your bone structure to your doctor.

How Are Bunions Treated?

• Refrain from wearing heels or similar shoes that cause discomfort
• Select wider shoes that can provide more comfort and reduce pain
• Anti-inflammatory and pain management drugs
• Orthotics or foot inserts
• Surgery

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.

Fungus can affect the nails and is more apt to develop on the toenails as a result of warm and moist environments the feet can be in. It is an unsightly nail infection, and many people seek relief options to improve the appearance of their toenails. Common symptoms that are associated with toenail fungus can include brittle, thickened nails, and in severe cases, the nails may fall off. The most common type of toenail fungus is referred to as tinea unguium. The infection typically begins under the nail and gradually spreads until medical treatment is sought. White superficial onychomycosis is a nail fungal infection that is found in the top layer of the nail. This may be easier to treat than other types of toenail fungus. If you notice a change in your toenails, it is suggested that you contact a podiatrist who can effectively diagnose and offer treatment options for toenail fungus.

If left untreated, toenail fungus may spread to other toenails, skin, or even fingernails. If you suspect you have toenail fungus it is important to seek treatment right away. For more information about treatment, 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.

Symptoms

• Warped or oddly shaped nails
• Yellowish nails
• Loose/separated nail
• Buildup of bits and pieces of nail fragments under the nail
• Brittle, broken, thickened nail

Treatment

If self-care strategies and over-the-counter medications does not help your fungus, your podiatrist may give you a prescription drug instead. Even if you find relief from your toenail fungus symptoms, you may experience a repeat infection in the future.

Prevention

In order to prevent getting toenail fungus in the future, you should always make sure to wash your feet with soap and water. After washing, it is important to dry your feet thoroughly especially in between the toes. When trimming your toenails, be sure to trim straight across instead of in a rounded shape. It is crucial not to cover up discolored nails with nail polish because that will prevent your nail from being able to “breathe”.

In some cases, surgical procedure may be needed to remove the toenail fungus. Consult with your podiatrist about the best treatment options for your case of toenail fungus.  

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.

The big toe contributes in large measure to a person’s ability to stand, walk, or run. It bears the majority of the body’s weight when doing any of these activities. For that reason, the big toe can often become painful. Two common causes of pain under the big toe are gout and sesamoiditis. Gout is an inflammatory condition brought on largely by an overabundance of uric acid in the body. When the uric acid crystallizes within the joint of the big toe, the result is sharp, throbbing, and constant pain. Other symptoms are redness, swelling, and tenderness to touch. Gout flare-ups typically subside after a week or so, but may return if the underlying causes are not treated. Sesamoiditis is the inflammation of two tiny bones located just under the big toe joint. This pair of bones, which are free-floating, help with balance and allow the big toe to flex. The sesamoids are under constant pressure during ambulatory activities, typically felt in runners, dancers, and other athletes who put extreme pressure on the big toe. For help with these or other complaints of pain in the big toe, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist for a diagnosis and treatment options.

Toe pain can disrupt your daily activities. If you have any concerns, 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.

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 Canonsburg and McMurray, PA . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.