Gout is a form of inflammatory arthritis caused by a buildup of uric acid that forms crystals in the joints. It often affects the big toe, because this joint experiences pressure and tends to be cooler, which encourages crystal formation. Symptoms include sudden severe pain, swelling, redness, and tenderness that can limit movement. Risk factors include diet, dehydration, certain medical conditions, and genetics. Foods high in purines such as red meat and seafood may trigger flare-ups, while a balanced diet with fruits, vegetables, and adequate hydration can help reduce risk. A podiatrist can evaluate symptoms, provide treatment, and offer guidance on prevention. Gout can be uncomfortable and may affect completing daily activities. If you have symptoms of gout, it is suggested that you are under the care of a podiatrist who can help you to manage this painful condition.

Gout is a foot condition that requires certain treatment and care. If you are seeking treatment, contact one of our podiatrists from The Foot Center. Our doctors 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 office located in Los Angeles, CA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Bunions and bunionettes are bony growths that develop at the joints of the toes, often causing discomfort and changes in foot shape. A bunion forms at the base of the big toe, while a bunionette occurs at the base of the fifth toe. These areas may look swollen, red, or enlarged, and can feel sore with pressure from shoes or walking. The affected toes may shift out of alignment, leading to crowding or rubbing against neighboring toes. Common causes include inherited foot structure, wearing improper footwear, and repetitive stress on the joints. A podiatrist can evaluate alignment, assess joint movement, and use imaging to determine severity. Treatment may include wearing wider footwear, padding, and targeted exercises to reduce discomfort and slow progression. In more advanced cases, surgery may be considered. If you have a painful bunion or bunionette, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for appropriate relief and management tips.

If you are suffering from bunion pain, contact one of our podiatrists of The Foot Center. Our doctors 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 office located in Los Angeles, CA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Numbness in the feet can develop from several causes related to nerve function, circulation, or underlying conditions. One common cause is peripheral neuropathy, which affects the nerves responsible for sensation, and can interfere with how the feet detect touch, temperature, and pain. The nerves play an important role in balance and protection, so when they are impaired, individuals may notice tingling, burning, or a reduced ability to feel the ground when walking. Causes include diabetes, prolonged pressure on nerves, injury, or poor circulation. Symptoms can develop gradually and may worsen over time, increasing the risk of unnoticed cuts or sores. A podiatrist can evaluate sensation and circulation through an examination ,and may recommend further testing, if needed. Treatment focuses on managing the underlying cause and protecting the feet. It also aims to improve function through supportive care and targeted exercises. If you have numbness in your feet, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for an accurate diagnose and appropriate treatment.

Neuropathy

Neuropathy can be a potentially serious condition, especially if it is left undiagnosed. If you have any concerns that you may be experiencing nerve loss in your feet, consult with one of our podiatrists from The Foot Center. Our doctors will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment for neuropathy.

What Is Neuropathy?

Neuropathy is a condition that leads to damage to the nerves in the body. Peripheral neuropathy, or neuropathy that affects your peripheral nervous system, usually occurs in the feet. Neuropathy can be triggered by a number of different causes. Such causes include diabetes, infections, cancers, disorders, and toxic substances.

Symptoms of Neuropathy Include:

• Numbness
• Sensation loss
• Prickling and tingling sensations
• Throbbing, freezing, burning pains
• Muscle weakness

Those with diabetes are at serious risk due to being unable to feel an ulcer on their feet. Diabetics usually also suffer from poor blood circulation. This can lead to the wound not healing, infections occurring, and the limb may have to be amputated.

Treatment

To treat neuropathy in the foot, podiatrists will first diagnose the cause of the neuropathy. Figuring out the underlying cause of the neuropathy will allow the podiatrist to prescribe the best treatment, whether it be caused by diabetes, toxic substance exposure, infection, etc. If the nerve has not died, then it’s possible that sensation may be able to return to the foot.

Pain medication may be issued for pain. Electrical nerve stimulation can be used to stimulate nerves. If the neuropathy is caused from pressure on the nerves, then surgery may be necessary.

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