Gout is a common and painful form of arthritis caused by a buildup of uric acid crystals in the joints. It often affects the big toe but can occur in ankles, knees, and other joints. Symptoms include sudden, intense pain, redness, swelling, warmth, and stiffness in the affected area. The affected joint looks inflamed and feels extremely tender, especially at night. Gout can be triggered by a diet high in purines, which consists of foods like red meat or seafood. Other factors include genetics, alcohol, dehydration, obesity, and certain medications. Left untreated, gout can lead to joint damage and chronic pain. A podiatrist can diagnose gout through an examination and imaging or lab tests. They may recommend medications to reduce inflammation and lower uric acid levels, lifestyle changes like diet modification, and custom footwear to reduce joint pressure. If you have this painful condition, t is suggested that you are under the care of a podiatrist who can help you to manage this serious ailment.
Gout is a painful condition that can be treated. 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 form of arthritis that is characterized by sudden, severe attacks of pain, redness, and tenderness in the joints. The condition usually affects the joint at the base of the big toe. A gout attack can occur at any random time, such as the middle of the night while you are asleep.
Symptoms
Intense Joint Pain - Usually around the large joint of your big toe, and it most severe within the first four to twelve hours
Lingering Discomfort - Joint discomfort may last from a few days to a few weeks
Inflammation and Redness -Affected joints may become swollen, tender, warm and red
Limited Range of Motion - May experience a decrease in joint mobility
Risk Factors
Genetics - If family members have gout, you’re more likely to have it
Medications - Diuretic medications can raise uric acid levels
Gender/Age - Gout is more common in men until the age of 60. It is believed that estrogen protects women until that point
Diet - Eating red meat and shellfish increases your risk
Alcohol - Having more than two alcoholic drinks per day increases your risk
Obesity - Obese people are at a higher risk for gout
Prior to visiting your podiatrist to receive treatment for gout, there are a few things you should do beforehand. If you have gout you should write down your symptoms--including when they started and how often you experience them, important medical information you may have, and any questions you may have. Writing down these three things will help your podiatrist in assessing your specific situation so that he or she may provide the best route of treatment for you.
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.
Plantar fasciitis occurs when the thick band of tissue along the bottom of the foot, known as the plantar fascia, becomes strained or irritated. This often causes sharp heel pain, especially with the first steps in the morning or after standing for long periods. of time. To help relieve discomfort and support recovery, a podiatrist may prescribe certain exercises to help strengthen the foot and ankle muscles while improving flexibility. Movements like scrunching a towel with the toes or picking up small objects with the foot can help strengthen the muscles that support the arch. Lifting the arch without lifting the toes or heel may also improve control. Additionally. strengthening the calf muscles with heel raises and walking on tiptoes can support the ankle and reduce strain on the plantar fascia. If you have developed plantar fasciitis, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for an exam and treatment options, which may include a series of exercises.
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 one of our podiatrists from The Foot Center. Our doctors 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 doctors 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 office located in Los Angeles, CA. We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.
Ankle arthroscopy is a minimally invasive surgical procedure used to diagnose and treat problems within the ankle joint. Through small incisions, a camera and specialized instruments allow a podiatric surgeon to view and repair damaged tissue. Common causes for this procedure include ankle pain, instability, cartilage damage, loose bone fragments, or scar tissue. Reasons to have ankle arthroscopy include unresolved pain, limited movement, or repeated injuries that do not improve with conservative care. A podiatrist can determine if this procedure is right for you by conducting a thorough evaluation and imaging studies. If ankle discomfort is affecting your daily activities, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist to explore whether arthroscopy can help restore mobility and comfort.
Foot surgery is sometimes necessary to treat a foot ailment. To learn more, contact one of our podiatrists of The Foot Center. Our doctors 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 office located in Los Angeles, CA. We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.
