Items filtered by date: October 2024

Gout is a form of arthritis caused by the accumulation of uric acid crystals in the joints. It often affects the feet and results in severe pain, redness, swelling, and stiffness. Gout commonly affects the big toe, but it can also target the ankles and any of the many other foot joints. Gout can be triggered by a diet high in purines, which are found in red meats and certain seafood. Alcohol consumption, obesity, and certain medications are other common factors. People with a kidney condition or who take diuretics for blood pressure control are at a higher risk. During a gout flare-up, the affected area may become hot and extremely sensitive to touch, making everyday activities challenging. Although gout is not curable, it can be managed with the help of a podiatrist through guidance on minimizing future flare-ups. This may include addressing risk factors, such as dietary habits, and prescribing medication to lower uric acid levels. If you are experiencing flare ups of gout, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist.

Gout is a painful condition that can be treated. If you are seeking treatment, contact Charles Perry, DPM from Ohio. Our doctor 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 offices located in Cambridge and Zanesville, OH . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Symptoms of arthritis in the toes can vary from mild discomfort to significant pain and swelling. One of the early signs is stiffness, especially in the big toe joint, which can limit movement and make walking difficult. As the condition progresses, toe pain often flares during activities like standing or walking and may persist even after resting. Swelling is another common symptom of arthritis in the toes, making them difficult to bend. You might also notice redness or warmth due to inflammation, in addition to deformities such as bunions or hammertoes, which can affect foot function. In some cases, arthritis leads to creaking sounds in the joints, referred to as crepitus. This can worsen during cold or damp weather and further limit mobility. A podiatrist can evaluate your condition and recommend appropriate ways to help manage pain and improve foot function. If you are experiencing symptoms of arthritis in the toes, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist.

Toe pain can disrupt your daily activities. If you have any concerns, contact Charles Perry, DPM of Ohio. Our doctor 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 offices located in Cambridge and Zanesville, OH . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.

Basketball players often face foot and ankle injuries due to the sport's high-impact and dynamic nature. Common injuries include muscle strains, stress fractures, midfoot sprains, and Achilles tendon injuries. Muscle strains occur from sudden movements or excessive stress on the leg muscles. Stress fractures, often caused by repetitive impact, can lead to pain and swelling. Midfoot sprains result from twisting or rolling the foot, while Achilles tendon injuries usually arise from intense jumping or sprinting. To reduce the risk of these injuries, players should focus on proper warm-ups, strengthen their muscles through targeted exercises, and use supportive footwear. Additionally, practicing good technique and maintaining overall physical conditioning can help prevent common foot and ankle issues. If you enjoy playing basketball and have sustained a foot or ankle injury, it is suggested that you are under the care of a podiatrist who can treat it accordingly.

Sports related foot and ankle injuries require proper treatment before players can go back to their regular routines. For more information, contact Charles Perry, DPM of Ohio. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Sports Related Foot and Ankle Injuries

Foot and ankle injuries are a common occurrence when it comes to athletes of any sport. While many athletes dismiss the initial aches and pains, the truth is that ignoring potential foot and ankle injuries can lead to serious problems. As athletes continue to place pressure and strain the area further, a mild injury can turn into something as serious as a rupture and may lead to a permanent disability. There are many factors that contribute to sports related foot and ankle injuries, which include failure to warm up properly, not providing support or wearing bad footwear. Common injuries and conditions athletes face, including:

• Plantar Fasciitis
• Plantar Fasciosis
• Achilles Tendinitis
• Achilles Tendon Rupture
• Ankle Sprains

Sports related injuries are commonly treated using the RICE method. This includes rest, applying ice to the injured area, compression and elevating the ankle. More serious sprains and injuries may require surgery, which could include arthroscopic and reconstructive surgery. Rehabilitation and therapy may also be required in order to get any recovering athlete to become fully functional again. Any unusual aches and pains an athlete sustains must be evaluated by a licensed, reputable medical professional.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our offices located in Cambridge and Zanesville, OH . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.