Items filtered by date: October 2024

Gout is a type of inflammatory arthritis characterized by sudden and severe pain, redness, and swelling in the joints, often affecting the big toe. Gout can cause excruciating pain and discomfort and may cause difficulty in walking. This condition arises from elevated levels of uric acid in the blood, which can form crystals in the joints and lead to intense inflammation. Diet plays a critical role in managing gout, and certain foods should be avoided to reduce the risk of flare-ups. High-purine foods, which can increase uric acid levels, include red meat, organ meats, and certain seafood such as sardines and anchovies. Sugary beverages and alcohol, particularly beer, can also worsen symptoms. Additionally, excessive consumption of processed foods can contribute to inflammation. By avoiding these dietary triggers and focusing on a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, individuals can help manage gout more effectively and reduce the frequency of painful episodes. If you have episodes of gout, it is suggested that you are under the care of a podiatrist who can help you manage this condition.

Gout is a foot condition that requires certain treatment and care. If you are seeking treatment, contact one of our podiatrists from Podiatry Health 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 Dothan, AL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Pain in the ball of the foot, known as metatarsalgia, can develop from increased pressure, injuries, or anatomical issues. Metatarsalgia often occurs from running, wearing high heels, or sports that place stress on the forefoot. Conditions like bunions, hammertoes, and high arches can also contribute to the pain by altering the alignment of the metatarsal bones. Additionally, nerve conditions, such as Morton’s neuroma, and issues with the plantar plate ligament can lead to pain and discomfort in the ball of the foot. Symptoms include sharp or aching pain, swelling, or a feeling of stepping on a small object. Addressing this pain requires understanding the underlying cause, which a podiatrist can diagnose through a thorough physical examination and imaging tests, if needed. Treatment may involve modifying footwear, prescribing custom orthotics, or considering other methods that help relieve pressure. If you have pain in the ball of your foot, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for an exam and treatment.

Foot Pain

Foot pain can be extremely painful and debilitating. If you have a foot pain, consult with one of our podiatrists from Podiatry Health Center. Our doctors will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

Causes

Foot pain is a very broad condition that could be caused by one or more ailments. The most common include:

• Bunions
• Hammertoes
• Plantar Fasciitis
• Bone Spurs
• Corns
• Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome
• Ingrown Toenails
• Arthritis (such as Gout, Rheumatoid, and Osteoarthritis)
• Flat Feet
• Injury (from stress fractures, broken toe, foot, ankle, Achilles tendon ruptures, and sprains)
• And more

Diagnosis

To figure out the cause of foot pain, podiatrists utilize several different methods. This 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

Treatment depends upon the cause of the foot pain. Whether it is resting, staying off the foot, or having surgery; podiatrists have a number of treatment options available for foot pain.

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

Wearing high heels can significantly alter foot biomechanics, leading to various issues over time. The elevated position of the heel shifts body weight forward, increasing pressure on the forefoot and contributing to the development of bunions. This misalignment forces the big toe to deviate, causing painful deformities. Additionally, high heels can result in ankle inversion injuries, as the instability and lack of support increase the risk of rolling the ankle during movement. Prolonged wear can also lead to osteoarthritis, particularly in the joints of the feet, due to the excessive strain placed on them. Understanding these potential consequences is essential for people who frequently wear high heels. If you have developed a foot condition from wearing high heels, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can offer effective treatment methods and guide you on choosing different shoe options.

High heels have a history of causing foot and ankle problems. If you have any concerns about your feet or ankles, contact one of our podiatrists from Podiatry Health Center. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Effects of High Heels on the Feet

High heels are popular shoes among women because of their many styles and societal appeal.  Despite this, high heels can still cause many health problems if worn too frequently.

Which Parts of My Body Will Be Affected by High Heels?

• Ankle Joints
• Achilles Tendon – May shorten and stiffen with prolonged wear
• Balls of the Feet
• Knees – Heels cause the knees to bend constantly, creating stress on them
• Back – They decrease the spine’s ability to absorb shock, which may lead to back pain.  The vertebrae of the lower back may compress.

What Kinds of Foot Problems Can Develop from Wearing High Heels?

• Corns
• Calluses
• Hammertoe
• Bunions
• Morton’s Neuroma
• Plantar Fasciitis

How Can I Still Wear High Heels and Maintain Foot Health?

If you want to wear high heeled shoes, make sure that you are not wearing them every day, as this will help prevent long term physical problems.  Try wearing thicker heels as opposed to stilettos to distribute weight more evenly across the feet.  Always make sure you are wearing the proper shoes for the right occasion, such as sneakers for exercising.  If you walk to work, try carrying your heels with you and changing into them once you arrive at work.  Adding inserts to your heels can help cushion your feet and absorb shock. Full foot inserts or metatarsal pads are available. 

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

Caring for your feet is important to your overall wellness for several reasons. First, healthy feet support movement and balance, allowing you to stay active. Poor foot health can lead to pain and reduced mobility, which can affect your daily activities. Additionally, feet play a key role in maintaining proper posture. Issues like flat feet or bunions can cause misalignment and strain on your joints and muscles. Good foot care also promotes better circulation, ensuring that blood flow is optimal, which is vital for your overall health. Regular attention to your feet can help prevent common problems like calluses, corns, and fungal infections, reducing discomfort and potential complications. Moreover, feet can serve as indicators of other health issues, such as diabetes or heart conditions, so monitoring their health can help detect problems early. If you have foot problems or wish to enhance your foot care regimen, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist. 

Everyday foot care is very important to prevent infection and other foot ailments. If you need your feet checked, contact one of our podiatrists from Podiatry Health Center. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Everyday Foot Care

Often, people take care of their bodies, face and hair more so than they do for their feet. But the feet are a very important aspect of our bodies, and one that we should pay more attention to. Without our feet, we would not be able to perform most daily tasks.

It is best to check your feet regularly to make sure there are no new bruises or cuts that you may not have noticed before. For dry feet, moisturizer can easily be a remedy and can be applied as often as necessary to the affected areas. Wearing shoes that fit well can also help you maintain good foot health, as well as making it easier to walk and do daily activities without the stress or pain of ill-fitting shoes, high heels, or even flip flops. Wearing clean socks with closed shoes is important to ensure that sweat and bacteria do not accumulate within the shoe. Clean socks help to prevent Athlete’s foot, fungi problems, bad odors, and can absorb sweat.

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

Splayfoot occurs when the metatarsal bones in the forefoot spread apart, causing the transverse arch of the foot to collapse. One common symptom of splayfoot is the feeling that your shoes are tighter or more uncomfortable than before. You may notice that your feet look wider, and foot pain typically worsens with walking or standing but eases with rest. Another indicator of splayfoot is the tendency to walk on the outer edges of your feet instead of pushing off with the big toe. This can cause your shoes to lean to one side when placed on a flat surface. Over time, painful calluses or pressure sores may form due to altered weight distribution. This can lead to foot deformities, fatigue, and even knee discomfort. If you observe these symptoms, a podiatrist can guide you on proper diagnosis and treatment options. If you are experiencing foot pain from splayfoot, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist.

If you have any concerns about your feet, contact one of our podiatrists from Podiatry Health Center. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Biomechanics in Podiatry

Podiatric biomechanics is a particular sector of specialty podiatry with licensed practitioners who are trained to diagnose and treat conditions affecting the foot, ankle and lower leg. Biomechanics deals with the forces that act against the body, causing an interference with the biological structures. It focuses on the movement of the ankle, the foot and the forces that interact with them.

A History of Biomechanics

• Biomechanics dates back to the BC era in Egypt where evidence of professional foot care has been recorded.
• In 1974, biomechanics gained a higher profile from the studies of Merton Root, who claimed that by changing or controlling the forces between the ankle and the foot, corrections or conditions could be implemented to gain strength and coordination in the area.

Modern technological improvements are based on past theories and therapeutic processes that provide a better understanding of podiatric concepts for biomechanics. Computers can provide accurate information about the forces and patterns of the feet and lower legs.

Understanding biomechanics of the feet can help improve and eliminate pain, stopping further stress to the foot.

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