Items filtered by date: November 2024

Gout is a type of inflammatory arthritis that can cause intense pain and discomfort, often affecting the heel. This condition arises when uric acid levels in the blood become elevated, leading to the formation of sharp crystals in the joints. Symptoms of gout in the heel typically include sudden, severe pain, swelling, and redness in the affected area. The pain may be most intense during the night or early morning, making it difficult to walk or put weight on the heel. Several factors can contribute to the development of gout, including a diet high in purines found in red meats, shellfish, and alcoholic beverages. Other risk factors include obesity, certain medical conditions, and genetic predisposition. If you have heel pain, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can accurately diagnose gout in the heel, and offer you effective relief and treatment solutions.

Gout is a painful condition that can be treated. If you are seeking treatment, contact Theresa Brown, DPM from Essie M.B. Smith Foot Clinic. 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 office located in Montgomery, AL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Nerve pain in the foot can arise from various conditions, each presenting unique symptoms. Morton’s neuroma occurs when a nerve between the toes becomes compressed, causing sharp, burning pain and numbness in the ball of the foot. Tarsal tunnel syndrome results from compression of the tibial nerve as it passes through the tarsal tunnel, leading to tingling and pain in the arch and heel. Sciatica, often originating from issues in the lower back, can cause radiating pain down the leg into the foot. Additionally, diabetic neuropathy, a common complication of diabetes, can lead to numbness, tingling, and pain due to nerve damage. If you have foot pain or any of the above symptoms, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can offer you effective treatment solutions.

Foot Pain

Foot pain can be extremely painful and debilitating. If you have a foot pain, consult with Theresa Brown, DPM from Essie M.B. Smith Foot Clinic. Our doctor 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 Montgomery, AL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.