Gout is a painful form of arthritis that often affects the big toe, though it can strike other joints in the feet and ankles. It tends to occur more commonly in men over 40 and in women after menopause. Gout develops when uric acid builds up in the bloodstream and forms sharp crystals in the joints. These crystals cause sudden and intense pain, redness, swelling, and warmth that may make even a bedsheet feel unbearable against the skin. The affected joint often appears shiny and inflamed, and attacks can come on suddenly, sometimes overnight. A podiatrist can help by accurately diagnosing gout through examination, imaging, and lab testing. Treatments include medication to reduce pain and inflammation, dietary guidance, and strategies to prevent future flare ups. It is suggested that if you experience symptoms of gout, you make an appointment with a podiatrist for professional care and relief.
Gout is a foot condition that requires certain treatment and care. If you are seeking treatment, contact Adriana Strimbu, DPM from Complete Foot & Ankle Care. Our doctor 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 Hallandale Beach, FL. We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.
Diabetes, a chronic metabolic disorder, manifests through various subtle yet significant symptoms that warrant attention. Excessive thirst, a hallmark sign, results from the body's attempt to flush out excess sugar through increased urine production. Frequent urination, often accompanied by an unquenchable thirst, signifies that the kidneys are working overtime to eliminate surplus glucose. Persistent fatigue, even when there is adequate rest, can be attributed to the body's struggle to utilize glucose efficiently for energy. Unexplained weight loss may occur as the cells starve due to insufficient glucose absorption. Elevated hunger levels, paradoxically, can coexist with weight loss, as the body craves more energy in the absence of efficient glucose utilization. The skin on the feet may become dry as a result of having diabetes, and foot wounds that heal slowly may be indicative of compromised immune function, also associated with diabetes. If you have diabetes, it is strongly suggested that you visit a podiatrist who can perform routine foot exams and offer effective treatment options.
Diabetic foot care is important in preventing foot ailments such as ulcers. If you are suffering from diabetes or have any other concerns about your feet, contact Adriana Strimbu, DPM from Complete Foot & Ankle Care. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.
Diabetic Foot Care
Diabetes affects millions of people every year. The condition can damage blood vessels in many parts of the body, especially the feet. Because of this, taking care of your feet is essential if you have diabetes, and having a podiatrist help monitor your foot health is highly recommended.
The Importance of Caring for Your Feet
Routinely inspect your feet for bruises or sores.
Wear socks that fit your feet comfortably.
Wear comfortable shoes that provide adequate support.
Patients with diabetes should have their doctor monitor their blood levels, as blood sugar levels play such a huge role in diabetic care. Monitoring these levels on a regular basis is highly advised.
It is always best to inform your healthcare professional of any concerns you may have regarding your feet, especially for diabetic patients. Early treatment and routine foot examinations are keys to maintaining proper health, especially because severe complications can arise if proper treatment is not applied.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in Hallandale Beach, FL. We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.
Do you suffer from heel pain when you get up in the morning? If so, you should seek professional help and have a proper diagnosis performed. Heel pain can be caused by several different foot-related conditions.
Toenail removal is sometimes necessary when severe injury, chronic ingrown growth, or infection damages the nail and surrounding tissue. An ingrown toenail occurs when the nail edge presses into the skin, leading to inflammation, drainage, and discomfort that worsens with pressure or while wearing tight shoes. If an infection develops or the nail repeatedly grows into the skin, removal may be needed to prevent further tissue damage. A podiatrist can determine whether partial or complete toenail removal is appropriate. In some cases, the nail matrix, which is the tissue that produces nail growth, is treated to prevent recurrence. This procedure is typically performed under local anesthesia, allowing the podiatrist to remove the affected section and safely clean the area. If you have a seriously infected toenail, it is suggested that you promptly schedule an appointment with a podiatrist who can offer effective treatment and relief solutions, which may include minor surgery.
Foot surgery is sometimes necessary to treat a foot ailment. To learn more, contact Adriana Strimbu, DPM of Complete Foot & Ankle Care. Our doctor 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 Hallandale Beach, FL. We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.
