Items filtered by date: July 2024

Gout, a form of arthritis caused by uric acid crystal deposits in joints, has several risk factors. Dietary choices high in purines, found in red meat, seafood, and alcohol, contribute to increased uric acid production. Obesity and certain medical conditions like hypertension and diabetes also raise the risk. Age and genetics play roles, with men over 40 and individuals with a family history being more susceptible. Prevention involves dietary adjustments, such as limiting purine-rich foods and alcohol consumption. Maintaining a healthy weight through a balanced diet and regular exercise reduces uric acid levels. Staying hydrated supports kidney function in removing uric acid from the body. Medications may be prescribed by a podiatrist to manage uric acid levels in high-risk individuals. If you have gout, it is strongly suggested that you are under the care of a podiatrist who can help you to manage this condition.

Gout is a painful condition that can be treated. If you are seeking treatment, contact our podiatrists from CNY Foot Surgery & Podiatry Care. 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 East Syracuse, NY . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Sharp pain in the big toe can be caused by various conditions, each requiring different treatments. Common culprits can include bunions, ingrown toenails, turf toe, arthritis, sesamoiditis, gout, and injuries like sprains or fractures. Bunions cause deformity and pain at the base of the toe, often due to wearing ill-fitting shoes or prolonged standing. Ingrown toenails, usually from improper nail trimming or pressure from tight shoes, can cause significant pain and swelling. Turf toe results from excessive stress on the big toe joint, which is common among athletes. Sesamoiditis, affecting the tiny bones under the big toe, causes dull, intermittent pain. Gout, a metabolic disorder, triggers sudden, severe pain due to uric acid crystal buildup. Lastly, sprains and fractures from trauma or overextension cause throbbing pain and swelling. Persistent or severe symptoms require an evaluation from a podiatrist. This foot doctor can diagnose the cause and suggest appropriate treatments, including orthotics, medication, or possibly surgery. If you are suffering pain in the big toe, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for an exam, diagnosis, and treatment options.

Toe pain can disrupt your daily activities. If you have any concerns, contact our podiatrists of CNY Foot Surgery & Podiatry Care. Our doctors 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 office located in East Syracuse, NY . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.

Foot pronation is a natural movement where the foot rolls inward during walking or running to absorb shock and adapt to surfaces. However, when this inward roll becomes excessive, it leads to a condition known as overpronation. It can result from flat feet or wearing improper footwear, causing the arch to collapse inward excessively. This misalignment may then lead to plantar fasciitis, shin splints, and knee pain, as it puts strain on muscles and tendons in the foot and lower leg. Conversely, underpronation, or supination, occurs when the foot does not roll inward enough, often seen in individuals with high arches. Underpronation can contribute to problems such as ankle sprains due to inadequate shock absorption. A podiatrist can identify both overpronation and underpronation by examining wear patterns on shoes and assessing gait mechanics. Treatment options include custom orthotics, specific exercises, or footwear adjustments to restore proper foot function and prevent future complications. If you have either of these conditions, It is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for an exam and treatment.

If you have any concerns about your feet, contact our podiatrists from CNY Foot Surgery & Podiatry Care. 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 East Syracuse, NY . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Heel pain, often caused by plantar fasciitis, is a common condition characterized by inflammation of the plantar fascia, a thick band of tissue running along the bottom of the foot. This condition typically results from overuse, wearing poor footwear, or excessive standing and walking, leading to micro-tears in the fascia that cause pain and stiffness, especially in the morning. Treatment for plantar fasciitis usually involves rest, anti-inflammatory medications, and wearing supportive footwear. However, incorporating regular stretching into the treatment regimen can significantly alleviate chronic cases. Stretching exercises target the plantar fascia, Achilles tendon, and calf muscles, helping to increase flexibility, reduce tension, and promote healing. Techniques such as calf stretches, towel stretches, and plantar fascia-specific stretches can be particularly effective in managing symptoms and preventing recurrence. If you have persistent or severe heel pain, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist, who can provide specialized care and further treatment options.

Stretching the feet is a great way to prevent injuries. If you have any concerns with your feet consult with our podiatrists from CNY Foot Surgery & Podiatry Care. Our doctors will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

Stretching the Feet

Being the backbone of the body, the feet carry your entire weight and can easily become overexerted, causing cramps and pain. As with any body part, stretching your feet can serve many benefits. From increasing flexibility to even providing some pain relief, be sure to give your feet a stretch from time to time. This is especially important for athletes or anyone performing aerobic exercises, but anyone experiencing foot pain or is on their feet constantly should also engage in this practice.

Great ways to stretch your feet:

• Crossing one leg over the others and carefully pull your toes back. Do 10-20 repetitions and repeat the process for each foot
• Face a wall with your arms out and hands flat against the wall. Step back with one foot and keep it flat on the floor while moving the other leg forward. Lean towards the wall until you feel a stretch. Hold for 30 seconds and perform 10 repetitions for each foot
• Be sure not to overextend or push your limbs too hard or you could risk pulling or straining your muscle

Individuals who tend to their feet by regular stretching every day should be able to minimize foot pain and prevent new problems from arising.

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

Identifying common foot problems is essential for maintaining optimum foot health and overall mobility. Issues such as bunions, characterized by a bony bump at the base of the big toe, and plantar fasciitis, marked by heel pain due to inflammation, are frequent concerns. Athlete's foot presents with itching, burning, and cracked skin between the toes. Corns and calluses, resulting from repeated pressure or friction, appear as thickened, hardened skin. Ingrown toenails, where the nail grows into the surrounding skin, cause pain and swelling. Foot pain or discomfort, visible deformities, persistent swelling, and changes in skin or nail appearance are clear indicators of these conditions. Early recognition and appropriate treatment, such as wearing proper footwear, maintaining hygiene, and seeking medical advice from a podiatrist are good ways to prevent complications. If you have any type of foot pain or condition, it is suggested that you make 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 our podiatrists from CNY Foot Surgery & Podiatry Care. 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 East Syracuse, NY . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.