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Symptoms and Causes of Gout
If you are experiencing severe pain in the joints surrounding the big toe, you may have a condition referred to as gout. It’s considered to be a form of arthritis, and the symptoms include redness, swelling, and extreme tenderness. Gout is the result of a buildup of excess uric acid in the body, and typically collects in the joints of the foot. These bouts of pain are typically known as gout attacks, and there may be several reasons for this to develop. The most common theory revolves around the food and drink that is consumed, which typically involves the frequent ingestion of red meat and excess alcohol. Additionally, inherited genetic traits may be a determining factor in the onset of gout. It’s important to consider scheduling a consultation with a podiatrist to learn about proper treatment options for gout.
Gout is a painful condition that can be treated. If you are seeking treatment, contact one of our podiatrists from University Foot and Ankle Center, L.L.C. 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 one of our offices located in East Brunswick and Monroe Township, NJ. We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.
Read more about Everything You Need to Know About GoutDisadvantages of Wearing High Heels
Wearing high heels may possibly be the reason why many women experience foot pain. Despite the fact that most women think high heels flatter the appearance of their legs, several issues may develop as a result of wearing this type of shoe. When high heels are worn, the foot is often in an unnatural position, which may inhibit blood circulation to the feet. The purpose of the Achilles tendon is to connect the calf to the heel. A disadvantage of wearing high heels is that heels may cause this tendon to become stiff and inflamed, possibly resulting in the development of additional foot ailments. Recent research has shown that moderation is the key to wearing high heels, and limiting the number of days they are worn may benefit the overall well-being of the foot. If you experience discomfort and pain from wearing high heels, please consult with a podiatrist to learn about proper stretching techniques for the foot.
High heels have a history of causing foot and ankle problems. If you have any concerns about your feet or ankles, contact Genine Befumo, DPM from University Foot and Ankle Center, L.L.C. Our doctor 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 Monroe Township, NJ . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.
Disadvantages of Wearing High Heels
Wearing high heels may possibly be the reason why many women experience foot pain. Despite the fact that most women think high heels flatter the appearance of their legs, several issues may develop as a result of wearing this type of shoe. When high heels are worn, the foot is often in an unnatural position, which may inhibit blood circulation to the feet. The purpose of the Achilles tendon is to connect the calf to the heel. A disadvantage of wearing high heels is that heels may cause this tendon to become stiff and inflamed, possibly resulting in the development of additional foot ailments. Recent research has shown that moderation is the key to wearing high heels, and limiting the number of days they are worn may benefit the overall well-being of the foot. If you experience discomfort and pain from wearing high heels, please consult with a podiatrist to learn about proper stretching techniques for the foot.
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 University Foot and Ankle Center, L.L.C. 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 one of our offices located in East Brunswick and Monroe Township, NJ. We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.
Read more about Effect of High Heels on the FeetReminder: When Was the Last Time...?
Custom orthotics, or shoe inserts, should be periodically replaced. Orthotics must fit properly to give you the best results. Protect your feet and ankles!
What is Soft Running?
Running is a great way to stay in shape, and you can try to limit the amount of injuries you endure by running “softer”. A recent study looked at “320 novice runners and measured their landing force at two paces – a slower 12-minute-per-mile pace and a quicker 8-minute-per-mile pace”. Those leading the study had half of the participants learn to run “softer” while others made no changes in their styles of running. According to the study, “After 12 months, researchers found that the runners who learned to run ‘softer’ had 62 percent less injuries than the runners who made no changes.” If you are a runner and you want to fix your stride to reduce your chance of injury, you should try counting your foot strikes per minute. Another tip is to inspect your shoes to find the areas that are worn out. The worn out areas will tell you where your feet are landing when you run. If you have shin pain or heel pain, this may suggest that you are either over striding or using the wrong muscles.
All runners should take extra precaution when trying to avoid injury. If you have any concerns about your feet, contact Genine Befumo, DPM of University Foot and Ankle Center, L.L.C. Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.
How to Prevent Running Injuries
There are a lot of mistakes a runner can make prior to a workout that can induce injury. A lot of athletes tend to overstretch before running, instead of saving those workouts for a post-run routine. Deep lunges and hand-to-toe hamstring pulls should be performed after a workout instead of during a warmup. Another common mistake is jumping into an intense routine before your body is physically prepared for it. You should try to ease your way into long-distance running instead of forcing yourself to rush into it.
More Tips for Preventing Injury
- Incorporate Strength Training into Workouts - This will help improve the body’s overall athleticism
- Improve and Maintain Your Flexibility – Stretching everyday will help improve overall performance
- “Warm Up” Before Running and “Cool Down” Afterward – A warm up of 5-10 minutes helps get rid of lactic acid in the muscles and prevents delayed muscle soreness
- Cross-Training is Crucial
- Wear Proper Running Shoes
- Have a Formal Gait Analysis – Poor biomechanics can easily cause injury
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in Monroe Township, NJ . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.
What is Soft Running?
Running is a great way to stay in shape, and you can try to limit the amount of injuries you endure by running “softer”. A recent study looked at “320 novice runners and measured their landing force at two paces – a slower 12-minute-per-mile pace and a quicker 8-minute-per-mile pace”. Those leading the study had half of the participants learn to run “softer” while others made no changes in their styles of running. According to the study, “After 12 months, researchers found that the runners who learned to run ‘softer’ had 62 percent less injuries than the runners who made no changes.” If you are a runner and you want to fix your stride to reduce your chance of injury, you should try counting your foot strikes per minute. Another tip is to inspect your shoes to find the areas that are worn out. The worn out areas will tell you where your feet are landing when you run. If you have shin pain or heel pain, this may suggest that you are either over striding or using the wrong muscles.
All runners should take extra precaution when trying to avoid injury. If you have any concerns about your feet, contact one of our podiatrists of University Foot and Ankle Center, L.L.C. Our doctors will treat your foot and ankle needs.
How to Prevent Running Injuries
There are a lot of mistakes a runner can make prior to a workout that can induce injury. A lot of athletes tend to overstretch before running, instead of saving those workouts for a post-run routine. Deep lunges and hand-to-toe hamstring pulls should be performed after a workout instead of during a warmup. Another common mistake is jumping into an intense routine before your body is physically prepared for it. You should try to ease your way into long-distance running instead of forcing yourself to rush into it.
More Tips for Preventing Injury
- Incorporate Strength Training into Workouts - This will help improve the body’s overall athleticism
- Improve and Maintain Your Flexibility – Stretching everyday will help improve overall performance
- “Warm Up” Before Running and “Cool Down” Afterward – A warm up of 5-10 minutes helps get rid of lactic acid in the muscles and prevents delayed muscle soreness
- Cross-Training is Crucial
- Wear Proper Running Shoes
- Have a Formal Gait Analysis – Poor biomechanics can easily cause injury
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact one of our offices located in East Brunswick and Monroe Township, NJ. We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.
Read more about How to Prevent Running InjuriesThe Effects Obesity Has on the Feet
Foot pain and tendon and ligament damage are two of many possible complications arising from obesity. Additionally, the structure of the foot may be altered, which may have an impact on walking. A serious condition referred to as diabetic foot ulcers may develop, and recent research has shown the chances of improvement may increase if treated early. The patient may be inflicted with soft tissue damage and this may be a partial source of pain experienced in the foot. The ankles are commonly affected because of the many joints that endure stress by the additional weight that is carried. When daily activities are performed, which include walking, running, or bending, the feet must withstand additional pressure. This may lead to inflammation issues involving the ankles and surrounding areas. The benefits of losing additional weight may include improved joint health, which may typically be achieved through cardiovascular exercise. Please consider a consultation with a podiatrist to learn about how obesity affects the feet.
The more you weigh, the harder your feet must work to support your body. If you’re an obese individual and are concerned about your feet, contact Genine Befumo, DPM from University Foot and Ankle Center, L.L.C. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.
Obesity and Your Feet
People who are overweight are putting more pressure on their ankles, knees, and hips as well as their feet. This unfortunately can lead to variety of different issues.
Problems & Complications Stemming from Obesity
- When the body is overweight, it tries to compensate by changing the way that it moves. An obese person may lean forward and put extra weight on the wrong part of the foot. This puts unnecessary stress on the feet.
- Obese people are also more likely to develop type II diabetes which is a condition that causes a lot of foot problems. People with diabetes often don’t feel the cuts and sores that they may have on their feet, which can lead to more complicated and severe issues.
- Plantar fasciitis is another foot condition that can be caused by obesity. Plantar fasciitis is an inflammation of the tissue along the bottom of the foot, which causes pain and stiffness while walking and climbing stairs.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in Monroe Township, NJ . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.
The Effects Obesity Has on the Feet
Foot pain and tendon and ligament damage are two of many possible complications arising from obesity. Additionally, the structure of the foot may be altered, which may have an impact on walking. A serious condition referred to as diabetic foot ulcers may develop, and recent research has shown the chances of improvement may increase if treated early. The patient may be inflicted with soft tissue damage and this may be a partial source of pain experienced in the foot. The ankles are commonly affected because of the many joints that endure stress by the additional weight that is carried. When daily activities are performed, which include walking, running, or bending, the feet must withstand additional pressure. This may lead to inflammation issues involving the ankles and surrounding areas. The benefits of losing additional weight may include improved joint health, which may typically be achieved through cardiovascular exercise. Please consider a consultation with a podiatrist to learn about how obesity affects the feet.
The more you weigh, the harder your feet must work to support your body. If you’re an obese individual and are concerned about your feet, contact one of our podiatrists from University Foot and Ankle Center, L.L.C. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.
Obesity and Your Feet
People who are overweight are putting more pressure on their ankles, knees, and hips as well as their feet. This unfortunately can lead to variety of different issues.
Problems & Complications Stemming from Obesity
- When the body is overweight, it tries to compensate by changing the way that it moves. An obese person may lean forward and put extra weight on the wrong part of the foot. This puts unnecessary stress on the feet.
- Obese people are also more likely to develop type II diabetes which is a condition that causes a lot of foot problems. People with diabetes often don’t feel the cuts and sores that they may have on their feet, which can lead to more complicated and severe issues.
- Plantar fasciitis is another foot condition that can be caused by obesity. Plantar fasciitis is an inflammation of the tissue along the bottom of the foot, which causes pain and stiffness while walking and climbing stairs.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact one of our offices located in East Brunswick and Monroe Township, NJ. We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.
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