Items filtered by date: October 2022

Gout is a type of arthritis that is characterized by redness, tenderness, swelling of the joints, limited movement, and severe pain. It is caused by the buildup of uric acid in the body. Uric acid is a product of purines, an ingredient in many rich foods, such as seafood, meat, sweet beverages, and alcohol. Crystallization of purines can cause kidney stones, painful arthritis, and the buildup of uric acid crystals in the feet. One with gout can experience intense joint pain that usually affects the large joint in the big toe of the foot as well as other joints of the foot. The pain is worse when it starts and can last from a few days to a few weeks. It can feel like a burning sensation. Other factors that increase uric acid in the body and can cause gout symptoms are obesity, genetic predisposition, gender (with men being more prone to gout than women), and other medical conditions, like diabetes and high blood pressure. If you suspect you have gout, see a podiatrist as soon as possible who can make sure the diagnosis is correct and provide treatment to restore you to pain-free functioning.

Gout is a painful condition that can be treated. If you are seeking treatment, contact the foot specialists from Affiliates in Foot Care, P.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 our office located in Woburn, MA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Athlete’s foot is a highly contagious fungal infection, also called tinea pedis, that usually begins in between the toes. The fungus thrives in moist, warm, and dark places. Symptoms of athlete’s foot include an itchy rash that also may sting and burn. Further, it may develop into blisters that are filled with fluid and can become painful. In addition, the skin around the infected area can become dry, cracked, and scaly. The most common form of athlete’s foot is a toe web infection that often targets the spaces between the 4th and 5th toes. A moccasin-type infection usually covers the bottom edges of the heels and feet. A vesicular infection, characterized by small fluid-filled blisters, can form anywhere along the bottom of the feet. An ulcerative infection, which is both rare and extremely uncomfortable, consists of painful open sores that can form on the bottom of the feet or between the toes. Luckily, athlete’s foot is easily treatable with creams, lotions, powders, and sprays. If you are experiencing difficulty with an athlete’s foot infection, it is a good idea to visit a podiatrist for advanced treatment options. 

Athlete’s foot is an inconvenient condition that can be easily reduced with the proper treatment. If you have any concerns about your feet and ankles, contact the foot specialists from Affiliates in Foot Care, P.C..  Our doctors will treat your foot and ankle needs.

Athlete’s Foot: The Sole Story

Athlete's foot, also known as tinea pedis, can be an extremely contagious foot infection. It is commonly contracted in public changing areas and bathrooms, dormitory style living quarters, around locker rooms and public swimming pools, or anywhere your feet often come into contact with other people.

Solutions to Combat Athlete’s Foot

• Hydrate your feet by using lotion
• Exfoliate
• Buff off nails
• Use of anti-fungal products
• Examine your feet and visit your doctor if any suspicious blisters or cuts develop

Athlete’s foot can cause many irritating symptoms such as dry and flaking skin, itching, and redness. Some more severe symptoms can include bleeding and cracked skin, intense itching and burning, and even pain when walking. In the worst cases, Athlete’s foot can cause blistering as well. Speak to your podiatrist for a better understanding of the different causes of Athlete’s foot, as well as help in determining which treatment options are best for you.

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

Repeated pressure on the posterior tibial nerve is often the reason for the foot condition known as tarsal tunnel syndrome. This nerve is located inside the tarsal tunnel that is found near the ankle. Tarsal tunnel syndrome can occur when the nerve becomes inflamed. It can happen to people who have flat feet, diabetes, or who have endured an ankle sprain. The symptoms that patients can experience can consist of a burning sensation, a feeling of pins and needles, or may feel like an electric shock. The treatment for this condition can vary from wearing braces or splints to having surgery, and this depends on the severity of the ailment. Custom-made orthotics may be worn to alleviate some of the pressure from this syndrome. If you have this foot condition, it is strongly urged that you contact a podiatrist who can determine why you have it and choose the best treatment option for you.

Tarsal tunnel syndrome can be very uncomfortable to live with. If you are experiencing tarsal tunnel syndrome, contact the foot specialists of Affiliates in Foot Care, P.C.. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome

Tarsal tunnel syndrome, which can also be called tibial nerve dysfunction, is an uncommon condition of misfiring peripheral nerves in the foot. The tibial nerve is the peripheral nerve in the leg responsible for sensation and movement of the foot and calf muscles. In tarsal tunnel syndrome, the tibial nerve is damaged, causing problems with movement and feeling in the foot of the affected leg.

Common Cause of Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome

• Involves pressure or an injury, direct pressure on the tibial nerve for an extended period of time, sometimes caused by other body structures close by or near the knee.
• Diseases that damage nerves, including diabetes, may cause tarsal tunnel syndrome.
• At times, tarsal tunnel syndrome can appear without an obvious cause in some cases.

The Effects of Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome

• Different sensations, an afflicted person may experience pain, tingling, burning or other unusual sensations in the foot of the affected leg.
• The foot muscles, toes and ankle become weaker, and curling your toes or flexing your foot can become difficult.
• If condition worsens, infections and ulcers may develop on the foot that is experiencing the syndrome.

A physical exam of the leg can help identify the presence of tarsal tunnel syndrome. Medical tests, such as a nerve biopsy, are also used to diagnose the condition. Patients may receive physical therapy and prescriptive medication. In extreme cases, some may require surgery.

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

Many professions require workers to stand on hard surfaces all day. Because of this requirement, it is no wonder their feet and ankles become tired and sore. The muscles and tendons of the feet and legs can become stiff and the tendons throughout the feet can become calcified, which can cause various health problems, including ligament damage, ankle sprains, and more. Standing on your feet all day can put stress on bones in the body and interfere with proper circulation that can lead to clogged arteries and heart disease. It should be uplifting to know there are some simple things that can be done to help alleviate discomfort. These things include taking regular rest breaks, breaking up routine movements by varying tasks throughout the day, and wearing well-fitting, supportive shoes, with good arch support. When the day is done, one can get relief from doing regular foot soaks, massaging the feet, stretching the legs and feet, and elevating them. Seeing a podiatrist can help with providing additional suggestions for how to deal with pressure that builds up in the muscles from prolonged standing.

While working on the feet, it is important to take the proper care of them. For more information about working on your feet, contact the foot specialists from Affiliates in Foot Care, P.C.. Our doctors will treat your foot and ankle needs.

Working on Your Feet

Standing on your feet for long periods of time can cause stress and pain in your feet. Your whole body may experience change in terms of posture, back pain, bunions, callouses and or plantar warts. There are ways to avoid these conditions with proper foot care, smart choices and correct posture.

Positive Changes

Negative heeled shoe – Choosing this shoe type places the heel slightly lower than the ball of the foot. These are great for overall foot health. Find shoes that fit you correctly.

Go barefoot – Our feet were not designed to be enclosed for all hours of the day. Try to periodically expose your feet to air.

Eliminate Pain

Foot Exercises – Performing simple exercises, incorporating yoga and doing stretches are beneficial. This will allow increased blood flow to the area and muscles of the foot.

Achilles tendon – Stretching the foot out flat on the floor will relax the calf muscles and tendon. These exercises can be performed almost anywhere. Make sure you add these exercises to your daily regimen. 

With a little bit of this information and knowing more about foot health, you will notice changes. Foot stretches and proper footwear will help with pain and prevent further issues.

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