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The most common form of inflammatory arthritis is referred to as gout. It is a condition that affects approximately four percent of Americans, and can be caused by genetic factors and eating habits. Common symptoms of this foot condition can include extreme tenderness, debilitating pain in the joints of the big toe, possibly causing difficulty in walking, and the toe may appear to be swollen. Some of the foods that can cause gout to develop include shellfish, red meat, and drinks that are made with large amounts of sugar. The pain comes from excess uric acid caused by elevated purine amounts that form in the joints, and can produce sensations that can feel like crystals in the feet. Mild relief may be found when lifestyle changes occur that include reducing the amount of food that is eaten with high purine levels. If you have frequent gout attacks, it is strongly advised that you are under the care of a podiatrist who can help you with proper treatment and prevention options.
Gout is a foot condition that requires certain treatment and care. If you are seeking treatment, contact Dr. Stephan J. LaPointe from Georgia Foot & Ankle Specialists . 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 one of our offices located in Rome and Cedartown, GA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.
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Flip-flops don’t offer the protection or support your feet need. While they may be appropriate for some limited use, they should not be worn for long periods of time. Their flimsy foam soles and lack of structure offer no arch support at all, which causes your feet to flatten and forces tendons and ligaments to compensate. This stress throughout your feet can cause heel spurs, bunions, flat feet, cracked heels and even plantar fasciitis. Additionally, their floppy “fit” makes your toes work harder to keep them on, which can cause hammertoes and put you at higher risk of twisted ankles, stubbed toes, and even trips and falls. If you would like more information about the danger of improper footwear or if you have any discomfort or pain in your feet, contact a podiatrist today.
Flip-flops are not always the best choice of footwear. If you have any concerns about your feet or ankles, contact Dr. Stephan J. LaPointe from Georgia Foot & Ankle Specialists . Our doctor will assist you with all of your foot and ankle needs.
Flip-Flops and Feet
When the weather starts warming up, people enjoy wearing flip-flops. Flip-flops are comfortable, stylish, and easy to slip on and off; they're perfect for any summer beach goer. However, these shoes can cause harm to the feet.
How Can Flip-Flops Affect Me Long-Term?
Are There Injuries Associated with Flip-Flops?
Yes. Since flip-flops are relatively weak and do not provide the same amount of support as sneakers, people who wear flip-flops regularly are more susceptible to injuries. On top of that, the open nature of the shoe makes your feet more prone to other problems, such as cuts and even infections. Common injuries and ailments include:
I like Wearing Flip-Flops. Are There Safe Alternatives?
When buying flip-flops, try to find ones that have sturdy soles and that are made of high-quality materials that will support for your feet. These flip-flops will cost more but will also last longer as a result.
If you have any questions please feel free to contact one of our offices located in Rome and Cedartown, GA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.
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As we age, biomechanics—the study of structure, function and movement—become more important to our foot health. Aging causes tissues in our feet to stiffen and the range of motion and joint mobility to decrease, and we tend to put weight more on the inside of our feet—causing them to flatten and reduce the amount of force we have pushing forward when we walk. These are just some of the contributors to our propensity to experience foot pain and even increase our risk of falling as we get older. However there is hope. There are some exciting advancements in biomechanics—specifically footwear and orthotic devices—that can help improve foot health in older adults by adjusting gait and redistributing pressure away from certain areas of the foot which helps increase mobility and reduce pain. If you or someone you love is experiencing pain in the feet or reduced mobility, contact a podiatrist who may be able to help you feel and walk better.
If you need your feet checked, contact Dr. Stephan J. LaPointe of Georgia Foot & Ankle Specialists . Our doctor will attend to all of your foot and ankle needs and provide you with quality treatment.
Geriatrics and Podiatry
When people age, some common issues that may occur are bone density loss, dry skin, poor circulation, and rough brittle nails. These issues may also affect your foot health if the necessary steps are not taken to alleviate the problems.
It is important to take care of your feet because feet that are injured or diseased can affect your overall health. Having painful feet hinders your ability to do daily activities or may decrease your willingness to do the things that you need to do.
Visiting Your Geriatrician
As we age, health problems become more likely, so it is essential to visit your doctor for check-ups to ensure that you are doing the best you can to take care of your health. It is recommended to check your feet frequently for any possible cuts, bruises, swelling, corns or any other irregularities.
Taking Care of Elderly Feet
Cracked or dry feet can be treated by applying moisturizer often. It is also important not to wear old socks because the older the sock is, the higher the possibility there will be that there is bacteria there. Wear fresh socks and make sure they fit properly.
Proper foot health means that you can have a more active lifestyle and you will not be bogged down by pain. Foot health also leads to good circulation, which is paramount for overall health.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact one of our offices located in Rome and Cedartown, GA . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.
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Sprains and fractures in the foot, are both common injuries with fairly similar symptoms. Sprains occur when a ligament is overstretched or torn. Symptoms of a foot sprain include pain around the arch of the foot, bruising, swelling, tenderness, and difficulty walking. Foot fractures occur when one or more of the bones in the foot break. Symptoms of a foot fracture include intense pain that worsens during physical activity, swelling, bruising, tenderness, difficulty walking, and a foot deformity. You may also hear a cracking sound at the time of injury if the fracture is severe. If you are experiencing symptoms of a foot sprain or a fracture, it is suggested that you seek the care of a podiatrist, who can properly diagnose and treat your condition.
A broken foot requires immediate medical attention and treatment. If you need your feet checked, contact Dr. Stephan J. LaPointe from Georgia Foot & Ankle Specialists . Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.
Broken Foot Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment
A broken foot is caused by one of the bones in the foot typically breaking when bended, crushed, or stretched beyond its natural capabilities. Usually the location of the fracture indicates how the break occurred, whether it was through an object, fall, or any other type of injury.
Common Symptoms of Broken Feet:
Those that suspect they have a broken foot shoot seek urgent medical attention where a medical professional could diagnose the severity.
Treatment for broken bones varies depending on the cause, severity and location. Some will require the use of splints, casts or crutches while others could even involve surgery to repair the broken bones. Personal care includes the use of ice and keeping the foot stabilized and elevated.
If you have any questions please feel free to contact one of our offices located in Rome and Cedartown, GA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.
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