When uric acid amounts in the blood rise to an elevated level, it may produce a foot condition that is known as gout. It can develop into crystals that lodge in the joints of the big toe, and can cause debilitating pain. Gout is considered to be a form of arthritis, and swelling, heat, and redness can be symptoms that can accompany this foot condition. It can be caused by genetics or from eating foods that have large amounts of purines. These can include shellfish, red meat, and drinks that are made with excessive amounts of sugar. Most gout patients are under the care of a podiatrist who can extract a sample of the crystals that lie in the joints to obtain a proper diagnosis. Some patients need to have an X-ray or a CT scan performed to confirm the findings. Effective methods that may help to prevent gout can include consuming a healthy diet daily, drinking plenty of water, and engaging in an exercise routine. Gout attacks can happen frequently, and it is strongly advised that a podiatrist be contacted as quickly as possible who can help you to manage this uncomfortable foot condition. 

Gout is a painful condition that can be treated. If you are seeking treatment, contact Julie Jurd-Sadler, DPM from Progressive Podiatry. Our doctor 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 offices located in Ijamsville and Mouth Airy, MD . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

An individual’s feet may swell due to pregnancy, excessively eating salty foods, or being obese. However, swollen feet may also develop from flying in an airplane. During a flight, an individual can experience swelling of the feet, or what is known as gravitational edema, from sitting for a long period of time. This essentially causes the blood in your body to accumulate at your feet during flights. If you are sitting in a very restricted position during a flight, this might exacerbate the extent to which you may experience swelling of the feet. Oftentimes, the swelling will subside shortly after getting off of the plane and beginning to walk around again. If you are taking a flight in the near future and are curious about potential swelling of your feet, contact a podiatrist today.

Swollen feet can be a sign of an underlying condition. If you have any concerns, contact Julie Jurd-Sadler, DPM of Progressive Podiatry. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Swollen feet are a common ailment among pregnant women and people who stand or sit for extended periods. Aging may increase the possibility of swollen feet and patients who are obese often notice when their feet are swelling too. There may be medical reasons why swollen feet occur:

• Phlebitis - A condition that causes the veins to become inflamed and can also cause leg pain.
• Liver disease - This may lead to low blood levels of albumin which is a protein. This can cause fluid in the blood to pass into the tissues and several areas of the body can become swollen.
• Heart failure - When the heart doesn’t pump properly the blood that is normally pumped back to the heart can pool in the veins of the legs causing swollen feet.
• Kidney disease - One of the main functions of the kidneys is releasing excess fluid in the body. This type of condition can make it difficult for the kidneys to function properly, and as a result the feet may become swollen.
• Deep-vein thrombosis (DVT)- This is a serious condition where blood clots form in the veins of the legs. They can block the return of blood from the legs to the heart which may cause the feet to swell. It is important to be treated by a podiatrist if this condition is present.

Swollen feet can also be caused by bone and tendon conditions, including fractures, arthritis, and tendinitis. Additionally, there may be skin and toenail conditions and an infection may cause the feet to swell. Patients who take medicine to treat high blood pressure may be prone to getting swollen feet. 

Many patients elevate their feet to help relieve the swelling and this is generally a temporary remedy. When a podiatrist is consulted the reason behind the swelling can be uncovered and subsequently treated.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our offices located in Ijamsville and Mouth Airy, MD . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.

A broken ankle, which is also referred to as a fractured ankle, can occur as a result of a fall, or if an injury has happened. The ankle is divided into three categories, and any one or more of these bones can become fractured. The larger bone in the lower leg is called the tibia, and the fibula refers to the smaller bone in the lower half of the leg.The bone that is located between the heel bone, the tibia and the fibula is known as the talus. A broken ankle is often noticeable and there is generally pain and discomfort that can accompany it. Patients can find it difficult to walk on, and there may be bruising and swelling. Many broken ankles can be treated by wearing a cast or a boot, and this can provide the stability that is needed as the healing process occurs. A protruding ankle bone often indicates a severely broken ankle, and surgery may be necessary that may restore normal functioning. If you have broken your ankle, please speak to a podiatrist as quickly as possible who can effectively diagnose and treat it.

If you are having discomfort in your feet and would like to try orthotics, contact Julie Jurd-Sadler, DPM from Progressive Podiatry. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

What Are Orthotics?

Orthotics are inserts you can place into your shoes to help with a variety of foot problems such as flat feet or foot pain. Orthotics provide relief and comfort for minor foot and heel pain but can’t correct serious biomechanical problems in your feet.

Over-the-Counter Inserts

Orthotics come in a wide variety of over-the-counter inserts that are used to treat foot pain, heel pain, and minor problems. For example, arch supports can be inserted into your shoes to help correct overarched or flat feet, while gel insoles are often used because they provide comfort and relief from foot and heel pain by alleviating pressure.

Prescription Orthotics

If over-the-counter inserts don’t work for you or if you have a more severe foot concern, it is possible to have your podiatrist prescribe custom orthotics. These high-quality inserts are designed to treat problems such as abnormal motion, plantar fasciitis, and severe forms of heel pain. They can even be used to help patients suffering from diabetes by treating foot ulcers and painful calluses and are usually molded to your feet individually, which allows them to provide full support and comfort.

If you are experiencing minor to severe foot or heel pain, it’s recommended to speak with your podiatrist about the possibilities of using orthotics. A podiatrist can determine which type of orthotic is right for you and allow you to take the first steps towards being pain-free.

If you have any questions please contact our offices located in Ijamsville and Mouth Airy, MD . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.