Items filtered by date: April 2023

An arthritic condition known as gout is primarily caused by having an excess amount of uric acid in the system. This buildup produces uric crystals that form in the joints, frequently in the big toe. The result is extreme pain, swelling, redness, and tenderness to the touch. Gout crystals, also known as monosodium urate crystals, accumulate in the joints when the body is unable to remove excess uric acid through the digestive system or kidneys. People with diabetes, weakened kidneys, or metabolism issues may be more likely to experience a buildup of gout crystals. The likelihood of developing them increases if you eat foods that contain high levels of purines. These include seafood, fish, alcoholic drinks, shellfish, and red meats. Other factors that can produce gout crystals are obesity, heart disease, certain types of medication, and genetics. Men tend to be more at risk for gout, especially those between the ages of 30 and 50. In women, symptoms are more likely to develop after menopause. For help with recurring gout flare ups, it is suggested that you consult with a podiatrist who is trained to deal with this condition.

Gout is a foot condition that requires certain treatment and care. 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 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 our offices located in Ijamsville and Mouth Airy, MD . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

There is a bone in the foot known as the cuboid bone. An injury may cause this bone to shift out of alignment, possibly causing cuboid syndrome to develop. The pain is generally felt on the outer edge of the foot and can be a common injury among dancers and athletes. Usual symptoms that are often experienced with cuboid syndrome can include difficulty in bearing weight on the foot, a reduced range of motion, and the foot may be swollen. Additionally, the pain may begin as a dull ache and gradually sharpen, increasing discomfort on the overall foot. People with flat feet may experience this condition, or it may come from those who frequently engage in running and jumping activities. Mild relief may be found when the affected foot is elevated and the activity that caused the injury is temporarily stopped. If you have pain in this part of your foot, it is suggested that you confer with a podiatrist who can effectively diagnose and treat cuboid syndrome.

Cuboid syndrome, also known as cuboid subluxation, occurs when the joints and ligaments near the cuboid bone in the foot become torn. If you have cuboid syndrome, consult with Julie Jurd-Sadler, DPM from Progressive Podiatry. Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

Cuboid syndrome is a common cause of lateral foot pain, which is pain on the outside of the foot. The condition may happen suddenly due to an ankle sprain, or it may develop slowly overtime from repetitive tension through the bone and surrounding structures.

Causes

The most common causes of cuboid syndrome include:

• Injury – The most common cause of this ailment is an ankle sprain.
• Repetitive Strain – Tension placed through the peroneus longus muscle from repetitive activities such as jumping and running may cause excessive traction on the bone causing it to sublux.
• Altered Foot Biomechanics – Most people suffering from cuboid subluxation have flat feet.

Symptoms

A common symptom of cuboid syndrome is pain along the outside of the foot which can be felt in the ankle and toes. This pain may create walking difficulties and may cause those with the condition to walk with a limp.

Diagnosis

Diagnosis of cuboid syndrome is often difficult, and it is often misdiagnosed. X-rays, MRIs and CT scans often fail to properly show the cuboid subluxation. Although there isn’t a specific test used to diagnose cuboid syndrome, your podiatrist will usually check if pain is felt while pressing firmly on the cuboid bone of your foot.

Treatment

Just as the range of causes varies widely, so do treatments. Some more common treatments are ice therapy, rest, exercise, taping, and orthotics.

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.

Many people are confused by the many types of inserts that can be used in shoes to alleviate foot pain. In certain cases, however, such over-the-counter items do not solve the problem and custom insoles are needed. A major use of custom orthotics is to correct arch problems that often lead to pain, not only in the feet but also in other parts of the body. Low arches or flat feet, high arches, and overpronation call for different and specific solutions that can only be corrected with a custom insert. In addition, deformities such as bunions or hammertoes, as well as heel spurs, may benefit from specially made orthotics. A podiatrist can examine your feet, the way you walk, and your posture to determine if custom orthotics will be best for you. Then this foot doctor can measure your feet, create a mold to see which areas need to be corrected and make a pair of orthotics that will specifically address your foot problems. It is suggested that you consult a podiatrist for an exam and effective treatment solutions.

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.

Pain in the joint of the big toe, termed hallux rigidus, is a form of osteoarthritis caused by the wearing away of cartilage between the base of the big toe and the first metatarsal bone of the foot. This condition often affects runners, as the big toe takes the brunt of the continual pounding with each step. Hallux rigidus often develops in runners between the ages of 30 and 60. Some possible causes include having flat feet or overpronation, which is when the foot rolls inward 15 percent or more with each step. Overtraining, a stubbed toe, gout, a toe deformity, or genetics may also play a role in the development of hallux rigidus. Limited mobility and stiffness in the big toe joint are early symptoms of this disorder. In addition, a runner may experience pain and swelling on top of the big toe. Changing to footwear with a larger toe box and stiffer sole can help relieve the pressure on the big toe. Certain medications may also help. A podiatrist can examine the toe, determine the cause of the joint pain, and offer appropriate treatment solutions. It is suggested that you make an appointment today.  

Toe pain can disrupt your daily activities. 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.

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 offices located in Ijamsville and Mouth Airy, MD . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.