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Gout is an extremely painful form of arthritis. The pain and discomfort that many gout patients experience are the result of uric acid crystals that are caught between the joints of the feet. The big toe is generally affected by gout, and the pain that is associated with this condition can be debilitating. Gout may develop from genetic factors, or from eating foods that contain high levels of purines. These types of foods and drinks include red meat, shellfish, excess alcohol, and drinks that are made with large amounts of sugar. It is important to eat foods that are healthy and to engage in a regular exercise regime that may help to prevent painful gout attacks. Additionally, when blood pressure and weight are kept at a normal range, gout attacks may be reduced. Relief also may be found when adequate rest is gotten daily and the weight of blankets and sheets is kept off of the affected foot. If you suffer from gout, please seek the counsel of a podiatrist who can effectively treat this condition.

Gout is a painful condition that can be treated. If you are seeking treatment, contact the podiatrists from Elite Podiatry. 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 Ahwatukee, Phoenix, and Chandler, AZ . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

A corn on the foot is defined as a small area of thickened skin. It can form on top of the toes, on the bottom of the feet, or between the toes. Corns are caused by excess friction that can come from wearing shoes and socks that do not fit correctly. Corns that are found between the toes are referred to as soft corns, and constant moisture keeps them soft. Hard corns are often found on the side of the pinky toe, or on top of the toes. This type of corn can cause severe pain and discomfort, and it may be difficult to walk and complete daily activities. Mild relief may be found when a protective pad is worn over the corn, and it is suggested that larger shoes are worn. Some people have medical conditions that can consist of bunions and hammertoes, and corns can develop on top of the affected toes or on the side of the bunion. If you have corns on your feet, please consult with a podiatrist who can effectively treat this type of foot condition.

If you have any concerns regarding your feet and ankles, contact the podiatrists of Elite Podiatry. Our doctors will treat your foot and ankle needs.

Corns: What Are They? and How Do You Get Rid of Them?
Corns can be described as areas of the skin that have thickened to the point of becoming painful or irritating. They are often layers and layers of the skin that have become dry and rough, and are normally smaller than calluses.

Ways to Prevent Corns
There are many ways to get rid of painful corns such as wearing:

• Well-fitting socks
• Comfortable shoes that are not tight around your foot
• Shoes that offer support

Treating Corns
Treatment of corns involves removing the dead skin that has built up in the specific area of the foot. Consult with Our doctors to determine the best treatment option for your case of corns.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact one of our offices located in Ahwatukee, Phoenix, and Chandler, AZ . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

A person with lupus might experience swelling in the feet and ankles because the inflammation of lupus attacks the kidneys, which can lead to fluid build-up or edema of the lower extremities. Swelling can make movement uncomfortable, lead to pain, and become more serious if left untreated. Reducing sodium in the diet and controlling high blood pressure can help with swelling.  It is also wise to discuss medicines that can ease pain with a podiatrist. A podiatrist can provide valuable education on how Lupus affects the feet and assist in devising a customized treatment plan to control symptoms.

When dealing with systemic disease of the feet, it is extremely important to check the affected areas routinely so that any additional problems are caught quickly.  If you have any concerns about your feet and ankles contact the podiatrists from Elite Podiatry. Our doctors will assist you with all of your podiatric needs.

Systemic Diseases of the Feet

Systemic diseases affect the whole body, and symptoms usually are displayed in the feet. This condition can make a patient’s ability to walk unbearable.  Systemic diseases include gout, diabetes mellitus, neurological disorders, and arthritis.

Gout – is caused by an excess of uric acid in the body. Common symptoms include pain, inflammation, and redness at the metatarsal/phalangeal joint of the base big toe. Gout can be treated by NSAIDs to relieve pain and inflammation, and other drugs that lower the acid levels in the body.

Diabetes mellitus – is an increase in the level of blood sugar that the body cannot counteract with its own insulin. Failure to produce enough insulin is a factor in Diabetes.

Diabetes of the Feet

Diabetic Neuropathy – may lead to damaged nerves and affect the feet through numbness and loss of sensation.

Peripheral Vascular Disease – can restrict the blood flow to the feet, and often times lead to amputation of the feet. 

If you have any questions please feel free to contact one of our offices located in Ahwatukee, Phoenix, and Chandler, AZ . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.