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Gregory Loo, DPM Board Certified Podiatrist and Surgeon

May 2023

Tuesday, 30 May 2023 00:00

Women and Gout

The majority of people who are affected by gout are men. However, it can also happen to women who are past menopausal age and may result due to a lack of estrogen. Gout is caused by excess uric acid levels in the body, which may increase after a woman reaches menopause. Many people associate gout with eating foods that have high levels of purines. These foods include shellfish, red meat, and drinks containing large amounts of sugar. Gout has been known to be a man’s disease as they had these types of eating habits centuries ago. Over the years, women have kept their gout attacks hidden from society, possibly from fear of being labeled as indulging in excess food and drink. Gout can cause severe pain and discomfort and generally affects the big toe. Uric acid will cause crystals to form in the joints of the big toe, which may result in extreme pain, redness, and swelling. Gout patients require the expertise of a podiatrist, and it is suggested this type of doctor be contacted to provide the correct treatment options for you.

Gout is a painful condition that can be treated. If you are seeking treatment, contact Gregory T. Loo, DPM from Elite 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 one of our offices located in Ahwatukee, and Phoenix, AZ . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Read more about Everything You Need to Know About Gout
Tuesday, 23 May 2023 00:00

Foot Pain and Corns

Corns on the feet are a condition that is similar yet distinct from blisters. Essentially, corns are hardened layers of skin that can form in response to friction or pressure on the feet. Many patients often ask podiatrists to what extent pain can be felt from corns. The answer is complicated, because typically, many people do not feel pain in the beginning stages of developing a corn. However, if a corn becomes more severe as time passes, it may become uncomfortable. When the corn becomes irritated, it often increases the level of pain. In these situations, treatment can be sought to remedy the corn which may bring mild relief. If you are someone that is currently suffering from corns on the feet, it is suggested that you contact a podiatrist today for more information.

Foot Pain

Foot pain can be extremely painful and debilitating. If you have a foot pain, consult with Gregory T. Loo, DPM from Elite Podiatry. Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

Causes

Foot pain is a very broad condition that could be caused by one or more ailments. The most common include:

  • Bunions
  • Hammertoes
  • Plantar Fasciitis
  • Bone Spurs
  • Corns
  • Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome
  • Ingrown Toenails
  • Arthritis (such as Gout, Rheumatoid, and Osteoarthritis)
  • Flat Feet
  • Injury (from stress fractures, broken toe, foot, ankle, Achilles tendon ruptures, and sprains)
  • And more

Diagnosis

To figure out the cause of foot pain, podiatrists utilize several different methods. This 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

Treatment depends upon the cause of the foot pain. Whether it is resting, staying off the foot, or having surgery; podiatrists have a number of treatment options available for foot pain.

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

Read more about Foot Pain
Tuesday, 16 May 2023 00:00

How Can I Prevent Falls From Bed?

Part of maintaining proper foot health as a senior citizen is ensuring that any potential falls are prevented. This is because falls can cause foot conditions like fractured feet. Something you might consider doing to prevent falls is to think about how you can minimize your risk of falling when getting out of bed. For example, one might try to ensure that all necessary items on the nightstands are within easy reach. Namely, if you sleep with any water or reading materials on your bedside, you could try to make sure they are not too far out of reach. Additionally, one could possibly try to clear the floor area immediately next to the bed. Specifically, seniors could try to remove all of the cords and other debris cluttering the area. If you are a senior or are caring for one, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist today to learn more about fall prevention.

Preventing falls among the elderly is very important. If you are older and have fallen or fear that you are prone to falling, consult with Gregory T. Loo, DPM from Elite Podiatry. Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality advice and care.

Every 11 seconds, an elderly American is being treated in an emergency room for a fall related injury. Falls are the leading cause of head and hip injuries for those 65 and older. Due to decreases in strength, balance, senses, and lack of awareness, elderly persons are very susceptible to falling. Thankfully, there are a number of things older persons can do to prevent falls.

How to Prevent Falls

Some effective methods that older persons can do to prevent falls include:

  • Enrolling in strength and balance exercise program to increase balance and strength
  • Periodically having your sight and hearing checked
  • Discuss any medications you have with a doctor to see if it increases the risk of falling
  • Clearing the house of falling hazards and installing devices like grab bars and railings
  • Utilizing a walker or cane
  • Wearing shoes that provide good support and cushioning
  • Talking to family members about falling and increasing awareness

Falling can be a traumatic and embarrassing experience for elderly persons; this can make them less willing to leave the house, and less willing to talk to someone about their fears of falling. Doing such things, however, will increase the likelihood of tripping or losing one’s balance. Knowing the causes of falling and how to prevent them is the best way to mitigate the risk of serious injury.  

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

Read more about Falls Prevention
Tuesday, 09 May 2023 00:00

Broken Foot Cast

If you break a bone in your foot, a podiatrist will refer to this condition as a broken or fractured foot. Walking on the fractured foot may be very painful and swelling can occur. There are many ways to go about treating a broken foot. For example, some patients who have a broken foot may be treated by wearing a cast of some sort on the foot. One of the purposes of wearing a cast around a broken foot is to reduce movement in this area and to keep the foot stabilized. It can be helpful to keep any casts dry when worn on the feet. Additionally, it might be beneficial to refrain from applying creams underneath the cast. When caring for your foot while it is in a cast, it is always best to follow instructions from a trusted medical professional, such as a podiatrist. If you have a broken foot, it is suggested that you contact a podiatrist today for more information and treatment.

A broken foot requires immediate medical attention and treatment. If you need your feet checked, contact Gregory T. Loo, DPM from Elite Podiatry. 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:

  • Bruising
  • Pain
  • Redness
  • Swelling
  • Blue in color
  • Numbness
  • Cold
  • Misshapen
  • Cuts
  • Deformities

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 Ahwatukee, and Phoenix, AZ . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Read more about Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment for a Broken Foot
Saturday, 06 May 2023 00:00

It's Time for Beautiful Feet

You don't need an excuse to have beautiful nails. Step outside without worrying about the appearance of your feet.

Tuesday, 02 May 2023 00:00

Sports Podiatrists

Podiatrists are foot specialists that are specially trained in addressing different afflictions of the feet. They are trusted medical professionals who can treat a range of various foot conditions, from plantar fasciitis to hammertoe. It is important to note there are different types of podiatrists who may specialize in specific areas in the field of podiatry. For example, one such kind of podiatrist is known as a sports podiatrist. As the name suggests, this type of podiatrist works primarily with athletes and those who engage in sports. A sports podiatrist is well-versed in understanding, recognizing, and treating the nuances of foot injuries in the context of sports. Some of these sports podiatrists are engaged in producing research in their field. These podiatrists are easily able to identify the foot afflictions that most affect athletes. To learn more about the different types of podiatrists available to help you address any foot problems, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist today.

If you are experiencing pain in the feet or ankles, don’t join the stubborn majority refusing treatment. Feel free to contact Gregory T. Loo, DPM from Elite Podiatry. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

What Is a Podiatrist?

Someone would seek the care of a podiatrist if they have suffered a foot injury or have common foot ailments such as heal spurs, bunions, arch problems, deformities, ingrown toenails, corns, foot and ankle problems, etc.

Podiatric Treatment

A podiatrist will treat the problematic areas of the feet, ankle or lower leg by prescribing the following:

  • Physical therapy
  • Drugs
  • Orthotic inserts or soles
  • Surgery on lower extremity fractures

A common podiatric procedure a podiatrist will use is a scanner or force plate which will allow the podiatrist to know the designs of orthotics. Patients are then told to follow a series of tasks to complete the treatment. The computer will scan the foot a see which areas show weight distribution and pressure points. The podiatrist will read the analysis and then determine which treatment plans are available.

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

Read more about What is a Podiatrist?
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