Connect With Us
Gout is a type of arthritis caused by a buildup of uric acid in the bloodstream. This acid can crystallize and become lodged in the joints of the feet, leading to sudden and intense pain, swelling, and inflammation. Gout typically flares up and then goes away, only to flare up again in the future. It can become a chronic condition if measures are not taken to prevent future flare ups. Chronic gout can cause large, visible bumps, called tophi, to form in bones, joints, or cartilage. Tophi are made of urate crystals and are usually not painful unless they become infected or press on a nerve. But although they’re not painful in and of themselves, tophi are problematic because they can damage joints, destroy cartilage, and eventually lead to bone erosion, deformity, and disability. For more information about gout, please consult with a podiatrist.
Gout is a painful condition that can be treated. If you are seeking treatment, contact one of our podiatrists from Podiatry Health Center. Our doctors will treat your foot care 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
Risk Factors
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 feel free to contact our office located in Dothan, AL. We offer the latest in diagnostic and treatment technology to meet your podiatric needs.
The plantar fascia is a long, thick band of tissue that spans from the heel bone along the bottom of the foot to the toes. The plantar fascia supports the bottom of the feet and toes (as the heel rises) during walking, running, and jumping. The plantar fascia can become overly stressed or even tear or rupture from overuse or injury, causing pain and inflammation (plantar fasciitis). Being obese, standing/working on your feet for prolonged periods of time, having flat feet or high arches, and engaging in activities that involve dancing, marching or running can all contribute to, or worsen the symptoms of, plantar fasciitis. Wearing certain footwear can also put you at an increased risk of developing this condition such as high heels, flip flops, worn out shoes, or other types of footwear with inadequate support. A podiatrist will use a variety of treatment protocols to treat plantar fasciitis depending upon the severity of the condition and how long the patient has been suffering from it. A combination of rest, icing, stretching, taping, protective footwear, orthotics, and pain medication may be used to help heal the damage done to the plantar fascia and reduce pain and inflammation. A podiatrist may treat more severe or chronic plantar fasciitis (including cases that don’t respond to initial treatment) with steroid injections, laser therapy, or even surgery.
Plantar fasciitis can be very painful and inconvenient. If you are experiencing heel pain or symptoms of plantar fasciitis, contact one of our podiatrists from Podiatry Health Center. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.
What Is Plantar Fasciitis?
Plantar fasciitis is the inflammation of the thick band of tissue that runs along the bottom of your foot, known as the plantar fascia, and causes mild to severe heel pain.
What Causes Plantar Fasciitis?
How Can It Be Treated?
While very treatable, plantar fasciitis is definitely not something that should be ignored. Especially in severe cases, speaking to your podiatrist right away is highly recommended to avoid complications and severe heel pain. Your podiatrist can work with you to provide the appropriate treatment options tailored to your condition.
If you have any questions feel free to contact our office located in Dothan, AL. We offer the latest in diagnostic and treatment technology to meet your podiatric needs.
A heel spur is a bony growth that can develop on the heel bone. When a person has an abnormal walking pattern, or gait, it can place excess strain on the plantar fascia, a ligament that runs along the bottom of the foot and connects the heel bone to the toes. Over time, chronic inflammation can develop and lead to the formation of heel spurs. Though often asymptomatic, a heel spur can sometimes result in heel tenderness and pain. Heel spurs are typically diagnosed through an X-ray. Treatment is usually conservative and includes resting and icing the affected foot. If you suspect that you have a heel spur, please seek the care of a podiatrist.
Heel spurs can be incredibly painful and sometimes may make you unable to participate in physical activities. To get medical care for your heel spurs, contact one of our podiatrists from Podiatry Health Center. Our doctors will do everything possible to treat your condition.
Heels Spurs
Heel spurs are formed by calcium deposits on the back of the foot where the heel is. This can also be caused by small fragments of bone breaking off one section of the foot, attaching onto the back of the foot. Heel spurs can also be bone growth on the back of the foot and may grow in the direction of the arch of the foot.
Older individuals usually suffer from heel spurs and pain sometimes intensifies with age. One of the main condition's spurs are related to is plantar fasciitis.
Pain
The pain associated with spurs is often because of weight placed on the feet. When someone is walking, their entire weight is concentrated on the feet. Bone spurs then have the tendency to affect other bones and tissues around the foot. As the pain continues, the feet will become tender and sensitive over time.
Treatments
There are many ways to treat heel spurs. If one is suffering from heel spurs in conjunction with pain, there are several methods for healing. Medication, surgery, and herbal care are some options.
If you have any questions feel free to contact our office located in Dothan, AL . We offer the latest in diagnostic and treatment technology to meet your needs.
Read more about Heel SpursConnect With Us