Items filtered by date: August 2024

Gout is a form of arthritis caused by the buildup of uric acid crystals in the joints, leading to intense pain and inflammation. This condition often results from high levels of uric acid in the blood, which can be triggered by factors such as excessive consumption of purine-rich foods, like red meat and seafood, and alcohol. The symptoms of gout include sudden, severe pain in the affected joint, often the big toe, along with redness, swelling, and warmth. To prevent gout attacks, it is vital to maintain a healthy diet low in purines, stay hydrated, and limit alcohol intake. Regular exercise and managing body weight can also reduce the risk of developing gout. If you have had one or frequent gout attacks, it is strongly suggested that you are under the care of a podiatrist who can help you to manage this condition.

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 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 office located in Dothan, AL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Fungi, which reside on the body, can thrive over time in or on the toenail. This can result in an infection known as onychomycosis, or fungal toenail. You can also pick up onychomycosis through contact with someone who has it. Additionally, this fungal infection can be transmitted through contact with toenail clippers, nail files, or pedicure instruments at a salon where fungi are present. Older adults whose drier nails make it easier for fungi to enter the nail are more prone to developing fungal toenail infections. Additionally, people who wear fake nails, use public swimming pools, or have diabetes or a weakened immune system may be successiptble to developing toenail fungus. People whose feet are confined to warm, moist environments where fungi thrive are also more at risk of developing fungal nails. Fungal nail symptoms include brittle, thickened, discolored or distorted nails, which can sometimes be accompanied by odor or pain. While some people try to treat fungal toenail infections at home, the fungi can be very stubborn and resilient. If you have toenail fungus, It is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist to address the issue and prevent it from recurring. 

If left untreated, toenail fungus may spread to other toenails, skin, or even fingernails. If you suspect you have toenail fungus it is important to seek treatment right away. For more information about treatment, contact one of our podiatrists of Podiatry Health Center. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Symptoms

• Warped or oddly shaped nails
• Yellowish nails
• Loose/separated nail
• Buildup of bits and pieces of nail fragments under the nail
• Brittle, broken, thickened nail

Treatment

If self-care strategies and over-the-counter medications does not help your fungus, your podiatrist may give you a prescription drug instead. Even if you find relief from your toenail fungus symptoms, you may experience a repeat infection in the future.

Prevention

In order to prevent getting toenail fungus in the future, you should always make sure to wash your feet with soap and water. After washing, it is important to dry your feet thoroughly especially in between the toes. When trimming your toenails, be sure to trim straight across instead of in a rounded shape. It is crucial not to cover up discolored nails with nail polish because that will prevent your nail from being able to “breathe”.

In some cases, surgical procedure may be needed to remove the toenail fungus. Consult with your podiatrist about the best treatment options for your case of toenail fungus.  

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in Dothan, AL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Plantar fibromatosis, also known as Ledderhose disease, is a condition characterized by the formation of non-cancerous nodules in the plantar fascia, the connective tissue along the bottom of the foot. These nodules are typically firm, painless lumps but can cause discomfort and affect foot function as they grow. Common signs include a noticeable bump on the foot's arch and possible pain or pressure when walking. Diagnosing plantar fibroma involves a physical examination by a podiatrist, who will assess the size and location of the nodules. Imaging tests, such as ultrasounds or MRI scans, may be used to confirm the diagnosis and evaluate the extent of the fibromas. If you have a nodule on your foot, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist who can accurately diagnose and treat plantar fibromas.

A plantar fibroma may disrupt your daily activities. If you have any concerns, contact one of our podiatrists of Podiatry Health Center. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Plantar Fibroma

A plantar fibroma is a fibrous knot in the arch of the foot. It is embedded in the plantar fascia which is a band of tissue that extends from the heel to the toes along the bottom of the foot. There can be multiple plantar fibromas in the feet at the same time. There are no known causes for this condition. If you have a plantar fibroma, there will be a bump in the arch of your foot that cannot be missed. Any associated pain is most often due to a shoe rubbing against the nodule. Non-surgical options, such as steroid injections, physical therapy, and orthotics should be tried first. Surgery is a last resort and is the only thing that will remove a plantar fibroma entirely. Consult with a podiatrist for a proper diagnosis and to determine the treatment regimen that is right for you.

What Causes a Plantar Fibroma?

While there are no specific causes identified, a plantar fibroma can possibly come from genetic predisposition or the formation of scar tissue that forms from healing the tears in the plantar fascia.

What Are the Symptoms of a Plantar Fibroma?

There will be a noticeable lump in the arch of the foot that may or may not cause pain. If pain is felt, it is typically because a shoe is rubbing up against the lump or when walking or standing barefoot.

Treatment and Prevention

A plantar fibroma will not disappear without treatment, but it can get smaller and be a non-issue. If pain persists, a podiatrist examines the foot and when the arch of the foot is pressed, pain can be felt down to the toes. An MRI or biopsy might be performed to help diagnose or evaluate the plantar fibroma. The following non-surgical options are generally enough to reduce the size and pain of these nodules:

• Steroid injections
• Orthotics
• Physical therapy to help apply anti-inflammatory creams on the bump 

Surgery is considered if the mass increases in size and the patient continues to feel pain after non-surgical methods are tried.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our office located in Dothan, AL . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.

Achilles tendonitis is an inflammatory condition affecting the largest tendon in the body, which connects the calf muscles to the heel bone. Inflammation of the Achilles tendon often results from repetitive stress and overuse. It is particularly common in athletes or individuals who engage in activities involving intense running, jumping, or abrupt movements. Symptoms typically include pain and stiffness along the tendon, especially in the morning or after periods of inactivity, and swelling or tenderness. To manage Achilles tendinitis, it is important to reduce activities that cause or increase the pain. Resting and taking anti-inflammatory medications can help alleviate symptoms. Stretching and strengthening exercises for the calf muscles are also beneficial in promoting flexibility and support. Wearing supportive footwear or orthotics can provide additional relief by reducing strain on the Achilles tendon. If you have this condition and it persists or worsens, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist.

Achilles tendon injuries need immediate attention to avoid future complications. If you have any concerns, contact one of our podiatrists of Podiatry Health Center. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

What Is the Achilles Tendon?

The Achilles tendon is a tendon that connects the lower leg muscles and calf to the heel of the foot. It is the strongest tendon in the human body and is essential for making movement possible. Because this tendon is such an integral part of the body, any injuries to it can create immense difficulties and should immediately be presented to a doctor.

What Are the Symptoms of an Achilles Tendon Injury?

There are various types of injuries that can affect the Achilles tendon. The two most common injuries are Achilles tendinitis and ruptures of the tendon.

Achilles Tendinitis Symptoms

• Inflammation
• Dull to severe pain
• Increased blood flow to the tendon
• Thickening of the tendon

Rupture Symptoms

• Extreme pain and swelling in the foot
• Total immobility

Treatment and Prevention

Achilles tendon injuries are diagnosed by a thorough physical evaluation, which can include an MRI. Treatment involves rest, physical therapy, and in some cases, surgery. However, various preventative measures can be taken to avoid these injuries, such as:

• Thorough stretching of the tendon before and after exercise
• Strengthening exercises like calf raises, squats, leg curls, leg extensions, leg raises, lunges, and leg presses

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our office located in Dothan, AL . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.