Items filtered by date: February 2024

Gout, a type of arthritis characterized by sudden and severe pain attacks, can progress through four distinct stages, each posing unique challenges and implications for affected individuals. Initially, the asymptomatic hyperuricemia stage occurs, where elevated uric acid levels accumulate in the blood without any noticeable symptoms. This stage can persist for years before progressing to acute gouty arthritis, marked by sudden and intense joint pain, typically in the big toe. If left untreated, recurrent gout attacks may ensue, leading to the chronic gout stage characterized by frequent flare-ups and potential joint damage. In severe cases, tophaceous gout may develop, characterized by the formation of urate crystals in the joints and surrounding tissues, resulting in visible lumps. While anyone can develop gout, certain factors such as genetics, obesity, dietary habits rich in purines, alcohol consumption, and certain medications increase the risk. If you have developed gout, it is strongly suggested that you are under the care of a podiatrist who can determine which stage you are in, and offer effective relief options.

Gout is a painful condition that can be treated. If you are seeking treatment, contact Dr. Barbara Davis from Gilbert 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 our office located in Gilbert, PA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Foot drop is a condition marked by having difficulty lifting or moving the foot and toes. The foot fails to lift properly, causing a gait that looks like marching. Foot drop typically stems from nerve injuries as the result of sports injuries, spinal issues like slipped discs, or neuropathies associated with conditions such as diabetes. Other causes of drop foot  include inherited conditions like Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease or neurological disorders, such as stroke or multiple sclerosis. Treatment strategies for foot drop are multifaceted, depending on the underlying cause and severity of symptoms. Certain exercises can play an important role in strengthening and stretching muscles to improve function. In addition, braces, splints, or custom orthotics may offer external support and aid in maintaining proper foot positioning. In cases of permanent impairment, surgical joint fusion or nerve repair may be necessary. Electrical nerve stimulation devices also can offer promising therapeutic options, particularly for individuals affected by stroke or multiple sclerosis. If you have symptoms of foot drop, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for an exam and diagnosis, followed by the appropriate treatment options. 

If you have any concerns about your feet, contact Dr. Barbara Davis from Gilbert Podiatry. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Biomechanics in Podiatry

Podiatric biomechanics is a particular sector of specialty podiatry with licensed practitioners who are trained to diagnose and treat conditions affecting the foot, ankle and lower leg. Biomechanics deals with the forces that act against the body, causing an interference with the biological structures. It focuses on the movement of the ankle, the foot and the forces that interact with them.

A History of Biomechanics

• Biomechanics dates back to the BC era in Egypt where evidence of professional foot care has been recorded.
• In 1974, biomechanics gained a higher profile from the studies of Merton Root, who claimed that by changing or controlling the forces between the ankle and the foot, corrections or conditions could be implemented to gain strength and coordination in the area.

Modern technological improvements are based on past theories and therapeutic processes that provide a better understanding of podiatric concepts for biomechanics. Computers can provide accurate information about the forces and patterns of the feet and lower legs.

Understanding biomechanics of the feet can help improve and eliminate pain, stopping further stress to the foot.

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

Improper toenail trimming is a common culprit behind ingrown toenails, a painful condition that occurs when the nail grows into the surrounding skin. The risk of ingrown toenails increases when toenails are trimmed improperly. This includes when toenails are cut too short, rounded at the corners, or not trimmed straight across. To trim toenails correctly and reduce the likelihood of ingrowth, you should follow a few simple steps. Firstly, soften the nails by soaking the feet in warm water for a few minutes. Using sanitized nail clippers, cut the nails straight across, avoiding curved edges. Ensure that the nails remain slightly longer than the skin at the nail's edge. Digging the clippers into the corners of the nails, or trying to create a rounded shape, will increase your chances of developing ingrown toenails. Adopting these toenail-trimming practices will help you maintain healthy, pain-free feet. If you suspect ingrowth, it is suggested you seek an appointment with a podiatrist, who can help you treat ingrown toenails and provide more prevention tips. 

Ingrown toenails may initially present themselves as a minor discomfort, but they may progress into an infection in the skin without proper treatment. For more information about ingrown toenails, contact Dr. Barbara Davis of Gilbert Podiatry. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Ingrown Toenails

Ingrown toenails are caused when the corner or side of a toenail grows into the soft flesh surrounding it. They often result in redness, swelling, pain, and in some cases, infection. This condition typically affects the big toe and may recur if it is not treated properly.

Causes

• Improper toenail trimming
• Genetics
• Improper shoe fitting
• Injury from pedicures or nail picking
• Abnormal gait
• Poor hygiene

You are more likely to develop an ingrown toenail if you are obese, have diabetes, arthritis, or have any fungal infection in your nails. Additionally, people who have foot or toe deformities are at a higher risk of developing an ingrown toenail.

Symptoms

Some symptoms of ingrown toenails are redness, swelling, and pain. In rare cases, there may be a yellowish drainage coming from the nail.

Treatment

Ignoring an ingrown toenail can have serious complications. Infections of the nail border can progress to a deeper soft-tissue infection, which can then turn into a bone infection. You should always speak with your podiatrist if you suspect you have an ingrown toenail, especially if you have diabetes or poor circulation.

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

There are many kinds of arthritis, and one of them could be a cause of your ankle pain. Osteoarthritis, the most common type, occurs when wear and tear on the cartilage that cushions the ends of the bones causes the bones to rub against each other. People with osteoarthritis in their ankle may experience painful joints between the shin and ankle. Rheumatoid arthritis, an autoimmune condition, often causes joint pain in both ankles. Gout is another type of arthritis that can cause ankle pain because of a buildup of uric acid in the body. Gout patients often feel pain in the big toe as one of their first symptoms. Sudden intense pain that lasts for several hours and affects any of the joints, including ankles, can indicate a gout attack. These are not the only forms of arthritis that can lead to ankle pain. Understanding the specific type of arthritis affecting the ankle is important for developing an effective treatment plan. If you are experiencing persistent ankle pain, it is suggested you consult a podiatrist who can help identify the underlying cause of your pain, diagnose types of arthritis, and explore appropriate treatment plans. 

Ankle pain can be caused by a number of problems and may be potentially serious. If you have ankle pain, consult with Dr. Barbara Davis from Gilbert Podiatry. Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

Ankle pain is any condition that causes pain in the ankle. Due to the fact that the ankle consists of tendons, muscles, bones, and ligaments, ankle pain can come from a number of different conditions.

Causes

The most common causes of ankle pain include:

• Types of arthritis (rheumatoid, osteoarthritis, and gout)
• Ankle sprains
• Broken ankles
• Achilles tendinitis
• Achilles tendon rupture
• Stress fractures
• Bursitis
• Tarsal tunnel syndrome
• Plantar fasciitis

Symptoms

Symptoms of ankle injury vary based upon the condition. Pain may include general pain and discomfort, swelling, aching, redness, bruising, burning or stabbing sensations, and/or loss of sensation.

Diagnosis

Due to the wide variety of potential causes of ankle pain, podiatrists will utilize a number of different methods to properly diagnose ankle pain. This can include asking for personal and family medical histories and of any recent injuries. Further diagnosis may include sensation tests, a physical examination, and potentially x-rays or other imaging tests.

Treatment

Just as the range of causes varies widely, so do treatments. Some more common treatments are rest, ice packs, keeping pressure off the foot, orthotics and braces, medication for inflammation and pain, and surgery.

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