Items filtered by date: March 2023

There is no mistaking the pain that comes from having gout. There are people that develop gout who experience pain that is so debilitating that they may not be able to walk up the steps. Gout is considered to be a form of arthritis that can happen from genetic reasons, or from eating foods that have high levels of purines. These types of foods include excessive amounts of shellfish, red meat, or drinks that are made with large amounts of sugar. This may cause a build-up of uric acid in the blood, which converts into crystals, and can lodge in the joints of the big toe. People who have existing medical conditions may be prone to getting gout. These can include high blood pressure, diabetes, or who are overweight. Gout attacks can be prevented by incorporating healthy lifestyle habits into the daily regime. This can consist of engaging in a gentle stretching and exercise program, and drinking plenty of water. Additionally, it is important to include fruits and vegetables in the meals, while limiting foods with excess purines. If you have developed gout, it is strongly suggested that you are under the care of a podiatrist who can offer you treatment and prevention techniques.

Gout is a foot condition that requires certain treatment and care. If you are seeking treatment, contact one of our podiatrists from East Ocean Podiatry . Our doctors will treat your foot and ankle needs.

What Is Gout?

Gout is a type of arthritis caused by a buildup of uric acid in the bloodstream. It often develops in the foot, especially the big toe area, although it can manifest in other parts of the body as well. Gout can make walking and standing very painful and is especially common in diabetics and the obese.

People typically get gout because of a poor diet. Genetic predisposition is also a factor. The children of parents who have had gout frequently have a chance of developing it themselves.

Gout can easily be identified by redness and inflammation of the big toe and the surrounding areas of the foot. Other symptoms include extreme fatigue, joint pain, and running high fevers. Sometimes corticosteroid drugs can be prescribed to treat gout, but the best way to combat this disease is to get more exercise and eat a better diet.

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

It is common for some individuals to wake up in the morning with some degree of foot pain. This can be significantly annoying for those who experience morning foot pain or soreness. There are several things that an individual might consider to address morning foot pain. For example, they might perform certain foot stretches to combat this pain. By performing certain gentle stretches in the morning, a patient may be able to potentially alleviate soreness, aches, and even moderate foot pain. These stretches can target different parts of the foot, such as the ankle, heel, arch, and toes. If you are someone that is prone to developing foot pain in the morning time, then it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist to address these issues. 

Stretching the feet is a great way to prevent injuries. If you have any concerns with your feet consult with one of our podiatrists from East Ocean Podiatry . Our doctors will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

Stretching the Feet

Being the backbone of the body, the feet carry your entire weight and can easily become overexerted, causing cramps and pain. As with any body part, stretching your feet can serve many benefits. From increasing flexibility to even providing some pain relief, be sure to give your feet a stretch from time to time. This is especially important for athletes or anyone performing aerobic exercises, but anyone experiencing foot pain or is on their feet constantly should also engage in this practice.

Great ways to stretch your feet:

• Crossing one leg over the others and carefully pull your toes back. Do 10-20 repetitions and repeat the process for each foot
• Face a wall with your arms out and hands flat against the wall. Step back with one foot and keep it flat on the floor while moving the other leg forward. Lean towards the wall until you feel a stretch. Hold for 30 seconds and perform 10 repetitions for each foot
• Be sure not to overextend or push your limbs too hard or you could risk pulling or straining your muscle

Individuals who tend to their feet by regular stretching every day should be able to minimize foot pain and prevent new problems from arising.

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

The feet and ankles are likely areas where excess fluid in the body can accumulate. The medical term for this is called edema, and swelling of the feet is a common condition. This swelling can occur for various reasons, including obesity, eating foods that are salty, and taking certain medications. Additionally, many pregnant women suffer from swollen feet and ankles, and this is a normal part of pregnancy. Swollen feet may also happen due to an allergic reaction, such as an insect bite or sting, or from an ankle injury. It is possible that swollen feet can be reduced by limiting sodium intake, gently stretching and exercising, and frequently elevating the feet. It can be beneficial to sit for short periods of time with the feet elevated and to wear shoes that fit correctly. If you have swollen feet or ankles, it is suggested that you speak with a podiatrist who can determine what the reason is and provide treatment solutions.

Swollen feet can be a sign of an underlying condition. If you have any concerns, contact one of our podiatrists of East Ocean Podiatry . Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Swollen feet are a common ailment among pregnant women and people who stand or sit for extended periods. Aging may increase the possibility of swollen feet and patients who are obese often notice when their feet are swelling too. There may be medical reasons why swollen feet occur:

• Phlebitis - A condition that causes the veins to become inflamed and can also cause leg pain.
• Liver disease - This may lead to low blood levels of albumin which is a protein. This can cause fluid in the blood to pass into the tissues and several areas of the body can become swollen.
• Heart failure - When the heart doesn’t pump properly the blood that is normally pumped back to the heart can pool in the veins of the legs causing swollen feet.
• Kidney disease - One of the main functions of the kidneys is releasing excess fluid in the body. This type of condition can make it difficult for the kidneys to function properly, and as a result the feet may become swollen.
• Deep-vein thrombosis (DVT)- This is a serious condition where blood clots form in the veins of the legs. They can block the return of blood from the legs to the heart which may cause the feet to swell. It is important to be treated by a podiatrist if this condition is present.

Swollen feet can also be caused by bone and tendon conditions, including fractures, arthritis, and tendinitis. Additionally, there may be skin and toenail conditions and an infection may cause the feet to swell. Patients who take medicine to treat high blood pressure may be prone to getting swollen feet. 

Many patients elevate their feet to help relieve the swelling and this is generally a temporary remedy. When a podiatrist is consulted the reason behind the swelling can be uncovered and subsequently treated.

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

Some people refer to orthotics as shoe inserts or foot pads. They are defined as a method to relieve foot pain, in addition to providing heel and arch support. The majority of people take thousands of steps per day, which may result in foot pain. This can make completing daily tasks difficult to accomplish, and relief is often sought. Once the source of the foot pain is identified, one of three types of orthotics may be prescribed. Pressure may be reduced while walking when soft orthotics are worn. These are designed with flexible materials, such as gel or foam. If stability is mostly needed, the choice may be rigid orthotics. They may also aid in having easier mobility. The most common type of orthotics is referred to as semi-rigid, which provides adequate cushioning and shock absorption. If you have foot pain, it is suggested that you speak with a podiatrist who can determine the cause and prescribe the type of orthotics that are right for you.

If you are having discomfort in your feet and would like to try orthotics, contact one of our podiatrists from East Ocean Podiatry . Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

What Are Orthotics?

Orthotics are inserts you can place into your shoes to help with a variety of foot problems such as flat feet or foot pain. Orthotics provide relief and comfort for minor foot and heel pain but can’t correct serious biomechanical problems in your feet.

Over-the-Counter Inserts

Orthotics come in a wide variety of over-the-counter inserts that are used to treat foot pain, heel pain, and minor problems. For example, arch supports can be inserted into your shoes to help correct overarched or flat feet, while gel insoles are often used because they provide comfort and relief from foot and heel pain by alleviating pressure.

Prescription Orthotics

If over-the-counter inserts don’t work for you or if you have a more severe foot concern, it is possible to have your podiatrist prescribe custom orthotics. These high-quality inserts are designed to treat problems such as abnormal motion, plantar fasciitis, and severe forms of heel pain. They can even be used to help patients suffering from diabetes by treating foot ulcers and painful calluses and are usually molded to your feet individually, which allows them to provide full support and comfort.

If you are experiencing minor to severe foot or heel pain, it’s recommended to speak with your podiatrist about the possibilities of using orthotics. A podiatrist can determine which type of orthotic is right for you and allow you to take the first steps towards being pain-free.

If you have any questions please contact our office located in Deerfield Beach, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.