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Gout is a type of inflammatory arthritis caused by the formation of uric acid crystals that settle in joints. High blood urate levels, or hyperuricemia, lead to crystal formation, and this can produce severe pain, stiffness, and swelling, often along the base of the big toe. One often has attacks of gout that can last from 12 hours to two weeks. If not tended to, gout can cause damage to joints, tendons, and other soft tissue that is irreversible. Hyperuricemia can also lead to kidney stones. Many people who suffer from gout have lifestyles, such as being overweight or eating or drinking items with high levels of purines or excess sugar or alcohol, that make them more vulnerable to gout. Those with some diseases, like anemia, psoriasis, and renal disease can also be more apt to get gout. Similarly, people taking certain medications can be more likely to get gout. Men are twice as likely to get gout than women. The chance of getting this ailment increases with age. If you have gout and you are experiencing pain in your big toe, it is suggested that you visit a podiatrist for an examination, treatment, and prevention techniques.
Gout is a painful condition that can be treated. If you are seeking treatment, contact Dr. Thomas Tran from Southwestern Foot & Ankle Associates, P.C.. 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
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, please feel free to contact our office located in Frisco, TX . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.
Gout is a form of arthritis that is caused by a buildup of uric acid crystals in the joints. This considered to be one of the most frequently recorded medical illnesses throughout history. Gout occurrences in the US have risen within the past twenty years and the condition now affects 8.3 million people which is 4% of all Americans. Researchers have found that gout affects men more than women and African-American men more than white men.
Symptoms of gout are warmth, swelling, discoloration, and tenderness in the affected joint area. The small joint on the big toe is the most common place for a gout attack to occur.
People who are obese, gain weight excessively, drink alcohol heavily, have high blood pressure, or have abnormal kidney function are more likely to develop gout. Furthermore, certain drugs and diseases are likely to increase levels of uric acid in the joints which eventually leads to gout. You are also more likely to develop gout if you eat a lot of meat and fish.
Many who experience gout attacks will experience repeated attacks over the years. Some people who have gout symptoms, may never have them again, but others may experience them several times a year. If you have gout symptoms throughout the year, you may have recurrent gout. Those who have gout should also be careful about their urate crystals collecting in their urinary tract, because this may lead to kidney stones.
Diagnosis for gout is done by checking the level of uric acid in the joints and blood. Your podiatrist may also prescribe medicine to reduce uric acid buildup in the blood, which will help prevent any gout attacks.
To treat gout, your podiatrist may also prescribe you Anti-inflammatory medication (NSAIDs) which will relieve the pain and swelling of a gout episode and it can also shorten a gout attack. Maintaining a healthy diet is also a proven method to prevent gout attacks.
You may look great in those high heels or strappy sandals, but studies show that women who wear these types of shoes are at much higher risk of future heel and ankle pain. When you take a step, the foot absorbs a certain amount of shock from your body’s weight. Sneakers and other types of athletic shoes contain enough cushioning to handle the shock and protect the foot. However, this is generally not the case with women’s shoes, and for this reason women report heel and ankle pain in far larger numbers than do men. In fact, more than 60 percent of women who report hind foot pain have worn high heels and pumps at some point in their lives. Therefore, it is believed that past wearing of this type of shoe is a key factor in developing foot pain later in life. If you are having heel and ankle pain, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist for guidance on proper footwear and other treatment options.
High heels have a history of causing foot and ankle problems. If you have any concerns about your feet or ankles, contact Dr. Thomas Tran from Southwestern Foot & Ankle Associates, P.C.. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.
Effects of High Heels on the Feet
High heels are popular shoes among women because of their many styles and societal appeal. Despite this, high heels can still cause many health problems if worn too frequently.
Which Parts of My Body Will Be Affected by High Heels?
What Kinds of Foot Problems Can Develop from Wearing High Heels?
How Can I Still Wear High Heels and Maintain Foot Health?
If you want to wear high heeled shoes, make sure that you are not wearing them every day, as this will help prevent long term physical problems. Try wearing thicker heels as opposed to stilettos to distribute weight more evenly across the feet. Always make sure you are wearing the proper shoes for the right occasion, such as sneakers for exercising. If you walk to work, try carrying your heels with you and changing into them once you arrive at work. Adding inserts to your heels can help cushion your feet and absorb shock. Full foot inserts or metatarsal pads are available.
If you have any questions please feel free to contact our office located in Frisco, TX . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.
High heels are uncomfortable, but many women sacrifice comfort to be stylish. There are many problems that stem from wearing high heels, however these issues can be avoided by wearing proper shoes.
Heels are bad because they push your weight forward toward the fall of the foot. The higher the heel is, the more weight and pressure get shifted. This process causes the back to hyperextend backwards to counterbalance which may cause pain in the leg, hip, and back. Consequently, major posture problems may occur, and these issues may eventually become permanent.
Wearing high heels is one of the leading cause of ingrown toenails. Heels create a great deal of pressure on the big toenails which disrupts proper toenail growth. This may eventually lead to the big toenail growing into the skin. Another common problem that stems from high heels is bunions. If bunions go untreated, they can cause serious scar tissue to form along with severe pain.
However, there are ways to minimize the harmful risks associated with wearing heels. You should try to massage and stretch your legs and feet after wearing heels for an extended time. Stretching helps prevent the Achilles tendons and calf muscles from becoming too tight. A good substitute for heels are platforms which provide a better surface area to evenly distribute the body’s weight.
If you are experiencing any painful foot conditions from wearing high heels, you should consult with your podiatrist right away.
Although cuboid syndrome may not be as well-known as conditions such as plantar fasciitis to novices to the field of podiatry, it is still a widespread foot condition that is important to be aware of. Cuboid syndrome can develop in an individual when the cuboid bone, located on the outside of the center of the foot, moves out of alignment. As a result, a patient may experience some amount of pain. There are several risk factors that are associated with cuboid syndrome, which may make an individual more predisposed to developing the condition. Namely, being overweight can increase one’s chance of developing cuboid syndrome. Also, spraining the foot or training on surfaces that are uneven can increase the risk of cuboid syndrome. Additionally, wearing ill-fitting shoes can make cuboid syndrome more likely. If you believe that you might have cuboid syndrome, it is suggested that you contact a podiatrist today for treatment.
Cuboid syndrome, also known as cuboid subluxation, occurs when the joints and ligaments near the cuboid bone in the foot become torn. If you have cuboid syndrome, consult with Dr. Thomas Tran from Southwestern Foot & Ankle Associates, P.C.. Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.
Cuboid syndrome is a common cause of lateral foot pain, which is pain on the outside of the foot. The condition may happen suddenly due to an ankle sprain, or it may develop slowly overtime from repetitive tension through the bone and surrounding structures.
Causes
The most common causes of cuboid syndrome include:
Symptoms
A common symptom of cuboid syndrome is pain along the outside of the foot which can be felt in the ankle and toes. This pain may create walking difficulties and may cause those with the condition to walk with a limp.
Diagnosis
Diagnosis of cuboid syndrome is often difficult, and it is often misdiagnosed. X-rays, MRIs and CT scans often fail to properly show the cuboid subluxation. Although there isn’t a specific test used to diagnose cuboid syndrome, your podiatrist will usually check if pain is felt while pressing firmly on the cuboid bone of your foot.
Treatment
Just as the range of causes varies widely, so do treatments. Some more common treatments are ice therapy, rest, exercise, taping, and orthotics.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in Frisco, TX . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.
Cuboid syndrome mostly affects athletes, although it can affect non-athletes too. It is also known as cuboid subluxation or cuboid fault syndrome. This condition occurs when joints and ligaments near the cuboid bone of the foot are damaged, or when the cuboid bone itself is dislodged from its natural position. It is usually marked by pain on the outer side of the foot, which may be persistent or may come and go. Cuboid syndrome can be difficult to diagnose unless it becomes severe and more noticeable. Your doctor will likely ask questions about when the pain began and how long it has been present, and will put pressure on the cuboid bone to determine if that area is the origin of the pain.
Causes of Cuboid Syndrome
Disagreements Amongst Podiatrists Regarding Cuboid Syndrome
It is very important that when you experience any kind of pain on the side of your foot, you should seek medical care right away. If a subluxed cuboid is caught early, your feet may respond well to the treatment, and you can get back into sports or other activities again as soon as the pain subsides.
Elderly Americans are very susceptible to falls as they get older. Everyone experiences decreases in flexibility, balance, strength, and the senses as they age. This correlates to some eye-opening statistics. 1 in 4 Americans aged 65 and older fall each year. An elderly American is being treated for a fall in an emergency room every 11 seconds, and every 19 minutes, an older person dies from falling. In light of these striking statistics, one can see the importance of taking steps to prevent falls.
Finding an exercise program for the elderly is an excellent way to reduce the likelihood of falls. Look for an exercise program that improves strength and balance. Elderly people who live a more sedentary lifestyle, with little physical activity, are at an increased risk of falling. Wearing well-fitted footwear that provides good foot support and cushion will help prevent falls from poorly fitted shoes. Talking to a podiatrist about your susceptibility to falls and about inspecting your prescriptions will help to avoid any medication that could make falls more likely. Due to a decline in the senses among the elderly, having your eyes and hearing checked is recommended.
Around half of all falls occur in the household. Removing tripping hazards in the home and making it more accommodating to older persons can significantly reduce falls. Some notable household changes include increasing lighting around the house, installing grab bars in the shower and bathroom, and making sure the floor is clear of clutter. Other smart options include installing a shower chair, using rubber-bottomed rugs, and placing railings on both sides of stairwells.
Finally, discuss with a doctor and your family about your fear of falling. This will help to increase awareness among the population on the need for fall prevention. A lack of awareness on the matter, and a downplaying of importance are what increase the risks of falling. Following these tips can help to reduce the risk for yourself and your loved ones.
Statistics show that at least one-third of people 65 and older fall at least once a year, and many fall multiple times. Here are a few ways to avoid falling at home, which can bring broken bones and hospitalization. Because most falls by seniors occur in the bathroom, here are some suggestions to prevent injury. Make sure the bathroom is well-lit, including night lights, install a shower chair or bench to sit on when bathing, and have non-skid rubberized mats installed on the floor. Having handrails installed in the tub or shower and near the toilet, and ample lighting near the bed and on the way to the bathroom is beneficial. If walking is difficult, especially at night, you may wish to use a bedside commode. Falls may also be caused by other factors, such as medications that cause dizziness, eyeglasses with an outdated prescription, and neuropathy or other underlying illness that make walking difficult. If you have fallen or need more information about preventing a fall, it is suggested that you contact a podiatrist.
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 Dr. Thomas Tran from Southwestern Foot & Ankle Associates, P.C.. 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:
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 our office located in Frisco, TX . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.
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