Gout is a form of inflammatory arthritis that often affects the big toe joint of the foot. It develops when uric acid builds up in the bloodstream and forms sharp crystals inside a joint. The pain usually begins suddenly, often during the night, and the joint may appear red, swollen, and extremely tender to touch. Even light pressure from a bedsheet can feel intense. Patients often describe the pain as burning or throbbing, and the skin around the joint may feel warm or tight. Common causes include high uric acid levels related to diet, dehydration, problems with kidney function, or genetics. A podiatrist can help diagnose gout through an examination, medical history, and sometimes blood tests or imaging. Treatment focuses on calming the inflammation and preventing future attacks. Care may include medication, supportive footwear, and guidance on lifestyle changes that reduce uric acid levels. Early treatment can protect the joint from long-term damage and reduce repeated flare-ups. If you think you may have gout, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist. 

Gout is a painful condition that can be treated. If you are seeking treatment, contact Melissa C. Verde, DPM from Florida. 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 Longwood, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Healthcare workers spend long hours standing and walking, which makes wearing proper footwear essential for comfort, safety, and injury prevention. Wearing well-fitted, supportive shoes helps reduce strain on the feet, ankles, and lower legs, which can lower the risk of conditions such as plantar fasciitis, tendon irritation, and joint discomfort. Protective, slip-resistant footwear can also help guard against workplace hazards, including exposure to blood-borne pathogens and other fluids that may be present in medical environments. Wearing supportive shoes can also help reduce muscle fatigue by providing cushioning and stability throughout demanding shifts. A podiatrist can evaluate foot structure, recommend proper footwear, and address developing foot problems. If foot pain or fatigue affects work performance, it is suggested that you promptly consult a podiatrist who can guide you on correct shoes to wear for ease and foot protection during your work day. 

While working on the feet, it is important to take the proper care of them. For more information about working on your feet, contact Melissa C. Verde, DPM from Florida. Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.

Working on Your Feet

Standing on your feet for long periods of time can cause stress and pain in your feet. Your whole body may experience change in terms of posture, back pain, bunions, callouses and or plantar warts. There are ways to avoid these conditions with proper foot care, smart choices and correct posture.

Positive Changes

Negative heeled shoe – Choosing this shoe type places the heel slightly lower than the ball of the foot. These are great for overall foot health. Find shoes that fit you correctly.

Go barefoot – Our feet were not designed to be enclosed for all hours of the day. Try to periodically expose your feet to air.

Eliminate Pain

Foot Exercises – Performing simple exercises, incorporating yoga and doing stretches are beneficial. This will allow increased blood flow to the area and muscles of the foot.

Achilles tendon – Stretching the foot out flat on the floor will relax the calf muscles and tendon. These exercises can be performed almost anywhere. Make sure you add these exercises to your daily regimen. 

With a little bit of this information and knowing more about foot health, you will notice changes. Foot stretches and proper footwear will help with pain and prevent further issues.

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

Pain under the heel is a frequent complaint and can stem from several conditions. The most common cause is plantar fasciitis involving irritation of the thick band of tissue that supports the arch. This often leads to sharp discomfort with the first steps in the morning, or after long periods of rest. Tenderness is usually felt along the bottom of the heel. Another source may be a stress injury to the heel bone. This type of pain often worsens with activity, and may feel deeper or more constant. Nerve irritation can also create burning, tingling, or shooting sensations that travel into the arch. In some cases, thinning of the natural fat pad under the heel reduces cushioning and leads to soreness when standing on hard surfaces. Because symptoms can overlap, a careful examination is important. If you have ongoing pain beneath your heel, it is suggested that you see a podiatrist for a proper diagnosis and appropriate treatment.

Many people suffer from bouts of heel pain. For more information, contact Melissa C. Verde, DPM of Florida. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Causes of Heel Pain

Heel pain is often associated with plantar fasciitis. The plantar fascia is a band of tissues that extends along the bottom of the foot. A rip or tear in this ligament can cause inflammation of the tissue.

Achilles tendonitis is another cause of heel pain. Inflammation of the Achilles tendon will cause pain from fractures and muscle tearing. Lack of flexibility is also another symptom.

Heel spurs are another cause of pain. When the tissues of the plantar fascia undergo a great deal of stress, it can lead to ligament separation from the heel bone, causing heel spurs.

Why Might Heel Pain Occur?

• Wearing ill-fitting shoes                
• Wearing non-supportive shoes
• Weight change           
• Excessive running

Treatments

Heel pain should be treated as soon as possible for immediate results. Keeping your feet in a stress-free environment will help. If you suffer from Achilles tendonitis or plantar fasciitis, applying ice will reduce the swelling. Stretching before an exercise like running will help the muscles. Using all these tips will help make heel pain a condition of the past.

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

An ankle fracture is more than a broken bone. It affects how the ankle moves, bears weight, and stays stable. Treatment today focuses on restoring normal mechanics so the joint can function well long term. Fixing the back part of the ankle helps support the joint surface and improves overall stability. The syndesmosis, which connects the two lower leg bones, must be properly stabilized to keep the ankle aligned during walking. Repairing the deltoid ligament on the inner ankle may be needed when the joint remains unstable after bone repair. In some cases, the fibula on the outer ankle can be stabilized from the inside with a nail, which may reduce soft tissue disruption. Early, protected weightbearing is sometimes encouraged to promote healing and stiffness prevention. Because each fracture behaves differently, it is suggested that you see a podiatrist for individualized treatment planning.

Broken ankles need immediate treatment. If you are seeking treatment, contact Melissa C. Verde, DPM from Florida. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet. 

Broken Ankles
A broken ankle is experienced when a person fractures their tibia or fibula in the lower leg and ankle area. Both of these bones are attached at the bottom of the leg and combine to form what we know to be our ankle.

When a physician is referring to a break of the ankle, he or she is usually referring to a break in the area where the tibia and fibula are joined to create our ankle joint. Ankles are more prone to fractures because the ankle is an area that suffers a lot of pressure and stress. There are some obvious signs when a person experiences a fractured ankle, and the following symptoms may be present.

Symptoms of a Fractured Ankle

• Excessive pain when the area is touched or when any pressure is placed on the ankle
• Swelling around the area
• Bruising of the area
• Area appears to be deformed

If you suspect an ankle fracture, it is recommended to seek treatment as soon as possible. The sooner you have your podiatrist diagnose the fracture, the quicker you’ll be on the way towards recovery.

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