Gout can be extremely painful. It is a foot condition that is a form of arthritis and causes the joints in the big toe to become inflamed. Women who have gone through menopause and men who are over 40 years old may be prone to developing gout. Additionally, patients who are diabetic, have high blood pressure, and are overweight may be a target for gout. It can occur from factors like genetics or from eating certain types of foods. These can include foods that have purines, such as shellfish, red meat, and drinks made with large amounts of sugar. Uric acid is produced from purines, and an excess amount of this can lodge in the joints of the big toe. Accompanying symptoms often include debilitating pain, and the affected toe may be red and swollen. Preventive measures can include monitoring glucose levels, drinking plenty of water, and engaging in a gentle exercise routine. Gout can happen once or people can get frequent attacks, and if this applies to you, it is suggested that you consult with a podiatrist who can help you manage this condition. 

Gout is a painful condition that can be treated. If you are seeking treatment, contact one of the podiatrists from Ark La Tex Foot & Ankle Specialists. 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 offices located in Shreveport and Bossier City, LA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

From the ankle to the toes are about 26 bones and over 30 joints, not to mention numerous tendons, muscles, and ligaments. These all combine to carry the body’s weight whenever you take a step. It is no wonder, then, that experts have recommended that to promote healthy feet, a daily foot exercise regime is important. This can begin before you get up in the morning by flexing the ankles to stretch the calf muscles, which may have become tightened overnight. This occurs because the toes usually point downward during sleep. Hold the flexed position for about 15 seconds, and repeat about 10 times. The muscles on the bottom of the feet benefit from some exercise, too. A simple way to accomplish this is to move the foot back and forth over a foot roller, or a bottle of water if you don’t have a roller, for about five minutes. To strengthen the arches, stand on the toes and hold the pose briefly before slowing lowering the heel. Repeat about 15 times. You may wish to hold onto a wall or chair back for balance. For more information on how to increase the strength and mobility of your feet, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist.

Exercising your feet regularly with the proper foot wear is a great way to prevent injuries and build strength. If you have any concerns about your feet, contact one of the podiatrists from Ark La Tex Foot & Ankle Specialists. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Exercise for Your Feet

Exercise for your feet can help you gain strength, mobility and flexibility in your feet. They say that strengthening your feet can be just as rewarding as strengthening another part of the body. Your feet are very important, and we often forget about them in our daily tasks. But it is because of our feet that are we able to get going and do what we need to. For those of us fortunate enough to not have any foot problems, it is an important gesture to take care of them to ensure good health in the long run.

Some foot health exercises can include ankle pumps, tip-toeing, toe rises, lifting off the floor doing reps and sets, and flexing the toes. It is best to speak with Our doctors to determine an appropriate regimen for your needs. Everyone’s needs and bodies are different, and the activities required to maintain strength in the feet vary from individual to individual. 

Once you get into a routine of doing regular exercise, you may notice a difference in your feet and how strong they may become.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our offices located in Shreveport and Bossier City, LA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Pregnancy and swollen feet are linked, especially during the third trimester. Swollen feet may occur from decreased circulation and the blood becoming thicker during pregnancy. The growing fetus requires additional nutrients from the blood and may affect circulation too. Relief may be found when the feet are elevated and when gentle stretching exercises are performed. It is beneficial to reduce or eliminate salt intake, in addition to drinking plenty of water daily. Walking is a suggested method to increase blood circulation. It is important to wear comfortable shoes as this can make it more appealing to walk. Compression stockings may help the blood flow easier from the heart to the feet. Please consult a podiatrist for more information on finding relief from swollen feet during pregnancy.

Pregnant women with swollen feet can be treated with a variety of different methods that are readily available. For more information about other cures for swollen feet during pregnancy, consult with one of the podiatrists from Ark La Tex Foot & Ankle Specialists. Our doctors will attend to all of your foot and ankle needs.

What Foot Problems Can Arise During Pregnancy?

One problem that can occur is overpronation, which occurs when the arch of the foot flattens and tends to roll inward.  This can cause pain and discomfort in your heels while you’re walking or even just standing up, trying to support your baby.  

Another problem is edema, or swelling in the extremities. This often affects the feet during pregnancy but tends to occur in the later stages. 

How Can I Keep My Feet Healthy During Pregnancy?

• Wearing orthotics can provide extra support for the feet and help distribute weight evenly
• Minimize the amount of time spent walking barefoot
• Wear shoes with good arch support
• Wear shoes that allow for good circulation to the feet
• Elevate feet if you experience swelling
• Massage your feet
• Get regular, light exercise, such as walking, to promote blood circulation to the feet

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our offices located in Shreveport and Bossier City, LA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Toe pain can be mildly irritating to debilitating. Common causes of toe pain are arthritis, bunions, and nail conditions. Such pain can come on suddenly or develop over time. As tiny as toes are, they contain a total of 14 bones, as well as joints, muscles, tendons, ligaments, nerves, and blood vessels. All these things can become injured, infected, or prone to other conditions that cause pain. Arthritis can lead to stiffness, swelling, and pain in toe joints. A bunion is a bony growth on the outside of the big toe joint that can cause irritation and deformity. An ingrown toenail can cause pain, especially when it rubs against a shoe and is infected. If you experience persistent toe pain, visit a podiatrist who can diagnose the problem and provide treatment for relief.

Toe pain can disrupt your daily activities. If you have any concerns, contact one of the podiatrists of Ark La Tex Foot & Ankle Specialists. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

What Causes Toe Pain?

Most severe toe pain is caused due to a sports injury, trauma from dropping something heavy on the toe, or bumping into something rigid. Other problems can develop over time for various reasons.

Toe pain can be caused by one or more ailments. The most common include:

• Trauma
• Sports injury
• Wearing shoes that are too tight
• Arthritis
• Gout
• Corns and calluses
• Hammertoe
• Bunions
• Blisters
• Ingrown toenails
• Sprains
• Fractures (broken bones)
• Dislocations

When to See a Podiatrist

• Severe pain
• Persistent pain that lasts more than a week
• Signs of infection
• Continued swelling
• Pain that prevents walking

Diagnosis

In many cases the cause of toe pain is obvious, but in others, a podiatrist may want to use more advanced methods to determine the problem. These can range from simple visual inspections and sensation tests to X-rays and MRI scans. Prior medical history, family medical history, and any recent physical traumatic events will all be taken into consideration for a proper diagnosis.

Treatment

Treatments for toe pain and injuries vary and may include shoe inserts, padding, taping, medicines, injections, and in some cases, surgery. If you believe that you have broken a toe, please see a podiatrist as soon as possible.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our offices located in Shreveport and Bossier City, LA . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.

Heel pain can happen for a variety of reasons. While it can be caused by a systemic illness, such as gout or rheumatoid arthritis, it often develops from overuse. Common causes of heel pain include plantar fasciitis, heel spurs, and Achilles tendonitis. Plantar fasciitis is an inflammation of the plantar fascia, the band of tissue that runs from the heel to the toes on the sole of the foot. This can happen when the plantar fascia is overloaded or overstretched and small tears may develop. A heel spur is an abnormal bony growth at the junction of the plantar fascia and heel bone. A spur can come from strain on the plantar fascia and muscles of the foot. Achilles tendonitis is an inflammation of the Achilles tendon. It is triggered by overuse, particularly excessive jumping in sports. With all these conditions, ill fitting or worn out shoes can aggravate the problem. If you have heel pain that does not respond to rest, shoes that fit well, and are appropriate for your activity, please see a podiatrist who can properly diagnose the problem and provide treatment.

Many people suffer from bouts of heel pain. For more information, contact one of the podiatrists of Ark La Tex Foot & Ankle Specialists. Our doctors 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 contact our offices located in Shreveport and Bossier City, LA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.