Gout is a form of inflammatory arthritis that leads to sudden and intense joint pain, often affecting the big toe and usually occurring at night. It can also target the other toes as well as the ankles. Gout arises from having high levels of uric acid in the blood. This substance forms from the breakdown of purines found in foods like red meat, organ meats, certain seafood, sugary sodas, and beer. Excess uric acid can form needle-like crystals in the joints that cause severe pain and swelling. Men are three times more likely to develop gout than women, particularly after age 40. Women become more susceptible post-menopausal because of a decrease in estrogen levels. Risk factors for gout include a diet high in purine-rich foods, high-fructose corn syrup, excessive alcohol consumption, obesity, and a family history of gout. Chronic conditions like diabetes, kidney disease, and certain high blood pressure medications are other factors. A podiatrist can diagnose gout through joint fluid analysis, blood tests, and imaging to detect uric acid crystals. If you have sudden and severe pain in the big toe that may be due to gout, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for a diagnosis and treatment options.

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.

Choosing the right hiking shoes is important for both comfort and safety on the trail. When picking your hiking footwear, focus on protection, comfort, and weight. Your shoes should protect your feet from cuts and environmental damage and prevent blisters even after long hikes. Lightweight shoes help to conserve energy, making each step easier. While high-cuff boots are thought to offer ankle support, they often don't make a significant difference and may increase the risk of ankle rolls. Experts suggest performing strengthening exercises as an effective way to improve ankle stability. Breathable shoes  allow your feet to dry quickly, which reduces the chance of blisters. Waterproof shoes can become heavy and waterlogged, making your hike more strenuous. Don’t overlook the importance of good socks. Seamless, cushioned wool socks are ideal, providing both durability and quick drying. Hiking shoes combine the best aspects of boots and trail runners, offering a balance of protection, comfort, and durability. They tend to last longer and provide the necessary support while being lighter and more flexible than traditional boots. If you experience foot pain after hiking, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist for an exam and treatment.

It is important to find shoes that fit you properly in order to avoid a variety of different foot problems. For more information about treatment, contact one of the podiatrists from Ark La Tex Foot & Ankle Specialists. Our doctors will treat your foot and ankle needs.

Proper Shoe Fitting

Shoes have many different functions. They cushion our body weight, protect our feet, and allow us to safely play sports. You should always make sure that the shoes you wear fit you properly in order to avoid injuries and deformities such as: bunions, corns, calluses, hammertoes, plantar fasciitis, stress fractures, and more. It is important to note that although a certain pair of shoes might be a great fit for someone else, that doesn’t mean they will be a great fit for you. This is why you should always try on shoes before buying them to make sure they are worth the investment. Typically, shoes need to be replaced ever six months to one year of regular use.

Tips for Proper Shoe Fitting

• Select a shoe that is shaped like your foot
• Don’t buy shoes that fit too tight, expecting them to stretch to fit
• Make sure there is enough space (3/8” to ½”) for your longest toe at the end of each shoe when you are standing up
• Walk in the shoes to make sure they fit and feel right
• Don’t select shoes by the size marked inside the shoe, but by how the shoe fits your foot

The shoes you buy should always feel as good as they look. Shoes that fit properly will last longer, feel better, and improve your way of life each day.

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.

A bunion, medically known as hallux valgus, is a bony bump that forms on the joint at the base of the big toe, causing the toe to deviate toward the others. It occurs due to pressure on the big toe joint, often from wearing tight or ill-fitting shoes, genetics, or foot stress. Bunions can cause pain, swelling, redness, and difficulty in walking. They may also lead to other foot problems such as calluses, corns, and hammertoes. Management options depend on the severity of the bunion and the pain it causes. For mild cases, a wait and see approach can be effective, with changes in footwear to alleviate pressure. Orthotic devices, such as custom shoe inserts, can provide support and relieve pain. When conservative treatments fail and pain or deformity is severe, surgery may be necessary to realign the bone, ligaments, and tendons. If you have a bunion that is causing you discomfort, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist who can determine what the best treatment approach is for you.

If you are suffering from bunion pain, 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 Is a Bunion?

Bunions are painful bony bumps that usually develop on the inside of the foot at the joint of the big toe. As the deformity increases over time, it may become painful to walk and wear shoes. Women are more likely to exacerbate existing bunions since they often wear tight, narrow shoes that shift their toes together. Bunion pain can be relieved by wearing wider shoes with enough room for the toes.

Causes

• Genetics – some people inherit feet that are more prone to bunion development
• Inflammatory Conditions - rheumatoid arthritis and polio may cause bunion development

Symptoms

• Redness and inflammation
• Pain and tenderness
• Callus or corns on the bump
• Restricted motion in the big toe

In order to diagnose your bunion, your podiatrist may ask about your medical history, symptoms, and general health. Your doctor might also order an x-ray to take a closer look at your feet. Nonsurgical treatment options include orthotics, padding, icing, changes in footwear, and medication. If nonsurgical treatments don’t alleviate your bunion pain, surgery may be necessary.

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.

Limb salvage surgery is a critical procedure used to avoid foot or toe amputation due to severe injuries, infections, or cancers. During the surgery, doctors remove the damaged or diseased parts of the foot while preserving as much healthy tissue as possible. This requires advanced reconstruction techniques to keep the foot functional. Limb salvage surgery helps patients maintain physical abilities and provides significant emotional benefits to enhance the overall quality of their lives. Complex Infections, such as osteomyelitis, can destroy bone and surrounding tissue, requiring careful surgical intervention. Additionally, conditions like bone cancers, severe diabetic ulcers, and peripheral artery disease can severely impair blood flow and tissue health, making limb salvage surgery necessary to prevent amputation. If you or someone you know struggles with severe trauma, infections, bone cancers, diabetic ulcers, or poor circulation affecting your feet, it is suggested you make an appointment with a podiatrist for evaluation and treatment options.

Limb salvage can be an effective way in preventing the need for limb amputation. If you have diabetes, cancer, or any other condition that could lead to foot amputation if left unchecked, consult with one of the podiatrists from Ark La Tex Foot & Ankle Specialists. Our doctors will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

What Is Limb Salvage?

Limb salvage is the attempt of saving a limb, such as the foot from amputation. Podiatrists also try to make sure that there is enough function in the foot after the salvage that it is still usable. Diabetes is the number one cause of non-traumatic amputations in the United States. Those with diabetes experience poor blood circulation, which prevents proper healing of an ulcer. If the ulcer is left uncheck, it could become infected, which could result in the need for amputation.

However, there are other causes as well, such as cancer and traumatic injury. Links between higher mortality rates and amputation have been found. This translates into higher healthcare costs, and a reduced quality of life and mobility for amputees. Podiatrists have attempted to increase the prevalence of limb salvage in an attempt to solve these issues.

Diagnosis and Treatment

Limb salvage teams have grown in recent years that utilize a number of different treatments to save the infected limb. This includes podiatrists that specialize in wound care, rehabilitation, orthotics, and surgery. Through a combination of these methods, limb salvage has been found to be an effective treatment for infected limbs, and as an alternative to amputation. Podiatrists will first evaluate the potential for limb salvage and determine if the limb can be saved or must be amputated. 

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.

Heel spurs are bony growths that develop on the underside of the heel bone, often causing pain and discomfort, especially when walking or standing for long periods. They typically form in response to strain on the muscles and ligaments of the foot. Heel spurs are commonly associated with conditions like plantar fasciitis or repetitive stress injuries. Factors such as obesity, wearing unsupportive shoes, and having high arches or flat feet can also contribute to the development of heel spurs. Symptoms may include sharp pain in the heel, especially during the first steps in the morning or after a long period of rest. There are numerous options when it comes to treating or preventing the formation of heel spurs. Rest, stretching exercises, orthotic inserts, injections, or surgery in more severe cases may be necessary. If you are experiencing symptoms of heel spurs, it is suggested you seek professional evaluation and treatment from a podiatrist to ensure your pain is alleviated and your health is protected.

Heel spurs can be incredibly painful and sometimes may make you unable to participate in physical activities. To get medical care for your heel spurs, contact one of the podiatrists from Ark La Tex Foot & Ankle Specialists. Our doctors will do everything possible to treat your condition.

Heels Spurs

Heel spurs are formed by calcium deposits on the back of the foot where the heel is. This can also be caused by small fragments of bone breaking off one section of the foot, attaching onto the back of the foot. Heel spurs can also be bone growth on the back of the foot and may grow in the direction of the arch of the foot.

Older individuals usually suffer from heel spurs and pain sometimes intensifies with age. One of the main condition's spurs are related to is plantar fasciitis.

Pain

The pain associated with spurs is often because of weight placed on the feet. When someone is walking, their entire weight is concentrated on the feet. Bone spurs then have the tendency to affect other bones and tissues around the foot. As the pain continues, the feet will become tender and sensitive over time.

Treatments

There are many ways to treat heel spurs. If one is suffering from heel spurs in conjunction with pain, there are several methods for healing. Medication, surgery, and herbal care are some options.

If you have any questions feel free to contact our offices located in Shreveport and Bossier City, LA . We offer the latest in diagnostic and treatment technology to meet your needs.