August 2024

Gout is a painful form of inflammatory arthritis that can affect anyone but is more prevalent in men. It results from the buildup of uric acid in the blood, which leads to the formation of sharp crystals within the joints. The big toe is often the first joint to be affected, but gout inflammation can also flare up in the ankles, knees, wrists, and fingers. Symptoms of gout usually come on suddenly, often at night, and can include excruciating pain, redness, swelling, and extreme tenderness in the affected joint. The pain can be so severe that even the touch of a bedsheet may feel unbearable. Without treatment, these painful episodes can last for days, and over time, the frequency and intensity of attacks may increase. A podiatrist can provide a thorough diagnosis and recommend effective treatments to manage this condition and prevent further joint damage. If you are experiencing flares of gout, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist for treatment.

Gout is a painful condition that can be treated. If you are seeking treatment, contact one of our podiatrists from Foothill Podiatry Clinic. 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 office located in Grass Valley, CA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Walking and running shoes are designed with distinct features to accommodate the different needs of each activity. Walking shoes typically offer more flexibility and cushioning in the heel and arch to support the rolling motion of the foot during walking. They often have a more rigid sole to provide stability and promote a natural gait. Conversely, running shoes feature more shock absorption and cushioning in the heel and forefoot to handle the higher impact and repetitive stress of running. They are designed with more advanced shock-absorbing materials and often have a curved sole to enhance propulsion and forward motion. While both types of shoes aim to provide comfort and support, choosing the right shoe for your activity can help prevent injuries and improve performance. Foot injuries may happen from wearing the wrong type of shoe for your desired form of exercise, and can be treated by a podiatrist. If this applies to you, it is suggested that you contact this type of doctor who can offer treatment solutions, in addition to guiding you on choosing the right type of running or walking shoe.

For more information about walking shoes versus running shoes, consult with one of our podiatrists from Foothill Podiatry Clinic. Our doctors can measure your feet to determine what your needs are and help you find an appropriate pair of footwear.

Foot Health: The Differences between Walking & Running Shoes

There are great ways to stay in shape: running and walking are two great exercises to a healthy lifestyle. It is important to know that running shoes and walking shoes are not interchangeable. There is a key difference on how the feet hit the ground when someone is running or walking. This is why one should be aware that a shoe is designed differently for each activity.

You may be asking yourself what the real differences are between walking and running shoes and the answers may shock you.

Differences

Walking doesn’t involve as much stress or impact on the feet as running does. However, this doesn’t mean that you should be any less prepared. When you’re walking, you land on your heels and have your foot roll forward. This rolling motion requires additional support to the feet.

Flexibility – Walking shoes are designed to have soft, flexible soles. This allows the walker to push off easily with each step.

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

If you are struggling with heel pain, a key step toward relief is to clearly describe the pain's location to your podiatrist. The source of heel pain can vary widely depending on where it occurs. For instance, pain at the back of the heel might point to issues with the Achilles tendon, the bursa, soft tissues, bones, or the heel’s growth plate. Pain on the bottom of the heel could be due to plantar fasciitis or fat pad atrophy. Treatment options are tailored to the specific cause of your pain. In addition to reviewing your medical history, your podiatrist will conduct a physical examination and may use tests or imaging studies like X-rays or ultrasounds to pinpoint the exact problem. If heel pain is affecting your daily life, it is suggested you make an appointment with a podiatrist to get a precise diagnosis, and start on the path to relief.

Many people suffer from bouts of heel pain. For more information, contact one of our podiatrists of Foothill Podiatry Clinic. 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 office located in Grass Valley, CA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Corns are thickened areas of skin that develop in response to pressure or friction, typically on toes or feet. They form as a protective response, often due to wearing ill-fitting shoes or repetitive rubbing. There are two main types of foot corns. Hard corns are small, concentrated areas of hardened skin on the tops or sides of toes. Soft corns are found between toes where moisture accumulates. Both types can cause discomfort or pain, especially while walking or wearing shoes. Relief can be found through gentle exfoliation, using a pumice stone or foot file to reduce thickness, followed by moisturizing with creams to soften the skin. Wearing properly fitting shoes with adequate toe room can help prevent recurrence. In severe cases, it is suggested you consult a podiatrist for professional treatment, such as trimming or padding, which may be necessary to alleviate discomfort and promote healthy skin.

Corns can make walking very painful and should be treated immediately. If you have questions regarding your feet and ankles, contact one of our podiatrists of Foothill Podiatry Clinic. Our doctors will treat your foot and ankle needs.

Corns: What Are They? And How Do You Get Rid of Them?
Corns are thickened areas on the skin that can become painful. They are caused by excessive pressure and friction on the skin. Corns press into the deeper layers of the skin and are usually round in shape.

Ways to Prevent Corns
There are many ways to get rid of painful corns such as:

• Wearing properly fitting shoes that have been measured by a professional
• Wearing shoes that are not sharply pointed or have high heels
• Wearing only shoes that offer support

Treating Corns

Although most corns slowly disappear when the friction or pressure stops, this isn’t always the case. Consult with your podiatrist to determine the best treatment option for your case of corns.

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