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Different Stages of Gout
Gout is a type of arthritis caused by excess uric acid in the bloodstream. This acid can crystallize in the joints and cause symptoms like inflammation, swelling, stiffness, and pain. Gout can affect any joint, but frequently affects the joints of the big toe. Gout can progress into several stages. The first stage is asymptomatic hyperuricemia in which uric acid levels in the blood are elevated but do not cause any noticeable symptoms, although they may cause silent tissue damage. In the acute stage, sudden, painful gout flare ups that last between three days and two weeks can arise. The period between gout attacks is called the interval or intercritical period. If you suffer from gout it is suggested that you seek the care of a podiatrist.
Gout is a painful condition that can be treated. If you are seeking treatment, contact Shaun J. Limon, DPM and Lisa Griffith-Limon, DPM from Limons Foot & Ankle Care. 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 Lakewood Ranch, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.
Signs of a Broken Foot
A foot fracture occurs when one or more of the bones in the foot breaks. This is often due to either a sudden injury or small, repetitive stress injuries to the bones over time. Signs of a broken foot bone include pain that increases upon standing or walking, tenderness, swelling, bruising, numbness, a cracking sound when moving the foot, and an abnormal foot shape. In very severe, open fractures, bits of broken bone may break through the skin and require emergency care. If you suspect that you have broken a bone in your foot, it is strongly suggested that you seek the care of a podiatrist. The podiatrist will be able to diagnose the fracture, determine the extent of the injury, and offer treatments to help you fully recover.
A broken foot requires immediate medical attention and treatment. If you need your feet checked, contact Shaun J. Limon, DPM and Lisa Griffith-Limon, DPM from Limons Foot & Ankle Care. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.
Broken Foot Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment
A broken foot is caused by one of the bones in the foot typically breaking when bended, crushed, or stretched beyond its natural capabilities. Usually the location of the fracture indicates how the break occurred, whether it was through an object, fall, or any other type of injury.
Common Symptoms of Broken Feet:
- Bruising
- Pain
- Redness
- Swelling
- Blue in color
- Numbness
- Cold
- Misshapen
- Cuts
- Deformities
Those that suspect they have a broken foot shoot seek urgent medical attention where a medical professional could diagnose the severity.
Treatment for broken bones varies depending on the cause, severity and location. Some will require the use of splints, casts or crutches while others could even involve surgery to repair the broken bones. Personal care includes the use of ice and keeping the foot stabilized and elevated.
If you have any questions please feel free to contact our offices located in Bradenton and Lakewood Ranch, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.
Read more about Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment for a Broken FootGout Pain Can Be Managed
Gout is a painful, inflammatory form of arthritis. Those affected will typically feel an intense stiffness in the joints of their feet, particularly in the big toe. Schedule a visit to learn about how gout can be managed and treated.
The Three Arches of the Foot
Did you know that there are actually three arches in the foot? The medial longitudinal or inner arch is the one that you may be most familiar with. This is the arch that is found along the center sole of the foot. It is primarily supported by the plantar fascia and is the arch that is absent or invisible during weight bearing in people who have flat feet. The lateral longitudinal or outer arch is located along the outside of each foot. Its proper function depends on the alignment of the cuboid bone inside the midfoot. The transverse or metatarsal arch runs across the top part of the foot near the toe area. All three arches are important for proper foot function. If you are experiencing any foot pain, a podiatrist can closely examine your feet, including your arches, to diagnose the problem and find the right treatment for you.
If you have any concerns about your feet, contact Shaun J. Limon, DPM and Lisa Griffith-Limon, DPM from Limons Foot & Ankle Care. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.
Biomechanics in Podiatry
Podiatric biomechanics is a particular sector of specialty podiatry with licensed practitioners who are trained to diagnose and treat conditions affecting the foot, ankle and lower leg. Biomechanics deals with the forces that act against the body, causing an interference with the biological structures. It focuses on the movement of the ankle, the foot and the forces that interact with them.
A History of Biomechanics
- Biomechanics dates back to the BC era in Egypt where evidence of professional foot care has been recorded.
- In 1974, biomechanics gained a higher profile from the studies of Merton Root, who claimed that by changing or controlling the forces between the ankle and the foot, corrections or conditions could be implemented to gain strength and coordination in the area.
Modern technological improvements are based on past theories and therapeutic processes that provide a better understanding of podiatric concepts for biomechanics. Computers can provide accurate information about the forces and patterns of the feet and lower legs.
Understanding biomechanics of the feet can help improve and eliminate pain, stopping further stress to the foot.
If you have any questions please feel free to contact our offices located in Bradenton and Lakewood Ranch, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.
Read more about The Importance of Biomechanics in PodiatryCauses of Peripheral Neuropathy
Peripheral neuropathy refers to nerve damage of the nerves outside of the central nervous system. The peripheral nerves located in the lower limbs are frequent sites of nerve damage due to neuropathy. There are many potential causes for this condition. These include factors such as alcohol use or vitamin or nutrient deficiency, hereditary disorders, exposure to environmental toxins, or other medical conditions like diabetes, kidney failure, autoimmune diseases, and infections. Cancer patients may develop peripheral neuropathy as a consequence of chemotherapy. Peripheral neuropathy can also occur without a known cause. This is known as idiopathic neuropathy. If you are experiencing symptoms of nerve damage in your lower limbs, such as tingling, numbness, weakness, or coldness, it is suggested that you seek the care of a podiatrist.
Neuropathy
Neuropathy can be a potentially serious condition, especially if it is left undiagnosed. If you have any concerns that you may be experiencing nerve loss in your feet, consult with Shaun J. Limon, DPM and Lisa Griffith-Limon, DPM from Limons Foot & Ankle Care. Our doctors will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment for neuropathy.
What Is Neuropathy?
Neuropathy is a condition that leads to damage to the nerves in the body. Peripheral neuropathy, or neuropathy that affects your peripheral nervous system, usually occurs in the feet. Neuropathy can be triggered by a number of different causes. Such causes include diabetes, infections, cancers, disorders, and toxic substances.
Symptoms of Neuropathy Include:
- Numbness
- Sensation loss
- Prickling and tingling sensations
- Throbbing, freezing, burning pains
- Muscle weakness
Those with diabetes are at serious risk due to being unable to feel an ulcer on their feet. Diabetics usually also suffer from poor blood circulation. This can lead to the wound not healing, infections occurring, and the limb may have to be amputated.
Treatment
To treat neuropathy in the foot, podiatrists will first diagnose the cause of the neuropathy. Figuring out the underlying cause of the neuropathy will allow the podiatrist to prescribe the best treatment, whether it be caused by diabetes, toxic substance exposure, infection, etc. If the nerve has not died, then it’s possible that sensation may be able to return to the foot.
Pain medication may be issued for pain. Electrical nerve stimulation can be used to stimulate nerves. If the neuropathy is caused from pressure on the nerves, then surgery may be necessary.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in Lakewood Ranch, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.
Are Bunions Affecting Your Everyday Life?
Have you noticed a bony protrusion on the side of your big toe? If so, you may have developed the foot condition known as a bunion. Don't let bunions interfere with your daily activities.
Rest and Stretching May Help Sever’s Disease
Children who enjoy participating in running and jumping activities may be more prone to developing a foot condition that is known as Sever’s disease. Young athletes can suffer from this painful foot condition that affects the heel. Sever's disease occurs as a result of an inflammation that affects the growth plate in the heel, and typically targets children between the ages of nine and twelve. Additionally, it may come from wearing shoes that do not fit correctly, which can put stress on the heel. Children often limp when this condition is present, and physical activity may have to stop as the healing process occurs. There are specific stretches that can be performed which may help to diminish existing pain and discomfort, in addition to possibly accelerating healing. If you notice your child is limping due to heel pain, please consult with a podiatrist who can properly diagnose and treat Sever's disease.
Sever's disease often occurs in children and teens. If your child is experiencing foot or ankle pain, see Shaun J. Limon, DPM and Lisa Griffith-Limon, DPM from Limons Foot & Ankle Care. Our doctors can treat your child’s foot and ankle needs.
Sever’s Disease
Sever’s disease is also known as calcaneal apophysitis, which is a medical condition that causes heel pain I none or both feet. The disease is known to affect children between the ages of 8 and 14.
Sever’s disease occurs when part of the child’s heel known as the growth plate (calcaneal epiphysis) is attached to the Achilles tendon. This area can suffer injury when the muscles and tendons of the growing foot do not keep pace with bone growth. Therefore, the constant pain which one experiences at the back of the heel will make the child unable to put any weight on the heel. The child is then forced to walk on their toes.
Symptoms
Acute pain – Pain associated with Sever’s disease is usually felt in the heel when the child engages in physical activity such as walking, jumping and or running.
Highly active – Children who are very active are among the most susceptible in experiencing Sever’s disease, because of the stress and tension placed on their feet.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our offices located in Bradenton and Lakewood Ranch, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle injuries.
Read more about Sever's DiseaseObesity Can Make Foot Problems More Likely
Obesity can affect many parts of the body - and the feet are no exception. Obesity, defined as a body mass index (BMI) of 30 or more, is a threat to the health of your feet. People who are obese are at an increased risk of foot problems, including plantar fasciitis, Achilles tendonitis, and arthritis, because of the pressure that excess body weight puts on the muscles, ligaments, and joints of the feet and ankles. People who are obese are also at an increased risk of developing type II diabetes, a systemic condition that can lead to poor circulation, nerve damage, and poorly healing wounds in the lower limbs. If you are overweight or obese and suffering from foot pain, seeing a podiatrist can help you get the care you need.
Obesity has become very problematic at this point in time and can have extremely negative effects on the feet. If you’re an obese individual and are concerned about your feet, contact Shaun J. Limon, DPM and Lisa Griffith-Limon, DPM from Limons Foot & Ankle Care. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.
Obesity and Your Feet
Since your feet are what support your entire weight when standing, any additional weight can result in pain and swelling. Being overweight is one of the main contributors to foot complications.
Problems & Complications
Extra Weight – Even putting on just a few extra pounds could create serious complications for your feet. As your weight increases, your balance and body will shift, creating new stresses on your feet. This uneven weight distribution can cause pain, even while doing the simplest tasks, such as walking.
Diabetes – People who are overweight are at serious risk of developing type-2 diabetes, which has a drastic impact on the health of your feet. As you get older, your diabetes might worsen, which could lead to loss of feeling in your feet, sores, and bruises. You could also become more prone to various infections.
Plantar fasciitis – Pressure and stress that is placed on muscles, joints, and tendons can trigger plantar fasciitis, which is an inflammation of tissue that forms along the bottom of the foot.
If you have any questions please feel free to contact our office located in Lakewood Ranch, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.
Are You Suffering From Ingrown Toenails?
If left untreated, an ingrown toenail can lead to more serious concerns, such as an infection. Knowing proper nail care can help in the prevention of an ingrown toenail. Give us a call, and get treated!
Certain Foot Conditions May Cause Severe Pain
There are numerous seniors who suffer from foot disorders. Many foot conditions can cause intense pain, and can make accomplishing daily activities difficult. Additionally, balance may be affected, and it may cause falling episodes. Each foot is constructed of twenty-six bones, and several ligaments, tendons, and muscles. The feet endure the weight of the body, and the majority of people stand or walk for approximately four hours per day. As the aging process occurs, the feet may change shape, and lose a portion of the cushioning that is located in the heels. The arches can lose their flexibility, which can lead to stiff joints and ankles. There are foot conditions that can cause a considerable amount of pain, including corns, hammertoes, and Achilles tendonitis. If you have any type of foot pain, it is strongly suggested that you confer with a podiatrist who can properly diagnose your condition and offer the best treatment options for you.
Foot Pain
Foot pain can be extremely painful and debilitating. If you have a foot pain, consult with Shaun J. Limon, DPM and Lisa Griffith-Limon, DPM from Limons Foot & Ankle Care. Our doctors will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.
Causes
Foot pain is a very broad condition that could be caused by one or more ailments. The most common include:
- Bunions
- Hammertoes
- Plantar Fasciitis
- Bone Spurs
- Corns
- Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome
- Ingrown Toenails
- Arthritis (such as Gout, Rheumatoid, and Osteoarthritis)
- Flat Feet
- Injury (from stress fractures, broken toe, foot, ankle, Achilles tendon ruptures, and sprains)
- And more
Diagnosis
To figure out the cause of foot pain, podiatrists utilize several different methods. This 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
Treatment depends upon the cause of the foot pain. Whether it is resting, staying off the foot, or having surgery; podiatrists have a number of treatment options available for foot pain.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our offices located in Bradenton and Lakewood Ranch, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.
Read more about Foot PainMore...
Everyday Foot Care Made Simple
Many people often underestimate the role their feet have in their everyday lives. They are considered to be the foundation of the body and can be taken for granted until there are foot complications. There are methods that can be implemented which can make the feet feel at their best and help make daily activities easier to accomplish. These can include washing the feet daily, followed by applying a good moisturizer on them. Additionally, it may help the skin on the feet when a pumice stone is frequently used, and this is often useful in removing existing dead skin. Sweaty feet may benefit from using an antifungal powder or spray daily, and this may be conducive in controlling athlete's foot. Additionally, ingrown toenails may be prevented when the toenails are trimmed correctly. Podiatrists are aware of proven methods that can help with everyday foot care, and it is suggested that you confer with this type of doctor for the correct information.
Everyday foot care is very important to prevent infection and other foot ailments. If you need your feet checked, contact Shaun J. Limon, DPM and Lisa Griffith-Limon, DPM from Limons Foot & Ankle Care. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.
Everyday Foot Care
Often, people take care of their bodies, face and hair more so than they do for their feet. But the feet are a very important aspect of our bodies, and one that we should pay more attention to. Without our feet, we would not be able to perform most daily tasks.
It is best to check your feet regularly to make sure there are no new bruises or cuts that you may not have noticed before. For dry feet, moisturizer can easily be a remedy and can be applied as often as necessary to the affected areas. Wearing shoes that fit well can also help you maintain good foot health, as well as making it easier to walk and do daily activities without the stress or pain of ill-fitting shoes, high heels, or even flip flops. Wearing clean socks with closed shoes is important to ensure that sweat and bacteria do not accumulate within the shoe. Clean socks help to prevent Athlete’s foot, fungi problems, bad odors, and can absorb sweat.
If you have any questions please feel free to contact our offices located in Bradenton and Lakewood Ranch, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.
Read more about Everyday Foot CareDo Your Child's Feet Hurt?
Have your child's feet been examined lately? Healthy feet are happy feet. If your child is complaining of foot pain, it may be a sign of underlying problems.
What Should I Do About My Ingrown Toenail?
An ingrown toenail occurs when the edge of the nail grows into the surrounding skin rather than over it. This can make the surrounding skin red, tender, swollen, and painful. The nails on the big toes are frequently affected. If you notice an ingrown toenail on your foot, soaking the foot in warm, soapy water for 10 to 20 minutes three times per day and pushing the skin away from the nail bed may help within one or two weeks. Applying a corticosteroid cream to the area can reduce inflammation. Taking action to prevent future ingrown toenails is also important. You should always trim the toenails straight across and not too short using nail clippers. You should also avoid wearing tight or narrow shoes that crowd the toes. If home treatment does not improve your ingrown toenail, or if symptoms worsen, please seek the care of a podiatrist.
Ingrown toenails can become painful if they are not treated properly. For more information about ingrown toenails, contact Shaun J. Limon, DPM and Lisa Griffith-Limon, DPM of Limons Foot & Ankle Care. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.
Ingrown Toenails
Ingrown toenails occur when a toenail grows sideways into the bed of the nail, causing pain, swelling, and possibly infection.
Causes
- Bacterial infections
- Improper nail cutting such as cutting it too short or not straight across
- Trauma to the toe, such as stubbing, which causes the nail to grow back irregularly
- Ill-fitting shoes that bunch the toes too close together
- Genetic predisposition
Prevention
Because ingrown toenails are not something found outside of shoe-wearing cultures, going barefoot as often as possible will decrease the likeliness of developing ingrown toenails. Wearing proper fitting shoes and using proper cutting techniques will also help decrease your risk of developing ingrown toenails.
Treatment
Ingrown toenails are a very treatable foot condition. In minor cases, soaking the affected area in salt or antibacterial soaps will not only help with the ingrown nail itself, but also help prevent any infections from occurring. In more severe cases, surgery is an option. In either case, speaking to your podiatrist about this condition will help you get a better understanding of specific treatment options that are right for you.
If you have any questions please feel free to contact our offices located in Bradenton and Lakewood Ranch, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.
Read more about Ingrown Toenail CareWounds That Don't Heal Need to Be Checked
Your feet are covered most of the day. If you're diabetic, periodic screening is important for good health. Numbness is often a sign of diabetic foot and can mask a sore or wound.
