Gout is a form of inflammatory arthritis that often affects the joint at the base of the big toe. It is caused by a buildup of uric acid crystals in the joint, which leads to sudden and intense pain. Symptoms include redness, swelling, warmth, and extreme tenderness in the affected area, sometimes making it difficult to walk or even wear a sock. The pain often starts at night and may feel sharp, throbbing, or burning. Triggers for gout can include a diet high in purines, alcohol consumption, dehydration, certain medications, and underlying health conditions. A podiatrist can help diagnose gout through a physical examination, patient history, and possibly lab tests to measure uric acid levels. Treatment options may involve anti-inflammatory medications, dietary recommendations, lifestyle changes, and long-term management strategies to prevent future flare-ups. If you experience sudden foot pain or suspect gout, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist to receive proper care and relief.

Gout is a painful condition that can be treated. If you are seeking treatment, contact one of our podiatrists from North Penn Podiatry. 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 Lansdale, and King of Prussia, PA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Wearing high heels places the feet in an unnatural position that forces extra pressure on the forefoot and alters balance. This design pushes the toes together, leading to common conditions such as hammertoe, bunions, and corns. Over time, the unnatural alignment can also strain ligaments and joints, causing pain and difficulty walking comfortably. These issues can become progressive if not addressed early. A podiatrist can evaluate foot structure, provide custom orthotics, recommend footwear modifications, and offer treatments to relieve pain and prevent long-term damage. If you experience foot pain from wearing high heels, it is recommended that you consult a podiatrist who can diagnose and treat various foot conditions and provide guidance on more suitable shoes for better foot health.

High heels have a history of causing foot and ankle problems. If you have any concerns about your feet or ankles, contact one of our podiatrists from North Penn Podiatry. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Effects of High Heels on the Feet

High heels are popular shoes among women because of their many styles and societal appeal.  Despite this, high heels can still cause many health problems if worn too frequently.

Which Parts of My Body Will Be Affected by High Heels?

• Ankle Joints
• Achilles Tendon – May shorten and stiffen with prolonged wear
• Balls of the Feet
• Knees – Heels cause the knees to bend constantly, creating stress on them
• Back – They decrease the spine’s ability to absorb shock, which may lead to back pain.  The vertebrae of the lower back may compress.

What Kinds of Foot Problems Can Develop from Wearing High Heels?

• Corns
• Calluses
• Hammertoe
• Bunions
• Morton’s Neuroma
• Plantar Fasciitis

How Can I Still Wear High Heels and Maintain Foot Health?

If you want to wear high heeled shoes, make sure that you are not wearing them every day, as this will help prevent long term physical problems.  Try wearing thicker heels as opposed to stilettos to distribute weight more evenly across the feet.  Always make sure you are wearing the proper shoes for the right occasion, such as sneakers for exercising.  If you walk to work, try carrying your heels with you and changing into them once you arrive at work.  Adding inserts to your heels can help cushion your feet and absorb shock. Full foot inserts or metatarsal pads are available. 

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our offices located in Lansdale, and King of Prussia, PA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Peripheral nerve damage, often linked to diabetes, frequently affects the feet and ankles before other areas of the body. Peripheral nerve damage disrupts normal nerve function, and leads to tingling, burning sensations, numbness, or weakness. Many people describe it as a pins-and-needles feeling that often worsens at night. Loss of sensation in the feet increases the risk of unnoticed cuts, blisters, or sores, which can progress into infections or ulcers. Over time, untreated nerve damage may also contribute to changes in foot structure, bone stress, and joint pain. Because sensation is reduced, balance and walking can become difficult, further increasing the risk of falls and injuries. A podiatrist can perform detailed foot exams, check for circulation and skin changes, and recommend effective treatment to protect the feet from long-term damage. If you are experiencing foot problems related to peripheral neuropathy, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for an exam and ongoing managed care.

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 one of our podiatrists from North Penn Podiatry. 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 offices located in Lansdale, and King of Prussia, PA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Running on a treadmill offers both benefits and drawbacks when it comes to the health of your feet. A treadmill provides a predictable surface, which can reduce the risk of tripping on uneven ground. It also may lessen impact on the ankles and toes compared to running on harder outdoor surfaces. The consistent motion of the belt can also help runners refine cadence, allowing shorter strides that place less strain on the feet and lower legs. However, treadmill running does not engage all of the stabilizing muscles around the feet and ankles in the same way as outdoor running, which may reduce strength in those areas over time. The repetitive motion can also place added pressure on the balls of the feet, leading to soreness or stress injuries. A podiatrist can assess running style, provide guidance on footwear, and recommend treatment if injuries develop. If you experience foot pain after running, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist for an exam, diagnosis, and treatment.

All runners should take extra precaution when trying to avoid injury. If you have any concerns about your feet, contact one of our podiatrists of North Penn Podiatry. Our doctors will treat your foot and ankle needs.

How to Prevent Running Injuries

There are a lot of mistakes a runner can make prior to a workout that can induce injury. A lot of athletes tend to overstretch before running, instead of saving those workouts for a post-run routine. Deep lunges and hand-to-toe hamstring pulls should be performed after a workout instead of during a warmup. Another common mistake is jumping into an intense routine before your body is physically prepared for it. You should try to ease your way into long-distance running instead of forcing yourself to rush into it.

More Tips for Preventing Injury

• Incorporate Strength Training into Workouts - This will help improve the body’s overall athleticism
• Improve and Maintain Your Flexibility – Stretching everyday will help improve overall performance
• “Warm Up” Before Running and “Cool Down” Afterward – A warm up of 5-10 minutes helps get rid of lactic acid in the muscles and prevents delayed muscle soreness
• Cross-Training is Crucial
• Wear Proper Running Shoes
• Have a Formal Gait Analysis – Poor biomechanics can easily cause injury

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our offices located in Lansdale, and King of Prussia, PA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.