Items filtered by date: April 2023

The arthritic condition known as gout often causes extreme pain. The foot ailment affects the joints in the big toe, causing redness and swelling. Gout can develop for genetic reasons or from specific types of foods that are consumed, which are laden with purines. These can include red meat, shellfish, and drinks that are made with large amounts of sugar. Excess uric acid can be produced from these foods and converted into crystals that lodge in the joints of the big toe. People generally experience a gout attack for approximately one week, but it may resurface if eating habits are not changed. Episodes of gout may be prevented by drinking plenty of fresh water and engaging in a gentle exercise program. It is also beneficial to include fresh vegetables and fruits in your diet and to limit foods that have excess purines. If you are afflicted with gout, it is strongly suggested that you confer with a podiatrist who can guide you toward management and prevention techniques. 

Gout is a foot condition that requires certain treatment and care. If you are seeking treatment, contact Dr. Scott Peters from Ankle & Foot Walk-In Clinic. Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.

What Is Gout?

Gout is a type of arthritis caused by a buildup of uric acid in the bloodstream. It often develops in the foot, especially the big toe area, although it can manifest in other parts of the body as well. Gout can make walking and standing very painful and is especially common in diabetics and the obese.

People typically get gout because of a poor diet. Genetic predisposition is also a factor. The children of parents who have had gout frequently have a chance of developing it themselves.

Gout can easily be identified by redness and inflammation of the big toe and the surrounding areas of the foot. Other symptoms include extreme fatigue, joint pain, and running high fevers. Sometimes corticosteroid drugs can be prescribed to treat gout, but the best way to combat this disease is to get more exercise and eat a better diet.

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

A broken toe is a common foot injury, and can be caused for various reasons. If a heavy object suddenly drops on it, or if it is stubbed into a piece of furniture, it may fracture. Some people gradually develop a broken toe from increasing speed and distance too quickly while running, and this may be considered to be a type of stress fracture. Common symptoms of a broken toe can include immediate bruising, a reduced range of motion, and it can be difficult to walk. If the fracture is severe, there may be a popping sound that is heard when the injury occurs, and the bone may protrude from the skin. Most people who have broken their toe will have a diagnosis performed that can confirm this, which is done by having an X-ray taken. Treatment for mildly broken toes can consist of using the buddy taping method. This is accomplished by taping the affected toe to the toe next to it. This is often successful in providing the necessary stability as the toe heals. If you have broken your toe, it is suggested that you consult with a podiatrist who can properly treat this condition.

A broken toe can be very painful and lead to complications if not properly fixed. If you have any concerns about your feet, contact Dr. Scott Peters from Ankle & Foot Walk-In Clinic. Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.

What to Know About a Broken Toe

Although most people try to avoid foot trauma such as banging, stubbing, or dropping heavy objects on their feet, the unfortunate fact is that it is a common occurrence. Given the fact that toes are positioned in front of the feet, they typically sustain the brunt of such trauma. When trauma occurs to a toe, the result can be a painful break (fracture).

Symptoms of a Broken Toe

• Throbbing pain
• Swelling
• Bruising on the skin and toenail
• The inability to move the toe
• Toe appears crooked or disfigured
• Tingling or numbness in the toe

Generally, it is best to stay off of the injured toe with the affected foot elevated.

Severe toe fractures may be treated with a splint, cast, and in some cases, minor surgery. Due to its position and the pressure it endures with daily activity, future complications can occur if the big toe is not properly treated.

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

The majority of people that have pain in their second toe have endured an injury. It can happen if a heavy object drops on it, or from accidentally kicking something hard. Pain in this toe may cause difficulty while walking, in addition to affecting balance. The toe can become sprained, and this affects the ligament that connects two or more bones. A toe sprain can happen if the toe is twisted beyond its normal range of motion, or possibly from falling. The symptoms of a sprained second toe can include bruising, swelling, and intense pain. An X-ray can be taken to rule out a fracture, and this can be followed by beginning the correct treatment. This can consist of using the buddy taping method, which is done by taping the sprained toe to the toe next to it. This is generally successful in providing the necessary stability as it heals. If you have pain in your toes, it is suggested that you seek the counsel of a podiatrist who can guide you to the treatment that is best for you.

Toe pain can disrupt your daily activities. If you have any concerns, contact Dr. Scott Peters of Ankle & Foot Walk-In Clinic. Our doctor 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 office located in Mayfield Village, OH . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.

The Achilles tendon is located in the lower portion of the back of the leg, and it connects the calf muscles to the heel. An injury can cause this tendon to partially or completely tear and this can happen as a result of repetitive stress on the feet and ankles. This can occur from increasing speed and distance too quickly while running, and the symptoms are generally immediate. These can include hearing a popping sound when the injury happens, and it is often impossible to move the ankle. Additionally, the pain is typically in the back of the leg, and it may be swollen. There is another type of Achilles tendon injury that is known as Achilles tendinitis. Some fibers are found inside this tendon, and non-insertional Achilles tendinitis occurs when the fibers in the middle of the tendon are affected. Intense physical activity may cause insertional Achilles tendinitis to happen, which affects the fibers in the lower area of the tendon. If you have developed an Achilles tendon injury, it is strongly suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist who can effectively diagnose and treat this condition.

Achilles tendon injuries need immediate attention to avoid future complications. If you have any concerns, contact Dr. Scott Peters of Ankle & Foot Walk-In Clinic. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

What Is the Achilles Tendon?

The Achilles tendon is a tendon that connects the lower leg muscles and calf to the heel of the foot. It is the strongest tendon in the human body and is essential for making movement possible. Because this tendon is such an integral part of the body, any injuries to it can create immense difficulties and should immediately be presented to a doctor.

What Are the Symptoms of an Achilles Tendon Injury?

There are various types of injuries that can affect the Achilles tendon. The two most common injuries are Achilles tendinitis and ruptures of the tendon.

Achilles Tendinitis Symptoms

• Inflammation
• Dull to severe pain
• Increased blood flow to the tendon
• Thickening of the tendon

Rupture Symptoms

• Extreme pain and swelling in the foot
• Total immobility

Treatment and Prevention

Achilles tendon injuries are diagnosed by a thorough physical evaluation, which can include an MRI. Treatment involves rest, physical therapy, and in some cases, surgery. However, various preventative measures can be taken to avoid these injuries, such as:

• Thorough stretching of the tendon before and after exercise
• Strengthening exercises like calf raises, squats, leg curls, leg extensions, leg raises, lunges, and leg presses

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our office located in Mayfield Village, OH . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.