Items filtered by date: October 2022

Gout is a type of arthritis that is characterized by redness, tenderness, swelling of the joints, limited movement, and severe pain. It is caused by the buildup of uric acid in the body. Uric acid is a product of purines, an ingredient in many rich foods, such as seafood, meat, sweet beverages, and alcohol. Crystallization of purines can cause kidney stones, painful arthritis, and the buildup of uric acid crystals in the feet. One with gout can experience intense joint pain that usually affects the large joint in the big toe of the foot as well as other joints of the foot. The pain is worse when it starts and can last from a few days to a few weeks. It can feel like a burning sensation. Other factors that increase uric acid in the body and can cause gout symptoms are obesity, genetic predisposition, gender (with men being more prone to gout than women), and other medical conditions, like diabetes and high blood pressure. If you suspect you have gout, see a podiatrist as soon as possible who can make sure the diagnosis is correct and provide treatment to restore you to pain-free functioning.

Gout is a painful condition that can be treated. If you are seeking treatment, contact Kimberly Woodard, DPM from Pinnacle Foot and Ankle Centers, LLC . Our doctor 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 Port St. Lucie, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Occasionally, flat feet do not self-correct during childhood but move into adulthood, which may cause pain and discomfort. Those who enjoy working out may find their workouts are compromised as a result of living with flat feet. An effective workout for the legs consists of performing squats, and flat feet may cause the lower part of the leg to roll inward, thus affecting the benefits of this exercise. Flat feet may be improved when the foot structure is strengthened to rebuild the arch. An effective exercise that may help consists of pushing hard on the bone at the bottom of the big toe while trying to create an arch as the toe is pushed down. This is an isometric exercise when held for 20 seconds and frequently repeated. If you would like to acquire more information about how having flat feet can affect your workouts, in addition to learning about strength training foot exercises, please confer with a podiatrist who can help you with any questions you may have.

Flatfoot is a condition many people suffer from. If you have flat feet, contact Kimberly Woodard, DPM from Pinnacle Foot and Ankle Centers, LLC . Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.

What Are Flat Feet?

Flatfoot is a condition in which the arch of the foot is depressed and the sole of the foot is almost completely in contact with the ground. About 20-30% of the population generally has flat feet because their arches never formed during growth.

Conditions & Problems:

Having flat feet makes it difficult to run or walk because of the stress placed on the ankles.

Alignment – The general alignment of your legs can be disrupted, because the ankles move inward which can cause major discomfort.

Knees – If you have complications with your knees, flat feet can be a contributor to arthritis in that area.  

Symptoms

• Pain around the heel or arch area
• Trouble standing on the tip toe
• Swelling around the inside of the ankle
• Flat look to one or both feet
• Having your shoes feel uneven when worn

Treatment

If you are experiencing pain and stress on the foot you may weaken the posterior tibial tendon, which runs around the inside of the ankle. 

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

Healthy blood flow, which is known as circulation, is an important part of how we live. The purpose of the circulatory system is to deliver oxygen and nutrients throughout our cells, in addition to clearing out waste materials in the body. The feet are often the first parts of the body to notice if poor circulation exists, and they may become blue, cold, or swollen. Some people develop a tingling sensation or their feet may become numb. Poor circulation is often seen in diabetic patients, and this may be a result of hardened and narrowed arteries. Additionally, people who sit for extended periods may develop poor circulation and it is suggested to walk for small amounts of time during the day to provide adequate movement. Mild relief may occur when compression socks are worn and these may help restore blood flow to the feet. If you suffer from poor circulation in the feet, please confer with a podiatrist who can determine what the cause is as well as provide effective treatment options.

While poor circulation itself isn’t a condition; it is a symptom of another underlying health condition you may have. If you have any concerns with poor circulation in your feet contact Kimberly Woodard, DPM of Pinnacle Foot and Ankle Centers, LLC . Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.

Poor Circulation in the Feet

Peripheral artery disease (PAD) can potentially lead to poor circulation in the lower extremities. PAD is a condition that causes the blood vessels and arteries to narrow. In a linked condition called atherosclerosis, the arteries stiffen up due to a buildup of plaque in the arteries and blood vessels. These two conditions can cause a decrease in the amount of blood that flows to your extremities, therefore resulting in pain.

Symptoms

Some of the most common symptoms of poor circulation are:

• Numbness
• Tingling
• Throbbing or stinging pain in limbs
• Pain
• Muscle Cramps

Treatment for poor circulation often depends on the underlying condition that causes it. Methods for treatment may include insulin for diabetes, special exercise programs, surgery for varicose veins, or compression socks for swollen legs.

As always, see a podiatrist as he or she will assist in finding a regimen that suits you. A podiatrist can also prescribe you any needed medication. 

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

Repeated pressure on the posterior tibial nerve is often the reason for the foot condition known as tarsal tunnel syndrome. This nerve is located inside the tarsal tunnel that is found near the ankle. Tarsal tunnel syndrome can occur when the nerve becomes inflamed. It can happen to people who have flat feet, diabetes, or who have endured an ankle sprain. The symptoms that patients can experience can consist of a burning sensation, a feeling of pins and needles, or may feel like an electric shock. The treatment for this condition can vary from wearing braces or splints to having surgery, and this depends on the severity of the ailment. Custom-made orthotics may be worn to alleviate some of the pressure from this syndrome. If you have this foot condition, it is strongly urged that you contact a podiatrist who can determine why you have it and choose the best treatment option for you.

Tarsal tunnel syndrome can be very uncomfortable to live with. If you are experiencing tarsal tunnel syndrome, contact Kimberly Woodard, DPM of Pinnacle Foot and Ankle Centers, LLC . Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome

Tarsal tunnel syndrome, which can also be called tibial nerve dysfunction, is an uncommon condition of misfiring peripheral nerves in the foot. The tibial nerve is the peripheral nerve in the leg responsible for sensation and movement of the foot and calf muscles. In tarsal tunnel syndrome, the tibial nerve is damaged, causing problems with movement and feeling in the foot of the affected leg.

Common Cause of Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome

• Involves pressure or an injury, direct pressure on the tibial nerve for an extended period of time, sometimes caused by other body structures close by or near the knee.
• Diseases that damage nerves, including diabetes, may cause tarsal tunnel syndrome.
• At times, tarsal tunnel syndrome can appear without an obvious cause in some cases.

The Effects of Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome

• Different sensations, an afflicted person may experience pain, tingling, burning or other unusual sensations in the foot of the affected leg.
• The foot muscles, toes and ankle become weaker, and curling your toes or flexing your foot can become difficult.
• If condition worsens, infections and ulcers may develop on the foot that is experiencing the syndrome.

A physical exam of the leg can help identify the presence of tarsal tunnel syndrome. Medical tests, such as a nerve biopsy, are also used to diagnose the condition. Patients may receive physical therapy and prescriptive medication. In extreme cases, some may require surgery.

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

Morton’s neuroma can be a painful foot condition that results from inflammation of one of the nerves, which is typically found between the third and fourth toes. People who frequently wear high heels may be at risk of developing this ailment due to inadequate room for the toes to move freely. Additionally, people who participate in high-impact sporting activities, like running and basketball, may be prone to Morton’s neuroma. The common symptoms associated with this condition consist of the sensation of having a pebble in the shoe, as well as a numbing or tingling feeling that spreads to the toes. Relief may come from wearing shoes that fit correctly, and it may help to wear custom-made orthotics. If you are suffering from Morton’s neuroma, please consult with a podiatrist who can offer you various treatment techniques.

Morton’s neuroma is a very uncomfortable condition to live with. If you think you have Morton’s neuroma, contact Kimberly Woodard, DPM of Pinnacle Foot and Ankle Centers, LLC . Our doctor will attend to all of your foot care needs and answer any of your related questions.  

Morton’s Neuroma

Morton's neuroma is a painful foot condition that commonly affects the areas between the second and third or third and fourth toe, although other areas of the foot are also susceptible. Morton’s neuroma is caused by an inflamed nerve in the foot that is being squeezed and aggravated by surrounding bones.

What Increases the Chances of Having Morton’s Neuroma?

• Ill-fitting high heels or shoes that add pressure to the toe or foot
• Jogging, running or any sport that involves constant impact to the foot
• Flat feet, bunions, and any other foot deformities

Morton’s neuroma is a very treatable condition. Orthotics and shoe inserts can often be used to alleviate the pain on the forefront of the feet. In more severe cases, corticosteroids can also be prescribed. In order to figure out the best treatment for your neuroma, it’s recommended to seek the care of a podiatrist who can diagnose your condition and provide different treatment options.

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