Gout is a type of arthritis that is caused by a buildup of uric acid in the bloodstream. When uric acid deposits in the joints, it crystallizes and causes symptoms such as pain, swelling, and inflammation. Gout frequently affects the joints of the feet, and specifically the big toe joint. This condition can sometimes be managed by modifying your diet. Foods that are high in purines, such as red meat, can cause the body to produce more uric acid. Therefore, their consumption should be limited. Instead, opt for foods that are low in purines, such as green vegetables, fruits, nuts, dairy products, and eggs. If you experience frequent gout flare ups, please consult with a podiatrist who can help treat and manage this condition.

Gout is a foot condition that requires certain treatment and care. If you are seeking treatment, contact one of our podiatrists from Advanced Foot & Ankle Center. Our doctors 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 offices located in Texarkana and, Mount Pleasant, TX and Nashville, AR . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Patients who are afflicted with a bunion may choose to have surgery that can permanently repair this foot condition. A bunion is defined as a large, bony protrusion that develops on the bottom of the big toe. Common causes for a bunion to form can include genetic factors, or from wearing shoes that do not fit correctly. For severe bunions, many patients consider having surgery repair the affected joint. Additionally, bunion surgery may be successful in correcting the ligaments and tendons that may have shifted from the growing bunion. If you have a bunion, and are considering having surgery performed, it is strongly suggested that a podiatrist be consulted for an in depth discussion about the risks and rewards of bunion surgery.

If you are suffering from bunions, contact one of our podiatrists of Advanced Foot & Ankle Center. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

What Is a Bunion?

A bunion is formed of swollen tissue or an enlargement of boney growth, usually located at the base joint of the toe that connects to the foot. The swelling occurs due to the bones in the big toe shifting inward, which impacts the other toes of the foot. This causes the area around the base of the big toe to become inflamed and painful.

Why Do Bunions Form?

Genetics – Susceptibility to bunions are often hereditary

Stress on the feet – Poorly fitted and uncomfortable footwear that places stress on feet, such as heels, can worsen existing bunions

How Are Bunions Diagnosed?

Doctors often perform two tests – blood tests and x-rays – when trying to diagnose bunions, especially in the early stages of development. Blood tests help determine if the foot pain is being caused by something else, such as arthritis, while x-rays provide a clear picture of your bone structure to your doctor.

How Are Bunions Treated?

• Refrain from wearing heels or similar shoes that cause discomfort
• Select wider shoes that can provide more comfort and reduce pain
• Anti-inflammatory and pain management drugs
• Orthotics or foot inserts
• Surgery

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our offices located in Texarkana and, Mount Pleasant, TX and Nashville, AR . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Custom orthotics, or shoe inserts, should be periodically replaced. Orthotics must fit properly to give you the best results. Protect your feet and ankles!

With over 125,000 sweat glands in the feet, it’s no wonder that everyone’s feet sweat occasionally. However, if you experience persistently slimy feet and struggle to keep them dry throughout the day, you may have plantar hyperhidrosis. This unpleasant and uncomfortable condition can also cause other embarrassing problems like foot odor and toenail fungus. You can try to manage plantar hyperhidrosis by washing your feet often, wearing cotton or moisture-absorbing socks, soaking your feet in black tea, applying anti-fungal powders or antiperspirant, and staying hydrated. If these home remedies don’t offer relief, you may consider contacting a podiatrist who can offer an array of medical treatments and procedures to help your condition.

If you are suffering from hyperhidrosis contact one of our podiatrists of Advanced Foot & Ankle Center. Our doctors can provide the care you need to attend to all of your foot and ankle needs.

Hyperhidrosis of the Feet

Hyperhidrosis is a rare disorder that can cause people to have excessive sweating of their feet. This can usually occur all on its own without rigorous activity involved. People who suffer from hyperhidrosis may also experience sweaty palms.

Although it is said that sweating is a healthy process meant to cool down the body temperature and to maintain a proper internal temperature, hyperhidrosis may prove to be a huge hindrance on a person’s everyday life.

Plantar hyperhidrosis is considered to be the main form of hyperhidrosis. Secondary hyperhidrosis can refer to sweating that occurs in areas other than the feet or hands and armpits. Often this may be a sign of it being related to another medical condition such as menopause, hyperthyroidism and even Parkinson’s disease.

In order to alleviate this condition, it is important to see your doctor so that they may prescribe the necessary medications so that you can begin to live a normal life again. If this is left untreated, it is said that it will persist throughout an individual’s life.

A last resort approach would be surgery, but it is best to speak with your doctor to find out what may be the best treatment for you.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our offices located in Texarkana and, Mount Pleasant, TX and Nashville, AR . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.