Gout is a type of arthritis which causes uric acid crystals to form on joints—most commonly in the big toe. Symptoms may include pain, inflammation, redness, and limited range of motion. Gout was first identified around 2640 B.C. in ancient Egypt, and has been studied by countless scientists and physicians dating back to Hippocrates who called it “the unwalkable disease”. Uric acid crystals from a gouty deposit were first seen under a microscope in 1679, and the 19th century chemist, Emil Fischer’s, work established the relationship between uric acid and purine—which can raise levels of uric acid in the body. Some famous people who may have experienced gout include King Henry III, Sir Issac Newton, Ben Franklin, Sir Lawrence Olivier, David Wells, Jim Belushi, and Jared Leto—after gaining 60 lbs. for a movie role. Risk factors include eating a diet high in purines, a family history of gout, obesity, certain medical conditions and medications, and more. If you have pain or inflammation in your big toe, make an appointment with a podiatrist for an examination.

Gout is a painful condition that can be treated. If you are seeking treatment, contact one of our podiatrists from Romeo Foot & Ankle Clinic. 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 Washington and Shelby Townships, MI . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

As the feet age, they begin to experience more wear and tear. The joints in the feet become stressed, and the skin becomes thinner and less elastic. Signs of aging feet include aches and pains, development of bunions, circulatory issues and the toes beginning to curl up. Because foot issues can be debilitating, older patients should take care of their feet. Common things that can be done to help reduce the effects of aging include exercise, general foot care (proper toenail trimming, checking for problems to detect them early, and moisturizing the feet), and wearing properly fitting shoes. Another key to help with aging feet is having an annual check with a podiatrist. Visiting a podiatrist can help find issues such as diabetes or poor circulation, and podiatrists can help treat common foot problems like bunions, ingrown toenails, and cracked heels.

Proper foot care is something many older adults forget to consider. If you have any concerns about your feet and ankles, contact one of our podiatrists from Romeo Foot & Ankle Clinic. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

The Elderly and Their Feet

As we age we start to notice many changes in our body, but the elder population may not notice them right away. Medical conditions may prevent the elderly to take notice of their foot health right away. Poor vision is a lead contributor to not taking action for the elderly.

Common Conditions 

• Neuropathy – can reduce feeling in the feet and can hide many life-threatening medical conditions.
• Reduced flexibility – prevents the ability of proper toenail trimming, and foot cleaning. If left untreated, it may lead to further medical issues.
• Foot sores – amongst the older population can be serious before they are discovered. Some of the problematic conditions they may face are:
• Gouging toenails affecting nearby toe
• Shoes that don’t fit properly
• Pressure sores
• Loss of circulation in legs & feet
• Edema & swelling of feet and ankles

Susceptible Infections

Diabetes and poor circulation can cause general loss of sensitivity over the years, turning a simple cut into a serious issue.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our offices located in Washington and Shelby Townships, MI . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Osteoarthritis, the type of arthritis that is associated with aging, can affect any joints in the body, including the big toe joint. As we age, the cartilage that lines joints breaks down due to wear and tear, causing symptoms such as swelling, pain, and stiffness in the affected joints. Osteoarthritis in the big toe can cause tenderness, achiness, and joint pain in the toe in its initial stages. As the arthritis progresses, you may also begin to feel burning or nerve pain in the toe. The symptoms are typically present at rest, and particularly after long periods of sitting or inactivity. Arthritis can also lead to excess bone growth in the big toe, causing the joint to fuse and become immobile. If you have symptoms of arthritis in your toes, please see a podiatrist for treatment.

Arthritis can be a difficult condition to live with. If you are seeking treatment, contact one of our podiatrists from Romeo Foot & Ankle Clinic. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Arthritic Foot Care  

Arthritis is a joint disorder that involves the inflammation of different joints in your body, such as those in your feet. Arthritis is often caused by a degenerative joint disease and causes mild to severe pain in all affected areas. In addition to this, swelling and stiffness in the affected joints can also be a common symptom of arthritis.

In many cases, wearing ill-fitting shoes can worsen the effects and pain of arthritis. Wearing shoes that have a lower heel and extra room can help your feet feel more comfortable. In cases of rheumatoid arthritis, the arch in your foot may become problematic. Buying shoes with proper arch support that contour to your feet can help immensely.

Alleviating Arthritic Pain

• Exercises that stretch the foot can prevent further pain and injury and increase mobility
• Most of the pain can be alleviated with anti-inflammatory drugs, heat, and topical medications
• Massages can help temporarily alleviate pain.

It is best to see your doctor for the treatment that is right for your needs and symptoms. Conditions vary, and a podiatrist can help you determine the right method of care for your feet.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our offices located in Washington and Shelby Townships, MI . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.

Warts that grow on the soles of feet are known as plantar warts. These fleshy, grainy patches of raised skin are known for their characteristic tiny, black dots that appear at their centers. Plantar warts are caused by the contagious human papillomavirus (HPV) entering the feet through a crack in the skin. Unlike other types of warts, plantar warts grow inwards, which can make walking uncomfortable. Warts on the feet generally respond well to treatment. If you have plantar warts that are causing you pain or discomfort, are discolored, show signs of infection such as bleeding, scabbing, and pus drainage, or if you have diabetes or an immune deficiency, you should see a podiatrist who can treat the warts and teach you how to prevent recurrences.

Plantar warts can be very uncomfortable. If you need your feet checked, contact one of our podiatrists from Romeo Foot & Ankle Clinic. Our doctors will assist you with all of your foot and ankle needs.

About Plantar Warts

Plantar warts are the result of HPV, or human papillomavirus, getting into open wounds on the feet. They are mostly found on the heels or balls of the feet.

While plantar warts are generally harmless, those experiencing excessive pain or those suffering from diabetes or a compromised immune system require immediate medical care. Plantar warts are easily diagnosed, usually through scraping off a bit of rough skin or by getting a biopsy.

Symptoms

• Lesions on the bottom of your feet, usually rough and grainy
• Hard or thick callused spots
• Wart seeds, which are small clotted blood vessels that look like little black spots
• Pain, discomfort, or tenderness of your feet when walking or standing

Treatment

• Freezing
• Electric tool removal
• Laser Treatment
• Topical Creams (prescription only)
• Over-the-counter medications

To help prevent developing plantar warts, avoid walking barefoot over abrasive surfaces that can cause cuts or wounds for HPV to get into. Avoiding direct contact with other warts, as well as not picking or rubbing existing warts, can help prevent the further spread of plantar warts. However, if you think you have developed plantar warts, speak to your podiatrist. He or she can diagnose the warts on your feet and recommend the appropriate treatment options.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our offices located in Washington and Shelby Townships, MI . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.