Gout is a type of arthritis that is caused by excess uric acid in the bloodstream crystallizing and lodging in the joints. It frequently affects the joints of the big toes, which causes sudden and intense pain, swelling, redness, warmth, and stiffness. Certain people are more at risk of developing gout than others. People who have medical conditions such as diabetes, kidney disease, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and osteoarthritis should be vigilant of any gout symptoms. Gout is also associated with obesity and with diets high in purines, which are found in seafood and red meat. Certain medications can increase uric acid levels in the body, which may lead to gout. Men are more likely to develop gout prior to the age of 60, while both men and women aged 60 and over have an equal risk of developing gout. Finally, gout may be more likely in people with a family history of this condition. If you have gout or are at risk for it, please consult with a podiatrist, who can help you get the right treatments and teach you strategies to prevent gout. 

Gout is a foot condition that requires certain treatment and care. If you are seeking treatment, contact one of our podiatrists from The Podiatry Center, PC. 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 office located in Millburn, NJ . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Cuboid syndrome is a condition in which the cuboid bone, located near the center of the foot, becomes displaced. If you’re a runner, this is a problem that you should watch out for. Your feet absorb shock up to two and a half times your body weight when you run. When all of the foot bones are properly aligned, your feet can absorb the shock without much discomfort. However, when the cuboid bone is displaced the feet can’t absorb shock as efficiently leading to foot pain, swelling, reduced range of motion, and difficulty bearing weight on the affected foot. Cuboid syndrome may occur in conjunction with an ankle sprain, or it can be caused by poor foot biomechanics or injury. If you are experiencing any foot pain please seek the care of a podiatrist.

Cuboid syndrome, also known as cuboid subluxation, occurs when the joints and ligaments near the cuboid bone in the foot become torn. If you have cuboid syndrome, consult with one of our podiatrists from The Podiatry Center, PC. Our doctors will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

Cuboid syndrome is a common cause of lateral foot pain, which is pain on the outside of the foot. The condition may happen suddenly due to an ankle sprain, or it may develop slowly overtime from repetitive tension through the bone and surrounding structures.

Causes

The most common causes of cuboid syndrome include:

• Injury – The most common cause of this ailment is an ankle sprain.
• Repetitive Strain – Tension placed through the peroneus longus muscle from repetitive activities such as jumping and running may cause excessive traction on the bone causing it to sublux.
• Altered Foot Biomechanics – Most people suffering from cuboid subluxation have flat feet.

Symptoms

A common symptom of cuboid syndrome is pain along the outside of the foot which can be felt in the ankle and toes. This pain may create walking difficulties and may cause those with the condition to walk with a limp.

Diagnosis

Diagnosis of cuboid syndrome is often difficult, and it is often misdiagnosed. X-rays, MRIs and CT scans often fail to properly show the cuboid subluxation. Although there isn’t a specific test used to diagnose cuboid syndrome, your podiatrist will usually check if pain is felt while pressing firmly on the cuboid bone of your foot.

Treatment

Just as the range of causes varies widely, so do treatments. Some more common treatments are ice therapy, rest, exercise, taping, and orthotics.

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

A common fungal infection that affects many people worldwide is athlete’s foot. It can cause the skin between the toes and on the bottom of the foot to become red, inflamed, and uncomfortable. Additional symptoms can include cracked and flakey skin, and in severe cases, blisters may develop. It is considered to be contagious, and lives in areas that may include public swimming pools, locker rooms, and surrounding areas. An effective prevention technique can consist of wearing appropriate shoes while in these types of environments. Research has indicated it is beneficial to refrain from sharing towels, socks, and shoes in order to help to limit the spread of athlete’s foot. It is helpful to wash clothes that have been worn, bath mats, and sheets, as this is instrumental in preventing the spread of athlete’s foot. If you believe you are afflicted with this condition, it is strongly suggested that you are under the care of a podiatrist who can help you properly manage your athlete’s foot.

Athlete’s Foot

Athlete’s foot is often an uncomfortable condition to experience. Thankfully, podiatrists specialize in treating athlete’s foot and offer the best treatment options. If you have any questions about athlete’s foot, consult with one of our podiatrists from The Podiatry Center, PC. Our doctors will assess your condition and provide you with quality treatment.

What Is Athlete’s Foot?

Tinea pedis, more commonly known as athlete’s foot, is a non-serious and common fungal infection of the foot. Athlete’s foot is contagious and can be contracted by touching someone who has it or infected surfaces. The most common places contaminated by it are public showers, locker rooms, and swimming pools. Once contracted, it grows on feet that are left inside moist, dark, and warm shoes and socks.

Prevention

The most effective ways to prevent athlete’s foot include:

• Thoroughly washing and drying feet
• Avoid going barefoot in locker rooms and public showers
• Using shower shoes in public showers
• Wearing socks that allow the feet to breathe
• Changing socks and shoes frequently if you sweat a lot

Symptoms

Athlete’s foot initially occurs as a rash between the toes. However, if left undiagnosed, it can spread to the sides and bottom of the feet, toenails, and if touched by hand, the hands themselves. Symptoms include:

• Redness
• Burning
• Itching
• Scaly and peeling skin

Diagnosis and Treatment

Diagnosis is quick and easy. Skin samples will be taken and either viewed under a microscope or sent to a lab for testing. Sometimes, a podiatrist can diagnose it based on simply looking at it. Once confirmed, treatment options include oral and topical antifungal medications.

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

Sprained ankles are one of the most common injuries among athletes. Sprains occur when the ligaments that connect to the bones become inflamed or torn. Ankle sprains are usually noticeable right away, and they are often a result of the foot turning inwards under the body’s weight. Pain can also be felt throughout the ankle, and the joint will likely swell and become bruised. Common treatment methods for sprained ankles include ice, rest, an ankle brace, and ankle taping. However, it can be difficult to tell the difference between an ankle sprain and a fractured or broken ankle. Because of this, patients who believe that they have sprained their ankle should consult with a podiatrist for a proper diagnosis and advised treatment plan.    

Ankle sprains are common but need immediate attention. If you need your feet checked, contact one of our podiatrists from The Podiatry Center, PC. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

How Does an Ankle Sprain Occur?

Ankle sprains take place when the ligaments in your ankle are torn or stretched beyond their limits. There are multiple ways that the ankle can become injured, including twisting or rolling over onto your ankle, putting undue stress on it, or causing trauma to the ankle itself.

What Are the Symptoms?

• Mild to moderate bruising
• Limited mobility
• Swelling
• Discoloration of the skin (depending on severity)

Preventing a Sprain

• Wearing appropriate shoes for the occasion
• Stretching before exercises and sports
• Knowing your limits

Treatment of a Sprain

Treatment of a sprain depends on the severity.  Many times, people are told to rest and remain off their feet completely, while others are given an air cast. If the sprain is very severe, surgery may be required.

If you have suffered an ankle sprain previously, you may want to consider additional support such as a brace and regular exercises to strengthen the ankle.

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