Gout is a common form of arthritis that in many cases affects the joint of the big toe. It is sudden and painful, and may affect other joints in the body. Men are more likely to develop gout, but women may become more at risk after menopause. The cause of gout is connected to an overabundance of uric acid in the system. Uric acid forms when the body breaks down purines, which are contained in various types of food. If not flushed out of the kidneys, uric acid tends to migrate to joints where it forms into crystals. These then cause extreme pain, swelling, tenderness to the touch, and redness in the affected area. Stress, poor diet, and drinking excess alcohol can contribute to the onset of gout. One sure way to stave off the likelihood of a gout attack is to adjust the way you eat. Avoiding seafood, red meat, certain vegetables, and sugary drinks can be helpful. Losing weight and drinking plenty of water are other suggested methods of prevention. While gout cannot be cured, certain medications are known to help in combating it. For more information on dealing with gout, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist.

Gout is a painful condition that can be treated. If you are seeking treatment, contact Eveleigh Williams, DPM from Sole 2 Sole, PC. 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 Olympia Fields, IL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Some people have jobs that require standing and lifting most of the day. The feet can be affected and it is generally stressed by employers and safety leaders in the workplace that appropriate shoes are worn. This may help to prevent severe foot conditions from developing, in addition to hurting other areas of the body. Standing on anti-fatigue mats, also known as stress mats, is known to help absorb the shock from standing on hard surfaces. Despite this, employees tend to trip on these mats if they are not flat on the ground which may lead to additional injuries. It is helpful to wear work shoes that have traction on the soles to help prevent injuries from existing later. In most union jobs, taking breaks is mandatory to allow ample time to rest the body and feet. If you would like more information about how wearing the right shoes while working can protect the feet, it is suggested that you confer with a podiatrist who can provide you with helpful information.

While working on the feet, it is important to take the proper care of them. For more information about working on your feet, contact Eveleigh Williams, DPM from Sole 2 Sole, PC. Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.

Working on Your Feet

Standing on your feet for long periods of time can cause stress and pain in your feet. Your whole body may experience change in terms of posture, back pain, bunions, callouses and or plantar warts. There are ways to avoid these conditions with proper foot care, smart choices and correct posture.

Positive Changes

Negative heeled shoe – Choosing this shoe type places the heel slightly lower than the ball of the foot. These are great for overall foot health. Find shoes that fit you correctly.

Go barefoot – Our feet were not designed to be enclosed for all hours of the day. Try to periodically expose your feet to air.

Eliminate Pain

Foot Exercises – Performing simple exercises, incorporating yoga and doing stretches are beneficial. This will allow increased blood flow to the area and muscles of the foot.

Achilles tendon – Stretching the foot out flat on the floor will relax the calf muscles and tendon. These exercises can be performed almost anywhere. Make sure you add these exercises to your daily regimen. 

With a little bit of this information and knowing more about foot health, you will notice changes. Foot stretches and proper footwear will help with pain and prevent further issues.

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

The importance of wearing running shoes that fit properly and support the feet cannot be underestimated. Proper running shoes can protect the feet from injury, as well as other body parts such as the knees and legs. Experts suggest that while shopping for the right running shoe you keep in mind support, cushioning, and protection. First, the shoe should fit your specific foot type, taking into consideration arch problems or gait issues such as overpronation. Second, regarding proper cushioning, it is imperative that the way you run be taken into consideration. If you are a heel striker, then extra cushioning at the heel will be needed. It is also important to recognize the type of surface you will be running on because that will determine how much cushioning works best. Finally, to best protect your feet, having a medical assessment of your feet is a good idea before buying a pair of shoes. Gait, foot type, arch issues, running patterns, and previous injuries will be taken into account. For help in choosing the right running shoe, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist.

You should always make sure your running shoes fit properly in order to avoid injury. For more information, contact Eveleigh Williams, DPM from Sole 2 Sole, PC. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Choosing the Right Running Shoe for Your Foot Type

Improper shoe sizing can cause a myriad of problems for your feet. Shoes that don’t fit you properly can lead to muscular imbalances in your body, which can result in foot, knee, and hip injuries.

Tips for Finding the Right Running Shoe

• Make sure you have a thumb’s width of wiggle room between the end of your longest toe and the front of the shoe.
• There should be little to no slipping at the heel
• Don’t assume your size in one shoe brand will be your size in another
• Do not lace up your shoes too tightly
• Walk around in the store with your new shoes before you buy them

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

Cuboid syndrome is a particular kind of foot condition that primarily affects the cuboid bone, located on the outside of the foot. There are various potential causes for cuboid syndrome such as overuse and sprained ankles. However, pronated feet is an important reason cuboid syndrome can develop. Pronated feet occur when the feet slightly roll in while walking and running. This condition can ultimately lead to cuboid syndrome because tightened calf muscles associated with pronation can move the cuboid bone out of place. As a result, cuboid syndrome can ensue. If you are someone that struggles with pronation in the feet, it is suggested that you contact a podiatrist today for treatment options and advice.

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 Eveleigh Williams, DPM from Sole 2 Sole, PC. Our doctor 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 Olympia Fields, IL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

When an individual gets a cut on their foot and it gets infected, cellulitis, a bacterial infection, can develop. The main bacteria responsible for this type of infection are streptococcus and staphylococcus. This infection can happen to anyone, regardless of age or race, but is most common in middle-aged to elderly people, and those with compromised immune systems, circulation problems, or other medical conditions. Cellulitis is not contagious as it forms in the deeper layers of the skin. Symptoms usually begin as a small area of tenderness, swelling, and redness that spreads to adjacent skin. Pain can develop, and it can interfere with normal functioning. If you believe you have cellulitis anywhere on your feet, it is strongly suggested that you contact a podiatrist for treatment.

Wound care is an important part in dealing with diabetes. If you have diabetes and a foot wound or would like more information about wound care for diabetics, consult with Eveleigh Williams, DPM from Sole 2 Sole, PC. Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

What Is Wound Care?

Wound care is the practice of taking proper care of a wound. This can range from the smallest to the largest of wounds. While everyone can benefit from proper wound care, it is much more important for diabetics. Diabetics often suffer from poor blood circulation which causes wounds to heal much slower than they would in a non-diabetic. 

What Is the Importance of Wound Care?

While it may not seem apparent with small ulcers on the foot, for diabetics, any size ulcer can become infected. Diabetics often also suffer from neuropathy, or nerve loss. This means they might not even feel when they have an ulcer on their foot. If the wound becomes severely infected, amputation may be necessary. Therefore, it is of the upmost importance to properly care for any and all foot wounds.

How to Care for Wounds

The best way to care for foot wounds is to prevent them. For diabetics, this means daily inspections of the feet for any signs of abnormalities or ulcers. It is also recommended to see a podiatrist several times a year for a foot inspection. If you do have an ulcer, run the wound under water to clear dirt from the wound; then apply antibiotic ointment to the wound and cover with a bandage. Bandages should be changed daily and keeping pressure off the wound is smart. It is advised to see a podiatrist, who can keep an eye on it.

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