Gout is a type of arthritis that can be particularly painful. It most often affects a joint in the big toe. However, it may also affect the ankles, insteps, heels, and other areas of the body. If you suffer from gout, work with a podiatrist to learn how you can relieve your foot pain and manage your condition.

Symptoms

In addition to pain in the joint, gout can cause swelling, stiffness, and soreness. The affected area may appear redder than usual and it may feel warm to the touch. Sometimes, an attack of gout pain will wake you from sleep. The pain may linger for a few days to a few weeks after the attack.

Causes and Risk Factors

Gout is caused by an accumulation of urate crystals, which are formed from uric acid in the bloodstream. The uric acid is produced naturally as a byproduct when your body processes purines, which are substances found in foods such as mushrooms and organ meats. Uric acid levels can reach abnormally high levels if you eat too many of these types of foods or if your kidneys cannot properly rid the blood of uric acid. You’re at a greater risk of developing gout if you have a family history of it, you’ve had an organ transplant, you’re a man, you’re overweight, or you consume excess alcohol.

Treatment Options

Your podiatrist may prescribe various medications to manage your condition, such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), corticosteroids, and colchicine. Colchicine is a type of pain reliever usually prescribed to those who cannot tolerate NSAIDs. You might also take drugs to block the production of uric acid or to accelerate its removal. Dietary changes and maintaining a healthy body weight may be recommended.

Those who suffer from gout and similar conditions that cause foot pain are invited to schedule an appointment with Advanced Foot & Ankle Specialists of Sugar Land and Houston. Our podiatrists provide exceptional patient care for a range of conditions, including nail fungus and nail infections. Give us a call today at (281) 242-3338 or visit our website to explore our services .

Your feet are an essential part of your anatomy, allowing you to walk hundreds of thousands of miles in your lifetime. Although you may not often think about your feet, understanding how they work can help you maintain good foot health.

The feet contain almost a quarter of all the bones in your body. Three out of four Americans will experience foot or ankle problems in their lifetime. Podiatrists spend years studying techniques for diagnosing and treating foot injuries or pain. You can learn more amazing facts about your feet by watching this video.

Advanced Foot and Ankle Specialists of Sugar Land are dedicated to helping you achieve and maintain healthy feet. Call us at (281) 242-3338 to schedule an appointment with a podiatrist to address foot or ankle pain and other conditions.

Women have special healthcare concerns when it comes to their feet. Due to lifestyle factors such as high heel and hosiery use, they’re more susceptible to a range of podiatric conditions. Furthermore, pregnant women are particularly vulnerable to foot pain and swelling. If you have concerns about the health of your feet, talk to a foot doctor about treatments and lifestyle modifications that can help.

Limit High Heel Use

If you’ve ever suffered from discomfort or pain after wearing high heels , you probably already know that they’re not good for your feet or ankles. The pain isn’t necessarily a temporary condition, either; with continued use, high heels can lead to permanent damage. Problems from excessive high heel use can range from ingrown toenails to bunions to nerve damage. It can also lead to low back pain, sciatica, and osteoarthritis. Choose flat shoes whenever possible. It’s a good idea to keep a spare pair of comfortable shoes in the office, even if you prefer to enter and leave your workplace while wearing high heels. Ask your podiatrist for help selecting more comfortable footwear.

Choose Proper Hosiery

Nylon hosiery may not seem like much of a health concern at first blush. However, it doesn’t allow for air circulation and it traps the heat, creating an ideal environment for the growth of fungi. The pressure of the hosiery may also cause ingrown toenails and hammertoes. Instead of selecting the inexpensive nylon brands, choose a well-fitting, high-quality stocking.

Care for Your Feet While Pregnant

One of the many changes pregnancy causes is swelling of the feet and ankles. Plus, the extra weight causes foot pain. Wear supportive footwear as recommended by your podiatrist and skip the dress shoes until after you’ve given birth. Your podiatrist may also recommend using an orthotic insert for added support.

The board-certified podiatrists of Advanced Foot & Ankle Specialists have extensive experience in treating the unique foot care concerns of women. To schedule an appointment with our clinics in Sugar Land or Houston, call (281) 242-3338. We offer state-of-the-art treatments for podiatric conditions, including foot laser treatments, on-site diagnostics, and advanced ankle surgery.

A ganglion cyst is a noncancerous lump of tissue, often found on the foot and ankle. Sometimes, they can cause discomfort, especially while wearing tight shoes. If you notice a lump on your foot or ankle, schedule a visit to a podiatrist and explore your treatment options. If the ganglion cyst is small and doesn’t cause discomfort, the podiatrist may recommend monitoring it to see whether it will resolve itself over time.

If treatment is needed, it may involve aspiration. The podiatrist can drain the cyst of fluid via a needle. However, sometimes a ganglion cyst will return after aspiration. In these cases, the cyst may need to be removed surgically. In the meantime, it can be helpful to modify your footwear. Your podiatrist can offer specific recommendations for shoes that fit your needs, and he or she may recommend placing a pad inside the shoe.

The podiatrists of Advanced Foot & Ankle Specialists look forward to meeting you and discussing your podiatric condition. You can reach our podiatry offices in Houston or Sugar Land by calling (281) 242-3338.

Bunions are small bumps comprised of bone and soft tissue that develop on the feet, often due to improperly-fitted or constrictive footwear. A bunion will often cause pain and may lead to even trouble walking over time. If your podiatrist has suggested surgery to address a bunion and the pain it causes, take a look below to find out what to expect from this procedure.

Evaluation

Before your procedure, your surgeon will complete a full evaluation of your symptoms, foot health, and general health. You will be asked questions about your medical history and any current medical conditions. An evaluation also includes a physical examination; X-rays may be taken to provide your surgeon with more information. After he is through, you surgeon will explain the type of procedure he believes is best for you.

Preparation

Before surgery, your doctor may request additional information or tests such as X-rays, blood samples, or a cardiogram. He will discuss your current medications and how they might be affected by surgery. You may be given special instructions, such as to avoid eating for a few hours before surgery.

Surgery

Bunion surgery is usually performed with local anesthesia, meaning you will be awake but unable to feel sensations in the affected foot. The surgical procedure takes approximately one hour, after which you will recover for one to two hours before you can return home.

Recovery

After surgery, follow your doctor’s instructions carefully. You may be given a special shoe or a cast to keep your toe aligned as it heals. Your doctor may also provide crutches, a walker, or a cane for use immediately after surgery. Physical therapy may be recommended to help build strength and flexibility in your foot as you recover.

Although most bunions respond well to other treatments, some require surgery to eliminate pain and restore quality of life. The podiatrists at Advanced Foot & Ankle Specialists of Sugar Land offer surgical and non-surgical treatment of bunions, hammertoes, ingrown toenails, and more. Please visit us on the web or call us today at (281) 242-3338 to explore your treatment options.