The medical condition that is referred to as gout typically occurs as a result of excess uric acid levels in the blood. This can happen for a variety of reasons including genetic factors, metabolic disorders, or it may develop from a diet that is rich in purines. Foods that fall into this category can consist of shellfish, red meat, and excess alcohol. The symptoms that many patients experience can include severe pain and discomfort in the joints of the big toe, as well as swelling, and tenderness. A proper diagnosis can be determined by extracting a small amount of fluid from the affected joint. This can also help to determine the severity of the condition. There are measures that can be implemented to help to prevent gout, which include eating a healthy diet that is rich in vegetables, and limiting red meat and alcohol. If you are experiencing symptoms of gout, please consult with a podiatrist who can help you to manage the pain and properly treat this condition.
Gout is a foot condition that requires certain treatment and care. If you are seeking treatment, contact one of our podiatrists from San Antonio New Step. 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 one of our offices located in San Antonio, TX. We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.
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If you are suffering from tenderness, pain, or stiffness in the joints of your feet or ankles, call us to schedule an appointment.
The medical condition that is known as hammertoe occurs when the second and third toes bend downward at the middle joint, causing them to resemble a hammer. This ailment can come from genetic factors, or from wearing shoes that do not have adequate room for the toes to move freely in. Additionally, there may be existing medical conditions which can lead to the development of hammertoes, which can include bunions, or different forms of arthritis. The symptoms that are associated with this condition often include pain in the foot as the toes are stretched downward, and there may be calluses and corns that form on the top of the bent joints. Mild relief may be found when the feet are soaked in warm water, which can make it easier for the toes to stretch by pointing and flexing the ankles. For severe cases of hammertoe, a splint is applied to the affected toes to help keep them as straight as possible. If you have developed this condition, it is strongly suggested that you consult with a podiatrist who can offer treatment options that are correct for you.
Hammertoes can be a painful condition to live with. For more information, contact one of our podiatrists of San Antonio New Step. Our doctors will answer any of your foot- and ankle-related questions.
Hammertoe
Hammertoe is a foot deformity that occurs due to an imbalance in the muscles, tendons, or ligaments that normally hold the toe straight. It can be caused by the type of shoes you wear, your foot structure, trauma, and certain disease processes.
Symptoms
Risk Factors
Treatment
If you have hammertoe, you should change into a more comfortable shoe that provides enough room for your toes. Exercises such as picking up marbles may strengthen and stretch your toe muscles. Nevertheless, it is important to seek assistance from a podiatrist in order to determine the severity of your hammertoe and see which treatment option will work best for you.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact one of our offices located in San Antonio, TX. We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.
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The uncomfortable condition that is known as athlete’s foot can also be referred to as ringworm of the foot. This contagious ailment is caused by a fungus that typically thrives in warm and moist environments. These can include pools and surrounding areas, shower room floors and locker rooms. The symptoms that generally accompany athlete’s foot often include an itchy and burning sensation between the toes, in addition to skin that is red and flaky on the bottom of the feet. Many patients can use an anti-fungal powder or spray that is applied to the affected areas on the feet, and this may provide moderate relief. For more severe cases, it is suggested to consult with a podiatrist who can prescribe medication that may be effective in treating 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 San Antonio New Step. 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:
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:
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 one of our offices located in San Antonio, TX. We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.
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Has your child been complaining of pain, swelling, or redness in one or both heels? Is your child very active, especially in sports such as basketball and soccer? Sever’s disease is a swelling and irritation of the growth plate in the heel. It is not actually a disease, but a heel injury. Sever’s disease happens during the growth spurt of puberty. During the growth spurt, your child’s heel bone grows faster than the muscles, tendons, and ligaments in their legs. While the best treatment is rest, your doctor may also recommend the following: ice packs on the heel every 1-2 hours for 15 minutes, gel cups or supportive shoe inserts, and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen or naproxen for pain relief. If your child is complaining of heel pain, please contact your local podiatrist.
Sever's disease often occurs in children and teens. If your child is experiencing foot or ankle pain, see one of our podiatrists from San Antonio New Step. Our doctors can treat your child’s foot and ankle needs.
Sever’s Disease
Sever’s disease is also known as calcaneal apophysitis, which is a medical condition that causes heel pain I none or both feet. The disease is known to affect children between the ages of 8 and 14.
Sever’s disease occurs when part of the child’s heel known as the growth plate (calcaneal epiphysis) is attached to the Achilles tendon. This area can suffer injury when the muscles and tendons of the growing foot do not keep pace with bone growth. Therefore, the constant pain which one experiences at the back of the heel will make the child unable to put any weight on the heel. The child is then forced to walk on their toes.
Symptoms
Acute pain – Pain associated with Sever’s disease is usually felt in the heel when the child engages in physical activity such as walking, jumping and or running.
Highly active – Children who are very active are among the most susceptible in experiencing Sever’s disease, because of the stress and tension placed on their feet.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact one of our offices located in San Antonio, TX. We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle injuries.
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