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Gout is a form of inflammatory arthritis caused by a buildup of uric acid crystals in the joints, often affecting the big toe. It can develop suddenly, causing intense pain, redness, warmth, and swelling in the affected joint. Causes include high levels of uric acid in the blood, which may result from eating certain foods, dehydration, or kidney problems. Risk factors include obesity, high blood pressure, family history, and excessive alcohol intake. A podiatrist can diagnose gout through a physical examination and testing, then provide relief through medications, lifestyle guidance, and ongoing management. If you are experiencing sudden joint pain in your foot or ankle, it is suggested that you promptly visit a podiatrist who can help you manage this painful condition.

Gout is a foot condition that requires certain treatment and care. If you are seeking treatment, contact one of our podiatrists from Foot and Ankle Clinics, PA. 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 offices located in Woodbury, West St. Paul, and Edina, MN . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Diabetic foot ulcers are open sores or wounds that commonly develop on the bottom of the foot in people with diabetes. Poor circulation and nerve damage reduce the body’s ability to heal and feel pain, which means even small injuries can turn into serious ulcers without notice. These ulcers may appear as red, swollen, or draining wounds, and often do not cause pain, making them easy to overlook. A podiatrist plays a vital role in treating and preventing diabetic foot ulcers. Treatment may include cleaning the wound, removing dead tissue called debridement, applying special dressings, and using custom footwear or orthotics to relieve pressure. In advanced cases, infection control and even surgery may be necessary. Diabetic foot ulcers precede 85 percent of diabetes-related limb losses, making early detection and treatment critical. If you have diabetes and are experiencing foot problems, it is suggested that you are under the care of a podiatrist who can help you to manage this serious condition.

Diabetic foot care is important in preventing foot ailments such as ulcers. If you are suffering from diabetes or have any other concerns about your feet, contact one of our podiatrists from Foot and Ankle Clinics, PA. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Diabetic Foot Care

Diabetes affects millions of people every year. The condition can damage blood vessels in many parts of the body, especially the feet. Because of this, taking care of your feet is essential if you have diabetes, and having a podiatrist help monitor your foot health is highly recommended.

The Importance of Caring for Your Feet

• Routinely inspect your feet for bruises or sores.
• Wear socks that fit your feet comfortably.
• Wear comfortable shoes that provide adequate support.

Patients with diabetes should have their doctor monitor their blood levels, as blood sugar levels play such a huge role in diabetic care. Monitoring these levels on a regular basis is highly advised.

It is always best to inform your healthcare professional of any concerns you may have regarding your feet, especially for diabetic patients. Early treatment and routine foot examinations are keys to maintaining proper health, especially because severe complications can arise if proper treatment is not applied.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our offices located in Woodbury, West St. Paul, and Edina, MN . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Pain on the outer edge of the foot, known as lateral foot pain, can result from a variety of issues affecting the bones, joints, ligaments, or tendons. Common causes of lateral foot pain include stress fractures from repetitive impact, such as running or jumping, and cuboid syndrome, which involves injury to a bone along the outer midfoot. Peroneal tendonitis may also lead to lateral pain due to overuse or an ankle injury. Twisting the foot inward can stretch or tear ligaments, resulting in a sprain that causes sharp pain and bruising on the outside of the ankle. In some cases, inherited conditions like tarsal coalition, where bones near the back of the foot grow together abnormally, may lead to chronic stiffness and discomfort. Arthritis may also affect the outer foot joints, especially with age or previous injury. A podiatrist can examine the foot, order imaging tests if needed, and offer treatment. If you have pain on the outer side of your foot, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist for an exam, diagnosis, and treatment.

Foot Pain

Foot pain can be extremely painful and debilitating. If you have a foot pain, consult with one of our podiatrists from Foot and Ankle Clinics, PA. Our doctors will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

Causes

Foot pain is a very broad condition that could be caused by one or more ailments. The most common include:

• Bunions
• Hammertoes
• Plantar Fasciitis
• Bone Spurs
• Corns
• Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome
• Ingrown Toenails
• Arthritis (such as Gout, Rheumatoid, and Osteoarthritis)
• Flat Feet
• Injury (from stress fractures, broken toe, foot, ankle, Achilles tendon ruptures, and sprains)
• And more

Diagnosis

To figure out the cause of foot pain, podiatrists utilize several different methods. This can range from simple visual inspections and sensation tests to X-rays and MRI scans. Prior medical history, family medical history, and any recent physical traumatic events will all be taken into consideration for a proper diagnosis.

Treatment

Treatment depends upon the cause of the foot pain. Whether it is resting, staying off the foot, or having surgery; podiatrists have a number of treatment options available for foot pain.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our offices located in Woodbury, West St. Paul, and Edina, MN . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Running is a high-impact activity that can lead to a variety of foot-related issues, especially when shoes do not fit well or training is too intense. Pain in the heel is a common complaint, often caused by irritation of the tissue along the bottom of the foot. Small cracks in the bone, called stress fractures, may develop from repetitive motion, and are typically painful during activity. Tightness or discomfort at the back of the ankle may signal inflammation of the tendon that supports that area. Runners might also deal with skin problems like blisters or bruised toenails from friction. Discomfort in the forefoot or worsening of conditions like bunions can also occur with long runs or poor support. Paying attention to early signs of pain and choosing proper footwear can reduce the risk. If running leads to foot pain or changes that do not resolve, it is suggested that you see a podiatrist for a diagnosis and appropriate treatment.

Exercising your feet regularly with the proper foot wear is a great way to prevent injuries. If you have any concerns about your feet, contact one of our podiatrists of Foot and Ankle Clinics, PA. Our doctors will treat your foot and ankle needs.

How to Prevent Running Injuries

Many common running injuries are caused by overuse and overtraining. When the back of the kneecap starts wearing out and starts causing pain in your knee, this is commonly referred to as runner’s knee. Runner’s knee is a decrease in strength in your quadriceps and can occur if you’re not wearing properly fitted or supporting shoes. To prevent runner’s knee, focusing on hip strengthening is a good idea, as well as strengthening your quads to keep the kneecaps aligned.

What Are Some Causes of Running Injuries? 
- One cause of a common running injury is called iliotibial band syndrome.
- Plantar fasciitis is also another common injury.
- Stress fractures can occur from overtraining, lack of calcium, or even your running style.

Best Ways to Prevent Running Injuries
- Wear footwear that fits properly and suits your running needs.
- Running shoes are the only protective gear that runners have to safeguard them from injury.
- Make a training schedule. Adding strengthening exercises as well as regular stretching can help keep you strong and limber and can lessen the possibility of injuries.
- Stretching keeps muscles limber; this will help you gain better flexibility.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our offices located in Woodbury, West St. Paul, and Edina, MN . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.