Severe pain and discomfort in the big toe and surrounding areas may be indicative of a condition that is known as gout. This is an ailment that may appear suddenly, also known as a gout attack. The pain may be so debilitating that it can be difficult to walk. It occurs as a result of excess uric acid in the bloodstream, which may come from specific causes. These may include genetic factors, and eating foods that have elevated purine levels which can consist of shellfish, red meat, or drinks that have unusually high sugar levels. Research has indicated that this form of arthritis generally affects more men than women, and may be common in patients who are overweight. It may be helpful to obtain a proper diagnosis, which can be achieved by having a blood test performed. This can be beneficial in determining existing uric acid levels. Some patients may use braces or canes to relieve excess pressure that falls on the joints. If you feel you may have gout, it is strongly advised that you schedule a consultation with a podiatrist who can help you to manage this condition.
Gout is a painful condition that can be treated. If you are seeking treatment, contact Dale Delaney, DPM from InStride Kinston Podiatry Center. 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
Risk Factors
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 Kinston, NC . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.
A hairline crack in the bones of the foot is generally considered to be a stress fracture. This can be a common ailment among ballet dancers, and may heal faster when it is diagnosed early. Stress fractures may happen as a result of performing dances that have repeated jumping and running routines, however, stress fractures may not be immediately recognized. There can be existing conditions which can significantly increase the possibility of developing a stress fracture. These can include having flat feet or excessively high arches. Additionally, wearing shoes that do not fit correctly, or dancing for several hours at a time, may lead to a stress fracture. If you feel you have this condition, please consult with a podiatrist who can help you to manage this ailment.
Activities where too much pressure is put on the feet can cause stress fractures. To learn more, contact Dale Delaney, DPM from InStride Kinston Podiatry Center. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep your pain free and on your feet.
Dealing with Stress Fractures of the Foot and Ankle
Stress fractures occur in the foot and ankle when muscles in these areas weaken from too much or too little use. The feet and ankles then lose support when walking or running from the impact of the ground. Since there is no protection, the bones receive the full impact of each step. Stress on the feet can cause cracks to form in the bones, thus creating stress fractures.
What Are Stress Fractures?
Stress fractures occur frequently in individuals whose daily activities cause great impact on the feet and ankles. Stress factors are most common among:
Symptoms
Pain from the fractures occur in the area of the fractures and can be constant or intermittent. It will often cause sharp or dull pain with swelling and tenderness. Engaging in any kind of activity which involves high impact will aggravate pain.
If you have any questions please feel free to contact our office located in Kinston, NC . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.
Have your child's feet been examined lately? Healthy feet are happy feet. If your child is complaining of foot pain, it may be a sign of underlying problems.
When the toenail grows into the flesh instead of over it, it is referred to as an ingrown toenail. The big toe is usually the most common to become affected. This condition can be particularly painful and may lead to an infection if left untreated. To help prevent an ingrown toenail, it is recommended that you trim the toenails properly, which is straight across, not on a curve or following the shape of your toe. Additionally, toenails should not be trimmed too short. Symptoms associated with ingrown toenails generally include swelling and redness around the affected area. Additionally, for more severe cases, you may notice bleeding or oozing of pus, which can be an indication that an infection has developed. To safely treat an ingrown toenail it is suggested that you consult with a podiatrist.
Ingrown toenails may initially present themselves as a minor discomfort, but they may progress into an infection in the skin without proper treatment. For more information about ingrown toenails, contact Dale Delaney, DPM of InStride Kinston Podiatry Center. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.
Ingrown Toenails
Ingrown toenails are caused when the corner or side of a toenail grows into the soft flesh surrounding it. They often result in redness, swelling, pain, and in some cases, infection. This condition typically affects the big toe and may recur if it is not treated properly.
Causes
You are more likely to develop an ingrown toenail if you are obese, have diabetes, arthritis, or have any fungal infection in your nails. Additionally, people who have foot or toe deformities are at a higher risk of developing an ingrown toenail.
Symptoms
Some symptoms of ingrown toenails are redness, swelling, and pain. In rare cases, there may be a yellowish drainage coming from the nail.
Treatment
Ignoring an ingrown toenail can have serious complications. Infections of the nail border can progress to a deeper soft-tissue infection, which can then turn into a bone infection. You should always speak with your podiatrist if you suspect you have an ingrown toenail, especially if you have diabetes or poor circulation.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in Kinston, NC . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.
Patients who enjoy running and jogging typically know what it is like to develop a blister on the foot. Blisters are often painful and uncomfortable, and can inhibit daily activities. A blister may form as a result of wearing shoes that do not fit correctly, or from beginning a new sport. It is caused by excessive friction, and is defined as a small sac that is filled with fluid which protects the damaged skin. After several days, it generally drains naturally after the new skin has formed. There are methods that can be implemented which may help to prevent blisters from developing. These can include wearing shoes and socks that fit properly, as well as lubricating your feet before running. If you have a blister that becomes infected, or would like additional information about how to prevent blisters, it is suggested that you consult with a podiatrist.
Blisters are prone to making everyday activities extremely uncomfortable. If your feet are hurting, contact Dale Delaney, DPM of InStride Kinston Podiatry Center. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.
Foot Blisters
Foot blisters develop as a result of constantly wearing tight or ill-fitting footwear. This happens due to the constant rubbing from the shoe, which can often lead to pain.
What Are Foot Blisters?
A foot blister is a small fluid-filled pocket that forms on the upper-most layer of the skin. Blisters are filled with clear fluid and can lead to blood drainage or pus if the area becomes infected.
How Do Blisters Form?
Blisters on the feet are often the result of constant friction of skin and material, usually by shoe rubbing. Walking in sandals, boots, or shoes that don’t fit properly for long periods of time can result in a blister. Having consistent foot moisture and humidity can easily lead to blister formation.
Prevention & Treatment
It is important to properly care for the affected area in order to prevent infection and ease the pain. Do not lance the blister and use a Band-Aid to provide pain relief. Also, be sure to keep your feet dry and wear proper fitting shoes. If you see blood or pus in a blister, seek assistance from a podiatrist.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in Kinston, NC . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.
Teaching is a profession that typically requires the instructor to stand for the majority of the day. For those in a profession that requires standing for long periods of time, such as a teacher, it’s important to be aware that this may cause general foot pain, as well as the development of an uncomfortable foot condition. Research has indicated this may be prevented by keeping the feet strong, and by wearing comfortable shoes. These can include footwear that have adequate room for the toes to move freely in, and footwear that includes insoles that can provide the feet support and cushioning. It may be beneficial to perform gentle stretching exercises before beginning and ending your day, as this may improve the overall strength of the feet. If you are involved in a profession in which you stand for most of the day, please consult with a podiatrist who can recommend the best shoes to wear for your chosen field.
While working on the feet, it is important to take the proper care of them. For more information about working on your feet, contact Dale Delaney, DPM from InStride Kinston Podiatry Center. 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 Kinston, NC . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.
