Gout is a form of arthritis that often affects the foot, especially the joint at the base of the big toe. It occurs when high levels of uric acid in the blood lead to the formation of sharp crystals that collect in the joints. A gout attack in the foot may cause sudden pain, swelling, redness, and warmth, typically beginning at night and worsening quickly. Over time, repeated attacks can lead to joint stiffness, and, in some cases, the development of hard lumps called tophi, which may damage nearby bone and cartilage. A podiatrist can diagnose gout through joint fluid analysis, imaging, or blood tests. Medical treatment may involve anti-inflammatory medication or corticosteroid injections to reduce pain and swelling. In cases of chronic gout, long-term strategies to lower uric acid levels may be needed to prevent joint damage. If you have pain caused by gout, it is suggested that you are under the care of a podiatrist for appropriate treatment.

Gout is a painful condition that can be treated. If you are seeking treatment, contact Tanisha Richmond, DPM from Richmond Foot & Ankle, LLC. 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 Dayton, OH . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Toe pain can stem from a variety of conditions, each affecting movement and comfort in different ways. Bunions and bunionettes are bony bumps that develop at the base of the big toe or the little toe, often causing pain, swelling, and difficulty with footwear. Arthritis, including osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis, can lead to stiffness, inflammation, and joint pain in the toes, sometimes making walking difficult. Infections such as ingrown toenails or fungal conditions may also cause discomfort, redness, and tenderness. Additionally, inflammatory issues like gout can result in sudden, intense pain and swelling, especially in the big toe. If you have developed toe pain, it is suggested that you contact a podiatrist who can determine the cause and offer appropriate treatment solutions.

Toe pain can disrupt your daily activities. If you have any concerns, contact Tanisha Richmond, DPM of Richmond Foot & Ankle, LLC. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

What Causes Toe Pain?

Most severe toe pain is caused due to a sports injury, trauma from dropping something heavy on the toe, or bumping into something rigid. Other problems can develop over time for various reasons.

Toe pain can be caused by one or more ailments. The most common include:

• Trauma
• Sports injury
• Wearing shoes that are too tight
• Arthritis
• Gout
• Corns and calluses
• Hammertoe
• Bunions
• Blisters
• Ingrown toenails
• Sprains
• Fractures (broken bones)
• Dislocations

When to See a Podiatrist

• Severe pain
• Persistent pain that lasts more than a week
• Signs of infection
• Continued swelling
• Pain that prevents walking

Diagnosis

In many cases the cause of toe pain is obvious, but in others, a podiatrist may want to use more advanced methods to determine the problem. These 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

Treatments for toe pain and injuries vary and may include shoe inserts, padding, taping, medicines, injections, and in some cases, surgery. If you believe that you have broken a toe, please see a podiatrist as soon as possible.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our office located in Dayton, OH . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.

The toenails can look disfigured with a severe case of toenail fungus. It is caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV) and is considered to be highly contagious. This virus lives and thrives in warm and moist environments, such as public swimming pools, shower rooms, or similar areas. Some of the symptoms that are associated with toenail fungus can include yellowed nails that can become brittle, and the affected nails may emit an odor. It is beneficial to implement certain methods that are successful in preventing toenail fungus. These can consist of wearing appropriate shoes, such as flip flops or water shoes, and refraining from sharing shoes, socks, and towels. Toenail fungus does not improve without medical attention. If you have developed this condition, it is suggested that you confer with a podiatrist who can guide you toward the correct treatment options, which may include prescribed medicine.

If left untreated, toenail fungus may spread to other toenails, skin, or even fingernails. If you suspect you have toenail fungus it is important to seek treatment right away. For more information about treatment, contact Tanisha Richmond, DPM of Richmond Foot & Ankle, LLC. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Symptoms

• Warped or oddly shaped nails
• Yellowish nails
• Loose/separated nail
• Buildup of bits and pieces of nail fragments under the nail
• Brittle, broken, thickened nail

Treatment

If self-care strategies and over-the-counter medications does not help your fungus, your podiatrist may give you a prescription drug instead. Even if you find relief from your toenail fungus symptoms, you may experience a repeat infection in the future.

Prevention

In order to prevent getting toenail fungus in the future, you should always make sure to wash your feet with soap and water. After washing, it is important to dry your feet thoroughly especially in between the toes. When trimming your toenails, be sure to trim straight across instead of in a rounded shape. It is crucial not to cover up discolored nails with nail polish because that will prevent your nail from being able to “breathe”.

In some cases, surgical procedure may be needed to remove the toenail fungus. Consult with your podiatrist about the best treatment options for your case of toenail fungus.  

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

Malalignment syndrome often leads to altered gait patterns due to imbalances in posture and joint mechanics. Biomechanical foot orthotics are designed to address these irregularities by correcting foot positioning, which in turn influences the alignment of the knees, hips, and spine. When evaluated through three dimensional gait analysis, patients using custom orthotics demonstrate measurable improvements in stride symmetry, joint movement, and overall walking efficiency. The orthotics help stabilize the lower extremities, reduce compensatory movements, and promote a more natural gait cycle. These changes can lead to decreased discomfort and improved functional performance. If you have walking difficulties, it is suggested that you visit a podiatrist who can determine the cause and offer custom-made orthotics as an effective relief method.

Experience a transformative solution to heel pain and foot pain through the personalized benefits of custom orthotics and shoe inserts. If you’re grappling with the persistent agony of plantar fasciitis, these customized inserts are designed to alleviate the strain on the plantar fascia, providing targeted relief. Engineered to adapt to your unique foot anatomy, custom orthotics tackle not only plantar fasciitis but also general foot and heel pain, offering unparalleled support and comfort. Don’t let every step be a reminder of discomfort; step into a world of tailored well-being. Say farewell to the limitations imposed by heel pain and embrace the freedom of pain-free mobility. Invest in your foot health and redefine your daily stride with the transformative power of custom orthotics and shoe inserts, ensuring each step is a step towards lasting comfort. 

If you have any questions please contact our office located in Dayton, OH . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.