Gout is a condition that generally affects the joints in the big toe. It is a form of arthritis, and can cause severe pain and discomfort. It occurs as a result of excess uric acid in the blood which forms crystals that lodge in the joints. An abundance of uric acid can come from genetic factors, or from eating foods that have elevated purine levels. These foods can include shellfish, red meat, and drinks that are made with large amounts of sugar. Additionally, gout can form due to obesity, kidney disease, or from taking specific types of medications. It is beneficial to incorporate healthy foods into your diet, and it is helpful to drink plenty of fresh water daily. If you are afflicted with gout, it is strongly suggested that you are under the care of a podiatrist who can effectively diagnose and treat this condition.
Gout is a foot condition that requires certain treatment and care. If you are seeking treatment, contact Barry P. Weinstein, DPM from Bellaire Podiatry. Our doctor 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 Bellaire and Houston, TX . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.
Turf toe is an injury that results from the big toe bending, or hyper extending, too far towards the top of the foot. Turf toe is a common football injury that can frequently occur as a result of playing on artificial turf. Athletes of other sports that use hard surfaces, such as ballet dancers, basketball players, and wrestlers, are also at a higher risk of developing turf toe. The most common sign of turf toe is pain around the big toe, as well as tenderness, swelling, immobility, and stiffness in the joints. Patients who are struggling to walk due to the pain around the toe should visit a podiatrist for a proper assessment. A podiatrist will likely take an X-ray and provide treatment options depending on the severity of the injury.
Sports related foot and ankle injuries require proper treatment before players can go back to their regular routines. For more information, contact Barry P. Weinstein, DPM of Bellaire Podiatry. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.
Sports Related Foot and Ankle Injuries
Foot and ankle injuries are a common occurrence when it comes to athletes of any sport. While many athletes dismiss the initial aches and pains, the truth is that ignoring potential foot and ankle injuries can lead to serious problems. As athletes continue to place pressure and strain the area further, a mild injury can turn into something as serious as a rupture and may lead to a permanent disability. There are many factors that contribute to sports related foot and ankle injuries, which include failure to warm up properly, not providing support or wearing bad footwear. Common injuries and conditions athletes face, including:
Sports related injuries are commonly treated using the RICE method. This includes rest, applying ice to the injured area, compression and elevating the ankle. More serious sprains and injuries may require surgery, which could include arthroscopic and reconstructive surgery. Rehabilitation and therapy may also be required in order to get any recovering athlete to become fully functional again. Any unusual aches and pains an athlete sustains must be evaluated by a licensed, reputable medical professional.
If you have any questions please feel free to contact one of our offices located in Bellaire and Houston, TX . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.
While running is great exercise, damage to the feet and ankles are a common occurrence among runners and should be something to look out for. Achilles tendonitis and plantar fasciitis are two common conditions caused by overuse. Both conditions are characterized by pain and inflammation in the ankle or foot. Another common issue in runners is a fungal infection of the skin of the feet known as athlete’s foot. Blisters, which are caused by friction from your shoes rubbing repetitively against specific areas of your foot while you run, and runner’s toe, which is a buildup of blood from burst vessels underneath your toenail, are also frequent injuries. If you are a runner and frequently experience any of these conditions, it is suggested that you consult with a podiatrist.
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 Barry P. Weinstein, DPM of Bellaire Podiatry. Our doctor 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 one of our offices located in Bellaire and Houston, TX . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.
Falling can be a devastating experience and may cause pain and discomfort. For people who are over sixty-five years of age, falling can hinder their health and independence. Injuries such as broken toes and ankles can be common if falling occurs. There are methods that can be implemented that can help to prevent falling. These tips may include improving the lighting in the household, in addition to having existing medications reviewed by having regular examinations. It can be beneficial to perform stretching and toning exercises in order to help maintain strength in the body. Many patients find falling episodes can be reduced when grab bars are installed in the shower and the toilet area, and bath mats are used while bathing. If you would like more information about how falling can affect the feet, and would like to learn more about preventative methods, please consult with a podiatrist.
Preventing falls among the elderly is very important. If you are older and have fallen or fear that you are prone to falling, consult with Barry P. Weinstein, DPM from Bellaire Podiatry. Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality advice and care.
Every 11 seconds, an elderly American is being treated in an emergency room for a fall related injury. Falls are the leading cause of head and hip injuries for those 65 and older. Due to decreases in strength, balance, senses, and lack of awareness, elderly persons are very susceptible to falling. Thankfully, there are a number of things older persons can do to prevent falls.
How to Prevent Falls
Some effective methods that older persons can do to prevent falls include:
Falling can be a traumatic and embarrassing experience for elderly persons; this can make them less willing to leave the house, and less willing to talk to someone about their fears of falling. Doing such things, however, will increase the likelihood of tripping or losing one’s balance. Knowing the causes of falling and how to prevent them is the best way to mitigate the risk of serious injury.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact one of our offices located in Bellaire and Houston, TX . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.
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