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If left untreated, an ingrown toenail can lead to more serious concerns, such as an infection. Knowing proper nail care can help in the prevention of an ingrown toenail. Give us a call, and get treated!

Tuesday, 09 August 2022

What Does Gout Feel and Look Like?

Gout can negatively impact your overall health and well-being. It is therefore important to make yourself familiar with the symptoms of gout in case you ever develop this condition. Gout is a specific kind of arthritis that affects joints in the toes of the feet. It is characterized by the formation of crystals around a joint which can ultimately lead to inflammation and severe pain. One sign that you might have gout in the joints of your toes is that the affected area may become hot and significantly tender to the touch. Additionally, you might notice a change of color in the skin–namely, the skin surrounding the affected joint can become bright red and shiny. Lastly, you may notice that the affected area becomes significantly swollen and inflamed. These are all very characteristic signs of gout and if you find yourself exhibiting any of these signs, you should contact a podiatrist. Upon visiting the podiatrist, you can receive an accurate diagnosis and receive the care that you need for your gout.  

Gout is a foot condition that requires certain treatment and care. If you are seeking treatment, contact one of our podiatrists from Pennsylvania. 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 Plymouth Meeting and Ambler, PA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Read more about Gout
Tuesday, 02 August 2022

Ankle Arthritis

While the ankle joint is less likely to be affected by arthritis than other joints, when it is, it means that the tibiotalar joint – the joint between the shin bone and ankle bone – is worn out. The most common cause of this condition is a previous injury, such as an ankle fracture. In such cases, something called osteonecrosis can result from ankle injuries, where there is damage to the blood flow to a portion of the bone that can then lead to ankle arthritis. Other causes of ankle arthritis are rheumatoid arthritis (which can cause joint inflammation and damage to the cartilage), infections of a joint leading to damage of cartilage cells, being overweight, placing a larger burden of weight on the ankle joint, and possibly genetic factors. The most common symptom of ankle arthritis is joint pain. Other indicators of this condition include stiffness in the ankle, swelling in the joint, bone spurs on the joint, deformity of the joint, and a feeling of instability in the joint. One is less apt to feel tingling and numbness in the feet and toes from ankle arthritis due to irritation of the nerves, but it can happen. Changes in footwear, adding cushioned inserts in shoes, using a brace to help hold the ankle in position, and modification of activity can relieve discomfort associated with ankle arthritis. Sometimes, however, surgery is necessary. If your ankle hurts and you feel you might have ankle arthritis, it is suggested that you see a podiatrist for proper diagnosis and customized treatment.

Arthritis can be a difficult condition to live with. If you are seeking treatment, contact one of our podiatrists from Pennsylvania. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Arthritic Foot Care  

Arthritis is a term that is commonly used to describe joint pain.  The condition itself can occur to anyone of any age, race, or gender, and there are over 100 types of it.  Nevertheless, arthritis is more commonly found in women compared to men, and it is also more prevalent in those who are overweight. The causes of arthritis vary depending on which type of arthritis you have. Osteoarthritis for example, is often caused by injury, while rheumatoid arthritis is caused by a misdirected immune system.

Symptoms

  • Swelling
  • Pain
  • Stiffness
  • Decreased Range of Motion

Arthritic symptoms range in severity, and they may come and go. Some symptoms stay the same for several years but could potentially get worse with time. Severe cases of arthritis can prevent its sufferers from performing daily activities and make walking difficult.

Risk Factors

  • Occupation – Occupations requiring repetitive knee movements have been linked to osteoarthritis
  • Obesity – Excess weight can contribute to osteoarthritis development
  • Infection – Microbial agents can infect the joints and trigger arthritis
  • Joint Injuries – Damage to joints may lead to osteoarthritis
  • Age – Risk increases with age
  • Gender –Most types are more common in women
  • Genetics – Arthritis can be hereditary

If you suspect your arthritis is affecting your feet, it is crucial that you see a podiatrist immediately. Your doctor will be able to address your specific case and help you decide which treatment method is best for you.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact one of our offices located in Plymouth Meeting and Ambler, PA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Read more about How to Care for Your Arthritic Foot

Peripheral neuropathy, or neuropathy, is a term for nerve damage to the peripheral nervous system. These are nerves that are outside of the brain and spinal cord. Peripheral neuropathy can create various symptoms which may impair a person’s balance and their perception of their body and its movement. These symptoms include numbness, pain, and weakness in the feet. Older adults are more prone to developing peripheral neuropathy as a complication of diabetes, which can cause them to have foot drop, difficulty walking up stairs, rising out of their chairs, and standing up from a crouching position. All of this can increase the elderly person’s already heightened risk of falls. If you or someone you love is experiencing any of the symptoms mentioned here, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist for a full examination and evaluation.

Neuropathy

Neuropathy can be a potentially serious condition, especially if it is left undiagnosed. If you have any concerns that you may be experiencing nerve loss in your feet, consult with one of our podiatrists from Pennsylvania. Our doctors will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment for neuropathy.

What Is Neuropathy?

Neuropathy is a condition that leads to damage to the nerves in the body. Peripheral neuropathy, or neuropathy that affects your peripheral nervous system, usually occurs in the feet. Neuropathy can be triggered by a number of different causes. Such causes include diabetes, infections, cancers, disorders, and toxic substances.

Symptoms of Neuropathy Include:

  • Numbness
  • Sensation loss
  • Prickling and tingling sensations
  • Throbbing, freezing, burning pains
  • Muscle weakness

Those with diabetes are at serious risk due to being unable to feel an ulcer on their feet. Diabetics usually also suffer from poor blood circulation. This can lead to the wound not healing, infections occurring, and the limb may have to be amputated.

Treatment

To treat neuropathy in the foot, podiatrists will first diagnose the cause of the neuropathy. Figuring out the underlying cause of the neuropathy will allow the podiatrist to prescribe the best treatment, whether it be caused by diabetes, toxic substance exposure, infection, etc. If the nerve has not died, then it’s possible that sensation may be able to return to the foot.

Pain medication may be issued for pain. Electrical nerve stimulation can be used to stimulate nerves. If the neuropathy is caused from pressure on the nerves, then surgery may be necessary.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact one of our offices located in Plymouth Meeting and Ambler, PA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Read more about Neuropathy
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