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The pain from the foot condition known as gout is often worse during the night. Patients are often awakened by swollen joints in the big toe that can become red and inflamed. This extremely painful ailment, a type of arthritis, can cause an inability to walk, and crawling up the steps is not uncommon in severe cases. Gout can happen as a result of genetic reasons, or from eating foods that have high levels of purines. Foods in this category include shellfish, red meat, and drinks that are made with large amounts of sugar. These types of foods produce excess uric acid, which forms into crystals that can lodge in the joints of the big toe. There are methods that can be implemented that may help to diminish some of the pain of gout. Among them are drinking plenty of water, frequently elevating the affected foot, and eliminating the foods that can cause this condition. Gout can be recurring, so it is strongly suggested that you are under the care of a podiatrist who can help you to manage this ailment and provide you with proper relief tactics.

Gout is a painful condition that can be treated. If you are seeking treatment, contact one of our podiatrists from Riznyk Podiatry. Our doctors 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 one of our offices located in Orchard Park, and Irving, NY . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

There are many causes of blisters but the most common is friction. The formation of a friction blister is the body’s way of protecting the layers of skin. They often appear on your feet after walking or running for long periods. If the feet are warm or damp, the risk of a blister developing increases. The friction on the outer layer of skin on the toe or heel against the inside of a shoe can cause the blister to tear. This causes a plasma-like fluid to leak and fill the gap. The fluid encourages new skin cells to develop as well as form a new covering. Eventually, a new top skin layer forms and the blister subsides. But that sequence of events is largely dependent upon stopping the activity that caused the friction and replacing the shoes too. Putting on protective bandages can help to eliminate pain. If you have a blister that has become extremely painful or possibly infected, it is wise to visit a podiatrist for proper treatment.

Blisters are prone to making everyday activities extremely uncomfortable. If your feet are hurting, contact one of our podiatrists of Riznyk Podiatry. Our doctors 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 one of our offices located in Orchard Park, and Irving, NY . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Many people develop pain in the heel, which can be the result of overuse. This may cause the plantar fascia, the band of tissue that runs under the foot from the toes to the heel, to become inflamed and painful. One way to prevent this type of damage is to wear the correct shoes. Footwear that has adequate cushioning in the heel can go a long way to reduce the onset of heel pain. Wearing flip flops or ballet flats, and walking barefoot, may add to the risk of developing heel pain. In addition, wearing shoes that are too small can cause the toes to grab, or claw, inside the shoe. This action places further stress on the plantar fascia. Instead, it is thought that a shoe with adequate space for the toes and a slightly elevated heel, such as a running shoe, can reduce the stress on the plantar fascia. For more information on plantar fasciitis and choosing the proper footwear, please consult a podiatrist.

Many people suffer from bouts of heel pain. For more information, contact one of our podiatrists of Riznyk Podiatry. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Causes of Heel Pain

Heel pain is often associated with plantar fasciitis. The plantar fascia is a band of tissues that extends along the bottom of the foot. A rip or tear in this ligament can cause inflammation of the tissue.

Achilles tendonitis is another cause of heel pain. Inflammation of the Achilles tendon will cause pain from fractures and muscle tearing. Lack of flexibility is also another symptom.

Heel spurs are another cause of pain. When the tissues of the plantar fascia undergo a great deal of stress, it can lead to ligament separation from the heel bone, causing heel spurs.

Why Might Heel Pain Occur?

• Wearing ill-fitting shoes                  
• Wearing non-supportive shoes
• Weight change           
• Excessive running

Treatments

Heel pain should be treated as soon as possible for immediate results. Keeping your feet in a stress-free environment will help. If you suffer from Achilles tendonitis or plantar fasciitis, applying ice will reduce the swelling. Stretching before an exercise like running will help the muscles. Using all these tips will help make heel pain a condition of the past.

If you have any questions please contact one of our offices located in Orchard Park, and Irving, NY . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.