Gout is a form of arthritis that commonly affects the feet, especially the big toe joint, and develops when uric acid crystals build up around a joint. The earliest stage of gout, called asymptomatic hyperuricemia, involves crystal deposits without pain. The second stage, acute intermittent gout, is when sudden attacks occur, often at night or early in the morning. These episodes cause severe pain, redness, swelling, and warmth in the affected toe, ankle, or foot joint. It sometimes makes it difficult to walk or even touch the area. If gout is not properly managed, it can progress to chronic tophaceous gout, where hard deposits, known as tophi, form under the skin or within joints. This advanced stage can cause ongoing pain, deformity, stiffness, and limited mobility in the toes, feet, or ankles. If you are experiencing foot pain related to gout, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist for a diagnosis and ongoing help managing this painful condition.

Gout is a foot condition that requires certain treatment and care. If you are seeking treatment, contact one of our podiatrists from Associates in Podiatry, PC. 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 our offices located in Pittsburgh-South Hills, and Pittsburgh-Bellevue, PA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Ingrown toenails are uncomfortable and often avoidable with the right habits. One of the most important steps is wearing shoes that give your toes enough room. Tight or narrow footwear squeezes the toes together, putting pressure on the nails and encouraging them to grow into the surrounding skin. How nails are trimmed also makes a difference. Cutting them straight across, rather than rounding the edges, helps the nail grow outward instead of curving into the skin. It is also best to avoid having the nails cut too short, which can increase the chance of the edge digging in as the nail grows. Another common mistake is picking or tearing at toenails. This leaves uneven edges that can easily become embedded in the skin. If you have an ingrown toenail that has become painful, it is suggested that you see a podiatrist as quickly as possible for the right care.

Ingrown toenails can become painful if they are not treated properly. For more information about ingrown toenails, contact one of our podiatrists of Associates in Podiatry, PC. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Ingrown Toenails

Ingrown toenails occur when a toenail grows sideways into the bed of the nail, causing pain, swelling, and possibly infection.

Causes

• Bacterial infections
• Improper nail cutting such as cutting it too short or not straight across
• Trauma to the toe, such as stubbing, which causes the nail to grow back irregularly
• Ill-fitting shoes that bunch the toes too close together
• Genetic predisposition

Prevention

Because ingrown toenails are not something found outside of shoe-wearing cultures, going barefoot as often as possible will decrease the likeliness of developing ingrown toenails. Wearing proper fitting shoes and using proper cutting techniques will also help decrease your risk of developing ingrown toenails.

Treatment

Ingrown toenails are a very treatable foot condition. In minor cases, soaking the affected area in salt or antibacterial soaps will not only help with the ingrown nail itself, but also help prevent any infections from occurring. In more severe cases, surgery is an option. In either case, speaking to your podiatrist about this condition will help you get a better understanding of specific treatment options that are right for you.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our offices located in Pittsburgh-South Hills, and Pittsburgh-Bellevue, PA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Heel spur removal is a surgical procedure performed to alleviate pain caused by bony growths on the underside of the heel. Indications for this procedure include chronic heel pain that does not improve with conservative treatments, such as orthotics or anti-inflammatory measures. Heel spurs often develop due to repetitive stress, plantar fasciitis, or abnormal foot mechanics. Symptoms include sharp heel pain, especially with the first steps in the morning, swelling, and tenderness. A podiatrist can help by diagnosing the condition, exploring non-surgical options, or determining if surgery is necessary for lasting relief. If heel pain is affecting your mobility, it is suggested that you contact a podiatrist for an expert evaluation and care.

Foot surgery is sometimes necessary to treat a foot ailment. To learn more, contact one of our podiatrists of Associates in Podiatry, PC. Our doctors will assist you with all of your foot and ankle needs.

When Is Surgery Necessary?

Foot and ankle surgery is generally reserved for cases in which less invasive, conservative procedures have failed to alleviate the problem. Some of the cases in which surgery may be necessary include:

• Removing foot deformities like bunions and bone spurs
• Severe arthritis that has caused bone issues
• Cosmetic reconstruction

What Types of Surgery Are There?

The type of surgery you receive will depend on the nature of the problem you have. Some of the possible surgeries include:

• Bunionectomy for painful bunions
• Surgical fusion for realignment of bones
• Neuropathy decompression surgery to treat nerve damage

Benefits of Surgery

Although surgery is usually a last resort, it can provide more complete pain relief compared to non-surgical methods and may allow you to finally resume full activity.

Surgical techniques have also become increasingly sophisticated. Techniques like endoscopic surgery allow for smaller incisions and faster recovery times.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our offices located in Pittsburgh-South Hills, and Pittsburgh-Bellevue, PA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

The Achilles tendon is the strong band of tissue that connects the calf muscles to the heel bone, allowing you to walk, run, and jump. Overuse, sudden increases in activity, or poor footwear can lead to Achilles tendinopathy, a condition marked by stiffness, swelling, and pain at the back of the ankle. In more severe cases, the tendon may partially or completely tear, often causing sudden, sharp pain and difficulty walking. These injuries are more common in active adults, but can happen to anyone, especially during activities that involve explosive movements. Prompt evaluation is important, as untreated tendon problems can lead to chronic pain or reduced mobility. Treatment may include rest, targeted exercises, supportive footwear, or surgery for a rupture. If you experience persistent heel or ankle pain, it is suggested that you see a podiatrist for an accurate diagnosis and effective treatment.

Achilles tendon injuries need immediate attention to avoid future complications. If you have any concerns, contact one of our podiatrists of Associates in Podiatry, PC. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

What Is the Achilles Tendon?

The Achilles tendon is a tendon that connects the lower leg muscles and calf to the heel of the foot. It is the strongest tendon in the human body and is essential for making movement possible. Because this tendon is such an integral part of the body, any injuries to it can create immense difficulties and should immediately be presented to a doctor.

What Are the Symptoms of an Achilles Tendon Injury?

There are various types of injuries that can affect the Achilles tendon. The two most common injuries are Achilles tendinitis and ruptures of the tendon.

Achilles Tendinitis Symptoms

• Inflammation
• Dull to severe pain
• Increased blood flow to the tendon
• Thickening of the tendon

Rupture Symptoms

• Extreme pain and swelling in the foot
• Total immobility

Treatment and Prevention

Achilles tendon injuries are diagnosed by a thorough physical evaluation, which can include an MRI. Treatment involves rest, physical therapy, and in some cases, surgery. However, various preventative measures can be taken to avoid these injuries, such as:

• Thorough stretching of the tendon before and after exercise
• Strengthening exercises like calf raises, squats, leg curls, leg extensions, leg raises, lunges, and leg presses

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our offices located in Pittsburgh-South Hills, and Pittsburgh-Bellevue, PA . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.