Gout is a form of inflammatory arthritis caused by a buildup of uric acid in the body, leading to the formation of sharp crystals within joints. When uric acid levels rise, the body cannot eliminate it effectively, allowing crystals to accumulate and trigger inflammation. This process often affects the big toe, where sudden pain, redness, swelling, and warmth can develop. Symptoms may appear rapidly and become severe, making walking difficult. Risk factors include diet, genetics, certain medical conditions, and reduced kidney function. A podiatrist can diagnose gout, manage flare-ups, and recommend treatments to reduce pain and prevent recurrence. Gout can be painful and may cause difficulty in completing daily activities. If you have symptoms of gout, it is strongly suggested that you are under the care of a podiatrist who can help you to manage this painful condition.

Gout is a painful condition that can be treated. If you are seeking treatment, contact one of our podiatrists from Westside Podiatry Center, LLP. 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 Liverpool, Camillus, Skaneateles, Oswego, and Cicero, NY . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Athlete’s foot can affect children and teens, especially those who are active, wear closed shoes for long periods of time, or spend time in locker rooms and around pools. This condition is caused by a fungus that thrives in warm, moist environments. It may appear as peeling skin, redness, itching, or small cracks between the toes. Some young people  may also have dryness or mild discomfort on the soles of the feet. Because symptoms can be subtle, it may go unnoticed at first. Prevention starts with keeping feet clean and dry. Encourage kids to change socks daily, choose breathable shoes, and allow shoes to air out between uses. Wearing flip flops in public wet areas can also help reduce exposure. If you notice signs of athlete’s foot in your children, it is suggested that you see a podiatrist for a proper diagnosis and appropriate treatment.

Athlete’s foot is an inconvenient condition that can be easily reduced with the proper treatment. If you have any concerns about your feet and ankles, contact one of our podiatrists from Westside Podiatry Center, LLP.  Our doctors will treat your foot and ankle needs.

Athlete’s Foot: The Sole Story

Athlete's foot, also known as tinea pedis, can be an extremely contagious foot infection. It is commonly contracted in public changing areas and bathrooms, dormitory style living quarters, around locker rooms and public swimming pools, or anywhere your feet often come into contact with other people.

Solutions to Combat Athlete’s Foot

• Hydrate your feet by using lotion
• Exfoliate
• Buff off nails
• Use of anti-fungal products
• Examine your feet and visit your doctor if any suspicious blisters or cuts develop

Athlete’s foot can cause many irritating symptoms such as dry and flaking skin, itching, and redness. Some more severe symptoms can include bleeding and cracked skin, intense itching and burning, and even pain when walking. In the worst cases, Athlete’s foot can cause blistering as well. Speak to your podiatrist for a better understanding of the different causes of Athlete’s foot, as well as help in determining which treatment options are best for you.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact one of our offices located in Liverpool, Camillus, Skaneateles, Oswego, and Cicero, NY . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Lumps on the toes can develop for several reasons and may vary in size, texture, and level of discomfort. Some lumps grow slowly over time while others appear suddenly after irritation or injury. A common cause is a bunion or bunionette, which forms when the toes shift and creates a bony bump. Ganglion cysts may also appear near the joints or tendons and feel like soft, fluid-filled swellings under the skin. Corns and callouses can sometimes look like small lumps because the skin thickens in response to pressure from shoes. In some cases, a lump may develop from arthritis in the toe joint, which can create bony enlargements that feel firm and tender. Other possibilities include gout deposits, small benign growths, or inflammation of the surrounding tissues. A podiatrist can examine the toe and may use imaging to determine the exact cause of the lump. Treatment depends on the diagnosis and may include footwear changes, padding, medication, or other corrective care. If you notice a lump on your toe, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist.

Toe pain can disrupt your daily activities. If you have any concerns, contact one of our podiatrists of Westside Podiatry Center, LLP. Our doctors 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 contact one of our offices located in Liverpool, Camillus, Skaneateles, Oswego, and Cicero, NY . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

An ankle sprain is one of the most common sports and activity-related injuries. It happens when the ligaments that support the ankle stretch or tear after the foot twists or rolls. Most sprains heal with rest and proper care, but some people develop ongoing nerve-related pain during recovery. This type of discomfort is called neuropathic pain. It may feel like burning, tingling, numbness, or sharp, electric-like sensations around the ankle or foot. The pain may continue even after swelling improves and normal movement returns. Nerve irritation can occur when nearby tissues remain inflamed or when swelling places pressure on small nerves around the ankle joint. Early evaluation can help identify the cause and guide treatment. Targeted exercises, supportive bracing, and other medical treatments may be helpful. If nerve-like pain develops after an ankle sprain, it is suggested that you see a podiatrist for a proper diagnosis and appropriate treatment.

Although ankle sprains are common, they aren’t always minor injuries. If you need your ankle injury looked at, contact one of our podiatrists from Westside Podiatry Center, LLP. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

How Does an Ankle Sprain Occur?

Ankle sprains are the result of a tear in the ligaments within the ankle. These injuries may happen when you make a rapid shifting movement while your foot is planted. A less common way to sprain your ankle is when your ankle rolls inward while your foot turns outward.

What Are the Symptoms?

• Pain at the sight of the tear
• Bruising/Swelling
• Ankle area is tender to touch
• In severe cases, may hear/feel something tear
• Skin discoloration

Preventing a Sprain

• Wearing appropriate shoes for the occasion
• Stretching before exercises and sports
• Knowing your limits

Treatment of a Sprain

In many cases, the RICE method (Rest, Ice, Compression, and Elevate) is used to treat ankle sprains. However, you should see a podiatrist to see which treatment option would work best with your injury. In severe cases, surgery may be required.

It is important to ask your doctor about rehab options after you receive treatment for your injury. Stretching, strength training, and balance exercises may help the ankle heal while also preventing further injury.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact one of our offices located in Liverpool, Camillus, Skaneateles, Oswego, and Cicero, NY . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.