Gout, a form of arthritis, paints a distinctive portrait of discomfort that individuals must learn to decipher. Recognizing the signs is pivotal, and sudden, intense joint pain, often in the big toe, signifies the onset. Swelling and redness can accompany these flares, underscoring the need for early identification. The causes of gout reside in an excess of uric acid, leading to the formation of sharp crystals in the joints. Factors such as diet, genetics, and underlying health conditions contribute to the heightened uric acid levels. Living with gout necessitates a multidimensional approach. Adopting a gout-friendly diet, staying hydrated, and managing weight are fundamental steps. Navigating life with gout demands an understanding of one's body and a commitment to a holistic lifestyle that fosters joint health and overall well-being. If you are afflicted with gout, it is strongly suggested that you are under the care of a podiatrist who can help you to manage this condition.

Gout is a foot condition that requires certain treatment and care. If you are seeking treatment, contact Thomas Vail, DPM from Step Alive Foot & Ankle Center. Our podiatrist 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 office located in Findlay, OH . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Any job that requires you to stand on your feet all day can be tough. At first, it may begin with sore feet, but with time, you may become generally tired. Your feet and legs carry your body weight and help you to stay upright. Standing too long may cause pain, swelling, and cramps as a result of fluid buildup and poor blood flow. This is not just a problem for factory, warehouse, or healthcare workers; it is something that is noticed in many jobs, such as oil rigs, restaurants, and retail. The discomfort can get so bad it feels like your feet are on fire. As the day goes on, your feet may become numb, causing feeling to become temporarily lost. If you have a job that requires you to stand on your feet all day, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist who can help you by providing strategies and treatment that can protect your quality of life and job performance.

While working on the feet, it is important to take the proper care of them. For more information about working on your feet, contact Thomas Vail, DPM from Step Alive Foot & Ankle Center. Our podiatrist will treat your foot and ankle needs.

Working on Your Feet

Standing on your feet for long periods of time can cause stress and pain in your feet. Your whole body may experience change in terms of posture, back pain, bunions, callouses and or plantar warts. There are ways to avoid these conditions with proper foot care, smart choices and correct posture.

Positive Changes

Negative heeled shoe – Choosing this shoe type places the heel slightly lower than the ball of the foot. These are great for overall foot health. Find shoes that fit you correctly.

Go barefoot – Our feet were not designed to be enclosed for all hours of the day. Try to periodically expose your feet to air.

Eliminate Pain

Foot Exercises – Performing simple exercises, incorporating yoga and doing stretches are beneficial. This will allow increased blood flow to the area and muscles of the foot.

Achilles tendon – Stretching the foot out flat on the floor will relax the calf muscles and tendon. These exercises can be performed almost anywhere. Make sure you add these exercises to your daily regimen. 

With a little bit of this information and knowing more about foot health, you will notice changes. Foot stretches and proper footwear will help with pain and prevent further issues.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our office located in Findlay, OH . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Foot exercises are an often underestimated yet invaluable practice for maintaining overall well-being. Your feet, the foundation of your body, carry the weight of your daily life. Engaging in regular foot exercises brings numerous benefits, including improved balance, enhanced flexibility, and reduced risk of common foot problems. Stretching and strengthening exercises can alleviate foot pain and discomfort, making them particularly useful for those with conditions such as plantar fasciitis or bunions. Foot exercises may also help to enhance blood circulation, which can have a positive impact on your overall cardiovascular health. Moreover, as your feet and lower limbs become stronger, you will experience better posture and alignment, reducing strain on your joints and spine. Embracing these exercises as part of your routine can lead to healthier, happier feet, allowing you to move through life with comfort and confidence. Exercising the feet can bring stability to the body. If you are interested in learning more about specific foot exercises to perform, it is suggested that you confer with a podiatrist.

Exercising your feet regularly with the proper foot wear is a great way to prevent injuries and build strength. If you have any concerns about your feet, contact Thomas Vail, DPM from Step Alive Foot & Ankle Center. Our podiatrist can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Exercise for Your Feet

Exercise for your feet can help you gain strength, mobility and flexibility in your feet. They say that strengthening your feet can be just as rewarding as strengthening another part of the body. Your feet are very important, and we often forget about them in our daily tasks. But it is because of our feet that are we able to get going and do what we need to. For those of us fortunate enough to not have any foot problems, it is an important gesture to take care of them to ensure good health in the long run.

Some foot health exercises can include ankle pumps, tip-toeing, toe rises, lifting off the floor doing reps and sets, and flexing the toes. It is best to speak with Our podiatrist to determine an appropriate regimen for your needs. Everyone’s needs and bodies are different, and the activities required to maintain strength in the feet vary from individual to individual. 

Once you get into a routine of doing regular exercise, you may notice a difference in your feet and how strong they may become.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our office located in Findlay, OH . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Swollen feet can cause both inconvenience and discomfort, but ignoring them may be dangerous, as edema can be a symptom of an underlying condition. One of the most common causes of swollen feet is pregnancy, which can be the result of increased fluid retention and hormonal changes. Injuries to the leg or ankle can lead to swelling, as ligaments stretch beyond their normal range of motion. Lymphedema, another cause of swelling, results from the accumulation of lymphatic fluid, often after cancer radiation therapy or lymph node removal. Venous insufficiency, which stems from damaged vein valves in the legs and feet, can also cause the feet to swell, and can be accompanied by potential symptoms such as ulcers and skin discoloration. Infections pose a risk, especially for those with diabetic neuropathy or nerve problems, making regular foot exams with a podiatrist essential for diabetics patients. Certain medications can induce foot swelling as a side effect, necessitating consultation with a podiatrist. Arthritis can affect joints, causing swelling as a result of increased synovial fluid or inflammation. While mild foot swelling may not always warrant medical attention, chest pain, breathing difficulties, or shortness of breath require immediate evaluation as they may indicate pulmonary edema. If you notice sudden or unusual swelling in your feet, it is strongly suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist at your earliest opportunity.

Swollen feet can be a sign of an underlying condition. If you have any concerns, contact Thomas Vail, DPM of Step Alive Foot & Ankle Center. Our podiatrist can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Swollen feet are a common ailment among pregnant women and people who stand or sit for extended periods. Aging may increase the possibility of swollen feet and patients who are obese often notice when their feet are swelling too. There may be medical reasons why swollen feet occur:

• Phlebitis - A condition that causes the veins to become inflamed and can also cause leg pain.
• Liver disease - This may lead to low blood levels of albumin which is a protein. This can cause fluid in the blood to pass into the tissues and several areas of the body can become swollen.
• Heart failure - When the heart doesn’t pump properly the blood that is normally pumped back to the heart can pool in the veins of the legs causing swollen feet.
• Kidney disease - One of the main functions of the kidneys is releasing excess fluid in the body. This type of condition can make it difficult for the kidneys to function properly, and as a result the feet may become swollen.
• Deep-vein thrombosis (DVT)- This is a serious condition where blood clots form in the veins of the legs. They can block the return of blood from the legs to the heart which may cause the feet to swell. It is important to be treated by a podiatrist if this condition is present.

Swollen feet can also be caused by bone and tendon conditions, including fractures, arthritis, and tendinitis. Additionally, there may be skin and toenail conditions and an infection may cause the feet to swell. Patients who take medicine to treat high blood pressure may be prone to getting swollen feet. 

Many patients elevate their feet to help relieve the swelling and this is generally a temporary remedy. When a podiatrist is consulted the reason behind the swelling can be uncovered and subsequently treated.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our office located in Findlay, OH . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.