An early symptom of the foot condition that is known as gout may be detected in the blood. Elevated purine or uric acid levels may indicate gout has developed, which can lead to painful attacks. Gout is a form of arthritis and generally affects the joints in the big toe. It can cause debilitating pain and may be accompanied by swelling and redness. Gout can develop from genetic reasons, or from eating foods that have large amounts of purines. These types of foods can include shellfish, red meat, and drinks that are made with heavy amounts of sugar. Many people have gout attacks at night, and pain can be severe during the first several hours. Effective prevention techniques may consist of reducing the number of foods that are eaten that have purines, eliminating alcohol, and drinking plenty of water daily. If you have had one or frequent gout attacks, 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 one of our podiatrists from Florida Foot & Ankle Group, P.A.. 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 Debary, Lake Mary, Orlando, and Oviedo, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

The majority of diabetic patients understand the importance of maintaining good foot care. Neuropathy is a common condition that can develop in people who have diabetes, and it is defined as the inability to feel existing cuts or wounds that have developed on the feet. Having elevated amounts of glucose levels in the blood may lead to poor circulation and nerve damage, possibly causing severe pain and foot ulcers to develop. Proper foot care begins daily with washing and drying the feet, followed by inspecting the soles with a mirror. This is an effective way to notice if any cuts have developed, and a family member or caregiver may help to accomplish this. It is beneficial to have toenails trimmed weekly, which may be helpful in preventing an ingrown toenail from developing. The feet need as much protection as possible, and this can be done by wearing comfortable shoes, in addition to refraining from walking barefoot. If you have diabetes, it is strongly suggested that you are under the care of a podiatrist who can help you to manage this condition and offer additional prevention techniques for maximum foot protection. 

Diabetic foot care is important in preventing foot ailments such as ulcers. If you are suffering from diabetes or have any other concerns about your feet, contact one of our podiatrists from Florida Foot & Ankle Group, P.A.. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Diabetic Foot Care

Diabetes affects millions of people every year. The condition can damage blood vessels in many parts of the body, especially the feet. Because of this, taking care of your feet is essential if you have diabetes, and having a podiatrist help monitor your foot health is highly recommended.

The Importance of Caring for Your Feet

• Routinely inspect your feet for bruises or sores.
• Wear socks that fit your feet comfortably.
• Wear comfortable shoes that provide adequate support.

Patients with diabetes should have their doctor monitor their blood levels, as blood sugar levels play such a huge role in diabetic care. Monitoring these levels on a regular basis is highly advised.

It is always best to inform your healthcare professional of any concerns you may have regarding your feet, especially for diabetic patients. Early treatment and routine foot examinations are keys to maintaining proper health, especially because severe complications can arise if proper treatment is not applied.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact one of our offices located in Debary, Lake Mary, Orlando, and Oviedo, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Restless leg syndrome, referred to as RLS and also known as Willis-Ekbom disease, is a condition where an individual experiences tingling sensations and an urge to move the legs. It can also include a desire to move the feet and can be quite uncomfortable. Symptoms of this ailment typically worsen at night and interfere with sleep. While there is no cure for this syndrome, there may be help to relieve symptoms and increase sleep quality. It is beneficial to find the root cause of restless leg syndrome so that treatment can be more effective. Things that can lead to RLS include sleep deprivation, a sedentary lifestyle, diabetes, certain medications, or renal insufficiency. Movement, such as exercise and stretching, consuming healthy foods, and getting massages may help. If you have restless leg syndrome and it is interfering with the quality of your life, it is suggested that you visit a podiatrist for an evaluation and treatment methods that are tailored to you.

Foot Pain

Foot pain can be extremely painful and debilitating. If you have a foot pain, consult with one of our podiatrists from Florida Foot & Ankle Group, P.A.. Our doctors will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

Causes

Foot pain is a very broad condition that could be caused by one or more ailments. The most common include:

• Bunions
• Hammertoes
• Plantar Fasciitis
• Bone Spurs
• Corns
• Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome
• Ingrown Toenails
• Arthritis (such as Gout, Rheumatoid, and Osteoarthritis)
• Flat Feet
• Injury (from stress fractures, broken toe, foot, ankle, Achilles tendon ruptures, and sprains)
• And more

Diagnosis

To figure out the cause of foot pain, podiatrists utilize several different methods. This 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

Treatment depends upon the cause of the foot pain. Whether it is resting, staying off the foot, or having surgery; podiatrists have a number of treatment options available for foot pain.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact one of our offices located in Debary, Lake Mary, Orlando, and Oviedo, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Peripheral vascular disease, or PVD, is a condition that affects blood flow to the limbs, particularly the feet and is often caused by narrowed or blocked arteries. In the feet, symptoms of PVD can include pain, cramping, numbness, or a cold sensation, especially during physical activity. The feet may also appear pale or have slow-healing wounds. Causes of PVD include atherosclerosis, smoking, diabetes, high blood pressure, and high cholesterol. Lifestyle changes play a significant role in managing PVD. Regular exercise can help improve poor circulation and reduce symptoms while quitting smoking can prevent further damage to blood vessels. A healthy diet low in saturated fats and rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains can help control cholesterol and blood pressure. Managing weight and reducing stress are also important in improving overall vascular health and preventing the progression of PVD. If you have symptoms of this disease, it is suggested that you are under the care of a podiatrist who can provide an accurate diagnosis and treatment.

Poor circulation is a serious condition and needs immediate medical attention. If you have any concerns with poor circulation in your feet contact one of our podiatrists of Florida Foot & Ankle Group, P.A.. Our doctors will treat your foot and ankle needs.

Poor Circulation in the Feet

Poor blood circulation in the feet and legs is can be caused by peripheral artery disease (PAD), which is the result of a buildup of plaque in the arteries.

Plaque buildup or atherosclerosis results from excess calcium and cholesterol in the bloodstream. This can restrict the amount of blood which can flow through the arteries. Poor blood circulation in the feet and legs are sometimes caused by inflammation in the blood vessels, known as vasculitis.

Causes

Lack of oxygen and oxygen from poor blood circulation restricts muscle growth and development. It can also cause:

• Muscle pain, stiffness, or weakness   
• Numbness or cramping in the legs 
• Skin discoloration
• Slower nail & hair growth
• Erectile dysfunction

Those who have diabetes or smoke are at greatest risk for poor circulation, as are those who are over 50. If you have poor circulation in the feet and legs it may be caused by PAD and is important to make changes to your lifestyle in order to reduce risk of getting a heart attack or stroke. Exercise and maintaining a healthy lifestyle will dramatically improve conditions.

As always, see a podiatrist as he or she will assist in finding a regimen that suits you. A podiatrist can also prescribe you any needed medication. 

If you have any questions please feel free to contact one of our offices located in Debary, Lake Mary, Orlando, and Oviedo, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Hammertoe is a foot deformity where one or more toes bend abnormally at the middle joint, often leading to pain, stiffness, and difficulty wearing shoes. Older women are more likely to develop hammertoes due to years of wearing high heels, narrow-toed shoes, and unsupportive footwear that force the toes into unnatural positions. Over time, the muscles and tendons in the toes tighten, making the deformity permanent. Genetics, foot structure, and biomechanics also play a role, with women more prone to bunions and flat feet, both of which increase hammertoe risk. The condition often worsens with age, often leading to corns, calluses, and joint pain. Preventative measures include wearing roomier shoes with proper arch support and performing toe-stretching exercises. If you have a hammertoe and it becomes painful or rigid, it is suggested that you see a podiatrist for appropriate treatment.

Hammertoes can be a painful condition to live with. For more information, contact one of our podiatrists of Florida Foot & Ankle Group, P.A.. Our doctors will answer any of your foot- and ankle-related questions.

Hammertoe

Hammertoe is a foot deformity that occurs due to an imbalance in the muscles, tendons, or ligaments that normally hold the toe straight. It can be caused by the type of shoes you wear, your foot structure, trauma, and certain disease processes.

Symptoms

• Painful and/or difficult toe movement
• Swelling
• Joint stiffness
• Calluses/Corns
• Physical deformity

Risk Factors

• Age – The risk of hammertoe increases with age
• Sex – Women are more likely to have hammertoe compared to men
• Toe Length – You are more likely to develop hammertoe if your second toe is longer than your big toe
• Certain Diseases – Arthritis and diabetes may make you more likely to develop hammertoe

Treatment

If you have hammertoe, you should change into a more comfortable shoe that provides enough room for your toes. Exercises such as picking up marbles may strengthen and stretch your toe muscles. Nevertheless, it is important to seek assistance from a podiatrist in order to determine the severity of your hammertoe and see which treatment option will work best for you.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact one of our offices located in Debary, Lake Mary, Orlando, and Oviedo, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.