Items filtered by date: October 2024

Gout is a form of arthritis caused by the accumulation of uric acid crystals in the joints. It often affects the feet and results in severe pain, redness, swelling, and stiffness. Gout commonly affects the big toe, but it can also target the ankles and any of the many other foot joints. Gout can be triggered by a diet high in purines, which are found in red meats and certain seafood. Alcohol consumption, obesity, and certain medications are other common factors. People with a kidney condition or who take diuretics for blood pressure control are at a higher risk. During a gout flare-up, the affected area may become hot and extremely sensitive to touch, making everyday activities challenging. Although gout is not curable, it can be managed with the help of a podiatrist through guidance on minimizing future flare-ups. This may include addressing risk factors, such as dietary habits, and prescribing medication to lower uric acid levels. If you are experiencing flare ups of gout, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist.

Gout is a painful condition that can be treated. If you are seeking treatment, contact Soorena Sadri, DPM from FootWorx Active Podiatry. Our doctor 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 our office located in Fort Myers, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Foot orthotics are custom devices designed to support and align the feet. They can alleviate various foot conditions, including plantar fasciitis, flat feet, and bunions. To determine if you need foot orthotics, pay attention to persistent foot pain, discomfort during physical activities, or difficulties with balance and stability. If you frequently experience fatigue in your feet or notice changes in your walking pattern, these may be signs that orthotics could benefit you. Consulting with a podiatrist can help identify specific foot issues and determine if custom orthotics are a suitable solution. If you have any of the above symptoms or foot conditions, it is suggested that you consult this type of doctor who can explain how custom orthotics can help you.

If you are experiencing discomfort in your feet and would like to try custom orthotics, contact Soorena Sadri, DPM from FootWorx Active Podiatry. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

What Are Custom Orthotics?

Custom orthotics are inserts you can place into your shoes to help with a variety of foot problems such as flat feet or foot pain. Orthotics provide relief and comfort for minor foot and heel pain. 

Over-the-Counter Inserts

Shoe inserts come in a wide variety and are used to treat foot pain, heel pain, and minor problems. For example, arch supports can be inserted into your shoes to help correct overarched or flat feet, while gel insoles are often used because they provide comfort and relief from foot and heel pain by alleviating pressure.

Prescription Orthotics

If over-the-counter inserts don’t work for you or if you have a more severe foot concern, it is possible to have your podiatrist prescribe custom orthotics. These high-quality, custom inserts are designed to treat problems such as abnormal motion, plantar fasciitis, and severe forms of heel pain. They can even be used to help patients suffering from diabetes by treating foot ulcers and painful calluses and are usually molded to your feet individually, which allows them to provide full support and comfort.

If you're experiencing minor to severe foot or heel pain, it’s recommended to speak with your podiatrist about the possibility of using custom orthotics or shoe inserts. A podiatrist can determine which type of custom orthotic or shoe insert is right for you and help you take the first steps toward being pain-free.

If you have any questions please contact our office located in Fort Myers, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Diabetic neuropathy is a common complication of diabetes that primarily affects the feet. It often starts with feelings of tingling, burning, or numbness. Over time, the damage to nerves can lead to decreased sensitivity. This makes it harder to notice cuts, blisters, or sores, which can later become infected if untreated. The lack of sensation from diabetic neuropathy can also alter how you walk, increases the risk of injuries, or may result in formation of foot ulcers. Untreated foot infections can worsen and may even lead to gangrene or limb loss. A podiatrist plays a key role in helping patients with diabetic neuropathy. This foot doctor can identify early symptoms, treat foot complications, and provide strategies to protect the feet from further damage. Regular checkups, foot exams, and proper foot care routines are essential for maintaining foot health and preventing serious issues. If you suffer from diabetic neuropathy, it is suggested that you schedule regular appointments with a podiatrist for exams and treatment.

Neuropathy

Neuropathy can be a potentially serious condition, especially if it is left undiagnosed. If you have any concerns that you may be experiencing nerve loss in your feet, consult with Soorena Sadri, DPM from FootWorx Active Podiatry. Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment for neuropathy.

What Is Neuropathy?

Neuropathy is a condition that leads to damage to the nerves in the body. Peripheral neuropathy, or neuropathy that affects your peripheral nervous system, usually occurs in the feet. Neuropathy can be triggered by a number of different causes. Such causes include diabetes, infections, cancers, disorders, and toxic substances.

Symptoms of Neuropathy Include:

• Numbness
• Sensation loss
• Prickling and tingling sensations
• Throbbing, freezing, burning pains
• Muscle weakness

Those with diabetes are at serious risk due to being unable to feel an ulcer on their feet. Diabetics usually also suffer from poor blood circulation. This can lead to the wound not healing, infections occurring, and the limb may have to be amputated.

Treatment

To treat neuropathy in the foot, podiatrists will first diagnose the cause of the neuropathy. Figuring out the underlying cause of the neuropathy will allow the podiatrist to prescribe the best treatment, whether it be caused by diabetes, toxic substance exposure, infection, etc. If the nerve has not died, then it’s possible that sensation may be able to return to the foot.

Pain medication may be issued for pain. Electrical nerve stimulation can be used to stimulate nerves. If the neuropathy is caused from pressure on the nerves, then surgery may be necessary.

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

Flat feet, or fallen arches, is a condition where the foot's arch is either low or absent while standing. Sometimes having flat feet can lead to such discomfort that surgery is required when other treatments do not help. Surgery for flat feet often involves reconstructing the tibialis posterior tendon, which supports the arch. In cases of advanced arthritis, where pain and stiffness worsen, a procedure called fusion surgery may be necessary. This involves fusing bones in the foot or ankle to enhance stability. Recovery from flat foot surgery typically involves a hospital stay, followed by a period of rest with the foot elevated and protected in a cast. After about six weeks, a patient can generally begin putting weight on the foot. Flat foot surgery is a significant decision, and a podiatrist can assess the severity of your condition and guide you through the treatment options available. If you have foot pain caused by flat feet, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for a diagnosis and treatment.

Flatfoot is a condition many people suffer from. If you have flat feet, contact Soorena Sadri, DPM from FootWorx Active Podiatry. Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.

What Are Flat Feet?

Flatfoot is a condition in which the arch of the foot is depressed and the sole of the foot is almost completely in contact with the ground. About 20-30% of the population generally has flat feet because their arches never formed during growth.

Conditions & Problems:

Having flat feet makes it difficult to run or walk because of the stress placed on the ankles.

Alignment – The general alignment of your legs can be disrupted, because the ankles move inward which can cause major discomfort.

Knees – If you have complications with your knees, flat feet can be a contributor to arthritis in that area.  

Symptoms

• Pain around the heel or arch area
• Trouble standing on the tip toe
• Swelling around the inside of the ankle
• Flat look to one or both feet
• Having your shoes feel uneven when worn

Treatment

If you are experiencing pain and stress on the foot you may weaken the posterior tibial tendon, which runs around the inside of the ankle. 

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