Gout is a type of arthritis caused by a buildup of uric acid in the bloodstream. This acid can crystallize and become lodged in the joints of the feet, particularly the big toe, leading to sudden and intense pain, swelling, and inflammation. Gout typically flares up and then goes away, only to flare up again. It can become a chronic condition if measures are not taken to prevent future flare-ups. Chronic gout can cause large, visible bumps, called tophi, to form in bones, joints, or cartilage. Tophi are made of urate crystals and are usually not painful unless they become infected or press on a nerve. But although they’re not painful in and of themselves, tophi are problematic because they can damage joints, destroy cartilage, and eventually lead to bone erosion, deformity, and disability. For more information about gout, it is suggested you consult with a podiatrist. 

Gout is a painful condition that can be treated. If you are seeking treatment, contact Gary Saphire, DPM from Parkway 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 Brooklyn, NY . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Hallux rigidus is a form of degenerative arthritis affecting the joint at the base of the big toe. This condition leads to stiffness, pain, and limited movement in the toe, often making walking or other activities difficult. The primary cause of hallux rigidus is wear and tear of the cartilage in the joint, which can result from repetitive use, injury, or genetic predisposition. People at risk for hallux rigidus include those with a family history of the condition, athletes, or individuals whose activities put repeated stress on the big toe joint, such as dancers or certain laborers. Treatment options vary depending on the severity and can include non-surgical approaches like targeted stretching exercises, anti-inflammatory medications, and custom orthotics to reduce pressure on the toe. In more severe cases, surgery may be necessary to alleviate pain and restore mobility. If you have big toe pain, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for a proper diagnosis and treatment.

Toe pain can disrupt your daily activities. If you have any concerns, contact Gary Saphire, DPM of Parkway Podiatry. Our doctor 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 our office located in Brooklyn, NY . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Corns are thickened areas of skin that develop in response to pressure or friction, typically on toes or feet. They form as a protective response, often due to wearing ill-fitting shoes or repetitive rubbing. There are two main types of foot corns. Hard corns are small, concentrated areas of hardened skin on the tops or sides of toes. Soft corns are found between toes where moisture accumulates. Both types can cause discomfort or pain, especially while walking or wearing shoes. Relief can be found through gentle exfoliation, using a pumice stone or foot file to reduce thickness, followed by moisturizing with creams to soften the skin. Wearing properly fitting shoes with adequate toe room can help prevent recurrence. In severe cases, it is suggested you consult a podiatrist for professional treatment, such as trimming or padding, which may be necessary to alleviate discomfort and promote healthy skin.

If you have any concerns regarding your feet and ankles, contact Gary Saphire, DPM of Parkway Podiatry. Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.

Corns: What Are They? and How Do You Get Rid of Them?
Corns can be described as areas of the skin that have thickened to the point of becoming painful or irritating. They are often layers and layers of the skin that have become dry and rough, and are normally smaller than calluses.

Ways to Prevent Corns
There are many ways to get rid of painful corns such as wearing:

• Well-fitting socks
• Comfortable shoes that are not tight around your foot
• Shoes that offer support

Treating Corns
Treatment of corns involves removing the dead skin that has built up in the specific area of the foot. Consult with Our doctor to determine the best treatment option for your case of corns.

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

Hallux limitus is a condition where movement in the big toe joint is restricted, often due to arthritis or structural abnormalities. Symptoms include pain, stiffness, swelling, and difficulty bending the toe when walking or pushing off during activities. Preventing hallux limitus involves wearing supportive footwear with a wide toe box to reduce pressure on the joint. Toe exercises and maintaining a healthy weight can also help. Treatment options vary depending on the severity and may include shoe modifications, orthotic inserts, physical therapy, or anti-inflammatory medications. In advanced cases, surgical interventions like joint fusion or joint replacement may be necessary to restore function. If you experience persistent pain or notice changes in your toe joint mobility, consulting a podiatrist is suggested. This foot doctor can diagnose the condition accurately, assess its impact on your foot health, and recommend the most effective treatment plan to alleviate symptoms and improve mobility.

Foot Pain

Foot pain can be extremely painful and debilitating. If you have a foot pain, consult with Gary Saphire, DPM from Parkway Podiatry. Our doctor 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 our office located in Brooklyn, NY . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.