August 2020
Monday, 31 August 2020 00:00
How Is Gout Diagnosed?
Patients who have experienced the medical condition that is known as gout are often aware of the severe pain and discomfort this condition can cause. In many cases, it affects the joints in the big toe, and the pain may be unbearable at night. It occurs as a result of excess uric acid in the bloodstream, and can happen for a variety of reasons. These can include genetic factors, existing medical conditions, and eating foods that have high amounts of purines. These types of foods can consist of shellfish, red meat, and drinks that are made with large amounts of sugar. Confirmation of gout starts with a proper diagnosis, which can include extracting a small amount of fluid from the affected joint. If you have gout attacks, it is strongly recommended that you are under the care of a podiatrist who can properly treat this condition.
Gout is a painful condition that can be treated. If you are seeking treatment, contact John Killough, DPM from Regional Foot Center. 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 offices located in Charleston and Effingham, IL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.
Read more about Gout Monday, 24 August 2020 00:00
Do I Have Plantar Warts?
Pain felt on the soles of the feet can be indicative of a condition known as plantar warts. The appearance of plantar warts can be compared to thickened, callused skin, however they often have tiny black dots in their center. Because they’re normally found on the soles of the feet, plantar warts can run the risk of being pushed inward as one walks. Some have described feeling as if a pebble is stuck in their shoe when the plantar warts are pushed inward. For a proper diagnosis and advised treatment plan for plantar warts, please seek the care of a podiatrist.
Plantar warts can be very uncomfortable. If you need your feet checked, contact John Killough, DPM from Regional Foot Center. Our doctor will assist you with all of your foot and ankle needs.
About Plantar Warts
Plantar warts are the result of HPV, or human papillomavirus, getting into open wounds on the feet. They are mostly found on the heels or balls of the feet.
While plantar warts are generally harmless, those experiencing excessive pain or those suffering from diabetes or a compromised immune system require immediate medical care. Plantar warts are easily diagnosed, usually through scraping off a bit of rough skin or by getting a biopsy.
Symptoms
- Lesions on the bottom of your feet, usually rough and grainy
- Hard or thick callused spots
- Wart seeds, which are small clotted blood vessels that look like little black spots
- Pain, discomfort, or tenderness of your feet when walking or standing
Treatment
- Freezing
- Electric tool removal
- Laser Treatment
- Topical Creams (prescription only)
- Over-the-counter medications
To help prevent developing plantar warts, avoid walking barefoot over abrasive surfaces that can cause cuts or wounds for HPV to get into. Avoiding direct contact with other warts, as well as not picking or rubbing existing warts, can help prevent the further spread of plantar warts. However, if you think you have developed plantar warts, speak to your podiatrist. He or she can diagnose the warts on your feet and recommend the appropriate treatment options.
If you have any questions please feel free to contact our offices located in Charleston and Effingham, IL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.
Monday, 17 August 2020 00:00
Strengthen Your Feet by Practicing Yoga
To help keep your feet strong and flexible, it can be beneficial to practice certain yoga stretches. One stretch you can practice is performed by standing on your feet, and slowly lifting yourself up on your toes. Slowly lower yourself to your beginning position, then rock forward and backward on the heels. Another yoga stretch you can practice involves standing on a step with your heels slightly hanging off. Begin lifting your heels up and down, repeating this action. These stretches can help prevent injury by strengthening your feet and increasing their flexibility. For more advice on what yoga stretches are beneficial for the feet, please consult with a podiatrist.
Why Stretching Is Important for Your Feet
Stretching the feet is a great way to prevent injuries. If you have any concerns with your feet consult with John Killough, DPM from Regional Foot Center. Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.
Stretching the Feet
Stretching the muscles in the foot is an important part in any physical activity. Feet that are tight can lead to less flexibility and make you more prone to injury. One of the most common forms of foot pain, plantar fasciitis, can be stretched out to help ease the pain. Stretching can not only ease pain from plantar fasciitis but also prevent it as well. However, it is important to see a podiatrist first to determine if stretching is right for you. Podiatrists can also recommend other ways to stretch your feet. Once you know whether stretching is right for you, here are some excellent stretches you can do.
- Using a foam roller or any cylindrical object (a water bottle or soda can will do), roll the object under your foot back and forth. You should also exert pressure on the object. Be sure to do this to both feet for a minute. Do this exercise three times each.
- Similar to the previous exercise, take a ball, such as a tennis ball, and roll it under your foot while seated and exert pressure on it.
- Grab a resistance band or towel and take a seat. If you are using a towel, fold it length wise. Next put either one between the ball of your foot and heel and pull with both hands on each side towards you. Hold this for 15 seconds and then switch feet. Do this three times for each foot.
- Finally hold your big toe while crossing one leg over the other. Pull the toe towards you and hold for 15 seconds. Once again do this three times per foot.
It is best to go easy when first stretching your foot and work your way up. If your foot starts hurting, stop exercising to ice and rest the foot. It is advised that you then see a podiatrist for help.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our offices located in Charleston and Effingham, IL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.
Read more about Stretching Your Feet Monday, 10 August 2020 00:00
How Does Morton's Neuroma Feel?
Morton’s neuroma is a condition which causes swelling along a nerve in the foot. The affected nerve is typically between the third and fourth toes, or the second and third toes. The symptoms of this condition include tingling, burning, numbness, pain, and the sensation that you are stepping on something inside your shoe. Symptoms typically begin gradually, often while wearing narrow shoes or performing certain physical activities, and go away with rest. However, as the condition progresses, the symptoms may worsen and persist for days or even weeks as the swelling along the nerve enlarges. If you are experiencing the symptoms of Morton’s neuroma, it is recommended that you seek the care of a podiatrist.
Morton’s neuroma is a very uncomfortable condition to live with. If you think you have Morton’s neuroma, contact John Killough, DPM of Regional Foot Center. Our doctor will attend to all of your foot care needs and answer any of your related questions.
Morton’s Neuroma
Morton's neuroma is a painful foot condition that commonly affects the areas between the second and third or third and fourth toe, although other areas of the foot are also susceptible. Morton’s neuroma is caused by an inflamed nerve in the foot that is being squeezed and aggravated by surrounding bones.
What Increases the Chances of Having Morton’s Neuroma?
- Ill-fitting high heels or shoes that add pressure to the toe or foot
- Jogging, running or any sport that involves constant impact to the foot
- Flat feet, bunions, and any other foot deformities
Morton’s neuroma is a very treatable condition. Orthotics and shoe inserts can often be used to alleviate the pain on the forefront of the feet. In more severe cases, corticosteroids can also be prescribed. In order to figure out the best treatment for your neuroma, it’s recommended to seek the care of a podiatrist who can diagnose your condition and provide different treatment options.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our offices located in Charleston and Effingham, IL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.
Monday, 03 August 2020 00:00
What are the Symptoms of Athlete’s Foot?
Athlete’s foot, also known as tinea pedis, is a fungal infection of the skin on the feet. The types of fungus that cause athlete’s foot thrive in moist, warm, dark environments and multiply easily on irritated or weakened skin. Symptoms of this infection include itchy, sore, or scaling skin between the toes, and a burning sensation in the affected areas. Your feet may also develop an unpleasant smell. Left untreated, blisters may form on the feet and eventually break open, exposing raw skin and potentially leading to secondary bacterial infections. If you have athlete’s foot, it is recommended that you seek medical treatment, as this infection can also spread to other parts of the body. Consult with a podiatrist if you notice that you have symptoms of athlete’s foot.
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 John Killough, DPM from Regional Foot Center. Our doctor 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 our offices located in Charleston and Effingham, IL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.
