Items filtered by date: August 2024

Gout is a form of arthritis caused by the buildup of uric acid crystals in the joints, leading to intense pain and inflammation. This condition often results from high levels of uric acid in the blood, which can be triggered by factors such as excessive consumption of purine-rich foods, like red meat and seafood, and alcohol. The symptoms of gout include sudden, severe pain in the affected joint, often the big toe, along with redness, swelling, and warmth. To prevent gout attacks, it is vital to maintain a healthy diet low in purines, stay hydrated, and limit alcohol intake. Regular exercise and managing body weight can also reduce the risk of developing gout. 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 Brian Doerr, DPM from Florida. Our doctor 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 Fort Meyers, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

If you experience pain under your feet, incorporating specific exercises into your routine can help alleviate it, particularly if you have plantar fasciitis. Stretching and strengthening exercises focus on the plantar fascia, a thick connective tissue in the sole of the foot, and can be done without special equipment. For instance, one exercise involves sitting in a chair, placing the painful foot on your opposite thigh, and pulling your toes towards your shin to stretch the fascia. Another effective exercise requires standing near a wall, raising your toes against it while keeping your heel on the floor, and leaning forward to deepen the stretch. A third exercise involves getting on all fours with toes bent and sliding your bottom back towards your heels to stretch the fascia. While some exercises may cause mild discomfort, they are beneficial once acute pain subsides. A podiatrist can offer specific exercises according to your particular needs. If you have foot pain on the bottom of your feet, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for treatment.

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 Brian Doerr, DPM from Florida. Our doctor 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 doctor 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 Fort Meyers, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Swollen feet and ankles can result from several underlying conditions. Phlebitis, which involves inflammation of the veins, often causes localized swelling and pain. Venous insufficiency, a condition where veins struggle to return blood to the heart, leads to fluid buildup in the lower extremities. Pregnancy can also contribute to swelling due to increased blood volume and pressure on the veins from the growing uterus. Additionally, heart failure may cause fluid to accumulate in the feet and ankles because the heart cannot pump effectively. Identifying the cause of swelling is vital for proper treatment and management. If swelling is persistent or accompanied by other symptoms, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist to determine the underlying issue and receive appropriate care.

Swollen feet can be a sign of an underlying condition. If you have any concerns, contact Brian Doerr, DPM of Florida. Our doctor 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 Fort Meyers, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.

Cuboid syndrome is a condition where the cuboid bone in the foot becomes partially dislocated, causing pain and discomfort. This small bone, located on the outer side of the foot, plays an important role in maintaining the foot's stability and facilitating movement. Causes of cuboid syndrome often include trauma, such as ankle sprains, or repetitive strain from activities like running and jumping. Poorly fitting shoes and biomechanical abnormalities can also contribute to its development. Symptoms typically involve pain on the outer side of the foot, swelling, and difficulty bearing weight. The pain may worsen with physical activity and improve with rest. Diagnosis is primarily based on physical examination and patient history, as X-rays may not always reveal the issue. Treatment involves realigning the cuboid bone through manipulation by a podiatrist, followed by rest, compression, and elevation. Targeted stretching exercises and orthotic inserts may be recommended to prevent recurrence. If you have persistent foot pain, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist for further evaluation and treatment.

Cuboid syndrome, also known as cuboid subluxation, occurs when the joints and ligaments near the cuboid bone in the foot become torn. If you have cuboid syndrome, consult with Brian Doerr, DPM from Florida. Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

Cuboid syndrome is a common cause of lateral foot pain, which is pain on the outside of the foot. The condition may happen suddenly due to an ankle sprain, or it may develop slowly overtime from repetitive tension through the bone and surrounding structures.

Causes

The most common causes of cuboid syndrome include:

• Injury – The most common cause of this ailment is an ankle sprain.
• Repetitive Strain – Tension placed through the peroneus longus muscle from repetitive activities such as jumping and running may cause excessive traction on the bone causing it to sublux.
• Altered Foot Biomechanics – Most people suffering from cuboid subluxation have flat feet.

Symptoms

A common symptom of cuboid syndrome is pain along the outside of the foot which can be felt in the ankle and toes. This pain may create walking difficulties and may cause those with the condition to walk with a limp.

Diagnosis

Diagnosis of cuboid syndrome is often difficult, and it is often misdiagnosed. X-rays, MRIs and CT scans often fail to properly show the cuboid subluxation. Although there isn’t a specific test used to diagnose cuboid syndrome, your podiatrist will usually check if pain is felt while pressing firmly on the cuboid bone of your foot.

Treatment

Just as the range of causes varies widely, so do treatments. Some more common treatments are ice therapy, rest, exercise, taping, and orthotics.

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