Gout is a form of arthritis caused by the accumulation of uric acid crystals in the joints, leading to sudden and severe pain, swelling, and redness. This condition typically affects the big toe but can impact other joints as well. Over time, frequent gout attacks can damage joints and affect overall quality of life. Certain foods can worsen gout symptoms, particularly those high in purines, which increase uric acid levels. If you have gout it is advisable to avoid consuming red meats, organ meats, and seafood such as shrimp and anchovies. Additionally, alcohol, especially beer, and sugary beverages can also contribute to higher uric acid levels. Gout can cause extreme pain and discomfort. If you have had one or more gout attacks, it is strongly suggested that you are under the care of a podiatrist who can help you manage this condition.

Gout is a painful condition that can be treated. If you are seeking treatment, contact one of our doctors from Favor Foot Ankle Leg & Wound Center. Our doctors 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 South Amboy, NJ . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Diabetic foot problems are primarily due to poor circulation and nerve damage caused by high blood sugar levels. This can lead to reduced sensation in the feet, making injuries and infections less likely to be noticed. Common foot problems can include ulcers, infections, and poor wound healing, which can escalate if not addressed promptly. The primary causes of diabetic foot issues are neuropathy, which reduces feeling in the feet, and peripheral artery disease, or PAD, which impairs blood flow. This combination can lead to minor injuries becoming serious infections, as the body's ability to heal is compromised. To manage and prevent diabetic foot problems, daily foot inspections are important. Look for cuts, blisters, or swelling, and report any abnormalities to your podiatrist. Proper foot hygiene is key. Wash and dry your feet thoroughly, and keep your toenails trimmed and clean. Wearing well-fitting shoes that offer support and protection helps to prevent injuries. To address any diabetic foot problems, it is suggested that you are under the care of a podiatrist who can regularly monitor your foot health. 

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 doctors from Favor Foot Ankle Leg & Wound Center. 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 our office located in South Amboy, NJ . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Hammertoes, also known as claw toes or mallet toes, are deformities where one or more toes bend abnormally at the middle joint, resembling a hammer. This condition can range from mild to severe. In mild cases, toes may still be flexible and only slightly bent, causing minimal discomfort. Severe cases can involve rigid, painful toes that can lead to corns, calluses, and difficulty in walking. Hammertoes often result from wearing tight, narrow shoes that force the toes into a bent position. They can also be caused by muscle imbalances, arthritis, or genetic predisposition. Treatments vary based on severity. Mild cases can benefit from switching to roomier footwear, using orthotic devices, wearing splints, and performing toe exercises. Severe cases may require medical interventions such as corticosteroid injections or surgical correction. If you have severe pain from a hammertoe, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist for the best ways to relieve discomfort and restore toe function.

Hammertoe

Hammertoes can be a painful condition to live with. For more information, contact one of our doctors from Favor Foot Ankle Leg & Wound Center. Our doctors will answer any of your foot- and ankle-related questions.

Hammertoe is a foot deformity that affects the joints of the second, third, fourth, or fifth toes of your feet. It is a painful foot condition in which these toes curl and arch up, which can often lead to pain when wearing footwear.

Symptoms

• Pain in the affected toes
• Development of corns or calluses due to friction
• Inflammation
• Redness
• Contracture of the toes

Causes

Genetics – People who are genetically predisposed to hammertoe are often more susceptible

Arthritis – Because arthritis affects the joints in your toes, further deformities stemming from arthritis can occur

Trauma – Direct trauma to the toes could potentially lead to hammertoe

Ill-fitting shoes – Undue pressure on the front of the toes from ill-fitting shoes can potentially lead to the development of hammertoe

Treatment

Orthotics – Custom made inserts can be used to help relieve pressure placed on the toes and therefore relieve some of the pain associated with it

Medications – Oral medications such as anti-inflammatories or NSAIDs could be used to treat the pain and inflammation hammertoes causes. Injections of corticosteroids are also sometimes used

Surgery – In more severe cases where the hammertoes have become more rigid, foot surgery is a potential option

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

Athlete's foot is a fungal infection that affects the skin on the feet, commonly caused by the fungus, trichophyton. Symptoms include itching, burning, and redness between the toes, along with peeling and cracking skin. In more severe cases, blisters and swelling may occur. Prevention is essential to avoid this uncomfortable infection. Keeping feet clean and dry is essential, as fungi thrive in moist environments. Wearing breathable, moisture-wicking socks and well-ventilated shoes helps reduce the risk. Avoiding walking barefoot in communal areas, such as locker rooms or swimming pools, can prevent exposure to the fungus. Regularly changing socks and practicing good foot hygiene further reduces the likelihood of becoming infected. Athlete’s foot can be uncomfortable and unsightly. If you have developed this fungal infection, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can offer you effective treatment solutions, which may include prescribed medication.

Athlete’s Foot

Athlete’s foot is often an uncomfortable condition to experience. Thankfully, podiatrists specialize in treating athlete’s foot and offer the best treatment options. If you have any questions about athlete’s foot, consult with one of our doctors from Favor Foot Ankle Leg & Wound Center. Our doctors will assess your condition and provide you with quality treatment.

What Is Athlete’s Foot?

Tinea pedis, more commonly known as athlete’s foot, is a non-serious and common fungal infection of the foot. Athlete’s foot is contagious and can be contracted by touching someone who has it or infected surfaces. The most common places contaminated by it are public showers, locker rooms, and swimming pools. Once contracted, it grows on feet that are left inside moist, dark, and warm shoes and socks.

Prevention

The most effective ways to prevent athlete’s foot include:

• Thoroughly washing and drying feet
• Avoid going barefoot in locker rooms and public showers
• Using shower shoes in public showers
• Wearing socks that allow the feet to breathe
• Changing socks and shoes frequently if you sweat a lot

Symptoms

Athlete’s foot initially occurs as a rash between the toes. However, if left undiagnosed, it can spread to the sides and bottom of the feet, toenails, and if touched by hand, the hands themselves. Symptoms include:

• Redness
• Burning
• Itching
• Scaly and peeling skin

Diagnosis and Treatment

Diagnosis is quick and easy. Skin samples will be taken and either viewed under a microscope or sent to a lab for testing. Sometimes, a podiatrist can diagnose it based on simply looking at it. Once confirmed, treatment options include oral and topical antifungal medications.

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