One form of arthritis, commonly referred to as gout, often produces severe pain and swelling in the big toe. There may be several causes of this condition, including an injury or illness that has happened or from ingesting excessive amounts of red meat and alcohol. When this occurs, uric acid in the body may produce excess crystals which lodge in the joints, and the toes are generally affected. A proper diagnosis may consist of knowing the intensity of the gout attack and learning about the patient's diet and regular medications. Additionally, an X-ray or similar may be performed to analyze the bones and soft tissues surrounding the affected toe. It’s suggested to consider scheduling a consultation with a podiatrist for the discussion of proper treatment options that may include dietary changes.

Gout is a painful condition that can be treated. If you are seeking treatment, contact one of our podiatrists from APEX Foot & Ankle 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 offices located in Fort Myers, Shellpoint, and Naples, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

A fungal infection is the cause of a condition referred to as athlete’s foot. It survives in areas that are warm and moist, and this is one of the reasons why the feet are typically affected. Research has suggested that shoes and socks worn should consist of a breathable material, which may stop the fungi from flourishing. It’s considered to be a contagious condition and can be picked up in public showers and around pool areas. At this point, the fungus typically enters the body through any blisters or cuts that are found on the feet. A common symptom of this ailment may include an itchy feeling, which can occur between the toes and on the top of the foot. There are several ways to prevent this fungus from infecting your feet, including washing and drying the feet completely and wearing appropriate shoes while in a public shower and any surrounding areas. If you are afflicted by this condition, please consider scheduling a consultation with a podiatrist.

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 podiatrists from APEX Foot & Ankle 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 offices located in Fort Myers, Shellpoint, and Naples, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

If you notice a small round area on your toe that is painful and appears to have thickened skin, you may have what is referred to as a corn. There are two types of corns that may develop for different reasons. A soft corn typically forms between the fourth and fifth toes, caused by excessive moisture, and it may often become infected. Hard corns develop on the side of the pinky toe or on the top of the toes. General causes for hard corns to occur consist of  wearing shoes that are too tight or friction from any rubbing against the skin. If the socks that are worn are made of a non-absorbing material, sweat will accumulate between the toes, causing soft corns to develop. These conditions can be easily prevented by choosing to wear shoes and socks that have adequate room for the toes to move around in. It’s advised to schedule a consultation with a podiatrist for more information about corns and the proper treatment options for you.

Corns can make walking very painful and should be treated immediately. If you have questions regarding your feet and ankles, contact one of our podiatrists of APEX Foot & Ankle Center. Our doctors will treat your foot and ankle needs.

Corns: What Are They? And How Do You Get Rid of Them?
Corns are thickened areas on the skin that can become painful. They are caused by excessive pressure and friction on the skin. Corns press into the deeper layers of the skin and are usually round in shape.

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

• Wearing properly fitting shoes that have been measured by a professional
• Wearing shoes that are not sharply pointed or have high heels
• Wearing only shoes that offer support

Treating Corns

Although most corns slowly disappear when the friction or pressure stops, this isn’t always the case. Consult with your podiatrist to determine the best treatment option for your case of corns.

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

The foot may appear deformed if a condition known as hammertoe occurs. When the toes bend at the joint and the top of the toe bends down, a claw-like or hammer formation is apparent. This is possibly caused by a predisposed inherited gene originating from having little or no arch in the foot, or if the second toe exceeds the length of the first toe. Additional causes of this condition may be attributed to shoes that fit poorly, often crowding the toes into a space that is extremely small. There are symptoms that are easily noticed that are associated with hammertoes, such as observing if your toe is curling, in addition to experiencing discomfort and pain when the toes are stretched. Possible prevention of this aliment may include choosing to wear the correct shoes that provide adequate room for the toes, and avoiding shoes that are too short or tight. Treatment is necessary to lessen the discomfort, which may typically consist of exercises being performed that can aid in strengthening the tendons in the toes, or stabilizing the toe by applying a splint. A consultation with a podiatrist is advised if you would like additional information and treatment options for hammertoe.

Hammertoe

Hammertoes can be a painful condition to live with. For more information, contact one of our podiatrists from APEX Foot & Ankle 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 feel free to contact our offices located in Fort Myers, Shellpoint, and Naples, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Maintaining proper foot care is essential at any age, and it’s especially important for the elderly population to pay close attention to their feet. Commonly, assistance is often needed to properly trim the toenails because of eyesight concerns or experiencing difficulty in bending down. There are several steps to correctly trimming the toenails, and it’s suggested to start by soaking the feet in a warm bath to aid in softening the nails. It’s wise to thoroughly dry the feet, especially between the toes, and apply a moisturizer that will prevent the skin from cracking. Trimming the toenails straight across the nail bed can prevent ingrown toenails and infections from developing. Please schedule a consultation with a podiatrist for additional information on how to care for elderly feet.

Proper foot care is something many older adults forget to consider. If you have any concerns about your feet and ankles, contact one of our podiatrists from APEX Foot & Ankle Center. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

The Elderly and Their Feet

As we age we start to notice many changes in our body, but the elder population may not notice them right away. Medical conditions may prevent the elderly to take notice of their foot health right away. Poor vision is a lead contributor to not taking action for the elderly.

Common Conditions 

• Neuropathy – can reduce feeling in the feet and can hide many life-threatening medical conditions.
• Reduced flexibility – prevents the ability of proper toenail trimming, and foot cleaning. If left untreated, it may lead to further medical issues.
• Foot sores – amongst the older population can be serious before they are discovered. Some of the problematic conditions they may face are:
• Gouging toenails affecting nearby toe
• Shoes that don’t fit properly
• Pressure sores
• Loss of circulation in legs & feet
• Edema & swelling of feet and ankles

Susceptible Infections

Diabetes and poor circulation can cause general loss of sensitivity over the years, turning a simple cut into a serious issue.

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