Gout is a foot affliction that is a certain kind of arthritis. As a result of gout, an individual can feel painful sensations in their feet. Gout attacks, as they are known, are flare-ups that can occur in the nighttime. Importantly, gout has a relationship to certain kinds of food. For example, an individual living with gout can exacerbate their condition by ingesting red meat and pork. This is because such foods are very high in purines. An increase in purines in the body is typically associated with an increase in uric acid. This uric acid then accumulates in the joints, causing gout. Therefore, to avoid gout attacks, an individual should maintain a diet that has a low amount of purine-high foods. Consult a podiatrist today if you think that you have gout or want to learn how to manage the condition. 

Gout is a foot condition that requires certain treatment and care. 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 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 offices located in Fort Myers, Shellpoint, and Naples, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Research has indicated that it is beneficial for children who participate in high-impact activities to wear sneakers that are supportive and refrain from wearing walking shoes. Running shoes can accommodate three times the body weight of the child, while walking shoes are capable of handling one and a half times their body weight. There is more cushioning and support surrounding the heel in running shoes, and there is generally less protection surrounding the ball of the foot. They are made of mesh materials, which may be helpful in keeping the feet cool while running or exercising. In comparison, walking shoes are designed to be more flexible, in addition to having better arch support. The weight of the body is distributed more evenly while walking, and it is beneficial to wear the appropriate shoes. If you would like additional information about the differences between walking and running shoes, please consult a podiatrist who can answer any questions you may have.

For more information about walking shoes versus running shoes, consult with one of our podiatrists from APEX Foot & Ankle Center. Our doctors can measure your feet to determine what your needs are and help you find an appropriate pair of footwear.

Foot Health: The Differences between Walking & Running Shoes

There are great ways to stay in shape: running and walking are two great exercises to a healthy lifestyle. It is important to know that running shoes and walking shoes are not interchangeable. There is a key difference on how the feet hit the ground when someone is running or walking. This is why one should be aware that a shoe is designed differently for each activity.

You may be asking yourself what the real differences are between walking and running shoes and the answers may shock you.

Differences

Walking doesn’t involve as much stress or impact on the feet as running does. However, this doesn’t mean that you should be any less prepared. When you’re walking, you land on your heels and have your foot roll forward. This rolling motion requires additional support to the feet.

Flexibility – Walking shoes are designed to have soft, flexible soles. This allows the walker to push off easily with each step.

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 plantar fascia is a band of tissue that is found on the sole of the foot, and it connects the toes to the heel. When the plantar fascia becomes inflamed, plantar fasciitis can develop. Causes of plantar fasciitis may include frequently participating in running and jumping activities, wearing shoes that do not fit correctly, and sustaining a foot injury. Standing on hard surfaces for most of the day may also contribute to the development of plantar fasciitis. This condition may happen gradually or suddenly, but this depends on the cause of the inflamed plantar fascia. The heel pain associated may be controlled by maintaining a healthy weight, wearing shoes that support the arch, and performing stretches that can help to strengthen the entire foot. If you have heel pain, it is strongly advised that you are under the care of a podiatrist who can effectively treat plantar fasciitis.

Plantar fasciitis is a common foot condition that is often caused by a strain injury. If you are experiencing heel pain or symptoms of plantar fasciitis, 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.

What Is Plantar Fasciitis?

Plantar fasciitis is one of the most common causes of heel pain. The plantar fascia is a ligament that connects your heel to the front of your foot. When this ligament becomes inflamed, plantar fasciitis is the result. If you have plantar fasciitis you will have a stabbing pain that usually occurs with your first steps in the morning. As the day progresses and you walk around more, this pain will start to disappear, but it will return after long periods of standing or sitting.

What Causes Plantar Fasciitis?

• Excessive running
• Having high arches in your feet
• Other foot issues such as flat feet
• Pregnancy (due to the sudden weight gain)
• Being on your feet very often

There are some risk factors that may make you more likely to develop plantar fasciitis compared to others. The condition most commonly affects adults between the ages of 40 and 60. It also tends to affect people who are obese because the extra pounds result in extra stress being placed on the plantar fascia.

Prevention

• Take good care of your feet – Wear shoes that have good arch support and heel cushioning.
• Maintain a healthy weight
• If you are a runner, alternate running with other sports that won’t cause heel pain

There are a variety of treatment options available for plantar fasciitis along with the pain that accompanies it. Additionally, physical therapy is a very important component in the treatment process. It is important that you meet with your podiatrist to determine which treatment option is best 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.

Diabetes is a chronic condition and it negatively impacts the process by which an individual can use food for energy. Diabetics should be aware of their susceptibility to suffering from several foot conditions, including the development of foot ulcers. A foot ulcer is essentially a foot sore, and many diabetics who lose feeling in their feet may not even feel pain from the ulcer. One contributing cause of foot ulcers is putting too much pressure on a specific area of the foot. A medical professional may treat an ulcer in different ways. For example, debridement may be performed whereby dead skin and tissue are removed from the affected area. A medical professional may also instruct a diabetic with a foot ulcer to care for the wound by reducing pressure on the feet and maintaining good blood sugar levels. If you suffer from diabetes, contact a podiatrist today for more information and the treatment of your feet.

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