Gout is a form of arthritis caused by a buildup of uric acid in the blood, leading to sharp crystals forming in the joints, most commonly in the big toe. This condition often results from diets high in purines, which are found in red meat, shellfish, alcohol, and sugary drinks. Symptoms include sudden, intense pain, redness, swelling, and warmth in the affected joint, which may feel tender even to a light touch. Attacks can come on quickly, often at night, and can last for days or weeks. The affected area may appear shiny or purplish, and feel stiff or hot. A podiatrist can help diagnose gout through physical examination, blood tests, and imaging to detect joint inflammation or uric acid crystals. Managing gout often requires changes in diet and lifestyle, along with medications to reduce uric acid levels and inflammation. This type of doctor can offer guidance on foot care, proper footwear, and prevention strategies. If you are dealing with painful gout, it is suggested that you are under the care of a podiatrist who can help you to manage this uncomfortable condition.

Gout is a painful condition that can be treated. If you are seeking treatment, contact Jordan Baker, DPM from Best Foot Forward Surgical Podiatry. 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 office located in Florence, SC . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Traumatic foot injuries often involve sudden force, such as a fall, twist, or direct impact. These injuries may damage soft tissues like ligaments, tendons, and muscles, in addition to affecting bones and joints. Sprains, ruptured tendons, dislocations, and severe bruising are common examples. Unlike overuse injuries that develop gradually, traumatic injuries cause immediate pain and often lead to swelling, bruising, or an inability to bear weight. Because the foot contains many small bones and delicate structures, even a single injury can affect balance and mobility. Prompt treatment helps prevent long-term complications. A podiatrist can assess the severity, recommend imaging, if needed, and guide recovery through bracing or surgery, if required. If you have experienced a sudden injury and your foot remains painful or unstable, it is suggested that you see a podiatrist for a full evaluation and appropriate treatment plan.

Foot and ankle trauma is common among athletes and the elderly. If you have concerns that you may have experienced trauma to the foot and ankle, consult with Jordan Baker, DPM from Best Foot Forward Surgical Podiatry. Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

Foot and ankle trauma cover a range of injuries all over the foot; common injuries include:

• Broken bones
• Muscle strains
• Injuries to the tendons and ligaments
• Stress fractures

Symptoms

Symptoms of foot and ankle injuries vary depending on the injury, but more common ones include:

• Bruising
• Inflammation/ Swelling
• Pain

Diagnosis

To properly diagnose the exact type of injury, podiatrists will conduct a number of different tests. Some of these include sensation and visual tests, X-rays, and MRIs. Medical and family histories will also be taken into account.

Treatment

Once the injury has been diagnosed, the podiatrist can than offer the best treatment options for you. In less severe cases, rest and keeping pressure off the foot may be all that’s necessary. Orthotics, such as a specially made shoes, or immobilization devices, like splints or casts, may be deemed necessary. Finally, if the injury is severe enough, surgery may be necessary.

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

Bunions are deformities that develop at the base of the big toe, forming hard lumps on the sides of the feet. They occur when the big toe gradually shifts toward the other toes, causing the joint to push outward. This misalignment may result from inherited foot structure, poor footwear choices, or stress on the feet over time. Symptoms include swelling, redness, soreness, and difficulty wearing shoes comfortably. A podiatrist can evaluate the condition, provide pain relief strategies, recommend proper footwear, and discuss treatment options that may include custom orthotics or surgical correction. If you see a bump near your big toe or experience pain while walking, it is suggested that you seek podiatric care to restore comfort and function.

If you are suffering from bunion pain, contact Jordan Baker, DPM of Best Foot Forward Surgical Podiatry. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

What Is a Bunion?

Bunions are painful bony bumps that usually develop on the inside of the foot at the joint of the big toe. As the deformity increases over time, it may become painful to walk and wear shoes. Women are more likely to exacerbate existing bunions since they often wear tight, narrow shoes that shift their toes together. Bunion pain can be relieved by wearing wider shoes with enough room for the toes.

Causes

• Genetics – some people inherit feet that are more prone to bunion development
• Inflammatory Conditions - rheumatoid arthritis and polio may cause bunion development

Symptoms

• Redness and inflammation
• Pain and tenderness
• Callus or corns on the bump
• Restricted motion in the big toe

In order to diagnose your bunion, your podiatrist may ask about your medical history, symptoms, and general health. Your doctor might also order an x-ray to take a closer look at your feet. Nonsurgical treatment options include orthotics, padding, icing, changes in footwear, and medication. If nonsurgical treatments don’t alleviate your bunion pain, surgery may be necessary.

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

Heel pain is often caused by plantar fasciitis or heel spurs, both of which can make walking painful and limit daily activity. Plantar fasciitis results from inflammation of the thick band of tissue called the plantar fascia running along the bottom of the foot. Heel spurs are bony growths that can develop on the heel bone due to chronic stress and inflammation. Symptoms include sharp, stabbing pain in the heel, especially with the first steps in the morning or after rest. The heel may feel tender, swollen, or achy throughout the day. A podiatrist can determine the exact cause of your heel pain and recommend effective treatments. Included are custom orthotics, stretching routines, anti-inflammatory medications, night splints, or targeted exercises. In more severe cases, advanced treatments like injections may be needed. If you are dealing with ongoing heel pain, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist.

Many people suffer from bouts of heel pain. For more information, contact Jordan Baker, DPM of Best Foot Forward Surgical Podiatry. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Causes of Heel Pain

Heel pain is often associated with plantar fasciitis. The plantar fascia is a band of tissues that extends along the bottom of the foot. A rip or tear in this ligament can cause inflammation of the tissue.

Achilles tendonitis is another cause of heel pain. Inflammation of the Achilles tendon will cause pain from fractures and muscle tearing. Lack of flexibility is also another symptom.

Heel spurs are another cause of pain. When the tissues of the plantar fascia undergo a great deal of stress, it can lead to ligament separation from the heel bone, causing heel spurs.

Why Might Heel Pain Occur?

• Wearing ill-fitting shoes                
• Wearing non-supportive shoes
• Weight change           
• Excessive running

Treatments

Heel pain should be treated as soon as possible for immediate results. Keeping your feet in a stress-free environment will help. If you suffer from Achilles tendonitis or plantar fasciitis, applying ice will reduce the swelling. Stretching before an exercise like running will help the muscles. Using all these tips will help make heel pain a condition of the past.

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