Items filtered by date: February 2024

Gout, a type of arthritis characterized by sudden and severe pain attacks, can progress through four distinct stages, each posing unique challenges and implications for affected individuals. Initially, the asymptomatic hyperuricemia stage occurs, where elevated uric acid levels accumulate in the blood without any noticeable symptoms. This stage can persist for years before progressing to acute gouty arthritis, marked by sudden and intense joint pain, typically in the big toe. If left untreated, recurrent gout attacks may ensue, leading to the chronic gout stage characterized by frequent flare-ups and potential joint damage. In severe cases, tophaceous gout may develop, characterized by the formation of urate crystals in the joints and surrounding tissues, resulting in visible lumps. While anyone can develop gout, certain factors such as genetics, obesity, dietary habits rich in purines, alcohol consumption, and certain medications increase the risk. If you have developed gout, it is strongly suggested that you are under the care of a podiatrist who can determine which stage you are in, and offer effective relief options.

Gout is a foot condition that requires certain treatment and care. If you are seeking treatment, contact Michele Kraft, DPM from Toes on the Go. 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 Carmel, CA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

The feet often bear the weight of your daily life without much appreciation, but they can serve as early warning signs for various health issues. For instance, persistent numbness may indicate poor blood flow, possibly linked to conditions like diabetes. Morning foot pain often signals arthritis or plantar fasciitis. Other concerning symptoms, such as sores that will not heal, discolored toenails, or sudden swelling may point to conditions ranging from peripheral neuropathy to deep vein thrombosis. Even seemingly minor changes, like hair loss on the toes or a burning sensation in the feet, may indicate underlying problems such as peripheral arterial disease or neuropathy. The key takeaway is the importance of paying attention to these signals and seeking professional medical advice promptly when there are concerns. In conclusion, our feet serve as a vital barometer of our overall health. By being attentive to changes in your feet, you can potentially identify underlying health issues early and take appropriate measures to address them. If you are experiencing any of the above symptoms or other type of foot discomfort, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist.

Everyday foot care is very important to prevent infection and other foot ailments. If you need your feet checked, contact Michele Kraft, DPM from Toes on the Go. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Everyday Foot Care

Often, people take care of their bodies, face and hair more so than they do for their feet. But the feet are a very important aspect of our bodies, and one that we should pay more attention to. Without our feet, we would not be able to perform most daily tasks.

It is best to check your feet regularly to make sure there are no new bruises or cuts that you may not have noticed before. For dry feet, moisturizer can easily be a remedy and can be applied as often as necessary to the affected areas. Wearing shoes that fit well can also help you maintain good foot health, as well as making it easier to walk and do daily activities without the stress or pain of ill-fitting shoes, high heels, or even flip flops. Wearing clean socks with closed shoes is important to ensure that sweat and bacteria do not accumulate within the shoe. Clean socks help to prevent Athlete’s foot, fungi problems, bad odors, and can absorb sweat.

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

Seniors are at a heightened risk of falling due to various factors, including age-related changes in balance, vision, and muscle strength. Additionally, underlying health conditions, medications, and environmental hazards contribute to the risk of falls among older adults. Vision impairments, such as cataracts or glaucoma, can affect depth perception and increase the likelihood of tripping or misjudging distances. Muscle weakness and joint stiffness make it more challenging to maintain balance and stability while walking or standing. Furthermore, medications that cause dizziness or drowsiness further compromise seniors' ability to navigate their surroundings safely. Environmental factors like cluttered walkways, slippery floors, and inadequate lighting also pose significant fall risks. To prevent falls, seniors can take proactive measures such as participating in regular exercise to improve strength and balance and modifying home environments to eliminate hazards. Falling can impact the feet, possibly compromising daily activities. If you are interested in learning about additional fall prevention strategies, it is suggested that you contact a podiatrist who can provide you with the knowledge you are seeking.

Preventing falls among the elderly is very important. If you are older and have fallen or fear that you are prone to falling, consult with Michele Kraft, DPM from Toes on the Go. Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality advice and care.

Every 11 seconds, an elderly American is being treated in an emergency room for a fall related injury. Falls are the leading cause of head and hip injuries for those 65 and older. Due to decreases in strength, balance, senses, and lack of awareness, elderly persons are very susceptible to falling. Thankfully, there are a number of things older persons can do to prevent falls.

How to Prevent Falls

Some effective methods that older persons can do to prevent falls include:

• Enrolling in strength and balance exercise program to increase balance and strength
• Periodically having your sight and hearing checked
• Discuss any medications you have with a doctor to see if it increases the risk of falling
• Clearing the house of falling hazards and installing devices like grab bars and railings
• Utilizing a walker or cane
• Wearing shoes that provide good support and cushioning
• Talking to family members about falling and increasing awareness

Falling can be a traumatic and embarrassing experience for elderly persons; this can make them less willing to leave the house, and less willing to talk to someone about their fears of falling. Doing such things, however, will increase the likelihood of tripping or losing one’s balance. Knowing the causes of falling and how to prevent them is the best way to mitigate the risk of serious injury.  

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

Sesamoiditis, a condition affecting the tiny sesamoid bones just below the big toe, can be a source of discomfort for many. The primary cause of sesamoiditis is repetitive stress on these small bones, often incurred during activities such as running and dancing, that involve increased pressure on the forefoot. Additionally, wearing high-heeled shoes or participating in sports that require frequent push-off movements can contribute to the development of sesamoiditis. Recognizing the symptoms, which include pain, swelling, and difficulty bearing weight on the affected foot, is vital for timely intervention. Diagnosing sesamoiditis involves a comprehensive examination by a podiatrist. Clinical evaluation, including assessing the range of motion and palpating the affected area, is key. Imaging studies like X-rays may be employed to visualize the sesamoid bones and confirm the diagnosis. If you have pain in this part of your foot, it is strongly suggested that you confer with a podiatrist who can diagnose and offer correct treatment for this condition.

Sesamoiditis is an unpleasant foot condition characterized by pain in the balls of the feet. If you think you’re struggling with sesamoiditis, contact Michele Kraft, DPM of Toes on the Go. Our doctor will treat your condition thoroughly and effectively.

Sesamoiditis

Sesamoiditis is a condition of the foot that affects the ball of the foot. It is more common in younger people than it is in older people. It can also occur with people who have begun a new exercise program, since their bodies are adjusting to the new physical regimen. Pain may also be caused by the inflammation of tendons surrounding the bones. It is important to seek treatment in its early stages because if you ignore the pain, this condition can lead to more serious problems such as severe irritation and bone fractures.

Causes of Sesamoiditis

• Sudden increase in activity
• Increase in physically strenuous movement without a proper warm up or build up
• Foot structure: those who have smaller, bonier feet or those with a high arch may be more susceptible

Treatment for sesamoiditis is non-invasive and simple. Doctors may recommend a strict rest period where the patient forgoes most physical activity. This will help give the patient time to heal their feet through limited activity. For serious cases, it is best to speak with your doctor to determine a treatment option that will help your specific needs.

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