Gout is an inflammatory arthritis caused by the buildup of uric acid crystals within the joints, leading to intense inflammation and discomfort. Symptoms often appear suddenly, and may include swelling, redness, warmth, and severe pain that frequently affects the big toe, but can involve other joints of the foot and ankle. These attacks may occur without warning and can limit walking and daily activity. Causes include elevated uric acid levels in the blood, which may be influenced by diet, genetics, and certain medical conditions. Risk factors include obesity, family history, medications, and metabolic disorders. A podiatrist can diagnose gout through a clinical evaluation, manage painful flare-ups, and develop a treatment plan to protect joint health. If you have symptoms of gout, it is strongly suggested that you are under the care of a podiatrist who can offer you effective relief and management techniques.

Gout is a painful condition that can be treated. 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 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 Carmel, CA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Pain along the inner side of the foot can interfere with walking and comfort. One frequent cause involves strain of the tendon that supports the arch, leading to aching near the ankle and midfoot. Inner-foot pain may also develop from joint irritation, where cartilage wear produces stiffness with movement. Nerve compression can result in burning or tingling along the inside of the foot, while bone stress injuries may cause pinpoint tenderness during activity. In other situations, inflammation of soft tissues or structural changes shift pressure toward the inner border over time. A podiatrist can assess alignment, joint motion, and tendon function, and use imaging to identify the source of pain. Based on evaluation, a podiatrist can recommend care to reduce pain. If you feel pain in the inner part of your foot, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist for an exam, diagnosis, and appropriate treatment.

Foot Pain

Foot pain can be extremely painful and debilitating. If you have a foot pain, consult with Michele Kraft, DPM from Toes on the Go. Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

Causes

Foot pain is a very broad condition that could be caused by one or more ailments. The most common include:

• Bunions
• Hammertoes
• Plantar Fasciitis
• Bone Spurs
• Corns
• Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome
• Ingrown Toenails
• Arthritis (such as Gout, Rheumatoid, and Osteoarthritis)
• Flat Feet
• Injury (from stress fractures, broken toe, foot, ankle, Achilles tendon ruptures, and sprains)
• And more

Diagnosis

To figure out the cause of foot pain, podiatrists utilize several different methods. This can range from simple visual inspections and sensation tests to X-rays and MRI scans. Prior medical history, family medical history, and any recent physical traumatic events will all be taken into consideration for a proper diagnosis.

Treatment

Treatment depends upon the cause of the foot pain. Whether it is resting, staying off the foot, or having surgery; podiatrists have a number of treatment options available for foot pain.

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.

Bunions are a common foot deformity that develops when the big toe joint gradually moves out of alignment, creating a visible bump along the side of the foot. The area may look swollen, red, or enlarged, and the big toe may angle toward the smaller toes. It often feels sore or stiff, with pain that worsens after long periods of walking or wearing tight shoes. Some people also notice limited joint movement. Causes include genetics, abnormal foot structure, arthritis, and footwear that crowds the toes. A podiatrist can help from the start by examining foot alignment, evaluating symptoms, and confirming the diagnosis with imaging as needed. Early treatment may include footwear changes, padding, orthotics, and inflammation management. Care can then progress into activity modification or surgical options when conservative measures are no longer effective. Early evaluation helps slow progression and improve comfort. If you have a painful bunion, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist.

If you are suffering from bunion pain, contact Michele Kraft, DPM of Toes on the Go. 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 Carmel, CA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

A broken ankle happens when one or more of the bones that form the ankle joint crack or fully break, often from a twist, fall, or sudden impact. Symptoms include sharp pain, swelling that appears quickly, bruising, and difficulty putting weight on the foot. Some people notice a popping sound at the moment of injury or see that the ankle looks out of place. Because the ankle supports the entire body during walking, even a small fracture can make movement painful and unsteady. Treatment depends on the type of break and may include immobilization, protective boots, or casting to keep the bones stable as they heal. Severe fractures can require surgery to restore proper alignment. A podiatrist can evaluate the injury, order imaging, and guide a safe recovery plan. If your ankle pain began after trauma or you cannot bear weight, it is suggested that you see a podiatrist for effective treatment solutions.

Broken ankles need immediate treatment. If you are seeking treatment, 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. 

Broken Ankles
A broken ankle is experienced when a person fractures their tibia or fibula in the lower leg and ankle area. Both of these bones are attached at the bottom of the leg and combine to form what we know to be our ankle.

When a physician is referring to a break of the ankle, he or she is usually referring to a break in the area where the tibia and fibula are joined to create our ankle joint. Ankles are more prone to fractures because the ankle is an area that suffers a lot of pressure and stress. There are some obvious signs when a person experiences a fractured ankle, and the following symptoms may be present.

Symptoms of a Fractured Ankle

• Excessive pain when the area is touched or when any pressure is placed on the ankle
• Swelling around the area
• Bruising of the area
• Area appears to be deformed

If you suspect an ankle fracture, it is recommended to seek treatment as soon as possible. The sooner you have your podiatrist diagnose the fracture, the quicker you’ll be on the way towards recovery.

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.