September 2024

Gout is a type of arthritis caused by the accumulation of uric acid crystals in the joints, leading to sudden, severe pain and inflammation. It commonly affects the big toe but can impact other joints as well. Early symptoms of gout include intense pain, swelling, redness, and warmth in the affected joint, often starting abruptly at night. If left untreated, gout can lead to chronic joint damage, kidney stones, and decreased mobility. Certain factors increase the risk of developing gout, such as a high-purine diet, obesity, and genetic predisposition. Diagnosis typically involves a combination of medical history, physical examination, and laboratory tests to measure uric acid levels and confirm crystal presence through joint fluid analysis or imaging. Managing gout effectively can require medication and lifestyle changes. If you experience persistent big toe pain from gout, it is suggested you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for a thorough diagnosis and personalized treatment plan.

Gout is a painful condition that can be treated. If you are seeking treatment, contact one of our doctors from Coral Desert Foot & Ankle. 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 one of our offices located in St. George and Kanab, UT, and Mesquite, NV . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Plantar warts, caused by the human papillomavirus, or HPV, appear on the soles of the feet and can be painful. Prevention focuses on minimizing exposure to the virus. Always wear footwear in communal areas such as locker rooms and pools, avoid sharing personal items like shoes and towels, and keep your feet clean and dry to reduce the risk of infection. Boosting your immune system through maintaining a healthy diet and regular exercise can also help. Treatment options vary based on the severity of the warts. Remedies like salicylic acid can effectively dissolve the wart over time. Cryotherapy, performed by a podiatrist, involves freezing the wart with liquid nitrogen, causing it to fall off. Laser treatment and immunotherapy are other professional options. For stubborn or painful warts, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist.

Plantar warts can be very uncomfortable. If you need your feet checked, contact one of our doctors from Coral Desert Foot & Ankle. Our doctors will assist you with all of your foot and ankle needs.

About Plantar Warts

Plantar warts are the result of HPV, or human papillomavirus, getting into open wounds on the feet. They are mostly found on the heels or balls of the feet.

While plantar warts are generally harmless, those experiencing excessive pain or those suffering from diabetes or a compromised immune system require immediate medical care. Plantar warts are easily diagnosed, usually through scraping off a bit of rough skin or by getting a biopsy.

Symptoms

• Lesions on the bottom of your feet, usually rough and grainy
• Hard or thick callused spots
• Wart seeds, which are small clotted blood vessels that look like little black spots
• Pain, discomfort, or tenderness of your feet when walking or standing

Treatment

• Freezing
• Electric tool removal
• Laser Treatment
• Topical Creams (prescription only)
• Over-the-counter medications

To help prevent developing plantar warts, avoid walking barefoot over abrasive surfaces that can cause cuts or wounds for HPV to get into. Avoiding direct contact with other warts, as well as not picking or rubbing existing warts, can help prevent the further spread of plantar warts. However, if you think you have developed plantar warts, speak to your podiatrist. He or she can diagnose the warts on your feet and recommend the appropriate treatment options.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact one of our offices located in St. George and Kanab, UT, and Mesquite, NV . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

More than a quarter of people aged 65 and older fall each year. Among the factors that can lead to a fall at home are muscle weakness, loose throw rugs, and numbness in the feet. Unsafe footwear, such as backless shoes and high heels, is another factor. With a few preventative measures implemented, you can reduce the chances of falling and maintain an active life as a senior. Staying physically active is especially important as one age. Regular exercise improves muscle strength and can help keep your joints, tendons, and ligaments flexible. Standing up slowly after lying down or sitting for a prolonged period of time can help, along with using a cane or walker as needed to aid in balance. Wear shoes or slippers with non-skid soles that fully support the feet. If you feel that you have an increased risk for falls, or are planning a new exercise regime, it is suggested that you contact a podiatrist for information on fall prevention and suggested treatment options.

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 one of our doctors from Coral Desert Foot & Ankle. Our doctors 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 one of our offices located in St. George and Kanab, UT, and Mesquite, NV . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

A sprained foot can vary in severity, with common signs including pain, swelling, and bruising surrounding the affected area. Mild sprains involve stretching or slight tearing of ligaments, causing minimal swelling and discomfort. Moderate sprains result in more significant pain, swelling, and difficulty in bearing weight. Severe sprains, characterized by complete ligament tears, often cause intense pain, extensive swelling, and instability in the foot. Relief methods for sprained feet typically involve resting the foot, compression with a bandage to support the injured area, and elevating the foot above heart level to minimize swelling. Pain relievers can help to manage pain and inflammation. Severe sprains may require medical evaluation and possibly immobilization with a brace or cast, in addition to performing specific stretches to regain strength and range of motion in the foot. If you have sprained your foot, it is suggested that you contact a podiatrist who can offer you effective relief and treatment methods.

Although ankle sprains are common, they aren’t always minor injuries. If you need your ankle injury looked at, contact one of our doctors from Coral Desert Foot & Ankle. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

How Does an Ankle Sprain Occur?

Ankle sprains are the result of a tear in the ligaments within the ankle. These injuries may happen when you make a rapid shifting movement while your foot is planted. A less common way to sprain your ankle is when your ankle rolls inward while your foot turns outward.

What Are the Symptoms?

• Pain at the sight of the tear
• Bruising/Swelling
• Ankle area is tender to touch
• In severe cases, may hear/feel something tear
• Skin discoloration

Preventing a Sprain

• Wearing appropriate shoes for the occasion
• Stretching before exercises and sports
• Knowing your limits

Treatment of a Sprain

In many cases, the RICE method (Rest, Ice, Compression, and Elevate) is used to treat ankle sprains. However, you should see a podiatrist to see which treatment option would work best with your injury. In severe cases, surgery may be required.

It is important to ask your doctor about rehab options after you receive treatment for your injury. Stretching, strength training, and balance exercises may help the ankle heal while also preventing further injury.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact one of our offices located in St. George and Kanab, UT, and Mesquite, NV . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.