Gout is a painful, inflammatory form of arthritis. Those affected will typically feel an intense stiffness in the joints of their feet, particularly in the big toe. Schedule a visit to learn about how gout can be managed and treated.
Flip-flops may be cute, easy, and inexpensive additions to a summer wardrobe, but they can cause problems for your feet and body. This type of footwear usually does not cushion the feet from impact when walking, particularly on harder surfaces like asphalt, and can cause foot and leg pain. Because they leave the feet exposed, one is susceptible to bites, infections, and injuries when wearing them. Also, since these shoes have a flat form, wearing them can lead to gait problems. They do not give stability to the feet or stay on the feet well and can result in muscle pain throughout the body. If you have additional questions about the effects of wearing flip-flops, it is suggested that you consult with a podiatrist for an expert opinion.
Flip-flops are not always the best choice of footwear. If you have any concerns about your feet or ankles, contact Dr. James D. McAlexander from Gig Harbor Foot and Ankle Clinic. Our doctor will assist you with all of your foot and ankle needs.
Flip-Flops and Feet
When the weather starts warming up, people enjoy wearing flip-flops. Flip-flops are comfortable, stylish, and easy to slip on and off; they're perfect for any summer beach goer. However, these shoes can cause harm to the feet.
How Can Flip-Flops Affect Me Long-Term?
Ankle problems
Hip problems
Lower back problems
Pain in the balls of the feet
Problems with foot arches
Changes in the way you walk
Are There Injuries Associated with Flip-Flops?
Yes. Since flip-flops are relatively weak and do not provide the same amount of support as sneakers, people who wear flip-flops regularly are more susceptible to injuries. On top of that, the open nature of the shoe makes your feet more prone to other problems, such as cuts and even infections. Common injuries and ailments include:
Sprained ankles
Blisters
Infections
Cuts and Scrapes
I like Wearing Flip-Flops. Are There Safe Alternatives?
When buying flip-flops, try to find ones that have sturdy soles and that are made of high-quality materials that will support for your feet. These flip-flops will cost more but will also last longer as a result.
If you have any questions please feel free to contact our office located in Gig Harbor, WA. We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.
Cracked heels can result from increased pressure on the feet caused by excess weight or standing too long. Under such pressure, the fat pad under the heel tries to expand, and with dried skin or from wearing open-heeled shoes, there is no support to shore up the expansion so the skin around the heels starts to crack. Sometimes, dry or cracked heels can occur from an underlying medical condition, like diabetes or hypothyroidism, both of which reduce sweating and create more dryness. This unsightly condition can start out as small cracks on thickened, dry skin, and calluses may form over the cracks. This can develop into deeper cracks and can even bleed, and it can hurt to walk. Once this happens, the possibility of infection increases. If you suffer from cracked heels, you can try to moisturize your feet more often to see if it helps, but due to the possibility of this getting out of hand and leading to further complications, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist who can examine your heels and recommend the best treatment for you.
Cracked heels are unsightly and can cause further damage to your shoes and feet. If you have any concerns, contact Dr. James D. McAlexander from Gig Harbor Foot and Ankle Clinic. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.
Cracked Heels
Cracked heels appear unappealing and can make it harder for you walk around in sandals. Aside from looking unpleasant, cracked heels can also tear stockings, socks, and wear out your shoes. There are several methods to help restore a cracked heel and prevent further damage.
How Do You Get Them?
Dry skin is the number one culprit in creating cracked heels. Many athletes, walkers, joggers, and even swimmers suffer from cracked heels. Age and skin oil production play a role to getting cracked heels as well.
Promote Healing
Over the counter medicines can help, especially for those that need instant relief or who suffer from chronic dry feet.
Wear Socks – Wearing socks with medicated creams helps lock in moisture.
Moisturizers – Applying both day and night will help alleviate dryness which causes cracking.
Pumice Stones – These exfoliate and remove dead skin, which allows for smoother moisturizer application and better absorption into the skin.
Change in Diet
Eating healthy with a well-balanced diet will give the skin a fresh and radiant look. Your body responds to the kinds of food you ingest. Omega-3 fatty acids and zinc supplements can also revitalize skin tissue.
Most importantly, seek professional help if unsure how to proceed in treating cracked heels. A podiatrist will help you with any questions or information needed.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in Gig Harbor, WA. We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.
Gout is a type of arthritis most commonly affecting the big toe that can show itself as redness, tenderness, swelling in joints, and severe pain. Gout is caused by a buildup of uric acid in the body. Uric acid is a part of purines, an ingredient found in several foods. A process happens when uric acid crystals build up in joints. This condition can limit the range of movement, making it difficult to exercise or walk. Those most prone to gout include obese people, those with a genetic predisposition, and men. To help prevent gout, it is suggested to avoid alcohol, increase water intake, and reduce the consumption of sugary beverages, fish, and red meat. Gout is often diagnosed after an acute attack of symptoms, and a blood test can determine the levels of uric acid. A podiatrist can also perform other tests and provide treatment that will help relieve symptoms of gout. If you suffer from gout, it is a good idea to see a podiatrist today.
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 Gig Harbor, WA. We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.
A heel spur is essentially a hook-shaped bony formation that can sometimes develop on the underside of an individual’s heel bone. The spur will grow and point toward the toes of the foot. Interestingly, there has been some debate within the scientific community about the exact etiology, or cause, of heel spurs. For example, one’s hereditary propensity towards heel spurs was thought to be a contributing factor to the development of heel spurs. Today, it is primarily thought that excessive pronation is the main culprit for heel spurs. Overpronation is associated with unnatural biomechanics of the feet. This is all to say that excessive pressure or an awkward way of moving the feet when engaging in physical activity can contribute significantly to the development of heel spurs. Consider contacting a podiatrist today for more information about heel spurs and for any treatment that you might need.
Heel spurs can be incredibly painful and sometimes may make you unable to participate in physical activities. To get medical care for your heel spurs, contact Dr. James D. McAlexander from Gig Harbor Foot and Ankle Clinic. Our doctor will do everything possible to treat your condition.
Heels Spurs
Heel spurs are formed by calcium deposits on the back of the foot where the heel is. This can also be caused by small fragments of bone breaking off one section of the foot, attaching onto the back of the foot. Heel spurs can also be bone growth on the back of the foot and may grow in the direction of the arch of the foot.
Older individuals usually suffer from heel spurs and pain sometimes intensifies with age. One of the main condition's spurs are related to is plantar fasciitis.
Pain
The pain associated with spurs is often because of weight placed on the feet. When someone is walking, their entire weight is concentrated on the feet. Bone spurs then have the tendency to affect other bones and tissues around the foot. As the pain continues, the feet will become tender and sensitive over time.
Treatments
There are many ways to treat heel spurs. If one is suffering from heel spurs in conjunction with pain, there are several methods for healing. Medication, surgery, and herbal care are some options.
If you have any questions feel free to contact our office located in Gig Harbor, WA. We offer the latest in diagnostic and treatment technology to meet your needs.
Have you noticed a bony protrusion on the side of your big toe? If so, you may have developed the foot condition known as a bunion. Don't let bunions interfere with your daily activities.
Plantar warts are affected areas of the skin on the bottom, or soles, of the feet. Importantly, the plantar warts are spread by the human papillomavirus. There are certain areas and environments in which the spread of this virus is more likely or expected. For example, public swimming pools are a primary breeding ground for the development of plantar warts. This is because many people are often walking around the sides of pools without any shoes. Also, this virus thrives in moist, warm environments. There are several things that you might consider doing to protect your feet from developing plantar warts if you regularly frequent public pools. Most importantly, you might consider simply wearing flip flops or some form of foot protection when walking around the pool. This protects the feet from making contact with any substances that can lead to the development of plantar warts. Contact a podiatrist today for more information.
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 our office located in Gig Harbor, WA. We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.
Psoriatic arthritis is a specific kind of arthritis that is connected with a skin and nail disease named psoriasis. Individuals living with psoriatic arthritis, or any kind of arthritis, should take extra special care of their feet because of the foot conditions they are susceptible to. If you are living with psoriatic arthritis, consider taking proper care of your feet by keeping them dry, as opposed to wet or moist. When the feet are moist, they essentially become a breeding ground for a host of different fungi and bacteria. Therefore, be sure that the shoes and socks you are wearing are dry and lack any kind of damaging moisture. Additionally, if you are living with psoriatic arthritis, consider wearing shoes that are safe and comfortable. Although it may go without saying, shoes that are too tight or have heels that are too high can put individuals at an increased risk of developing a detrimental foot condition. Contact a podiatrist today if you are living with arthritis.
Arthritis can be a difficult condition to live with. If you are seeking treatment, contact Dr. James D. McAlexander from Gig Harbor Foot and Ankle Clinic. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.
Arthritic Foot Care
Arthritis is a joint disorder that involves the inflammation of different joints in your body, such as those in your feet. Arthritis is often caused by a degenerative joint disease and causes mild to severe pain in all affected areas. In addition to this, swelling and stiffness in the affected joints can also be a common symptom of arthritis.
In many cases, wearing ill-fitting shoes can worsen the effects and pain of arthritis. Wearing shoes that have a lower heel and extra room can help your feet feel more comfortable. In cases of rheumatoid arthritis, the arch in your foot may become problematic. Buying shoes with proper arch support that contour to your feet can help immensely.
Alleviating Arthritic Pain
Exercises that stretch the foot can prevent further pain and injury and increase mobility
Most of the pain can be alleviated with anti-inflammatory drugs, heat, and topical medications
Massages can help temporarily alleviate pain.
It is best to see your doctor for the treatment that is right for your needs and symptoms. Conditions vary, and a podiatrist can help you determine the right method of care for your feet.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in Gig Harbor, WA. We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.
