Gout, an inflammatory ailment caused by excess uric acid, often triggers sudden and severe joint pain. Commonly affecting the big toe, gout attacks are often described as feeling like a fracture or a severe burn. Along with the intense pain, symptoms include visible swelling, redness, and inflammation in the affected joint, making movement difficult and leading to stiffness. These symptoms tend to worsen over time if left untreated, potentially causing joint deformity and long-term complications. Recurrent gout attacks can occur in clusters, affecting both mobility and overall quality of life. Seeking professional help from a podiatrist is essential for comprehensive care, including diagnosis, treatment, and long-term management. Podiatrists can offer a combination of medication, lifestyle adjustments, and preventive strategies to alleviate gout symptoms and reduce the risk of future attacks. If you experience such painful symptoms, particularly in your big toe, it is suggested that you are under the care of a podiatrist for treatment.

Gout is a painful condition that can be treated. If you are seeking treatment, contact one of our podiatrists from Active Foot and Ankle Care, LLC. 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 our offices located in Fair Lawn, Riverdale, and Englewood, NJ . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Studies show that carrying extra weight puts a significant amount of pressure on the feet, leading to various issues. For instance, overweight individuals are more likely to experience general foot pain and especially discomfort in the bottom of the heels when walking. Additionally, their feet might appear flatter, and they may have difficulty moving them as freely as they should. This is because extra weight can alter the foot's mechanics, causing it to roll inward more during walking. Furthermore, it is important to note that it is not just about the overall weight but also where the body stores fat. Excess fat, particularly around the feet, can increase foot pain. A podiatrist can offer personalized strategies to alleviate discomfort and improve foot function. If you are experiencing foot problems that may be connected to your weight, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for help. 

Obesity has become very problematic at this point in time and can have extremely negative effects on the feet. If you’re an obese individual and are concerned about your feet, contact one of our podiatrists from Active Foot and Ankle Care, LLC. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Obesity and Your Feet

Since your feet are what support your entire weight when standing, any additional weight can result in pain and swelling. Being overweight is one of the main contributors to foot complications.

Problems & Complications

Extra Weight – Even putting on just a few extra pounds could create serious complications for your feet. As your weight increases, your balance and body will shift, creating new stresses on your feet. This uneven weight distribution can cause pain, even while doing the simplest tasks, such as walking.

Diabetes – People who are overweight are at serious risk of developing type-2 diabetes, which has a drastic impact on the health of your feet. As you get older, your diabetes might worsen, which could lead to loss of feeling in your feet, sores, and bruises. You could also become more prone to various infections.

Plantar fasciitis – Pressure and stress that is placed on muscles, joints, and tendons can trigger plantar fasciitis, which is an inflammation of tissue that forms along the bottom of the foot. 

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our offices located in Fair Lawn, Riverdale, and Englewood, NJ . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Children's foot and heel pain, or CFHP, encompasses a variety of conditions that can impact children’s ability to engage in activities and sports without discomfort. One common cause of CFHP is Sever's disease, a condition that results from inflammation of the growth plate in the heel. Sever’s disease is often seen in active children undergoing growth spurts. Additionally, flat feet or overpronation can strain the foot's muscles and ligaments, causing pain. Improper footwear, intense physical activity, and obesity may also contribute to the development of CFHP. Symptoms typically include pain in the foot or heel, particularly during or after physical activities, and might be accompanied by swelling or redness. Addressing CFHP involves a combination of rest, wearing appropriate footwear, and sometimes orthotic devices to support the foot's structure. Early diagnosis and treatment are important to prevent chronic problems and ensure that children can participate in their favorite activities without pain. If your child is suffering with foot or heel pain, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist today. 

The health of a child’s feet is vital to their overall well-being. If you have any questions regarding foot health, contact one of our podiatrists of Active Foot and Ankle Care, LLC. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Tips for Keeping Children's Feet Healthy

• Make sure their shoes fit properly
• Look for any signs of in-toeing or out-toeing
• Check to see if they have Clubfoot (condition that affects your child’s foot and ankle, twisting the heel and toes inward) which is one of the most common nonmajor birth defects.
• Lightly cover your baby’s feet (Tight covers may keep your baby from moving their feet freely, and could prevent normal development)
• Allow your toddler to go shoeless (Shoes can be restricting for a young child’s foot)
• Cut toenails straight across to avoid ingrown toenails
• Keep your child’s foot clean and dry
• Cover cuts and scrapes. Wash any scratches with soap and water and cover them with a bandage until they’ve healed.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our offices located in Fair Lawn, Riverdale, and Englewood, NJ . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Turf toe is an injury common among athletes, particularly those who play on hard surfaces like artificial turf. It occurs when the big toe bends too far upwards, stretching or tearing the soft tissue underneath the toe joint. This type of injury is most often seen in sports that involve rapid starts, stops, and turns, leading to a sudden forceful impact on the toe. Symptoms of turf toe include pain at the base or joint of the big toe, swelling, and limited joint movement, making it difficult to walk or run. Some people also experience a popping sensation at the time of the injury. Symptoms may be more severe if there is extensive damage to the soft tissue. Proper diagnosis and treatment are important to manage pain, reduce inflammation, and ensure a full recovery. If you have big toe joint pain, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist, or foot doctor, for diagnosis. Turf toe is not the only possible cause of big toe joint pain, and each condition has specialized treatment that podiatrists may recommend. 

Toe pain can disrupt your daily activities. If you have any concerns, contact one of our podiatrists of Active Foot and Ankle Care, LLC. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

What Causes Toe Pain?

Most severe toe pain is caused due to a sports injury, trauma from dropping something heavy on the toe, or bumping into something rigid. Other problems can develop over time for various reasons.

Toe pain can be caused by one or more ailments. The most common include:

• Trauma
• Sports injury
• Wearing shoes that are too tight
• Arthritis
• Gout
• Corns and calluses
• Hammertoe
• Bunions
• Blisters
• Ingrown toenails
• Sprains
• Fractures (broken bones)
• Dislocations

When to See a Podiatrist

• Severe pain
• Persistent pain that lasts more than a week
• Signs of infection
• Continued swelling
• Pain that prevents walking

Diagnosis

In many cases the cause of toe pain is obvious, but in others, a podiatrist may want to use more advanced methods to determine the problem. These 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

Treatments for toe pain and injuries vary and may include shoe inserts, padding, taping, medicines, injections, and in some cases, surgery. If you believe that you have broken a toe, please see a podiatrist as soon as possible.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our offices located in Fair Lawn, Riverdale, and Englewood, NJ . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.

Achilles tendonitis, an inflammation of the Achilles tendon, disrupts the smooth functioning of the tendon connecting the calf muscles to the heel bone. Contributing factors include tight calf muscles and excessive running up and down hills. Sudden increases in exercise intensity or duration of activity and wearing improper footwear, such as stiff-soled shoes or high heels, are other causes of Achilles tendonitis. Athletes engaging in activities that involve repetitive jumping or sudden stops or starts are particularly prone to overuse injuries like Achilles tendonitis. The main symptom is pain along the tendon, especially near the heel. Other signs of Achilles tendonitis can include swelling, warmth, and tenderness over the affected area. Difficulty rising on the toes or pushing off while walking, in addition to morning heel pain accompanied by ankle stiffness are further indicators. Recovery for Achilles tendonitis typically includes anti-inflammatory medication, rehabilitation exercises, and use of walking boots or casts for immobilization. If you are experiencing symptoms of Achilles tendonitis, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for an exam, diagnosis, and personalized treatment.

Achilles tendon injuries need immediate attention to avoid future complications. If you have any concerns, contact one of our podiatrists of Active Foot and Ankle Care, LLC. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

What Is the Achilles Tendon?

The Achilles tendon is a tendon that connects the lower leg muscles and calf to the heel of the foot. It is the strongest tendon in the human body and is essential for making movement possible. Because this tendon is such an integral part of the body, any injuries to it can create immense difficulties and should immediately be presented to a doctor.

What Are the Symptoms of an Achilles Tendon Injury?

There are various types of injuries that can affect the Achilles tendon. The two most common injuries are Achilles tendinitis and ruptures of the tendon.

Achilles Tendinitis Symptoms

• Inflammation
• Dull to severe pain
• Increased blood flow to the tendon
• Thickening of the tendon

Rupture Symptoms

• Extreme pain and swelling in the foot
• Total immobility

Treatment and Prevention

Achilles tendon injuries are diagnosed by a thorough physical evaluation, which can include an MRI. Treatment involves rest, physical therapy, and in some cases, surgery. However, various preventative measures can be taken to avoid these injuries, such as:

• Thorough stretching of the tendon before and after exercise
• Strengthening exercises like calf raises, squats, leg curls, leg extensions, leg raises, lunges, and leg presses

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our offices located in Fair Lawn, Riverdale, and Englewood, NJ . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.