Extreme pain is a common symptom of gout. This is a form of arthritis that often affects the joints in the big toe. Some patients feel the effects of gout in the instep and ankles, and it can cause difficulty in walking. Gout generally develops as a result of excess uric acid in the blood, which can be influenced by diet. Consuming foods high in purines, such as shellfish, red meat, and sugary drinks can raise levels of uric acid in the blood. The uric acid can cause crystals to form in the joints of the feet. Diagnosing gout involves taking a small amount of fluid from the affected joint to check it for uric acid. If you are afflicted with gout, it is strongly recommended that you are under the care of a podiatrist who can properly treat this condition.

Gout is a foot condition that requires certain treatment and care. If you are seeking treatment, contact one of our podiatrists from Pennsylvania. Our doctors 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 one of our offices located in Plymouth Meeting and Ambler, PA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

If you’ve ever been shopping for running shoes, you’ve likely noticed that shoe sizes are not standardized. This means that you may be a size 10 in one brand and a size 9 in another brand. Sometimes, shoe sizes are not even standardized within the same brand, meaning each individual pair of shoes will have its own unique fit. Because of this, it is suggested that you shop in a brick and mortar store if possible. This way, you can try on shoes before you buy them. When buying running shoes, you should buy shoes that leave a thumb’s width of space between the end of your longest toe and the front of the shoe, as your feet expand while running. For more information on how to find the right size shoes, please consult with a podiatrist.

Getting the right shoe size is an important part of proper foot health. Seek the assistance of one of our podiatrists from Pennsylvania. Our doctors will provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Getting the Right Shoe Size

There are many people who wear shoes that are the incorrect size, negatively affecting their feet and posture. Selecting the right shoes is not a difficult process, so long as you keep several things in mind when it comes to choosing the right pair.

• When visiting the shoe store, use the tools available to measure your foot.
• Be sure there is ‘wiggle room’. There should be about an inch between your toes and the tip of your shoes.
• Do not always assume you are the same size, as manufacturers run differently.
• Purchase shoes later in the day, as your feet swell as the day progresses.
• If a shoe is not comfortable, it is not suitable. Most shoes can’t be ‘broken in’, and comfort should be the ultimate goal when it comes to choosing the right pair of shoes

As our feet hold our body weight and keep us moving, it is important to treat them right. Picking the right pair of shoes can provide your feet comfort and mobility without pain.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact one of our offices located in Plymouth Meeting and Ambler, PA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Elderly people may experience foot conditions as a result of standing and walking throughout their lifetime. Foot problems may occur due to a loss of fat in the foot. The fat pad in the foot generally provides adequate padding, and is responsible for shock absorption. Additionally, fractures may be more likely in elderly people, and their balance may be affected as the aging process occurs. A common condition among seniors is dry skin, and this can be remedied by applying a good moisturizer as part of the bedtime routine. Older people may see changes in their toenails, where they gradually become brittle, yellowed, and thicker. If you would like additional information about how to provide proper care for your elderly relative’s feet, please consult with a podiatrist.

Proper foot care is something many older adults forget to consider. If you have any concerns about your feet and ankles, contact one of our podiatrists from Pennsylvania. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

The Elderly and Their Feet

As we age we start to notice many changes in our body, but the elder population may not notice them right away. Medical conditions may prevent the elderly to take notice of their foot health right away. Poor vision is a lead contributor to not taking action for the elderly.

Common Conditions 

• Neuropathy – can reduce feeling in the feet and can hide many life-threatening medical conditions.
• Reduced flexibility – prevents the ability of proper toenail trimming, and foot cleaning. If left untreated, it may lead to further medical issues.
• Foot sores – amongst the older population can be serious before they are discovered. Some of the problematic conditions they may face are:
• Gouging toenails affecting nearby toe
• Shoes that don’t fit properly
• Pressure sores
• Loss of circulation in legs & feet
• Edema & swelling of feet and ankles

Susceptible Infections

Diabetes and poor circulation can cause general loss of sensitivity over the years, turning a simple cut into a serious issue.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact one of our offices located in Plymouth Meeting and Ambler, PA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.