July 2024

Gout, a form of arthritis caused by uric acid crystal deposits in joints, has several risk factors. Dietary choices high in purines, found in red meat, seafood, and alcohol, contribute to increased uric acid production. Obesity and certain medical conditions like hypertension and diabetes also raise the risk. Age and genetics play roles, with men over 40 and individuals with a family history being more susceptible. Prevention involves dietary adjustments, such as limiting purine-rich foods and alcohol consumption. Maintaining a healthy weight through a balanced diet and regular exercise reduces uric acid levels. Staying hydrated supports kidney function in removing uric acid from the body. Medications may be prescribed by a podiatrist to manage uric acid levels in high-risk individuals. If you have gout, it is strongly suggested that you are under the care of a podiatrist who can help you to manage this condition.

Gout is a painful condition that can be treated. If you are seeking treatment, contact Gregory T. Loo, DPM from Elite Podiatry. 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 one of our offices located in Ahwatukee, and Phoenix, AZ . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Diagnosing a broken toe involves recognizing symptoms such as intense pain, swelling, bruising, and difficulty walking. Types of toe fractures include stress fractures, where small cracks form from repetitive stress, and traumatic fractures, resulting from a direct blow or impact. A doctor will perform a physical examination and may order X-rays to confirm the diagnosis and determine the fracture type. Relief options for a broken toe include rest and elevation to reduce swelling and pain. Depending on the type of fracture, buddy-taping the injured toe to an adjacent toe may provide support and alignment during healing. Wearing stiff-soled shoes can protect the toe and ease walking. In severe cases, a cast or surgery may be necessary to ensure proper healing. If you have fractured your toe, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can guide you toward a comprehensive treatment plan. 

Broken toes may cause a lot of pain and should be treated as soon as possible. If you have any concerns about your feet, contact Gregory T. Loo, DPM from Elite Podiatry. Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.

What Is a Broken Toe?

A broken toe occurs when one or more of the toe bones of the foot are broken after an injury. Injuries such as stubbing your toe or dropping a heavy object on it may cause a toe fracture.

Symptoms of a Broken Toe

• Swelling
• Pain (with/without wearing shoes)
• Stiffness
• Nail Injury

Although the injured toe should be monitored daily, it is especially important to have a podiatrist look at your toe if you have severe symptoms. Some of these symptoms include worsening or new pain that is not relieved with medication, sores, redness, or open wounds near the toe.

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

Multiple sclerosis, or MS, can significantly impact foot health due to its effects on the nervous system, leading to various symptoms. Common foot issues can include numbness or tingling, muscle weakness, and difficulty with balance and coordination. These symptoms can contribute to challenges in walking, increased risk of falls, and potential development of foot deformities like claw toes or foot drop. Managing MS-related foot issues involves a multidisciplinary approach, with visiting a podiatrist as an essential part. Podiatrists can assess foot function, and recommend appropriate footwear to improve stability and reduce pressure points. Regular podiatric care helps individuals with MS maintain optimal foot health, minimizing discomfort and improving mobility. If you have multiple sclerosis, it is suggested you visit a podiatrist who can help you manage this condition as it affects your feet.

Some foot conditions may require additional professional care. If you have any concerns, contact Gregory T. Loo, DPM of Elite Podiatry. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Rare Foot Conditions

The majority of foot conditions are common and can be treated by a podiatrist.  Standard diagnostic procedures are generally used to identify specific conditions and treatment can be rendered. A podiatrist also treats rare foot conditions which can be difficult to diagnose and may need extra attention and care. 

There are many rare foot conditions that can affect children. Some of these can include:

• Freiberg’s disease
• Kohler’s disease
• Maffucci syndrome

Freiberg’s disease - This can be seen as a deterioration and flattening of a metatarsal bone that exists in the ball of the foot. It typically affects pre-teen and teenage girls, but can affect anyone at any age. Symptoms that can accompany this can be swelling, stiffness, and the patient may limp. 

Kohler’s disease - This often targets the bone in the arch of the foot and affects younger boys. It can lead to an interruption of the blood supply which ultimately can lead to bone deterioration. The patient may limp or experience tenderness, swelling, and redness.

Maffucci syndrome - This affects the long bones in a child’s foot leading to the development of abnormal bone lesions. They are benign growths and typically develop in early childhood and the bones may be susceptible to breaking. 

A podiatrist can properly diagnose and treat all types of rare foot conditions. If your child is affected by any of these symptoms or conditions, please don’t hesitate to call our office so the correct treatment method can begin.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact one of our offices located in Ahwatukee, and Phoenix, AZ . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.
 

For runners, incorporating effective stretches into their routine is vital for performance and injury prevention. The downward dog stretch provides a full-body stretch, focusing on the calves and hamstrings, which helps prevent Achilles tendon injuries. Ankle mobility heel lifts help in strengthening and increasing the flexibility of the ankles, vital for running stability. Besides stretching, wearing proper running shoes cannot be overstated as it ensures adequate support and reduces the risk of injury. It is also important for runners to ease into their routines gradually, allowing their bodies to adjust and build endurance safely. If you have endured a foot or ankle injury while running, it is suggested that you contact a podiatrist who can treat various foot issues and guide you on effective running injury prevention techniques.

Exercising your feet regularly with the proper foot wear is a great way to prevent injuries. If you have any concerns about your feet, contact Gregory T. Loo, DPM of Elite Podiatry. Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.

How to Prevent Running Injuries

Many common running injuries are caused by overuse and overtraining. When the back of the kneecap starts wearing out and starts causing pain in your knee, this is commonly referred to as runner’s knee. Runner’s knee is a decrease in strength in your quadriceps and can occur if you’re not wearing properly fitted or supporting shoes. To prevent runner’s knee, focusing on hip strengthening is a good idea, as well as strengthening your quads to keep the kneecaps aligned.

What Are Some Causes of Running Injuries?
- One cause of a common running injury is called iliotibial band syndrome.
- Plantar fasciitis is also another common injury.
- Stress fractures can occur from overtraining, lack of calcium, or even your running style.

Best Ways to Prevent Running Injuries
- Wear footwear that fits properly and suits your running needs.
- Running shoes are the only protective gear that runners have to safeguard them from injury.
- Make a training schedule. Adding strengthening exercises as well as regular stretching can help keep you strong and limber and can lessen the possibility of injuries.
- Stretching keeps muscles limber; this will help you gain better flexibility.

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

Congenital foot problems encompass a range of conditions that affect foot development from birth. Clubfoot is characterized by inwardly turned feet and twisted ankles, often requiring corrective casting or surgery early in infancy. Larsen syndrome involves multiple joint abnormalities, including clubfoot, and requires comprehensive manipulation. Metatarsus adductus causes the front part of the foot to turn inward, usually resolving with stretching exercises or corrective shoes. Metatarsus varus results in a curved appearance of the foot bones, treated similarly to metatarsus adductus. These conditions can impact mobility and foot alignment if left untreated, potentially leading to discomfort and difficulties in walking. Early diagnosis and intervention are essential for addressing congenital foot problems, often involving a combination of specific techniques to promote proper foot development and functionality from infancy through childhood. If your child has been born with a congenital foot condition, it is strongly suggested that you have a podiatrist on your healthcare team who can guide you to an effective treatment strategy.

Congenital foot problems require immediate attention to avoid future complications. If you have any concerns, contact Gregory T. Loo, DPM of Elite Podiatry. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Congenital foot problems are deformities affecting the feet, toes, and/or ankles that children are born with. Some of these conditions have a genetic cause while others just happen. Some specific foot ailments that children may be born with include clubfeet, polydactyly/macrodactyly, and cleft foot. There are several other foot anomalies that can occur congenitally. What all of these conditions have in common is that a child may experience difficulty walking or performing everyday activities, as well as trouble finding footwear that fits their foot deformity. Some of these conditions are more serious than others. Consulting with a podiatrist as early as possible will help in properly diagnosing a child’s foot condition while getting the necessary treatment underway.

What are Causes of Congenital Foot Problem?

A congenital foot problem is one that happens to a child at birth. These conditions can be caused by a genetic predisposition, developmental or positional abnormalities during gestation, or with no known cause.

What are Symptoms of Congenital Foot Problems?

Symptoms vary by the congenital condition. Symptoms may consist of the following:

• Clubfoot, where tendons are shortened, bones are shaped differently, and the Achilles tendon is tight, causing the foot to point in and down. It is also possible for the soles of the feet to face each other.
• Polydactyly, which usually consists of a nubbin or small lump of tissue without a bone, a toe that is partially formed but has no joints, or an extra toe.
• Vertical talus, where the talus bone forms in the wrong position causing other bones in the foot to line up improperly, the front of the foot to point up, and the bottom of the foot to stiffen, with no arch, and to curve out.
• Tarsal coalition, when there is an abnormal connection of two or more bones in the foot leading to severe, rigid flatfoot.
• Cleft foot, where there are missing toes, a V-shaped cleft, and other anatomical differences.
• Macrodactyly, when the toes are abnormally large due to overgrowth of the underlying bone or soft tissue.

Treatment and Prevention

While there is nothing one can do to prevent congenital foot problems, raising awareness and receiving neonatal screenings are important. Early detection by taking your child to a podiatrist leads to the best outcome possible.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact one of our offices located in Ahwatukee, and Phoenix, AZ . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.