Items filtered by date: August 2024

Gout is a form of arthritis caused by the buildup of uric acid crystals in the joints, leading to intense pain and inflammation. This condition often results from high levels of uric acid in the blood, which can be triggered by factors such as excessive consumption of purine-rich foods, like red meat and seafood, and alcohol. The symptoms of gout include sudden, severe pain in the affected joint, often the big toe, along with redness, swelling, and warmth. To prevent gout attacks, it is vital to maintain a healthy diet low in purines, stay hydrated, and limit alcohol intake. Regular exercise and managing body weight can also reduce the risk of developing gout. If you have had one or frequent gout attacks, it is strongly suggested that you are under the care of a podiatrist who can help you to manage this condition.

Gout is a foot condition that requires certain treatment and care. If you are seeking treatment, contact one of our podiatrists from Nashville Family Foot Care. Our practitioners 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 our office located in Nashville, TN . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Selecting the right footwear is essential for maintaining foot health and preventing foot-related problems. Ill-fitting shoes can lead to issues such as calluses, corns, blisters and even more serious conditions like bunions and posture-related pain. If you spend a lot of time standing or walking on hard surfaces, such as concrete, opt for shoes with softer soles and supportive insoles to distribute pressure evenly. Lace-up boots can help maintain proper foot alignment and reduce soreness. However, ensure they fit well around the ankle to prevent movement restriction. High heels can cause excessive stress on your feet and alter your posture, leading to long-term discomfort. Sports enthusiasts should choose shoes that offer adequate cushioning and support to absorb shock and prevent injuries. Custom shoe inserts prescribed by a podiatrist can provide personalized support and improve foot posture, while helping to decrease pain. Alternating between different pairs of shoes can help prolong their lifespan and promote foot health. If you have foot pain that may be related to your choice of footwear, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for a diagnosis and treatment.

Everyday foot care is very important to prevent infection and other foot ailments. If you need your feet checked, contact one of our podiatrists from Nashville Family Foot Care. Our practitioners can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Everyday Foot Care

Often, people take care of their bodies, face and hair more so than they do for their feet. But the feet are a very important aspect of our bodies, and one that we should pay more attention to. Without our feet, we would not be able to perform most daily tasks.

It is best to check your feet regularly to make sure there are no new bruises or cuts that you may not have noticed before. For dry feet, moisturizer can easily be a remedy and can be applied as often as necessary to the affected areas. Wearing shoes that fit well can also help you maintain good foot health, as well as making it easier to walk and do daily activities without the stress or pain of ill-fitting shoes, high heels, or even flip flops. Wearing clean socks with closed shoes is important to ensure that sweat and bacteria do not accumulate within the shoe. Clean socks help to prevent Athlete’s foot, fungi problems, bad odors, and can absorb sweat.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our office located in Nashville, TN . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Foot care is essential for hikers to prevent common issues like blisters, overuse injuries, and fungal infections. Start by choosing well-fitted, supportive hiking boots and moisture-wicking socks to reduce friction and keep your feet dry. It is helpful to break in new boots before long hikes to avoid blisters. If blisters occur, clean them with an antiseptic and cover them with a blister pad to prevent further irritation. To guard against overuse injuries, gradually increase hiking distances and ensure proper conditioning and stretching. Pay attention to any signs of pain or discomfort and rest as needed to avoid making injuries worse. Fungal infections thrive in warm, moist environments, so keep your feet clean and dry. Change socks frequently and use antifungal powder if necessary. Let boots dry thoroughly between hikes. Regularly inspect feet for cuts, sores, or signs of infection. If you experience persistent pain, swelling, or other issues from hiking, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist for professional advice and treatment.

Sports related foot and ankle injuries require proper treatment before players can go back to their regular routines. For more information, contact one of our podiatrists of Nashville Family Foot Care. Our practitioners can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Sports Related Foot and Ankle Injuries

Foot and ankle injuries are a common occurrence when it comes to athletes of any sport. While many athletes dismiss the initial aches and pains, the truth is that ignoring potential foot and ankle injuries can lead to serious problems. As athletes continue to place pressure and strain the area further, a mild injury can turn into something as serious as a rupture and may lead to a permanent disability. There are many factors that contribute to sports related foot and ankle injuries, which include failure to warm up properly, not providing support or wearing bad footwear. Common injuries and conditions athletes face, including:

• Plantar Fasciitis
• Plantar Fasciosis
• Achilles Tendinitis
• Achilles Tendon Rupture
• Ankle Sprains

Sports related injuries are commonly treated using the RICE method. This includes rest, applying ice to the injured area, compression and elevating the ankle. More serious sprains and injuries may require surgery, which could include arthroscopic and reconstructive surgery. Rehabilitation and therapy may also be required in order to get any recovering athlete to become fully functional again. Any unusual aches and pains an athlete sustains must be evaluated by a licensed, reputable medical professional.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our office located in Nashville, TN . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Maintaining foot health is important for overall well-being, and incorporating stretches into your routine can help. One effective exercise is the toe stretch, where you sit comfortably and gently pull your toes apart, holding the position for 15 to 30 seconds. This stretch improves flexibility and relieves tension in the toes. Another beneficial stretch is the calf stretch. Stand facing a wall, place your hands on it, and step one foot back, keeping the heel on the ground. Bend your front knee while keeping the back leg straight, feeling a stretch in the calf and Achilles tendon. Hold this position for 30 seconds before switching sides. This stretch alleviates tightness and enhances overall foot function. Additionally, rolling a golf or tennis ball under your foot can be extremely effective. Sit down, place the ball under your foot, and roll it back and forth for a few minutes. This helps massage the plantar fascia and relieve tension. If you have persistent foot pain or concerns, it is suggested that you visit a podiatrist.

Exercising your feet regularly with the proper foot wear is a great way to prevent injuries and build strength. If you have any concerns about your feet, contact one of our podiatrists from Nashville Family Foot Care. Our practitioners can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Exercise for Your Feet

Exercise for your feet can help you gain strength, mobility and flexibility in your feet. They say that strengthening your feet can be just as rewarding as strengthening another part of the body. Your feet are very important, and we often forget about them in our daily tasks. But it is because of our feet that are we able to get going and do what we need to. For those of us fortunate enough to not have any foot problems, it is an important gesture to take care of them to ensure good health in the long run.

Some foot health exercises can include ankle pumps, tip-toeing, toe rises, lifting off the floor doing reps and sets, and flexing the toes. It is best to speak with Our practitioners to determine an appropriate regimen for your needs. Everyone’s needs and bodies are different, and the activities required to maintain strength in the feet vary from individual to individual. 

Once you get into a routine of doing regular exercise, you may notice a difference in your feet and how strong they may become.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our office located in Nashville, TN . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.