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Gout is a common form of arthritis that in many cases affects the joint of the big toe. It is sudden and painful, and may affect other joints in the body. Men are more likely to develop gout, but women may become more at risk after menopause. The cause of gout is connected to an overabundance of uric acid in the system. Uric acid forms when the body breaks down purines, which are contained in various types of food. If not flushed out of the kidneys, uric acid tends to migrate to joints where it forms into crystals. These then cause extreme pain, swelling, tenderness to the touch, and redness in the affected area. Stress, poor diet, and drinking excess alcohol can contribute to the onset of gout. One sure way to stave off the likelihood of a gout attack is to adjust the way you eat. Avoiding seafood, red meat, certain vegetables, and sugary drinks can be helpful. Losing weight and drinking plenty of water are other suggested methods of prevention. While gout cannot be cured, certain medications are known to help in combating it. For more information on dealing with gout, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist.

Gout is a painful condition that can be treated. If you are seeking treatment, contact Dr. Alan J. Spector from Shore 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 our office located in Point Pleasant, NJ . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

A corn on the foot can cause pain that can be so severe many people change their gait, or walking style, to compensate for their discomfort. A corn is a small area of hardened skin that forms on the side of the pinky toe, on top of the toes, or the bottom of the foot. It happens due to wearing shoes that do not fit correctly, and the constant motion of the toe rubbing against the shoe can cause that area to become red and uncomfortable. It naturally forms as a defense mechanism to protect the skin from further damage. Many people who wear high heels can develop corns and may choose to wear a protective pad on top of the corn. Relief may be found when larger shoes are worn and the pressure is relieved. Hard corns look white in appearance and can have a center to them. Soft corns can develop between the toes as a result of moisture that accumulates in that area. If you have developed a corn on your foot, it is suggested that you visit a podiatrist who can offer you effective prevention and relief techniques. 

If you have any concerns regarding your feet and ankles, contact Dr. Alan J. Spector of Shore Podiatry. Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.

Corns: What Are They? and How Do You Get Rid of Them?
Corns can be described as areas of the skin that have thickened to the point of becoming painful or irritating. They are often layers and layers of the skin that have become dry and rough, and are normally smaller than calluses.

Ways to Prevent Corns
There are many ways to get rid of painful corns such as wearing:

• Well-fitting socks
• Comfortable shoes that are not tight around your foot
• Shoes that offer support

Treating Corns
Treatment of corns involves removing the dead skin that has built up in the specific area of the foot. Consult with Our doctor to determine the best treatment option for your case of corns.

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

A stiff and painful ankle is common after an ankle injury, such as an ankle sprain, fracture, or Achilles tendon tear. Stretching, mobilizing, and re-training can increase the mobility and functionality of the ankle. Patients are often put in a cast after an ankle injury, and while the immobilization helps with healing, it also creates swelling and inflammation. Dorsiflexion is important while walking and running, and occurs when the foot comes up towards the shin. This is one of the most frequent and limiting ranges of motion lost after an ankle problem. A quick, short-term option to relieve some of the stiffness is to wear shoes that have a heel or heel wedge. Longer term, it is suggested that you be under the care of a podiatrist who can help you with proper exercises and other relief options for stiff ankles.

Ankle pain can have many different causes and the pain may potentially be serious. If you have ankle pain, consult with Dr. Alan J. Spector from Shore Podiatry. Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

Ankle pain is any condition that causes pain in the ankle. Due to the fact that the ankle consists of tendons, muscles, bones, and ligaments, ankle pain can come from a number of different conditions.

Causes

The most common causes of ankle pain include:

• Types of arthritis (rheumatoid, osteoarthritis, and gout)
• Ankle sprains
• Broken ankles
• Achilles tendinitis
• Achilles tendon rupture
• Stress fractures
• Tarsal tunnel syndrome
• Plantar fasciitis

Symptoms

Symptoms of ankle injury vary based upon the condition. Pain may include general pain and discomfort, swelling, aching, redness, bruising, burning or stabbing sensations, and/or loss of sensation.

Diagnosis

Due to the wide variety of potential causes of ankle pain, podiatrists will utilize a number of different methods to properly diagnose ankle pain. This can include asking for personal and family medical histories and of any recent injuries. Further diagnosis may include sensation tests, a physical examination, and potentially x-rays or other imaging tests.

Treatment

Just as the range of causes varies widely, so do treatments. Some more common treatments are rest, ice packs, keeping pressure off the foot, orthotics and braces, medication for inflammation and pain, and surgery.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our office located in Point Pleasant, NJ . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.