Gout management involves medication, lifestyle changes, and dietary adjustments. The main goals of gout treatment are to relieve acute attack pain and inflammation, and to lower uric acid levels to prevent future attacks, protect joints, and maintain daily activities. Gout often presents itself as severe pain in the big toe. Medications play a key role for acute gout attacks and for long-term uric acid control. A healthy lifestyle is essential, with dietary changes focusing on avoiding high-purine foods, maintaining a balanced diet, and staying hydrated. Achieving and maintaining a healthy weight can also reduce uric acid levels and joint stress. Additionally, regular physical activity, when appropriate, can lower uric acid levels, aid weight management, and support joint mobility. In some cases, surgical options like tophi removal, arthroscopic uric acid crystal removal, joint fusion, or joint replacement may be considered to address severe gout-related damage. If you suffer from gout and it is causing persistent foot discomfort, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist to obtain treatment that will help you manage this condition more effectively.

Gout is a painful condition that can be treated. If you are seeking treatment, contact one of our podiatrists from Foot & Ankle Centers of Charlotte County . 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 Punta Gorda and Port Charlotte, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Orthotics offer valuable assistance for common foot conditions such as bunions, hammertoes, and Achilles tendinopathy. Bunions, characterized by painful bony protrusions, can benefit from orthotics that redistribute pressure away from the affected area, reducing friction and discomfort. These custom inserts can also provide arch support, promoting better foot alignment and potentially preventing bunions from worsening. Hammertoes, where toes bend downward at the middle joint, causing pain and deformity, can find relief through orthotics. Orthotics with toe crest pads or metatarsal support help alleviate pressure on the affected toes, encouraging better alignment and reducing discomfort. Achilles tendinopathy, which involves inflammation and pain in the Achilles tendon, can be managed effectively with orthotics. These custom inserts provide cushioning and support, reducing stress on the tendon, aiding the healing process, and preventing further injury. Custom orthotics are designed to fit an individual's unique foot shape and address specific conditions, ensuring maximum comfort and effectiveness. They offer a non-invasive and conservative approach to managing foot issues, potentially avoiding the need for surgical interventions. If you have foot problems, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for personalized orthotic solutions.

Custom orthotics are specialized shoe inserts created to support and align the feet according to each person’s unique structure and walking pattern. They are an effective way to relieve foot discomfort caused by conditions such as flat feet, high arches, plantar fasciitis, bunions, and heel pain. When the natural alignment of the foot is off balance, it can lead to pressure points, strain, and pain that affect how a person stands, walks, and moves. Orthotics work by redistributing weight evenly and supporting the arch to reduce stress on the muscles, tendons, and joints of the feet and lower legs.

Foot discomfort can develop for many reasons, including wearing improper footwear, long hours of standing, repetitive motion, or underlying structural problems. Over time, this discomfort can extend beyond the feet, contributing to knee, hip, or lower back pain. Custom orthotics help correct these issues by improving alignment and promoting more efficient movement. They are made using precise measurements and imaging to ensure the best fit for each patient, providing targeted support and cushioning where it is needed most.

Unlike generic insoles, custom orthotics are durable, medically designed, and tailored to your specific needs. Whether you are managing chronic pain, recovering from an injury, or simply seeking better comfort and stability, orthotics can make a noticeable difference in how your feet feel throughout the day.

If you are experiencing persistent foot discomfort or fatigue, it may be time to have your feet evaluated by a podiatrist. Call our office today for more information or to schedule an appointment.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our offices located in Punta Gorda and Port Charlotte, FL . 

Plantar fasciitis, a common and painful foot condition, is influenced by various risk factors. Age plays a role, with the condition being more prevalent in individuals between 40 and 60 years old, as the plantar fascia tends to lose elasticity with age. Engaging in high-impact activities, like running or dancing, can strain the plantar fascia, making physical activity another risk factor. Abnormal foot mechanics, such as flat feet or high arches, alter the distribution of pressure on the plantar fascia, increasing the risk. Obesity adds extra stress to the feet and can lead to plantar fasciitis, while jobs requiring prolonged standing or walking on hard surfaces can also contribute. Improper footwear choices lacking arch support or cushioning can strain the plantar fascia, as does having a tight Achilles tendon. Finally, sudden increases in physical activity intensity or duration can overload the plantar fascia, causing inflammation. If you have heel pain that does not abate, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for a proper diagnosis and treatment options that are appropriate for you.

Plantar fasciitis can be very painful and inconvenient. If you are experiencing heel pain or symptoms of plantar fasciitis, contact one of our podiatrists  from Foot & Ankle Centers of Charlotte County . Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

What Is Plantar Fasciitis?

Plantar fasciitis is the inflammation of the thick band of tissue that runs along the bottom of your foot, known as the plantar fascia, and causes mild to severe heel pain.

What Causes Plantar Fasciitis?

• Excessive running
• Non-supportive shoes
• Overpronation
• Repeated stretching and tearing of the plantar fascia

How Can It Be Treated?

• Conservative measures – anti-inflammatories, ice packs, stretching exercises, physical therapy, orthotic devices
• Shockwave therapy – sound waves are sent to the affected area to facilitate healing and are usually used for chronic cases of plantar fasciitis
• Surgery – usually only used as a last resort when all else fails. The plantar fascia can be surgically detached from the heel

While very treatable, plantar fasciitis is definitely not something that should be ignored. Especially in severe cases, speaking to your doctor right away is highly recommended to avoid complications and severe heel pain. Your podiatrist can work with you to provide the appropriate treatment options tailored to your condition.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our offices located in Punta Gorda and Port Charlotte, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Living with flat feet, a condition characterized by the absence of arches on the feet, can be a lifelong experience starting in childhood. When someone with flat feet stands, their entire foot touches the ground, though in most cases, it does not lead to harm. However, some individuals may experience symptoms such as swollen ankles, difficulty standing on their toes, or pain in the foot arch area. Identifying these signs, particularly in children, is important for early intervention. While flat feet can be a natural part of a child's development, it can also develop later in life from age related factors. Seeking medical attention involves a comprehensive examination, where a podiatrist may recommend custom shoe inserts and certain exercises to alleviate discomfort. In severe cases, surgery may be considered. Home care includes minimizing stress on the feet, weight management, and, if necessary, pain relief measures. If you are experiencing discomfort related to flat feet, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for a full exam and suggested treatment measures.

Flatfoot is a condition many people suffer from. If you have flat feet, contact one of our podiatrists from Foot & Ankle Centers of Charlotte County . Our doctors will treat your foot and ankle needs.

What Are Flat Feet?

Flatfoot is a condition in which the arch of the foot is depressed and the sole of the foot is almost completely in contact with the ground. About 20-30% of the population generally has flat feet because their arches never formed during growth.

Conditions & Problems:

Having flat feet makes it difficult to run or walk because of the stress placed on the ankles.

Alignment – The general alignment of your legs can be disrupted, because the ankles move inward which can cause major discomfort.

Knees – If you have complications with your knees, flat feet can be a contributor to arthritis in that area.  

Symptoms

• Pain around the heel or arch area
• Trouble standing on the tip toe
• Swelling around the inside of the ankle
• Flat look to one or both feet
• Having your shoes feel uneven when worn

Treatment

If you are experiencing pain and stress on the foot you may weaken the posterior tibial tendon, which runs around the inside of the ankle. 

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our offices located in Punta Gorda and Port Charlotte, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.