Gout is a painful inflammatory condition that commonly affects the foot, most often the big toe. It is caused by a buildup of uric acid in the blood, which forms sharp crystals inside the joint. The area may look red, shiny, and warm, sometimes with tight or stretched skin. It often feels like sudden intense pain, burning, and extreme tenderness that can make walking or even light contact uncomfortable. Symptoms frequently begin at night and may come on suddenly. Causes include dehydration, kidney problems, and diets high in purines such as red meat, seafood, and alcohol. A podiatrist can help from the start by evaluating symptoms, confirming the diagnosis through examination and imaging, and coordinating lab testing when needed. Treatment may begin with pain and inflammation control, footwear guidance, and activity modification, then move into long-term management, education, and preventive care. If you are 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. James D. McAlexander from Gig Harbor Foot and Ankle Clinic. 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 Gig Harbor, WA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Selecting the right running shoes starts with understanding your running style and how your feet move during activity. Your terrain also matters, since running on roads, tracks, or uneven surfaces places different demands on your feet. Distance plays a role as well, because longer runs often require more support and cushioning to reduce fatigue and strain. Personal preferences such as fit, flexibility, and overall comfort should never be overlooked, as the best shoe is one you feel confident wearing consistently. Wearing the wrong shoes can lead to foot pain, blisters, and overuse injuries. A podiatrist can evaluate your gait, foot structure, and training habits to recommend shoes that match your needs and help prevent injury. If running discomfort is slowing you down, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can treat various foot conditions, and guide you on appropriate running shoes to wear.

You should always make sure your running shoes fit properly in order to avoid injury. For more information, contact Dr. James D. McAlexander from Gig Harbor Foot and Ankle Clinic. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Choosing the Right Running Shoe for Your Foot Type

Improper shoe sizing can cause a myriad of problems for your feet. Shoes that don’t fit you properly can lead to muscular imbalances in your body, which can result in foot, knee, and hip injuries.

Tips for Finding the Right Running Shoe

• Make sure you have a thumb’s width of wiggle room between the end of your longest toe and the front of the shoe.
• There should be little to no slipping at the heel
• Don’t assume your size in one shoe brand will be your size in another
• Do not lace up your shoes too tightly
• Walk around in the store with your new shoes before you buy them

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

Heel pain often begins when the thick band of tissue along the bottom of the foot becomes overstressed. This tissue, termed the plantar fascia, supports the arch and helps absorb force with every step. Over time, repeated strain near the heel bone can lead to painful tears called plantar fasciitis, a degenerative condition rather than an inflammatory one. Pain is felt at the bottom or inner side of the heel and is sharp with the first steps after rest, then worsens again after long periods on the feet. Risk factors include flat feet, high arches, limited ankle motion, prolonged standing, running, and shoes with inadequate support, like frequent use of flip-flops. A podiatrist can evaluate foot structure, gait, and ankle flexibility to confirm the diagnosis and guide appropriate care, or, in persistent cases, suggest surgery. For help with foot problems, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist for an exam and treatment.

Plantar fasciitis is a common foot condition that is often caused by a strain injury. If you are experiencing heel pain or symptoms of plantar fasciitis, contact Dr. James D. McAlexander from Gig Harbor Foot and Ankle Clinic. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

What Is Plantar Fasciitis?

Plantar fasciitis is one of the most common causes of heel pain. The plantar fascia is a ligament that connects your heel to the front of your foot. When this ligament becomes inflamed, plantar fasciitis is the result. If you have plantar fasciitis you will have a stabbing pain that usually occurs with your first steps in the morning. As the day progresses and you walk around more, this pain will start to disappear, but it will return after long periods of standing or sitting.

What Causes Plantar Fasciitis?

• Excessive running
• Having high arches in your feet
• Other foot issues such as flat feet
• Pregnancy (due to the sudden weight gain)
• Being on your feet very often

There are some risk factors that may make you more likely to develop plantar fasciitis compared to others. The condition most commonly affects adults between the ages of 40 and 60. It also tends to affect people who are obese because the extra pounds result in extra stress being placed on the plantar fascia.

Prevention

• Take good care of your feet – Wear shoes that have good arch support and heel cushioning.
• Maintain a healthy weight
• If you are a runner, alternate running with other sports that won’t cause heel pain

There are a variety of treatment options available for plantar fasciitis along with the pain that accompanies it. Additionally, physical therapy is a very important component in the treatment process. It is important that you meet with your podiatrist to determine which treatment option is best for you.

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

Hagland's deformity is a bony enlargement on the back of the heel that often develops where the Achilles tendon attaches. It is commonly caused by wearing rigid footwear or high heels, repetitive irritation, or inherited foot structure. This condition may look like a noticeable bump on the back of the heel, and is often accompanied by redness or swelling. It can feel sore, stiff, tender, or painful, especially when wearing closed shoes or during walking and exercise. Some people experience aching or burning sensations as the surrounding tissue becomes inflamed. A podiatrist can help from the start by performing a thorough examination, reviewing footwear habits, assessing biomechanics, and using imaging, if needed for confirmation. Treatment may include shoe modifications, padding, stretching programs, and inflammation management to relieve pressure and discomfort. Early care can prevent worsening symptoms and improve daily comfort. If you have heel pain, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for an accurate diagnose and effective treatment solutions.

Many people suffer from bouts of heel pain. For more information, contact Dr. James D. McAlexander of Gig Harbor Foot and Ankle Clinic. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Causes of Heel Pain

Heel pain is often associated with plantar fasciitis. The plantar fascia is a band of tissues that extends along the bottom of the foot. A rip or tear in this ligament can cause inflammation of the tissue.

Achilles tendonitis is another cause of heel pain. Inflammation of the Achilles tendon will cause pain from fractures and muscle tearing. Lack of flexibility is also another symptom.

Heel spurs are another cause of pain. When the tissues of the plantar fascia undergo a great deal of stress, it can lead to ligament separation from the heel bone, causing heel spurs.

Why Might Heel Pain Occur?

• Wearing ill-fitting shoes                
• Wearing non-supportive shoes
• Weight change           
• Excessive running

Treatments

Heel pain should be treated as soon as possible for immediate results. Keeping your feet in a stress-free environment will help. If you suffer from Achilles tendonitis or plantar fasciitis, applying ice will reduce the swelling. Stretching before an exercise like running will help the muscles. Using all these tips will help make heel pain a condition of the past.

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