Gout is an inflammatory arthritis caused by the buildup of uric acid crystals within the joints, leading to intense inflammation and discomfort. Symptoms often appear suddenly, and may include swelling, redness, warmth, and severe pain that frequently affects the big toe, but can involve other joints of the foot and ankle. These attacks may occur without warning and can limit walking and daily activity. Causes include elevated uric acid levels in the blood, which may be influenced by diet, genetics, and certain medical conditions. Risk factors include obesity, family history, medications, and metabolic disorders. A podiatrist can diagnose gout through a clinical evaluation, manage painful flare-ups, and develop a treatment plan to protect joint health. If you have symptoms of gout, it is strongly suggested that you are under the care of a podiatrist who can offer you effective relief and management techniques.

Gout is a painful condition that can be treated. If you are seeking treatment, contact one of our podiatrists from Foot & Ankle Associates of Maine. 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 office located in Brunswick, ME . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Foot pain can arise from several common conditions that quietly worsen over time, including ingrown toenails, corns, bunions, and hammertoes. These problems may look like red swollen nail edges, thickened skin bumps, bony protrusions, or curled toes that rub against shoes. They can feel sharp, burning, throbbing, or stiff, making walking uncomfortable and limiting daily activity. Causes often include poorly fitting footwear, inherited foot shape, repetitive pressure, or improper nail trimming. A podiatrist begins by carefully examining the foot to identify the source of pain and rule out infection or structural damage. From there, treatment may include safe nail or skin care, custom orthotics or padding to reduce pressure, and corrective procedures when needed. Early care helps prevent complications and restores comfort. Understanding the cause of discomfort is the first step toward lasting relief. If you have foot pain, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist.

Foot Pain

Foot pain can be extremely painful and debilitating. If you have a foot pain, consult with one of our podiatrists from Foot & Ankle Associates of Maine. Our doctors will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

Causes

Foot pain is a very broad condition that could be caused by one or more ailments. The most common include:

• Bunions
• Hammertoes
• Plantar Fasciitis
• Bone Spurs
• Corns
• Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome
• Ingrown Toenails
• Arthritis (such as Gout, Rheumatoid, and Osteoarthritis)
• Flat Feet
• Injury (from stress fractures, broken toe, foot, ankle, Achilles tendon ruptures, and sprains)
• And more

Diagnosis

To figure out the cause of foot pain, podiatrists utilize several different methods. This can range from simple visual inspections and sensation tests to X-rays and MRI scans. Prior medical history, family medical history, and any recent physical traumatic events will all be taken into consideration for a proper diagnosis.

Treatment

Treatment depends upon the cause of the foot pain. Whether it is resting, staying off the foot, or having surgery; podiatrists have a number of treatment options available for foot pain.

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

Tarsal tunnel syndrome is a condition caused by compression of the posterior tibial nerve as it travels through the tarsal tunnel near the ankle. This nerve irritation can lead to pain, burning, tingling, or numbness in the toes, sole, or heel. Symptoms may worsen with standing or walking and improve with rest. Common causes include flat feet, swelling, varicose veins, cysts, or injury. Diagnosis is based on a clinical exam and may be supported by imaging such as ultrasound or MRI scans to identify nerve compression. A podiatrist can evaluate symptoms, determine the underlying cause, and develop a treatment plan that may include footwear changes, orthotics, or other interventions. If you have persistent foot pain or numbness, it is suggested you schedule a visit with a podiatrist for expert care and a personalized treatment plan.

Tarsal tunnel syndrome can be very uncomfortable to live with. If you are experiencing tarsal tunnel syndrome, contact one of our podiatrists of Foot & Ankle Associates of Maine. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome

Tarsal tunnel syndrome, which can also be called tibial nerve dysfunction, is an uncommon condition of misfiring peripheral nerves in the foot. The tibial nerve is the peripheral nerve in the leg responsible for sensation and movement of the foot and calf muscles. In tarsal tunnel syndrome, the tibial nerve is damaged, causing problems with movement and feeling in the foot of the affected leg.

Common Cause of Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome

• Involves pressure or an injury, direct pressure on the tibial nerve for an extended period of time, sometimes caused by other body structures close by or near the knee.
• Diseases that damage nerves, including diabetes, may cause tarsal tunnel syndrome.
• At times, tarsal tunnel syndrome can appear without an obvious cause in some cases.

The Effects of Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome

• Different sensations, an afflicted person may experience pain, tingling, burning or other unusual sensations in the foot of the affected leg.
• The foot muscles, toes and ankle become weaker, and curling your toes or flexing your foot can become difficult.
• If condition worsens, infections and ulcers may develop on the foot that is experiencing the syndrome.

A physical exam of the leg can help identify the presence of tarsal tunnel syndrome. Medical tests, such as a nerve biopsy, are also used to diagnose the condition. Patients may receive physical therapy and prescriptive medication. In extreme cases, some may require surgery.

If you have any questions please contact our office located in Brunswick, ME . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Foot infections can affect the skin, nails, and deeper tissues of the toes, soles, and ankles when bacteria or fungi enter small breaks in the skin. Fungal infections involve athlete’s foot, which affects the skin between or under the toes, and onychomycosis, which causes thickened, discolored toenails. Bacterial infections include cellulitis, where redness and swelling spread through the skin and abscesses that form painful pockets of fluid. Erythrasma is a bacterial infection that develops between the toes, often appearing as reddish or brown, mildly scaly skin that can resemble a fungal infection. Infections can worsen circulation, limit walking, and increase the risk of joint or bone involvement that sometimes requires surgery to prevent limb loss. A podiatrist can identify the infection type, evaluate its severity, and determine appropriate treatment. If you have developed a foot infection, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist for a diagnosis and options for treatment.

When dealing with systemic disease of the feet, it is extremely important to check the affected areas routinely so that any additional problems are caught quickly.  If you have any concerns about your feet and ankles contact one of our podiatrists from Foot & Ankle Associates of Maine. Our doctors will assist you with all of your podiatric needs.

Systemic Diseases of the Feet

Systemic diseases affect the whole body, and symptoms usually are displayed in the feet. This condition can make a patient’s ability to walk unbearable.  Systemic diseases include gout, diabetes mellitus, neurological disorders, and arthritis.

Gout – is caused by an excess of uric acid in the body. Common symptoms include pain, inflammation, and redness at the metatarsal/phalangeal joint of the base big toe. Gout can be treated by NSAIDs to relieve pain and inflammation, and other drugs that lower the acid levels in the body.

Diabetes mellitus – is an increase in the level of blood sugar that the body cannot counteract with its own insulin. Failure to produce enough insulin is a factor in Diabetes.

Diabetes of the Feet

Diabetic Neuropathy – may lead to damaged nerves and affect the feet through numbness and loss of sensation.

Peripheral Vascular Disease – can restrict the blood flow to the feet, and often times lead to amputation of the feet. 

If you have any questions please contact our office located in Brunswick, ME . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.