Pain in the big toe can be a sign of gout, a type of arthritis caused by the buildup of uric acid crystals within the joint. When this acid accumulates faster than the body can eliminate it, sharp crystals form around the base of the big toe, known as the metatarsophalangeal, or MTP, joint. A gout flare-up often appears suddenly, producing intense pain, swelling, redness, and warmth in the MTP joint. It can become so tender that even light contact from a bedsheet feels painful. Repeated episodes can damage joint tissues and lead to visible lumps called tophi, which form beneath the skin near the toe or ankle. A podiatrist can examine your foot, order imaging tests or joint fluid analysis, and recommend a treatment plan to reduce pain and protect long-term joint health. If you have flare-ups of big toe pain, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for a diagnosis and appropriate treatment options.
Gout is a painful condition that can be treated. If you are seeking treatment, contact one of our podiatrists from Kokomo Foot & Ankle Center. 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 Contact Us. We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.
High heels place significant stress on the feet by altering natural posture and shifting weight onto the forefoot. This increased pressure on the metatarsal heads often leads to pain across the ball of the foot and strain in the toes. The elevated heel forces the ankle into a pointed position, which shortens the Achilles tendon over time and increases tension along the calf and heel. Wearing high heels also affects the arch of the foot, sometimes leading to flattening or instability, which can contribute to midfoot discomfort. Prolonged use makes balance more difficult and raises the risk of falls or ankle sprains due to the narrowed base of support. Chronic wear has also been linked to bunions, hammertoes, and nerve irritation between the toes. A podiatrist can evaluate these issues, recommend strategies to reduce long-term damage, and provide the appropriate treatment. If you have foot pain after wearing high heels, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for an exam and appropriate treatment.
High heels have a history of causing foot and ankle problems. If you have any concerns about your feet or ankles, contact one of our podiatrists from Kokomo Foot & Ankle Center. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.
Effects of High Heels on the Feet
High heels are popular shoes among women because of their many styles and societal appeal. Despite this, high heels can still cause many health problems if worn too frequently.
Which Parts of My Body Will Be Affected by High Heels?
Ankle Joints
Achilles Tendon – May shorten and stiffen with prolonged wear
Balls of the Feet
Knees – Heels cause the knees to bend constantly, creating stress on them
Back – They decrease the spine’s ability to absorb shock, which may lead to back pain. The vertebrae of the lower back may compress.
What Kinds of Foot Problems Can Develop from Wearing High Heels?
Corns
Calluses
Hammertoe
Bunions
Morton’s Neuroma
Plantar Fasciitis
How Can I Still Wear High Heels and Maintain Foot Health?
If you want to wear high heeled shoes, make sure that you are not wearing them every day, as this will help prevent long term physical problems. Try wearing thicker heels as opposed to stilettos to distribute weight more evenly across the feet. Always make sure you are wearing the proper shoes for the right occasion, such as sneakers for exercising. If you walk to work, try carrying your heels with you and changing into them once you arrive at work. Adding inserts to your heels can help cushion your feet and absorb shock. Full foot inserts or metatarsal pads are available.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in Contact Us. We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.
Inner foot pain often develops from problems involving the posterior tibial tendon, which helps support the arch and stabilize the ankle. When this tendon becomes inflamed or weakened, pain or swelling along the inside of the ankle and foot may develop. This is especially true while walking or standing for long periods of time. As the tendon deteriorates, it can lead to the flattening of the arch, stiffness, and difficulty standing on tiptoes. Causes of posterior tibial tendinitis include repetitive stress from activities like running, prior ankle injuries, flat feet, and obesity. In more advanced cases, damage to the tendon may progress to partial or complete tearing, and result in significant deformity and limited mobility. A podiatrist can evaluate the severity of the condition, recommend appropriate treatment, and determine whether surgery may be needed. If you have pain in the inner side of the foot, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for an exam and appropriate treatment.
Foot Pain
Foot pain can be extremely painful and debilitating. If you have a foot pain, consult with one of our podiatrists from Kokomo Foot & Ankle Center. 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)
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 Contact Us. We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.
Gout is a painful, inflammatory form of arthritis. Those affected will typically feel an intense stiffness in the joints of their feet, particularly in the big toe. Schedule a visit to learn about how gout can be managed and treated.
