June 2020

Gout is an inflammatory form of arthritis that can cause a great deal of foot pain. When the uric acid levels in the body are too high, the acid can crystallize and build up in your joints, creating gout symptoms. Typically, foods that are high in purine, such as red meats and shellfish, can be contributing factors that may lead to the development of gout. Some common symptoms that can be key indicators that gout is present are intense pain in the joints, specifically the big toe, redness and swelling of the joints, difficulty being able to move the joints, and the appearance of large lumps under the skin, typically referred to as tophi. If left untreated, gout can lead to a number of serious health complications including heart disease, type two diabetes, and chronic kidney disease. For more information on how to control gout symptoms and manage the pain that coincides, it is extremely important that you are under the care of a podiatrist.

Gout is a foot condition that requires certain treatment and care. If you are seeking treatment, contact one of our podiatrists from Foothill Podiatry Clinic. Our doctors will treat your foot and ankle needs.

What Is Gout?

Gout is a type of arthritis caused by a buildup of uric acid in the bloodstream. It often develops in the foot, especially the big toe area, although it can manifest in other parts of the body as well. Gout can make walking and standing very painful and is especially common in diabetics and the obese.

People typically get gout because of a poor diet. Genetic predisposition is also a factor. The children of parents who have had gout frequently have a chance of developing it themselves.

Gout can easily be identified by redness and inflammation of the big toe and the surrounding areas of the foot. Other symptoms include extreme fatigue, joint pain, and running high fevers. Sometimes corticosteroid drugs can be prescribed to treat gout, but the best way to combat this disease is to get more exercise and eat a better diet.

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

Ingrown toenails can be characterized as a toenail that grows into the surrounding skin. This condition is often painful and typically requires professional care for best treatment results. As far as why ingrown toenails develop, there are a few factors that may contribute. For starters, trauma to the affected toenail, such as having a larger object fall on your toe, may damage your nail, causing it to become ingrown. Improperly trimming your toenails is one of the most common reasons for developing this condition. If a toenail is trimmed on a curve, instead of straight across, or if it is trimmed too short, an ingrown toenail may develop. Other factors such as genetics, size of the toenail, and poor hygiene may all play a role in the development of an ingrown toenail. For more information about what the risk factors are of an ingrown toenail, please consult with a podiatrist.

Ingrown toenails may initially present themselves as a minor discomfort, but they may progress into an infection in the skin without proper treatment. For more information about ingrown toenails, contact one of our podiatrists of Foothill Podiatry Clinic. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Ingrown Toenails

Ingrown toenails are caused when the corner or side of a toenail grows into the soft flesh surrounding it. They often result in redness, swelling, pain, and in some cases, infection. This condition typically affects the big toe and may recur if it is not treated properly.

Causes

• Improper toenail trimming
• Genetics
• Improper shoe fitting
• Injury from pedicures or nail picking
• Abnormal gait
• Poor hygiene

You are more likely to develop an ingrown toenail if you are obese, have diabetes, arthritis, or have any fungal infection in your nails. Additionally, people who have foot or toe deformities are at a higher risk of developing an ingrown toenail.

Symptoms

Some symptoms of ingrown toenails are redness, swelling, and pain. In rare cases, there may be a yellowish drainage coming from the nail.

Treatment

Ignoring an ingrown toenail can have serious complications. Infections of the nail border can progress to a deeper soft-tissue infection, which can then turn into a bone infection. You should always speak with your podiatrist if you suspect you have an ingrown toenail, especially if you have diabetes or poor circulation.

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

Cuboid syndrome is the displacement of the cuboid bone between the fourth and fifth metatarsals. Due to the location of the cuboid bone, in the lateral column of the foot, cuboid syndrome can be easily misdiagnosed as a lateral ankle sprain. Athletic injuries are one of the most common causes, and the most common symptom of cuboid syndrome is pain on the foot near the little toe. Rest and ice are usually recommended, followed by a cold whirlpool bath. A podiatrist will be able to offer additional treatment and procedure options that may be necessary. While more serious injuries may take weeks to heal, less severe injuries can heal in days, and your podiatrist may recommend physical therapy for treatment as well. For a proper diagnosis and to determine the best treatment method for you, it is recommended that you seek the counsel of a podiatrist.

Cuboid syndrome, also known as cuboid subluxation, occurs when the joints and ligaments near the cuboid bone in the foot become torn. If you have cuboid syndrome, consult with one of our podiatrists from Foothill Podiatry Clinic. Our doctors will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

Cuboid syndrome is a common cause of lateral foot pain, which is pain on the outside of the foot. The condition may happen suddenly due to an ankle sprain, or it may develop slowly overtime from repetitive tension through the bone and surrounding structures.

Causes

The most common causes of cuboid syndrome include:

• Injury – The most common cause of this ailment is an ankle sprain.
• Repetitive Strain – Tension placed through the peroneus longus muscle from repetitive activities such as jumping and running may cause excessive traction on the bone causing it to sublux.
• Altered Foot Biomechanics – Most people suffering from cuboid subluxation have flat feet.

Symptoms

A common symptom of cuboid syndrome is pain along the outside of the foot which can be felt in the ankle and toes. This pain may create walking difficulties and may cause those with the condition to walk with a limp.

Diagnosis

Diagnosis of cuboid syndrome is often difficult, and it is often misdiagnosed. X-rays, MRIs and CT scans often fail to properly show the cuboid subluxation. Although there isn’t a specific test used to diagnose cuboid syndrome, your podiatrist will usually check if pain is felt while pressing firmly on the cuboid bone of your foot.

Treatment

Just as the range of causes varies widely, so do treatments. Some more common treatments are ice therapy, rest, exercise, taping, and orthotics.

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

The symptoms that are associated with the condition known as tarsal tunnel syndrome can consist of numbness and tingling on the bottom of the foot. This can be a result of pressure that is exerted on the tibial nerve which is located in the ankle area. Relief may be found when orthotics are worn, and this may help to reduce strain on this nerve. In severe cases, surgery may be a necessary option that can successfully release tension. As the foot heals, certain stretches can be performed that can help to increase range of motion in your ankle. If you are experiencing pain, numbness, or a tingling feeling on the sole of your foot, it is strongly recommended that you are under the care of a podiatrist who can properly diagnose and treat tarsal tunnel syndrome.

Tarsal tunnel syndrome can be very uncomfortable to live with. If you are experiencing tarsal tunnel syndrome, contact one of our podiatrists of Foothill Podiatry Clinic. 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 feel free to contact our office located in Grass Valley, CA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Many athletes are aware of the risk factors that can develop from running. Many running injuries can cause serious lower extremity issues. It is important to be aware of prevention methods that can help you to avoid such an injury. Common risk factors can include training beyond your skill level, poor sleep and nutritional habits, poor postural control, and over stressing your body. Not properly stretching before or after a run can severely increase your risk of obtaining an injury. Stress fractures, plantar fasciitis, and sprained ankles, are a few conditions that are commonly associated with running injuries. For additional information on prevention methods, as well as treatment options if you do become injured while running, it is recommended that you consult with a podiatrist for proper care.

Exercising your feet regularly with the proper foot wear is a great way to prevent injuries. If you have any concerns about your feet, contact one of our podiatrists of Foothill Podiatry Clinic. Our doctors will treat your foot and ankle needs.

How to Prevent Running Injuries

Many common running injuries are caused by overuse and overtraining. When the back of the kneecap starts wearing out and starts causing pain in your knee, this is commonly referred to as runner’s knee. Runner’s knee is a decrease in strength in your quadriceps and can occur if you’re not wearing properly fitted or supporting shoes. To prevent runner’s knee, focusing on hip strengthening is a good idea, as well as strengthening your quads to keep the kneecaps aligned.

What Are Some Causes of Running Injuries?
- One cause of a common running injury is called iliotibial band syndrome.
- Plantar fasciitis is also another common injury.
- Stress fractures can occur from overtraining, lack of calcium, or even your running style.

Best Ways to Prevent Running Injuries
- Wear footwear that fits properly and suits your running needs.
- Running shoes are the only protective gear that runners have to safeguard them from injury.
- Make a training schedule. Adding strengthening exercises as well as regular stretching can help keep you strong and limber and can lessen the possibility of injuries.
- Stretching keeps muscles limber; this will help you gain better flexibility.

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