Gout, a form of arthritis caused by uric acid buildup in the joints, can be influenced by temperature and humidity. Cold temperatures may trigger gout attacks by causing uric acid to crystallize in the joints, leading to sudden pain and inflammation. High humidity can contribute to dehydration, which reduces the body’s ability to flush out uric acid, increasing the risk of flare-ups. Managing gout involves staying hydrated, maintaining a balanced diet, and avoiding triggers like alcohol and purine-rich foods. Wearing warm socks in cold weather and staying cool in hot, humid conditions can help prevent attacks. A podiatrist can help by recommending footwear and insulation strategies to protect joints from cold exposure. They may also provide guidance on proper hydration and lifestyle adjustments to minimize the impact of humidity. If gout affects your mobility or causes frequent flare-ups, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can help you improve your comfort and overall foot health.

Gout is a painful condition that can be treated. If you are seeking treatment, contact one of our podiatrists from Redwood Podiatry Group. 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 Eureka and Arcata, CA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Toe stretches are a simple and effective way to improve flexibility, reduce tension, and alleviate foot discomfort. One common stretch involves sitting down and using the hands to gently pull the toes backward, stretching the muscles on the top of the foot. Another effective stretch is the toe curl, where you use a towel or small object to curl your toes and squeeze for a few seconds before releasing. The seated toe stretch involves placing one foot over the opposite knee and pulling the toes toward the shin. These stretches help improve the range of motion, promote circulation, and relieve foot pain caused by conditions like plantar fasciitis or arthritis. Regularly performing these stretches can enhance foot health and overall mobility. If you have toe pain, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can diagnose and treat toe conditions, and guide you on additional toe and foot stretches.

Why Stretching Is Important for Your Feet

Stretching the feet is a great way to prevent injuries. If you have any concerns with your feet consult with one of our podiatrists from Redwood Podiatry Group. Our doctors will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

Stretching the Feet

Stretching the muscles in the foot is an important part in any physical activity. Feet that are tight can lead to less flexibility and make you more prone to injury. One of the most common forms of foot pain, plantar fasciitis, can be stretched out to help ease the pain. Stretching can not only ease pain from plantar fasciitis but also prevent it as well. However, it is important to see a podiatrist first to determine if stretching is right for you. Podiatrists can also recommend other ways to stretch your feet. Once you know whether stretching is right for you, here are some excellent stretches you can do.

• Using a foam roller or any cylindrical object (a water bottle or soda can will do), roll the object under your foot back and forth. You should also exert pressure on the object. Be sure to do this to both feet for a minute. Do this exercise three times each.
• Similar to the previous exercise, take a ball, such as a tennis ball, and roll it under your foot while seated and exert pressure on it.
• Grab a resistance band or towel and take a seat. If you are using a towel, fold it length wise. Next put either one between the ball of your foot and heel and pull with both hands on each side towards you. Hold this for 15 seconds and then switch feet. Do this three times for each foot.
• Finally hold your big toe while crossing one leg over the other. Pull the toe towards you and hold for 15 seconds. Once again do this three times per foot.

It is best to go easy when first stretching your foot and work your way up. If your foot starts hurting, stop exercising to ice and rest the foot. It is advised that you then see a podiatrist for help.

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

Foot surgery may be necessary for anyone dealing with painful or persistent foot conditions. One common procedure is hammertoe surgery, which corrects the abnormal bending of the toes, restoring their proper alignment and alleviating pain. Heel surgery is another option, particularly for conditions like heel spurs or plantar fasciitis, aimed at reducing pain and inflammation. Metatarsal surgery addresses issues with the bones in the ball of the foot, such as in cases of bunions or fractures. Neuroma surgery may be required for individuals with Morton’s neuroma, a condition where a thickened nerve causes pain in the ball of the foot. Additionally, tendon surgery can be performed to repair or release tendons that may be causing discomfort or limited mobility. If you have persistent foot pain or chronic foot issues, it is suggested that you are under the care of a podiatrist who can determine whether foot surgery is right for you.

Foot surgery is sometimes necessary to treat a foot ailment. To learn more, contact one of our podiatrists of Redwood Podiatry Group. Our doctors will assist you with all of your foot and ankle needs.

When Is Surgery Necessary?

Foot and ankle surgery is generally reserved for cases in which less invasive, conservative procedures have failed to alleviate the problem. Some of the cases in which surgery may be necessary include:

• Removing foot deformities like bunions and bone spurs
• Severe arthritis that has caused bone issues
• Cosmetic reconstruction

What Types of Surgery Are There?

The type of surgery you receive will depend on the nature of the problem you have. Some of the possible surgeries include:

• Bunionectomy for painful bunions
• Surgical fusion for realignment of bones
• Neuropathy decompression surgery to treat nerve damage

Benefits of Surgery

Although surgery is usually a last resort, it can provide more complete pain relief compared to non-surgical methods and may allow you to finally resume full activity.

Surgical techniques have also become increasingly sophisticated. Techniques like endoscopic surgery allow for smaller incisions and faster recovery times.

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

Foot fractures can be painful and debilitating, with some more complex than others. Three common types include calcaneal fractures, Chopart fracture-dislocations, and metatarsal fractures. Calcaneal fractures, or heel bone fractures, usually result from high-impact injuries like falls or car accidents. They cause severe heel pain, swelling, and difficulty bearing weight. These fractures often require extensive recovery time and, in severe cases, surgery. Chopart fracture-dislocations affect the midfoot joint, often from high-energy trauma like twisting injuries or falls. This type of injury can be difficult to diagnose, leading to long-term instability if untreated. Symptoms include swelling, bruising, and difficulty walking. Metatarsal fractures involve the long bones in the foot and commonly occur from direct impact, overuse, or stress. Pain, swelling, and tenderness are typical signs. For proper healing and long-term mobility for any type of foot fracture, it is suggested that you see a podiatrist for a diagnosis and appropriate treatment.

A broken foot requires immediate medical attention and treatment. If you need your feet checked, contact one of our podiatrists from Redwood Podiatry Group. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Broken Foot Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment

A broken foot is caused by one of the bones in the foot typically breaking when bended, crushed, or stretched beyond its natural capabilities. Usually the location of the fracture indicates how the break occurred, whether it was through an object, fall, or any other type of injury. 

Common Symptoms of Broken Feet:

• Bruising
• Pain
• Redness
• Swelling
• Blue in color
• Numbness
• Cold
• Misshapen
• Cuts
• Deformities

Those that suspect they have a broken foot shoot seek urgent medical attention where a medical professional could diagnose the severity.

Treatment for broken bones varies depending on the cause, severity and location. Some will require the use of splints, casts or crutches while others could even involve surgery to repair the broken bones. Personal care includes the use of ice and keeping the foot stabilized and elevated.

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