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Most people associate gout with pain that centers in the big toe, and this is certainly a common location for a flare up. However, there are many joints where gout can occur, including the ankle. Because ankle sprains, tendonitis, and osteoarthritis share similar symptoms with gout, it can easily be misdiagnosed. Gout is an inflammatory condition, a type of arthritis, resulting from a buildup of uric acid that forms into crystals in the joints. Symptoms of gout, though similar to those of other conditions, are usually far more acute and happen for no discernable reason. A typical flare up causes immediate extreme pain and produces swelling, redness, and tenderness to the touch. The bouts often occur in the middle of the night and completely without warning. The swelling can, in turn, cause stiffness in the ankle that may last for a week or longer, though it may start out as a dull ache. A decreased range of motion in the ankle is another sign of gout. This can affect a patient’s ability to move the ankle, bear weight, or walk. There is no known cure for gout, but there are a number of treatment solutions that reduce pain and prevent future flare ups. For more information on gout, it is suggested that you consult a chiropodist.  

Gout is a painful form of arthritis that can affect anyone. Please consult with one of the specialists from Thornhill Foot Clinic. Our chiropodists will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment. 

What Is Gout?

Gout is characterized by sudden, severe attacks of pain, redness, and tenderness in the joints. This type of arthritis is caused by a buildup of uric acid in the bloodstream. When uric acid crystallizes in a joint, often the joint of the big toe, it can bring about a gout attack. 

Symptoms

Symptoms of gout include: 

• Sudden and severe pain
• Swelling
• Redness
• Warmth
• Joint stiffness
• Joint deformity

Diagnosis

A chiropodist will ask questions about your personal and family medical history, followed by an examination of the affected joint. Laboratory tests and x-rays are sometimes ordered to determine if the inflammation is caused by something other than gout. A sample of fluid taken from your joint can show whether it contains uric acid. 

Treatment

Prescription medications or injections are used to treat the pain, swelling, and inflammation. Patients with chronic gout can also use behavioral modifications such as diet, exercise, and decreased intake of alcohol to help minimize the frequency of gout attacks. Foods and beverages that are high in purines should be avoided since purines are converted in the body to uric acid. If left untreated, this painful condition can leave your joint permanently damaged and swollen.  

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

Research has shown the average person takes thousands of steps per day. Many people have achy feet at the end of the day, and everyday foot care ideas can be implemented. The feet are the foundation of the body. Implementing foot care routines can help the feet to look and feel better. It takes minimal time and generally begins with washing and drying the feet, followed by using a scrub that can help to exfoliate dead skin. A moisturizer can help the feet to feel soft, and may also prevent cracked heels. Using foot powder is beneficial in absorbing any sweat that can collect between the toes, and many people enjoy using a foot mask that can revitalize the feet. If you would like more information about effective everyday foot care tips, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a chiropodist 

Caring for your feet is not just something done at the chiropodist’s office. Good foot care starts at home. If you would like to learn more about daily foot care practices, please consult with one of the specialists from Thornhill Foot Clinic. Our chiropodists can help you maintain the health of your lower limbs and your mobility. 

There are many things that you can do at home to help care for your feet, including: 

• Wearing shoes and socks that fit properly
• Washing the feet daily with soap and water
• Drying the feet thoroughly
• Applying moisturizer to the soles and heels of the feet
• Taking a walk and exercising the feet regularly
• Doing foot stretches and strengthening exercises 

A chiropodist can help figure out a manageable foot care routine for you to keep your feet healthy. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

One of the most common causes of heel pain is Achilles tendonitis. This condition is thought to be an overuse injury that affects the Achilles tendon, which connects the muscles of the calf with the heel. The Achilles tendon is made up of thousands of collagen fibers that are tightly packed, to make up the longest and strongest tendon in the body. In most cases, injury to the Achilles tendon occurs gradually, often from not resting long enough between bouts of exercise. Achilles tendonitis can also be the result of what is called overload, which can occur if you increase the length or intensity of a run. Such an injury can also be caused by suddenly switching from shoes with a heel to flats for walking or running. Treatment options include rest, strength and stretching exercises, and certain medications. An injured Achilles tendon can take a long time to heal, but rushing back into activity can cause a chronic condition to develop. A chiropodist can examine your Achilles tendon to determine both the cause and severity of the injury, along with a suggested treatment program.

Achilles tendonitis is a common injury of the Achilles tendon, a band of fibrous tissue that runs along the back of the lower leg. The Achilles tendon can also rupture, making it impossible to lift the foot. If you are suffering from heel or calf pain, please consult with one of the specialists from Thornhill Foot Clinic. Our chiropodists can help you maintain the health of your lower limbs and your mobility. 

Causes of Achilles tendon injuries include: 

• Repetitive stress or overuse
• Sudden increase in activity levels
• High impact injury
• Calf muscle tightness or weakness
• Altered foot biomechanics
• Heel bone spurs
• Underlying medical conditions that weaken the tendon

Symptoms of an Achilles tendon injury include: 

• Heel and calf pain that worsens following exercise
• Chronic heel and calf pain
• Sudden pain in the back of the ankle or calf
• A popping or snapping sensation
• Thickened lump in the Achilles tendon
• Ankle and calf stiffness
• Decreased range of motion in the affected foot
• Swelling
• Difficulty walking 

Treatment

• Resting the affected leg
• Applying ice
• Compressing the foot and ankle
• Elevating the injured leg
• Wearing orthotics
• Low impact exercises
• Stretches
• Strengthening exercises
• Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications
• Cortisone injections
• Surgery, if the tendon is ruptured 

Achilles tendon injuries can be very painful and lead to reduced mobility if left untreated. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Many people choose to wear flip-flops when the summer months arrive, despite knowing they are not the best type of shoes to wear. They are available in a variety of styles and colors, and are easy to slip on, but frequent use may damage the feet. Most flip-flops are not supportive and are held together by a thin strip of rubber or material that lies between the big toe and the second toe. There are a few styles that can be considered which may contradict this reasoning. These can include flip-flops that have a flexible sole that can help to enhance foot strength, and have a wide toe area where the toes can move freely. A well-designed flip-flop may be able to keep the shoe on the foot, without having the toes ache. If you would like more information about the benefits of wearing flip-flops, please consult with a chiropodist who can answer any questions you may have.

Flip-flops, though they may seem harmless, are bad for your foot health. If you would like to learn more about the many problems that can be caused by frequent flip-flop wear, please consult with one of the specialists from Thornhill Foot Clinic. Our chiropodists can help you maintain the health of your lower limbs and your mobility. 

Flip-flops are the quintessential summer shoe, seemingly perfect for the beach or pool. Unfortunately, these flimsy shoes are not a good choice when it comes to keeping your feet healthy. 

Frequently wearing flip-flops is associated with: 

• Hammertoes
• Bunions
• Plantar fasciitis
• Heel spurs
• Cracked heels
• Plantar warts
• Athlete’s foot
• Foot pain
• Foot and ankle injuries
• Gait changes
• Leg, hip, and back pain

The best way to avoid these issues is to swap your flip-flops for more protective and supportive shoes. If you must wear flip-flops, wear them only for short periods of time. 

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