Items filtered by date: September 2024

Gout is an arthritis that can cause sudden, severe pain and inflammation in the foot often affecting the instep and ankle areas. This condition occurs due to a buildup of uric acid crystals in the joints that may lead to intense pain, swelling, and redness. The instep, or the top of the foot, is particularly susceptible to gout attacks, while the ankle may also be affected causing discomfort and restricted movement. Risk factors for developing gout include a diet high in purines, which are found in red meat and certain seafood, excessive alcohol consumption, obesity, and genetic predisposition. If you have gout, it is strongly suggested that you are under the care of a podiatrist who can help you to manage this condition.

Gout is a painful condition that can be treated. If you are seeking treatment, contact one of our podiatrists from Total Podiatry. 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 San Antonio, Uvalde, and Jourdanton, TX . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Ankle sprains are common injuries that occur when the ligaments supporting the ankle are stretched or torn. There are three main types, each varying in severity. The most common is the inversion ankle sprain, where the foot rolls inward, causing damage to the lateral ligaments on the outside of the ankle. This often happens during sudden twists or turns in activities like running or jumping. Less common is the eversion ankle sprain, where the foot rolls outward, affecting the medial ligaments on the inside of the ankle. Eversion sprains tend to be more severe and can sometimes be associated with fractures due to the strong ligaments involved. Lastly, high ankle sprains involve injury to the ligaments above the ankle joint, known as syndesmotic ligaments. Each of these are graded by severity. These sprains, common in sports like football and soccer, usually take longer to heal. If you have endured an ankle sprain, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for a diagnosis, type and grade of sprain and to obtain proper treatment.

Ankle sprains are common but need immediate attention. If you need your feet checked, contact one of our podiatrists from Total Podiatry. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

How Does an Ankle Sprain Occur?

Ankle sprains take place when the ligaments in your ankle are torn or stretched beyond their limits. There are multiple ways that the ankle can become injured, including twisting or rolling over onto your ankle, putting undue stress on it, or causing trauma to the ankle itself.

What Are the Symptoms?

• Mild to moderate bruising
• Limited mobility
• Swelling
• Discoloration of the skin (depending on severity)

Preventing a Sprain

• Wearing appropriate shoes for the occasion
• Stretching before exercises and sports
• Knowing your limits

Treatment of a Sprain

Treatment of a sprain depends on the severity.  Many times, people are told to rest and remain off their feet completely, while others are given an air cast. If the sprain is very severe, surgery may be required.

If you have suffered an ankle sprain previously, you may want to consider additional support such as a brace and regular exercises to strengthen the ankle.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our offices located in San Antonio, Uvalde, and Jourdanton, TX . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Ankle fusion surgery, also known as arthrodesis, involves joining the bones of the ankle joint to alleviate pain and improve function. This procedure is often recommended for people with severe arthritis or significant joint damage when other treatments have failed. One major advantage of ankle fusion is the reduction of pain, as the procedure eliminates the damaged joint surfaces. It can also restore stability and improve walking ability. However, there are potential drawbacks to consider. The primary downside is the loss of ankle mobility, which can impact overall movement and flexibility. Additionally, there may be a risk of complications, such as infection or nonunion of the bones. If you are suffering from the above ankle conditions, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can determine if ankle fusion surgery is right for you.

Foot surgery is sometimes necessary to treat a foot ailment. To learn more, contact one of our podiatrists of Total Podiatry. 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 San Antonio, Uvalde, and Jourdanton, TX . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Preventing limb loss in diabetic patients is a significant health concern, as the majority of nontraumatic lower-limb amputations are linked to diabetic foot ulcers, or DFUs. The rise in diabetes-related amputations, especially among younger adults, underscores the importance of proactive care. Key factors that contribute to amputation can include poor glucose control, unmanaged peripheral neuropathy, and ineffective wound care. Early intervention by a podiatrist is essential to both identify and manage these risk factors. Regular foot assessments, proper wound care, and controlling blood sugar levels can significantly reduce the risk of amputation. Podiatrists play a vital role in these preventative strategies, by performing debridement, managing infections, and recommending appropriate dressings. These combined efforts can halt the progress of an ulcer and decrease the likelihood of an amputation. If you have diabetic foot problems that may lead to a loss of limbs, it is suggested that you schedule regular appointments with a podiatrist for treatment and management options.

Diabetic Limb Salvage

Diabetic limb salvage can be an effective way in preventing the need for limb amputation. If you have a foot ulcer and diabetes, consult with one of our podiatrists from Total Podiatry. Our doctors will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

What Is Diabetic Limb Salvage?

Diabetic limb salvage is the attempt of saving a limb, such as the foot, that has an infected ulcer, from amputation. Podiatrists also try to make sure that there is enough function in the foot after the salvage that it is still usable. Those with diabetes experience poor blood circulation, which prevents proper healing of an ulcer. If the ulcer is left uncheck, it could become infected, which could result in the need for amputation.

Diabetes is the number one cause of non-traumatic amputations in the United States. Amputation has been found to lead to higher mortality rates. This translates into higher healthcare costs, and a reduced quality of life and mobility for amputees. Podiatrists have attempted to increase the prevalence of limb salvage in an attempt to solve these issues.

Diagnosis and Treatment

Limb salvage teams have grown in recent years that utilize a number of different treatments to save the infected limb. This includes podiatrists that specialize in wound care, rehabilitation, orthotics, and surgery. Through a combination of these methods, limb salvage has been found to be an effective treatment for infected limbs, and as an alternative to amputation. Podiatrists will first evaluate the potential for limb salvage and determine if the limb can be saved or must be amputated. 

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