There are different types of foot afflictions that negatively impact the joints of the feet. These afflictions can be detrimental to the health of your feet and your overall well being. Gout is one such foot ailment, and it can be helpful for you to make yourself aware of the different causes of gout so that you can try to prevent its development. Gout is a kind of arthritis that primarily affects the joint in the big toe, which is referred to as the metatarsophalangeal joint. This is due to a buildup of uric acid in the body. Gout attacks can be very painful in some individuals. Sometimes taking certain medications can increase your risk of gout if the medication increases uric acid levels in the body. Also, excessive alcohol consumption can put you at a heightened risk of developing gout because alcohol inhibits your body’s ability to effectively remove uric acid from the body. Lastly, if you have been exposed to significant amounts of lead, you might also be at risk of developing gout. Gout is no joking matter – see a chiropodist if you think that you might be at risk of developing gout.

Gout is a painful form of arthritis that can affect anyone. Please consult with one of our chiropodists from West Toronto Foot & Ankle Clinic Inc. . Our chiropodist 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 Toronto, ON . 

Many foot problems affect the bones and inner workings of the feet, but it is also important to protect the skin and soft tissues of your feet from injury. Studies show that problems with the skin and fat pads in the feet are common in around 80 percent of adults. It is important to protect skin in three areas: the outer layer of the skin from chafing and irritation, the underlying layers from undue pressure and force, and the fat pads of the heel, the ball of the foot, and the bottom of the toes. After the age of 30, the fat pads of the foot start to break down offering less protection from pounding and stress. This adds to the soreness of the feet at the end of the day. By age 50, the skin of the foot also becomes thin. This leaves your feet more vulnerable to blisters, cuts, bruises, and other types of skin damage. It is suggested that you check your feet each day for any lesions or unusual sores. Keep your feet clean and moisturized daily. Make sure toenails are cut straight across to avoid ingrown toenails. Wear moisture-wicking padded socks and avoid walking around barefoot. Wear shoes that fit properly and alternate pairs of shoes every day. If you are experiencing foot pain regularly but are unsure of the cause, please see a chiropodist for an exam and treatment options. 

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 our chiropodists from West Toronto Foot & Ankle Clinic Inc. . Our chiropodist 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 Toronto, ON . 

Diabetic neuropathy is a condition that appears in about half of all diabetic patients. It develops gradually, as a result of having uncontrolled high levels of blood sugar for long periods and is common in both type 1 and type 2 diabetes. Peripheral neuropathy occurs when the nerves that supply the extremities are damaged, commonly affecting the lower legs and the feet. Symptoms of diabetic neuropathy include numbness, dizziness when standing, sweating, muscle weakness, and difficulty with balance. Among the causes are damage to blood vessels, high blood pressure, excessive alcohol use, smoking, and side effects from certain medications. Because of numbness and an inability to detect extremes in temperature, the feet can be seriously affected by neuropathy. Sores and cuts can turn into ulcers if not attended to in a timely fashion. Ulcers on the legs and feet can turn into gangrene, if ignored. Neuropathy is not reversible, but it can be managed with the proper care. If you have diabetes, it is highly suggested that you seek the regular care of a chiropodist to monitor your condition and offer treatment solutions as potential problems arise. 

Neuropathy can cause permanent nerve damage if left untreated. If you are experiencing the symptoms of peripheral neuropathy, please consult with one of our chiropodists from West Toronto Foot & Ankle Clinic Inc. . Our chiropodist will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment. 

What Is Peripheral Neuropathy?

Peripheral neuropathy is a condition that damages the nerves of the peripheral nervous system, which provide sensation to the limbs. The feet are often affected. Peripheral neuropathy can have many different causes, but it is most commonly associated with diabetes.

Symptoms

Common symptoms of peripheral neuropathy include:

• Pain
• Numbness or tingling sensation
• Burning sensations
• Weakness
• Loss of balance

Diagnosis

Peripheral neuropathy is diagnosed based on medical history and physical examination. Various tests performed during physical examinations can help determine the type of peripheral neuropathy you may have and what is causing it. 

Treatment

Treatment for peripheral neuropathy will depend on what is causing it. For example, if your peripheral neuropathy is caused by diabetes, then managing your blood sugar, exercising regularly to strengthen the legs and feet, and taking pain medications may be recommended as treatments. 

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our office located in Toronto, ON . 

A simple misstep can result in a sprained ankle. It happens when the ligaments stretch beyond their normal limits. It is a common injury, and can happen to people from all walks of life. The symptoms that are generally associated with this type of injury include immediate swelling, and bruising, and it can be difficult to walk. Prompt treatment is often necessary to ensure the ankle heals correctly, and it is important to maintain mobility and full range of motion. A lateral ankle sprain happens when the foot rolls inward, and the ligaments are damaged on the outer ankle. There are three grades of ankle sprains that can occur. When the ankle is overstretched slightly, a grade one sprain has occurred. It is often possible to walk with this type of sprain. The symptoms of a grade two sprain include moderate pain, tenderness, and the ankle can be swollen. Walking can be painful, and there is often a loss of range of motion. A grade three sprain consists of a full rupture, and it is impossible to walk. If you have sprained your ankle, please visit a chiropodist as quickly as possible who can determine what the best treatment is for your grade of ankle sprain. 

When one or more ligaments in the ankle overstretch or tear due to injury, an ankle sprain occurs. If you would like to learn more about ankle sprains, please consult with one of our chiropodists from West Toronto Foot & Ankle Clinic Inc. . Our chiropodist can help you maintain the health of your lower limbs and your mobility. 

Symptoms of an ankle sprain vary depending on the severity of the injury, but may include: 

• Pain
• Swelling
• Bruising
• Tenderness
• Difficulty walking
• Ankle instability
• A reduced range of motion in the ankle 

Treatments for an ankle sprain may consist of: 

• Resting the injured ankle
• Applying ice
• Elevating the ankle
• Compressing the ankle
• Over-the-counter pain medications
• Ankle braces or other devices to take weight off of the ankle
• Ankle exercises
• Surgery (in rare cases) 

It’s important for the sprained ankle to heal correctly and fully in order to avoid repeated injury. If you have any questions please feel free to contact our office located in Toronto, ON .