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Gout is a form of inflammatory arthritis that develops when uric acid builds up in the blood and forms sharp crystals in the joints. The big toe is one of the most common locations for a gout attack due to its lower temperature and reduced circulation compared to other areas. Early signs of gout often begin suddenly and may include intense pain, swelling, redness, and warmth in the affected toe. The joint may become extremely tender, making it difficult to walk or wear shoes. These symptoms often appear during the night and can worsen quickly. Gout can be extremely painful, and may cause difficulty in completing daily activities. If you have symptoms of this condition, it is strongly suggested that you are under the care of a podiatrist who can offer you relief, management and prevention tips.

Gout is a foot condition that requires certain treatment and care. If you are seeking treatment, contact Loren Hansen, DPM from Ankle & Foot Medical Center. Our doctor 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 Las Vegas, NV . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Hammertoe is a condition where one or more of the smaller toes bends at the middle joint, causing a curled appearance that resembles a hammer. This condition often develops due to an imbalance in the tendons controlling toe movement. It may result from genetics, injury, or pressure from other foot issues such as bunions. The second toe is most commonly affected. The pain can be quite uncomfortable, especially when wearing tight shoes. In addition to pain, you may notice corns on the top of the toe and calluses on the ball of the foot due to extra pressure during walking. A podiatrist can diagnose the condition, often with an X-ray to assess its severity. Treatment may involve taping or splinting the toe to reduce strain, along with custom orthotics to improve foot alignment and redistribute pressure. In more severe cases, a podiatrist may recommend surgery for relief and to restore proper foot function. If you have a painful hammertoe, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for appropriate treatment.

Hammertoes can be a painful condition to live with. For more information, contact Loren Hansen, DPM of Ankle & Foot Medical Center. Our doctor will answer any of your foot- and ankle-related questions.

Hammertoe

Hammertoe is a foot deformity that occurs due to an imbalance in the muscles, tendons, or ligaments that normally hold the toe straight. It can be caused by the type of shoes you wear, your foot structure, trauma, and certain disease processes.

Symptoms

• Painful and/or difficult toe movement
• Swelling
• Joint stiffness
• Calluses/Corns
• Physical deformity

Risk Factors

• Age – The risk of hammertoe increases with age
• Sex – Women are more likely to have hammertoe compared to men
• Toe Length – You are more likely to develop hammertoe if your second toe is longer than your big toe
• Certain Diseases – Arthritis and diabetes may make you more likely to develop hammertoe

Treatment

If you have hammertoe, you should change into a more comfortable shoe that provides enough room for your toes. Exercises such as picking up marbles may strengthen and stretch your toe muscles. Nevertheless, it is important to seek assistance from a podiatrist in order to determine the severity of your hammertoe and see which treatment option will work best for you.

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

Selecting the right shoes for a baby is essential for their comfort and foot development. The best time to introduce shoes is when the baby begins to walk outdoors, as they need protection from rough surfaces. Soft, flexible materials such as leather or breathable mesh allow natural movement and keep the feet comfortable. A proper fit is important to prevent discomfort, so shoes should have enough room for growth without being too loose. Supportive soles with a slight grip provide stability while allowing natural foot motion. Additionally, easy-to-fasten closures help keep the shoes secure while making them simple to put on and take off. It is vital that your child wears shoes that fit correctly while walking outside. If you would like more information or have questions about specific types of babies first shoes, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can provide you with the knowledge you are seeking.

The health of a child’s feet is vital to their overall well-being. If you have any questions regarding foot health, contact Loren Hansen, DPM of Ankle & Foot Medical Center. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Tips for Keeping Children's Feet Healthy

• Make sure their shoes fit properly
• Look for any signs of in-toeing or out-toeing
• Check to see if they have Clubfoot (condition that affects your child’s foot and ankle, twisting the heel and toes inward) which is one of the most common nonmajor birth defects.
• Lightly cover your baby’s feet (Tight covers may keep your baby from moving their feet freely, and could prevent normal development)
• Allow your toddler to go shoeless (Shoes can be restricting for a young child’s foot)
• Cut toenails straight across to avoid ingrown toenails
• Keep your child’s foot clean and dry
• Cover cuts and scrapes. Wash any scratches with soap and water and cover them with a bandage until they’ve healed.

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