Items filtered by date: May 2024

Gout is a form of arthritis characterized by sudden, severe attacks of pain, swelling, and redness in the joints. These symptoms often occur in the big toe. Treatment focuses on relieving pain during attacks and preventing future episodes. A podiatrist, or foot doctor, may recommend medications like nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, colchicine, or corticosteroids to reduce inflammation and pain during acute flare-ups. To manage gout long-term, changes in diet and lifestyle, such as reducing intake of high-purine foods, like red meat and seafood, increasing hydration, and maintaining a healthy weight, are important. A podiatrist can also suggest footwear designed to alleviate pressure on the affected joints, which may involve the use of orthotic devices for extra cushioning and support. Longer-term management techniques may involve the prescription of urate-lowering medications to decrease levels of uric acid in the blood. This helps to prevent the formation of urate crystals that cause gout symptoms. Regular follow-ups with a podiatrist are important to monitor gout symptoms and adjust treatment plans as needed. If you have gout, it is suggested that you consult with a podiatrist for targeted treatment. 

Gout is a painful condition that can be treated. If you are seeking treatment, contact Dan Kirk, DPM from Bluffton Foot & Ankle. Our doctor 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 Bluffton and Celina, OH . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Laser treatment for fungal nails, also known as onychomycosis, has gained popularity as a non-invasive and potentially effective option for addressing this common condition. During the procedure, a specialized laser emits focused beams of light onto the affected nail, targeting and destroying the fungal infection while leaving surrounding tissue unharmed. Unlike oral antifungal medications, laser therapy carries minimal risk of side effects and does not require lengthy recovery periods. However, it is essential to understand that laser treatment may not guarantee complete eradication of the fungus, and multiple sessions may be necessary to achieve optimal results. Additionally, the success of laser therapy can vary depending on the severity of the infection and individual response to treatment. While some patients may experience significant improvement in nail appearance and quality, others may see only partial or temporary results. If you have toenail fungus and are considering this type of treatment, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can help determine if laser therapy is suitable for you.

Laser treatment can be an effective way to get rid of toenail fungus. If you have any questions about laser treatment, consult with Dan Kirk, DPM from Bluffton Foot & Ankle. Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality treatment for fungal nails.

What Are Toenail Fungal Infections?

Onychomycosis, or fungal infection of the nail, is a relatively common and non-serious condition. Around 10 percent of U.S. citizens are afflicted with fungal nails. Common forms of fungus that infect the nail include dermatophytes, yeasts, and molds.

Symptoms of Toenail Fungal Infections Include:

• Nail thickening
• Brittleness of the nail
• Discoloration of the nail

Diagnosis for Fungal Nails

Fungal infections are diagnosed by fungal culture and microscopy. This will rule out any other conditions such as nail trauma, psoriasis, lichen planus, and onychogryphosis.

What Is Laser Treatment?

Laser treatment is a non-invasive, safe, quick, and painless procedure that uses the heat from a laser to kill fungus in the nail. Each infected nail is targeted with a laser for several minutes. The treatment is usually utilized several different times over a select period. During this time, a podiatrist will keep an eye on the infection.

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

Athletes employ various tactics to shield themselves from the discomfort of plantar fasciitis, a common ailment among active individuals. Proper footwear selection plays a pivotal role, with athletes opting for supportive shoes that offer ample cushioning and stability. Additionally, incorporating stretching and strengthening exercises into their routine helps maintain flexibility and strength in the muscles and ligaments of the feet and lower legs, reducing the risk of strain and injury. Gradual progression in training intensity and duration also proves beneficial, allowing the body to adapt gradually to increased demands and minimizing the likelihood of overuse injuries like plantar fasciitis. Podiatrists may prescribe orthotic inserts or arch supports that can provide additional support and alignment for the feet. If you have heel pain, it is suggested that you consult with this type of doctor who can treat plantar fasciitis, and provide effective preventive solutions.

Plantar fasciitis is a common foot condition that is often caused by a strain injury. If you are experiencing heel pain or symptoms of plantar fasciitis, contact Dan Kirk, DPM from Bluffton Foot & Ankle. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

What Is Plantar Fasciitis?

Plantar fasciitis is one of the most common causes of heel pain. The plantar fascia is a ligament that connects your heel to the front of your foot. When this ligament becomes inflamed, plantar fasciitis is the result. If you have plantar fasciitis you will have a stabbing pain that usually occurs with your first steps in the morning. As the day progresses and you walk around more, this pain will start to disappear, but it will return after long periods of standing or sitting.

What Causes Plantar Fasciitis?

• Excessive running
• Having high arches in your feet
• Other foot issues such as flat feet
• Pregnancy (due to the sudden weight gain)
• Being on your feet very often

There are some risk factors that may make you more likely to develop plantar fasciitis compared to others. The condition most commonly affects adults between the ages of 40 and 60. It also tends to affect people who are obese because the extra pounds result in extra stress being placed on the plantar fascia.

Prevention

• Take good care of your feet – Wear shoes that have good arch support and heel cushioning.
• Maintain a healthy weight
• If you are a runner, alternate running with other sports that won’t cause heel pain

There are a variety of treatment options available for plantar fasciitis along with the pain that accompanies it. Additionally, physical therapy is a very important component in the treatment process. It is important that you meet with your podiatrist to determine which treatment option is best for you.

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

A bunion is a bony protrusion at the base of the big toe that can cause significant discomfort and affect daily activities. Luckily, there are various bunion treatment options available to alleviate symptoms and restore foot function. For mild to moderate cases, nonsurgical approaches include wearing wider shoes with supportive soles, using bunion shields and pads, and taking anti-inflammatory medications. Night splints and toe separators may also help correct toe alignment and stretch tight soft tissues. Custom orthotics can address foot mechanics and prevent further progression of the deformity. When conservative measures fail to bring relief, surgical intervention may be necessary. Bunion surgery, or bunionectomy, aims to correct the misalignment of the big toe joint and remove bony growths. This type of surgery is not without risks and may not always be successful. Therefore, early recognition, accurate diagnosis, and appropriate treatment are a must. A podiatrist can help to develop a personalized treatment plan that is best tailored to your needs. If you are struggling with persistent bunion pain, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist. 

If you are suffering from bunion pain, contact Dan Kirk, DPM of Bluffton Foot & Ankle. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

What Is a Bunion?

Bunions are painful bony bumps that usually develop on the inside of the foot at the joint of the big toe. As the deformity increases over time, it may become painful to walk and wear shoes. Women are more likely to exacerbate existing bunions since they often wear tight, narrow shoes that shift their toes together. Bunion pain can be relieved by wearing wider shoes with enough room for the toes.

Causes

• Genetics – some people inherit feet that are more prone to bunion development
• Inflammatory Conditions - rheumatoid arthritis and polio may cause bunion development

Symptoms

• Redness and inflammation
• Pain and tenderness
• Callus or corns on the bump
• Restricted motion in the big toe

In order to diagnose your bunion, your podiatrist may ask about your medical history, symptoms, and general health. Your doctor might also order an x-ray to take a closer look at your feet. Nonsurgical treatment options include orthotics, padding, icing, changes in footwear, and medication. If nonsurgical treatments don’t alleviate your bunion pain, surgery may be necessary.

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