Gout is a form of inflammatory arthritis that develops when uric acid builds up in the body and forms sharp crystals inside a joint. These crystals can trigger sudden and intense inflammation. Gout most often affects the big toe, although it can also develop in other joints. A gout attack may begin quickly and cause severe pain. The affected area can become swollen, red, and extremely tender to touch.

Several factors can increase the risk of developing gout. Genetics can play a role, while certain health conditions may make high uric acid levels more likely. Eating foods high in purines can also contribute because the body breaks purines down into uric acid. Dehydration, excess alcohol, and some medications may increase risk. Men are generally more likely to develop gout earlier in life, while the risk increases for women after menopause.

The big toe is a common location because the joint is relatively cool and exposed to repeated pressure. Uric acid crystals form more easily in cooler areas, making this joint vulnerable. Walking and wearing shoes can also make an inflamed big toe especially painful. During an attack, symptoms include sudden throbbing pain, swelling, and tenderness. Without appropriate management, repeated attacks damage the joint over time.

A podiatrist examines your foot and discusses your symptoms, medical history, and possible triggers. Testing may be recommended to help confirm gout and rule out other causes of joint pain. Treatment options include measures to reduce inflammation and protect the painful joint during an attack. A podiatrist may also recommend footwear changes and strategies that support long-term foot health. If you have gout symptoms, it is suggested that you are under the care of a podiatrist who can help you to manage this painful condition. 

Gout is a painful condition that can be treated. If you are seeking treatment, contact one of our podiatrists from Cleveland Foot & Ankle Clinic. 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 Cleveland, Independence, and Kent, OH . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Flat feet occur when the arches along the inside of the feet are low or absent. Some people have flat feet without pain or other problems. Others develop discomfort as the condition progresses. Flat foot surgery may be considered when persistent symptoms do not improve with non-surgical care. The goal is to improve foot structure and restore the arch at the base of the foot. Surgery may also help improve alignment and make walking more comfortable when a significant deformity is present.

Several problems can contribute to the need for flat foot surgery. A weakened or damaged tendon may reduce support for the arch. Arthritis, an injury, or an abnormal foot structure can also affect alignment. Risk factors include aging, excess weight, and certain medical conditions. Symptoms include arch pain, heel discomfort, or difficulty walking. Some people notice that their shoes wear unevenly or that the ankle appears to roll inward.

Before recommending surgery, a podiatrist will examine your feet and review your symptoms. The evaluation may include checking your alignment and observing how you walk. X-rays or other imaging tests can help show changes in the bones and joints. If surgery is appropriate, the procedure depends on the cause and severity of the flat foot. Recovery may involve protecting the foot, controlling swelling, and gradually returning to weight-bearing activity as healing progresses.

Flat foot surgery is not necessary for everyone with fallen arches. A podiatrist first considers non-surgical options and your overall foot health. When surgery is needed, the treatment plan is designed to address the specific structural problem and support long-term function. If you have flat feet that may require surgery, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can determine if this type of foot surgery is right for you. 

Foot surgery is sometimes necessary to treat a foot ailment. To learn more, contact one of our podiatrists of Cleveland Foot & Ankle Clinic. 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 Cleveland, Independence, and Kent, OH . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

A foot puncture wound occurs when a pointed object pierces the skin and leaves a small entry hole. Nails, glass, and needles are frequent causes. Unlike a cut, a puncture can extend deep into the foot while looking minor at the surface. The object can also push dirt, pieces of sock, or shoe material into the wound. These trapped materials can damage soft tissue and raise the risk of infection. Walking barefoot increases exposure to sharp objects, but a puncture can also pass through a shoe. The wound’s depth and the object’s cleanliness both affect its severity.

Prompt evaluation is important because patients cannot always tell how deeply an object has entered the foot. A retained piece of material can remain hidden beneath the skin. Infection can develop in the skin and spread to a joint or bone. Warning signs include increasing pain, redness, and swelling. Drainage, warmth, or fever can also signal a problem. Diabetes, poor circulation, and reduced feeling in the feet increase the chance of serious complications. A wound that seems small can therefore require urgent attention, especially when the object broke off inside the foot or was dirty.

A podiatrist can examine the wound, determine its depth, and look for damage to nearby structures. The podiatrist can clean the injured area and remove material left beneath the skin. X-rays can reveal foreign objects or bone damage. Other imaging tests can locate materials that do not appear on an X-ray. Treatment includes protecting the foot from pressure and monitoring the wound. The podiatrist can check for infection and decide whether further care or surgery is required. Follow-up visits help confirm that healing is progressing and no hidden material remains. Early care lowers the risk of infection, painful scarring, and lasting damage. If you have a puncture wound on your foot, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for effective relief and treatment solutions.

Wound care is an important part in dealing with diabetes. If you have diabetes and a foot wound or would like more information about wound care for diabetics, consult with one of our podiatrists from Cleveland Foot & Ankle Clinic. Our doctors will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

What Is Wound Care?

Wound care is the practice of taking proper care of a wound. This can range from the smallest to the largest of wounds. While everyone can benefit from proper wound care, it is much more important for diabetics. Diabetics often suffer from poor blood circulation which causes wounds to heal much slower than they would in a non-diabetic. 

What Is the Importance of Wound Care?

While it may not seem apparent with small ulcers on the foot, for diabetics, any size ulcer can become infected. Diabetics often also suffer from neuropathy, or nerve loss. This means they might not even feel when they have an ulcer on their foot. If the wound becomes severely infected, amputation may be necessary. Therefore, it is of the upmost importance to properly care for any and all foot wounds.

How to Care for Wounds

The best way to care for foot wounds is to prevent them. For diabetics, this means daily inspections of the feet for any signs of abnormalities or ulcers. It is also recommended to see a podiatrist several times a year for a foot inspection. If you do have an ulcer, run the wound under water to clear dirt from the wound; then apply antibiotic ointment to the wound and cover with a bandage. Bandages should be changed daily and keeping pressure off the wound is smart. It is advised to see a podiatrist, who can keep an eye on it.

If you have any questions please contact our offices located in Cleveland, Independence, and Kent, OH . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

A heel spur is a small, bony growth that can develop on the heel bone. A plantar heel spur forms beneath the heel, while a posterior heel spur develops near the back of the heel. These growths can occur when repeated stress causes changes where soft tissue attaches to bone. Heel spurs may be found during an X-ray even when they cause no symptoms. When symptoms do occur, people may notice heel pain, tenderness, or discomfort while standing or walking.

Heel spurs are often associated with long-term strain on the foot. Risk factors include repetitive activity, excess pressure on the feet, and certain foot structures. Wearing unsupportive shoes can also increase stress around the heel. Flat feet and high arches may change how pressure moves through the foot. Previous foot injuries can contribute as well. Although a heel spur can look like a small pointed projection on an X-ray, its appearance does not always explain the amount of pain a person experiences.

Symptoms can vary depending on where the heel spur develops and what structures surround it. A plantar heel spur may be linked with pain beneath the heel, especially after periods of rest. A posterior heel spur may cause discomfort where the Achilles tendon meets the heel. Swelling or tenderness can develop around irritated tissue. A podiatrist will review your symptoms and examine your foot. X-rays may help identify a spur and evaluate the surrounding bone structure.

Treatment focuses on reducing pressure and addressing the source of irritation. A podiatrist may recommend wearing supportive footwear, custom or activity changes based on your needs. Medication may help manage discomfort when appropriate. The foot can then be monitored as symptoms improve. Surgery is generally considered only when persistent pain does not respond to conservative care. If you have heel pain, it is strongly suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can accurately diagnose and treat heel spurs. 

Heel spurs can be incredibly painful and sometimes may make you unable to participate in physical activities. To get medical care for your heel spurs, contact one of our podiatrists from Cleveland Foot & Ankle Clinic. Our doctors will do everything possible to treat your condition.

Heels Spurs

Heel spurs are formed by calcium deposits on the back of the foot where the heel is. This can also be caused by small fragments of bone breaking off one section of the foot, attaching onto the back of the foot. Heel spurs can also be bone growth on the back of the foot and may grow in the direction of the arch of the foot.

Older individuals usually suffer from heel spurs and pain sometimes intensifies with age. One of the main condition's spurs are related to is plantar fasciitis.

Pain

The pain associated with spurs is often because of weight placed on the feet. When someone is walking, their entire weight is concentrated on the feet. Bone spurs then have the tendency to affect other bones and tissues around the foot. As the pain continues, the feet will become tender and sensitive over time.

Treatments

There are many ways to treat heel spurs. If one is suffering from heel spurs in conjunction with pain, there are several methods for healing. Medication, surgery, and herbal care are some options.

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