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November 2020

Monday, 30 November 2020 00:00

How Is Gout Treated?

Gout refers to a sudden inflammation of a joint that is caused by a buildup of uric acid crystals. It often affects the joint of the big toe and can lead to intense pain and swelling, stiffness, and redness. Gout tends to occur as an acute attack, happening suddenly and then subsiding after a week or two. There are several different treatments for gout. A doctor may recommend or prescribe medications, such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, colchicine, and oral or injected corticosteroids to treat a gout attack. They may also prescribe medications that lower the level of uric acid in the blood to prevent future attacks. You can help prevent future gout attacks as well by drinking plenty of water, exercising regularly, and eating a diet low in purines. For more information about gout treatment and prevention, consult with a podiatrist today. 

Gout is a foot condition that requires certain treatment and care. If you are seeking treatment, contact Chukwuma Ukata, DPM from Advanced Carolina Foot and Ankle 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 Garner, NC . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

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Saturday, 28 November 2020 00:00

Arthritis Can Cause Pain in the Feet and Ankles

If you are suffering from tenderness, pain, or stiffness in the joints of your feet or ankles, call us to schedule an appointment.

Monday, 23 November 2020 00:00

Types of Ankle Sprains

Ankle sprains occur as damage or a tear to the ligaments surrounding the ankle. Ankle sprains most commonly occur when the ankle is twisted inward (inversion), but they may also occur when the ankle twists outward (eversion). Sprains are categorized into three tiers. A first degree sprain is generally mild, and the ankle is weakened. A second degree sprain results in a swollen and bruised ankle, and walking can be difficult and painful. Sprained ankles that are unstable and unable to bear weight are considered to be third degree sprains. These sprains usually cause the whole ankle to swell, and the nerves and cartilage may be damaged as well. Those who have severely sprained their ankle should consult with a podiatrist. A podiatrist will make sure that the ankle has not been fractured and will provide options to stabilize the ankle to help it heal.  

Ankle sprains are common but need immediate attention. If you need your feet checked, contact Chukwuma Ukata, DPM from Advanced Carolina Foot and Ankle Center. Our doctor 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 office located in Garner, NC . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

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Monday, 16 November 2020 00:00

Different Types of Heel Pain

Heel pain affects roughly 1 out of every 10 people in the world, particularly runners and those between the ages of 40 and 60. Heel pain generally builds up and worsens over time, and most commonly it is a result of damage to the plantar fascia. The plantar fascia is the band of tissue that runs along the sole of the foot and connects the heel bone to the toes. Any damage, whether it is sudden or reoccurring over time, will cause the plantar fascia to thicken, along with the surrounding tissues and heel bone. This is known as plantar fasciitis. Other less common sources of heel pain include stress fractures, bursitis, wearing of the fat pad under the heel, or a heel spur. If you are suffering from heel pain, it is important to consult with a podiatrist to receive a proper diagnosis. Once the source of the pain is determined, your podiatrist will be able to provide treatment options for your specific condition.

Many people suffer from bouts of heel pain. For more information, contact Chukwuma Ukata, DPM of Advanced Carolina Foot and Ankle Center. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Causes of Heel Pain

Heel pain is often associated with plantar fasciitis. The plantar fascia is a band of tissues that extends along the bottom of the foot. A rip or tear in this ligament can cause inflammation of the tissue.

Achilles tendonitis is another cause of heel pain. Inflammation of the Achilles tendon will cause pain from fractures and muscle tearing. Lack of flexibility is also another symptom.

Heel spurs are another cause of pain. When the tissues of the plantar fascia undergo a great deal of stress, it can lead to ligament separation from the heel bone, causing heel spurs.

Why Might Heel Pain Occur?

  • Wearing ill-fitting shoes                  
  • Wearing non-supportive shoes
  • Weight change           
  • Excessive running

Treatments

Heel pain should be treated as soon as possible for immediate results. Keeping your feet in a stress-free environment will help. If you suffer from Achilles tendonitis or plantar fasciitis, applying ice will reduce the swelling. Stretching before an exercise like running will help the muscles. Using all these tips will help make heel pain a condition of the past.

If you have any questions please contact our office located in Garner, NC . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

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Monday, 09 November 2020 00:00

What Is Hyperhidrosis of the Feet?

The medical term for excessively sweaty feet is plantar hyperhidrosis. Sweating usually occurs as a cooling mechanism in response to physical activity or stress, but hyperhidrosis occurs when sweating isn't necessary. This sweating is excessive, which can understandably be uncomfortable and embarrassing. Common treatments for plantar hyperhidrosis can include antiperspirant prescriptions, botox injections, iontophoresis, and other medications. If you are struggling with excessively sweaty feet, it is recommended that you consult with a podiatrist for the treatment that is best for you.

If you are suffering from hyperhidrosis contact Chukwuma Ukata, DPM of Advanced Carolina Foot and Ankle Center. Our doctor can provide the care you need to attend to all of your foot and ankle needs.

Hyperhidrosis of the Feet

Hyperhidrosis is a rare disorder that can cause people to have excessive sweating of their feet. This can usually occur all on its own without rigorous activity involved. People who suffer from hyperhidrosis may also experience sweaty palms.

Although it is said that sweating is a healthy process meant to cool down the body temperature and to maintain a proper internal temperature, hyperhidrosis may prove to be a huge hindrance on a person’s everyday life.

Plantar hyperhidrosis is considered to be the main form of hyperhidrosis. Secondary hyperhidrosis can refer to sweating that occurs in areas other than the feet or hands and armpits. Often this may be a sign of it being related to another medical condition such as menopause, hyperthyroidism and even Parkinson’s disease.

In order to alleviate this condition, it is important to see your doctor so that they may prescribe the necessary medications so that you can begin to live a normal life again. If this is left untreated, it is said that it will persist throughout an individual’s life.

A last resort approach would be surgery, but it is best to speak with your doctor to find out what may be the best treatment for you.

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

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Monday, 02 November 2020 00:00

Preventing Blisters for Runners

If you are a runner, then you are likely not a stranger to blisters. Most blisters are caused by the repetitive friction of your shoes rubbing against the skin of your foot. Blisters can be painful and may make it difficult to continue running. Fortunately, there are multiple things that you can do to prevent blisters. Make sure that you run in properly fitted, supportive running shoes and socks that are made specifically for running. If there are areas of your feet that are prone to developing blisters while you run, you can place moleskin bandage, pads, or athletic tape over them. If you have calluses on your feet, you may want to keep them, as they can actually protect your feet from blistering while you run. For more information about preventing blisters and other foot and ankle injuries, consult with a podiatrist today.

Blisters are prone to making everyday activities extremely uncomfortable. If your feet are hurting, contact Chukwuma Ukata, DPM of Advanced Carolina Foot and Ankle Center. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Foot Blisters

Foot blisters develop as a result of constantly wearing tight or ill-fitting footwear. This happens due to the constant rubbing from the shoe, which can often lead to pain.

What Are Foot Blisters?

A foot blister is a small fluid-filled pocket that forms on the upper-most layer of the skin. Blisters are filled with clear fluid and can lead to blood drainage or pus if the area becomes infected.

How Do Blisters Form?

Blisters on the feet are often the result of constant friction of skin and material, usually by shoe rubbing. Walking in sandals, boots, or shoes that don’t fit properly for long periods of time can result in a blister. Having consistent foot moisture and humidity can easily lead to blister formation.

Prevention & Treatment

It is important to properly care for the affected area in order to prevent infection and ease the pain. Do not lance the blister and use a Band-Aid to provide pain relief. Also, be sure to keep your feet dry and wear proper fitting shoes. If you see blood or pus in a blister, seek assistance from a podiatrist.

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

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