Gout is an inflammatory arthritis affecting one joint at a time. The condition is also known as hyperuricemia, characterized by too much uric acid present in the body. The body is responsible for uric acid production as waste when it is breaking down purines from foods we eat. Once there is extra uric acid in the body, the acidic crystals build up in joints, tissues, and fluids inside the body. Hyperuricemia does not always cause gout, however, if the condition is without gout symptoms, there is no need to treat it.
Foods trigger an attack by raising uric acid levels. Foods that cause gout are high in purine, a natural substance in foods. People with gout cannot efficiently remove excess uric acid from their bodies, causing accumulation and an attack.
Foods that trigger gout attacks contain moderate to a high number of purines.
Organ meats include liver, brain, kidneys, and sweetbreads.
Game meats like veal, pheasant, and venison.
Seafood such as crab, shrimp, scallops, and roe.
Fish including tuna, herring, haddock, trout, sardines, and mackerel.
Sugar-sweetened beverages and fructose increase the risk of developing gout or cause gout attacks. These include sugary sodas and fruit juices.
Added sugars such as honey, high -fructose corn syrup, and agave nectar.
Yeasts including nutritional yeast, yeast supplements, and brewers’ yeast.
Refined carbs from cakes, white bread, and cookies.
Gout symptoms can be sudden but often happen at night. When the symptoms are worse, they are called flares and when they are less noticeable it is known as remission.
Joint pain, especially the large joint of your big toe, although it can happen on any joint on the ankles, elbows, fingers, and wrists. The pain is severe in the first 12 hours of happening.
The discomfort usually happens after the pain subsides. It can last up to a few weeks, but later flares cause prolonged discomfort to the affected joints.
Gout can be treated with medications and self-management strategies. Both methods have three roles to reduce inflammation, pain, and gout attacks. There are conventional treatments and traditional treatments.
Self-management strategies include adjusting your diet to reduce the number of acute gout attacks by lowering the level of uric acid in the blood. Some dietary adjustments include
Eliminate or reduce alcohol (beer).
Drink a lot of non-alcoholic drinks, mainly water.
Eat non-fat or low-fat dairy products.
Take soy products, low-fat dairy products, and vitamin C to prevent gout attacks.
The intake of high-fat dairy products or full-fat products does not affect uric acid levels.
Eating high purine vegetables does not trigger gout attacks.
Take plant-based proteins like legumes and beans.
Eat complex carbohydrates, vegetables, fruits, and whole-grain bread.
is becoming a popular option for treatment that started with the Kramer osteotomy and K-wire.
Why should you consider minimally invasive bunion surgery Houston? Minimally invasive surgery is preferred for mild and moderately painful bunions since
it facilitates easier recovery. For severe bunions, patients undergo open surgery to fix the symptoms of the condition.
The term minimally invasive encompasses a variety of incisional approaches and bunion correction methods. The techniques have been evolving over the past decades.
Best bunion surgeons successfully execute realignment using minimally invasive techniques. Depending on the severity of the bunion, several correction methods are used,
such as realignment osteotomy (bone cutting and bone shaving) or fusion that is bone mending.
Podiatrists use specialized equipment that allows bony correction through small incisional portals made on the skin of the foot.
Use of high speed, small cone-shaped bone burs to shave and cut the bony segments, while bunionectomy uses large flat bone saws.
Tiny incisions made during the surgery allow quick recovery while bunionectomy is open surgery that takes significant time to recover.
Experience less after surgery pain that goes away after a short period, allowing you to back to your activities,but after a bunionectomy, you need physical therapy to build strength in your joints.
A short operative and recovery time while for bunionectomy you might not be able to walk for a few weeks.
Minimally invasive procedures offer bunion correction with minimal trauma and disruption of the overlying soft tissue and skin.
Are you the best candidate for minimally invasive bunion surgery?
When conducted by the best bunion surgeon, most bunions can be corrected using minimally invasive techniques. Moderate bunions are easy to correct,
as compared to large and small bunions. Large bunions might require stable fixation and translations, while small bunions pose a challenge orienting the surgical hardware.
A minimally invasive procedure is ideal for active and healthy patients although these surgical procedures are not the best for every bunion patient.
Arthritic patients may require different surgical procedures. Smoking is not a contradiction in bunion surgery; however, it might delay the bone healing process after surgery.
For patients with osteoporosis, the bone quality might require a restrictive postoperative course.
Are there potential complications?
Minimally invasive procedures are not immune to post-surgical complications. Some complications are more amplified, while other complications have fewer effects.
Other bunion surgery complications include infections, recurrence, regional pain syndrome, and joint stiffness.
A minimally invasive realignment with screw fixation has fewer complications and superior outcomes, making it the best bunionectomy procedure.
The techniques and procedures, continue to evolve due to the emergence of new surgical screws and specialized instruments.
Houston bunion surgery today allows tiny incisions, walking recovery, and an easy recovery process.
Morton’s neuroma causes thickening of the tissue around the nerves leading to your toes. It is a painful condition affecting the ball of your foot between the third and fourth toes and the tissue around the nerves. Neuroma foot feels like you are standing on a pebble or a fold in your sock. It causes a burning, sharp pain in the ball of the foot that radiates into the toes. The toes may feel numb, sting, tingling, and a burning sensation.
Who is vulnerable to developing Morton’s Neuroma?
Certain footwear
Shoes that are ill-fitting or high heeled shoes place extra pressure on the toes, and the ball of the foot causes the development of Morton’s Neuroma. It commonly affects women who wear high heels more because of compressing the toes together.
Certain sporting activities
High impact athletic activities that cause repetitive trauma to the feet, such as running and jogging, put extra pressure on the nerve of the foot. Also, sports that require wearing tight shoes such as rock climbing and snow skiing that puts pressure on your toes.
Foot deformities
Experts believe foot deformities are be associated with Morton’s Neuroma development. It is because the conditions cause the metatarsal bones to rub against the nerves. If you have the following, you might be vulnerable to the development of neuroma foot:
Hammertoes, where the middle joint of the toe is bent, and pressure is applied when one has footwear on.
A bony swelling, known as a bunion, puts pressure on the nerves of the foot.
Irregularly positioned toes.
Flat feet if you have a low arch or have no arch at all.
High arches that cause the instep of the foot to be raised.
Overweight
If you are overweight, you are at risk because the extra weight puts pressure on your feet. If you add footwear, it causes pressure to build on the nerves in the foot.
Home remedies
If you are experiencing pain from Morton’s neuroma, consider self-care to allow the nerve to heal.
Take over the counter anti-inflammatory medications to relieve pain and reduce swelling.
Use ice packs regularly massage to reduce pain. Roll the pack over the affected area and painful site.
If you are suffering due to foot deformities, you can buy footpads and arch supports. Fit inside your shoe to reduce the pressure placed on the nerve. They are available over the counter or consult a foot doctor who can mold an exact fit for your foot.
Change your footwear to lower heeled shoes or shoes with extra depth and a broad toe box.
Take a break from active sports. You can reduce aerobic exercises, jogging, or dancing that put extra pressure on your feet.
If these home remedies do not work, the doctor might recommend other Morton’s neuroma treatment such as steroid injection, decompression surgery, and in severe cases, removal of the nerve is done.
Here at DeNiel Foot and Ankle Center located in Houston, Texas, and covering surrounding areas like Cypress, and Katy, TX. Ejodamen Shobowale, DPM and her highly skilled staff provide personalized comprehensive care for all your podiatry and sport medicine needs. Whether the issue is foot-related like hammertoes, or toenail fungus or involves pain in the heel , nerves, or joints, Dr. Sho, as she is fondly called, can get you back on your feet in no time.
As we get older, falling could lead to a broken foot or foot fractures that may be the beginning of several hospital trips and health problems. A simple fall could turn into a broken foot, broken ankle, fractured ankle, foot fracture, and a lifetime problem. The risk of falling and developing fall-related complications increases as you get older. The fear of falling is real across those who have experienced a fall and those who have not. Lifestyle and personal factors that can be changed cause falls. It is critical to prevent falling, broken foot, and foot fractures by maintaining your health by
Maintaining your bone health
If you maintain the strength of your bones, you will prevent fractures. Healthy bones will not prevent a fall, but the bones will not be prone to fractures that will lead to many hospital trips, sometimes disability, and in severe cases, death. You can improve your bone health at any age by increasing the intake of vitamin D and calcium. Some people prefer taking supplements, but you can include good sources of calcium such as dark green leafy vegetables, dairy products, foods fortified with calcium, sardines, soybeans, nuts such as almonds, and salmon with bones. Vitamin D helps the body absorb calcium and is absorbed by the body when one is out in the sun. For older people, the body does not absorb enough vitamin D from the sun, so they need to increase the intake of foods rich in vitamin D or supplements.
Be physically active
Being physically active is a guard to future falls and cracks, it fortifies the muscles, and builds adaptability. Physical activity improves your sleep, decreases pain from arthritis, and avoids muscle shrinkage. Also, the lungs and heart work well and improve blood flow preventing blood clots.
Have your hearing and eyesight tested
Changes in sight and hearing may cause a fall causing an ankle break and fractures. Once your eyesight is tested, and if you get new contact lenses, get used to them before moving around with them but always wear them whenever needed. If you have a hearing aid, ensure it fits and you have it all the time.
Have your medicine reviewed
It is crucial to understand the side effects of the medications you are on. Some might cause imbalance, dizziness, confusion, and make you sleepy. Some medications escalate the side effects when used together. Carry them all and any additional supplements you are taking to the doctor for you to get correct guidance if they are causing the risk of falling. If it is necessary to continue with the medications, the doctor will give you the way forward on the prevention of falling when on medication.
Always wear safe footwear
Our feet have lots of nerves that judge the position of our bodies and they need to stay firmly on the ground when standing or taking steps. You can contact a foot doctor who will explain what kind of footwear is suitable for your feet. The soles of the shoes should not be too thick or too thin. Wear rubber-soled shoes, lace shoes, and non-skid shoes that will fully support your feet. Always keep track of how many times you fall although you did not get hurt and share these concerns with a health care professional. It could be a sign of medical problems and sometimes they might recommend physical therapy or the use of walking aids to prevents future falls.
Is it time to look for foot care near me? Proper foot care involves maintenance to keep your feet healthy and prevent problems. Your feet need some tender loving care since they are responsible for taking more than a thousand steps daily in addition to bearing your weight with every step. Foot and ankle care are essential to maintain optimum function and avoid problems.
Basic foot care tips
Maintain blood circulation by exercising or walking 30 minutes a day, five to seven times a week.
Give your feet a rest by lying back and elevate your feet to relax. With your fingers, gently massage the feet or roll them over a golf ball or a rolling pin.
Ensure that your feet are always dry and clean to prevent fungus infections; wear clean well-dried socks, and air out your shoes.
Inspect your feet regularly and if you notice redness, sores, or cracked skin, attend to them immediately. For diabetic patients, immediately visit a foot care clinic if you notice any of the above.
Cut across the toenails straight and leave them a little longer than the tips of the toes to avoid ingrown toenails.
Make it a habit to use a pumice stone to remove thickened skin on calluses and corns.
Always keep the feet moisturized to avoid excessive dryness and cracking. In case the cracking and drying cannot be contained by home interventions, contact a podiatrist for a prescribed treatment.
Ensuring proper foot care when buying shoes
Most of the time, we choose style over the comfort, we cram our feet into too tight or too high shoes that could cause more problems for the feet.
When trying shoes, walk around, lean, jog, and jump to see how comfortable the shoe is. If it feels uncomfortable, do not buy the shoes avoid damaging your feet and your body.
For men, wear the socks you plan to wear with the shoes when you try them.
Shop for the shoes when the feet are a bit swollen at the end of the day.
Check for good quality shoes and durable with finished edges and smooth stitching.
For your child, buy shoes that match their daily activity.
Avoid hand-me-downs for your child because the shoes might be uncomfortable for your child. Oversized shoes that they can grow into can cause blisters.
Most feet injuries happen at work meaning you must get proper protective footwear. Add special features to your shoes for protection to protect against specific hazards.
Everyone needs proper foot care but in case you notice a problem with your feet consult a podiatrist right away so that it does not get worse. However, there are groups of people who need extra care for their feet including the children, the elderly, athletes, and diabetic patients. save the toes and feet from disabling injuries by maintaining family foot care and visiting a foot care clinic for any concerns you might have.
The doctor can understand developmental problems in babies and conditions that occur later in life. The first interventions to foot and ankle problems are conservative management and visiting a podiatrist for treatment. No matter the foot condition, if the podiatrist determines that the pain and deformity are persistent, then foot surgery may be the better option. It helps restore the function of the foot and ankle while alleviating discomfort.
Testing and care
Undergoing foot and ankle surgical procedure follows undertaking examinations and tests. A foot doctor takes time to examine the medical history and medical conditions. An evaluation of your health is given to ensure a fruitful and improve the success of the procedure.
Bunion surgery: It is offered depending on the severity of joint involvement and severity of the bunion. Your foot surgeon explains the appropriate procedure for your bunion and the recovery time needed.
Fusions: It is done to treat painful arthritic conditions. This procedure involves removing the cartilages from the joints then join the bones together with pins, screws, plates, or a combination of either, so they do not move.
Hammertoe surgery: Involves removing a portion of the bones in the toe to realign or fusing the joints in the toe. It might involve temporary wiring to hold the toes straight permanent implant or realigning.
Heel spur surgery: Based on the foot condition, this is done to relieve pain and restore mobility. Surgical enhancements and modifications ensure you experience relief due to plantar fascia release.
Metatarsal surgery: This procedure is done on the long bones of the feet behind the second, third, fourth, and fifth toes. The surgery is to distribute the body weight-bearing ball. In severe cases, the metatarsal heads are removed.
Nail surgery: Usually performed on infected, deformed, or damaged toenails. It is done under local anesthetic. Depending on the assessment, the nail may be partially or totally. There are two types of nail surgeries; avulsion that allows a new nail to grow back or matrixectomy that is permanent and does not allow any nail growth.
Neuroma surgery: It is the removal of benign enlargement of the nerve between the metatarsal heads. The procedure is done if the condition is causing numbness, burning, or tingling sensations to the toes.
Reconstructive surgery: It is a surgical repair, that is done to regain the stability and function to prevent deformity, reduce pain. There are different types of reconstructive surgery that repair foot bones.
Tendon Surgery: Done for acute injuries and chronic conditions such as to lengthen or shorten the tendon, to improve the ankle and foot function the tendons may be re-routed.
After surgery care
The kind of surgery and the length of recovery is determined by the type of surgical procedure performed. The basics of post-surgery care include plenty of rest, compression, ice, and elevation. Your doctor will determine the right time to be up and running your daily activities. Ensure you discuss further post-surgical procedure care with the best foot doctor Houston.
your sock. It causes a burning, sharp pain in the ball of the foot that radiates into the toes. The toes may feel numb, sting, tingling, and a burning sensation.
