A foot affected by uric acid crystals shows inflammation, swelling, and intense pain, often centered around the big toe joint where sharp crystals have accumulated.
Uric acid is a natural waste product formed from the breakdown of purines—substances found in many foods and produced by the body. While it typically dissolves in the blood and exits through the kidneys into the urine, elevated levels can lead to serious health problems, particularly in the feet. In podiatry, uric acid is most commonly associated with a painful condition called gout, a form of inflammatory arthritis that can significantly impact mobility and quality of life. This article delves into the connection between uric acid and foot health, how podiatrists diagnose and treat gout-related foot conditions, and what patients can do to manage and prevent flare-ups.
Always measure their feet regularly to make sure they’re wearing the right size!
Children’s feet grow faster than most parents realize. Understanding kids foot size is essential in keeping your child comfortable, active, and injury-free. Shoes that are too tight or too loose can cause discomfort, affect posture, and even lead to long-term foot issues. This guide will help you understand how children’s feet grow, how to measure them correctly, and how to choose shoes that fit just right.
Think about it: How many hours do you stand on concrete, steel, or unforgiving floors? Eight? Ten? Twelve? Now multiply that by years. That is thousands of hours of pounding pressure on your heels. Over time, that strain causes tiny tears in the heel tissue, and your body attempts to “repair” the damage by growing an extra bone, aka heel spurs.
How Running and Walking Affect Your Feet: Benefits, Risks, and Care Tips
Jogging places repeated stress on the feet, highlighting how regular running can impact foot health over time.
Walking and running are two of the most accessible forms of exercise, offering countless health benefits. But as simple and natural as these activities may seem, they can take a significant toll on your feet over time. Understanding the effects of running and walking on the foot is essential for preventing injury, maintaining mobility, and ensuring long-term foot health. In this article, we’ll explore the benefits, common problems, and expert care tips to keep your feet in top condition.
A modern foot scanner used in clinics to capture detailed 3D images of the feet for accurate assessment, pressure mapping, and custom orthotic design.
In today’s fast-paced world, the growing demand for personalized products and convenience has sparked innovation across industries — and podiatry is no exception. One of the latest trends revolutionizing foot health is the use of at-home foot scanners. These high-tech devices claim to offer accurate measurements and foot assessments, all from the comfort of your home. But the question remains: Are they truly accurate and reliable? Let’s explore how these gadgets work, their pros and cons, and whether they can replace a visit to a foot specialist.
While flip-flops may be the unofficial shoe of summer, they shouldn’t be your go-to for everyday wear.
Flip-flop season has officially arrived in Houston, and as the temperatures rise, so does our love for easy-breezy footwear. It’s no surprise—flip-flops are convenient, affordable, and perfect for quick errands or poolside lounging. But here’s the kicker: that beloved pair of flat sandals might be doing more harm than good. In fact, flip-flops foot pain is one of the most common complaints podiatrists see during spring and summer.
If you’ve ever ended a day with aching arches, sore heels, or blisters from wearing your favorite pair of flip-flops, this article is for you. Let’s dive into how flip-flops affect foot health, signs of trouble, and what safer alternatives are out there.