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Gout is a form of inflammatory arthritis that often affects the foot, especially the big toe joint. It develops when uric acid builds up in the bloodstream and forms sharp crystals within the joint. This can lead to sudden and intense pain that may begin overnight, along with redness, warmth, and noticeable swelling. The joint may appear inflamed and feel extremely tender, making even light pressure from a bedsheet uncomfortable. Episodes can come and go, but without proper care, they may become more frequent or involve other joints. Common triggers include dehydration, certain foods, and alcohol use. Underlying medical conditions that affect how the body processes uric acid are other factors. A podiatrist can conduct tests for gout to help confirm the diagnosis. They also help coordinate care that may include medication to reduce inflammation and manage uric acid levels. Guidance on foot support and lifestyle adjustments may be provided. If you have gout, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist.

Gout is a painful condition that can be treated. If you are seeking treatment, contact Steven Spivak, DPM from Mount Holly Family Footcare. 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 office located in Lumberton, NJ . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

A hammertoe is a deformity in which one of the smaller toes bends downward at the middle joint, creating a curled or claw-like appearance. Over time, the toe may become stiff and difficult to straighten. Hammertoe can develop from muscle imbalance,  wearing improper footwear, or arthritis. Symptoms include pain while  walking, irritation from shoe pressure, and the formation of corns or calluses on the top of the toe or at the tip. The affected toe may look raised at the joint with redness or thickened skin from friction. A podiatrist can evaluate the flexibility of the toe and determine the severity of the deformity. Early treatment includes padding, footwear changes, and custom orthotics to relieve pressure and improve alignment. Targeted exercises may help maintain flexibility in milder cases. When the deformity becomes rigid or painful, surgery may be considered to realign the toe. If you have a hammertoe, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for appropriate treatment solutions.

Hammertoes can be a painful condition to live with. For more information, contact Steven Spivak, DPM of Mount Holly Family Footcare. Our doctor will answer any of your foot- and ankle-related questions.

Hammertoe

Hammertoe is a foot deformity that occurs due to an imbalance in the muscles, tendons, or ligaments that normally hold the toe straight. It can be caused by the type of shoes you wear, your foot structure, trauma, and certain disease processes.

Symptoms

• Painful and/or difficult toe movement
• Swelling
• Joint stiffness
• Calluses/Corns
• Physical deformity

Risk Factors

• Age – The risk of hammertoe increases with age
• Sex – Women are more likely to have hammertoe compared to men
• Toe Length – You are more likely to develop hammertoe if your second toe is longer than your big toe
• Certain Diseases – Arthritis and diabetes may make you more likely to develop hammertoe

Treatment

If you have hammertoe, you should change into a more comfortable shoe that provides enough room for your toes. Exercises such as picking up marbles may strengthen and stretch your toe muscles. Nevertheless, it is important to seek assistance from a podiatrist in order to determine the severity of your hammertoe and see which treatment option will work best for you.

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

Plantar warts are growths that develop on the bottom of the foot, often on weight-bearing areas such as the heel or ball of the foot. They are caused by the human papillomavirus, or HPV, which enters the skin through small cuts or breaks. Risk factors include walking barefoot in public places, excessive moisture, and a weakened immune system. Symptoms may include rough, grainy lesions, pain when walking, and small black dots within the wart. These growths can become uncomfortable and spread, if not treated properly. A podiatrist can diagnose plantar warts and provide safe, effective treatments to remove them. Plantar warts can be painful, and may cause difficulty in completing daily activities. If you have symptoms of a plantar wart, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can offer effective relief and treatment solutions.

Plantar warts can be very uncomfortable. If you need your feet checked, contact Steven Spivak, DPM from Mount Holly Family Footcare. Our doctor will assist you with all of your foot and ankle needs.

About Plantar Warts

Plantar warts are the result of HPV, or human papillomavirus, getting into open wounds on the feet. They are mostly found on the heels or balls of the feet.

While plantar warts are generally harmless, those experiencing excessive pain or those suffering from diabetes or a compromised immune system require immediate medical care. Plantar warts are easily diagnosed, usually through scraping off a bit of rough skin or by getting a biopsy.

Symptoms

• Lesions on the bottom of your feet, usually rough and grainy
• Hard or thick callused spots
• Wart seeds, which are small clotted blood vessels that look like little black spots
• Pain, discomfort, or tenderness of your feet when walking or standing

Treatment

• Freezing
• Electric tool removal
• Laser Treatment
• Topical Creams (prescription only)
• Over-the-counter medications

To help prevent developing plantar warts, avoid walking barefoot over abrasive surfaces that can cause cuts or wounds for HPV to get into. Avoiding direct contact with other warts, as well as not picking or rubbing existing warts, can help prevent the further spread of plantar warts. However, if you think you have developed plantar warts, speak to your podiatrist. He or she can diagnose the warts on your feet and recommend the appropriate treatment options.

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

Foot pain is often thought to come from areas that carry the most pressure, but this is not always true. Pain in one part of the foot does not always match areas with more or less pressure. Some people feel pain in spots that handle a normal amount of weight, while other areas carry more force without causing any discomfort. This highlights how complex foot function can be. Structure, gait, joint movement, and nerve sensitivity all influence how and where pain develops. Because of this, adding cushioning or changing shoes alone may not address the real cause. A detailed evaluation that looks at how your foot moves and bears weight is important for effective care. If you are dealing with ongoing or unclear foot pain, it is suggested that you see a podiatrist for a proper diagnosis and appropriate treatment.

Foot Pain

Foot pain can be extremely painful and debilitating. If you have a foot pain, consult with Steven Spivak, DPM from Mount Holly Family Footcare. Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

Causes

Foot pain is a very broad condition that could be caused by one or more ailments. The most common include:

• Bunions
• Hammertoes
• Plantar Fasciitis
• Bone Spurs
• Corns
• Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome
• Ingrown Toenails
• Arthritis (such as Gout, Rheumatoid, and Osteoarthritis)
• Flat Feet
• Injury (from stress fractures, broken toe, foot, ankle, Achilles tendon ruptures, and sprains)
• And more

Diagnosis

To figure out the cause of foot pain, podiatrists utilize several different methods. This can range from simple visual inspections and sensation tests to X-rays and MRI scans. Prior medical history, family medical history, and any recent physical traumatic events will all be taken into consideration for a proper diagnosis.

Treatment

Treatment depends upon the cause of the foot pain. Whether it is resting, staying off the foot, or having surgery; podiatrists have a number of treatment options available for foot pain.

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