Items filtered by date: May 2025

Gout is a chronic inflammatory form of arthritis that often affects the joints of the feet, particularly the big toe. During a gout flare-up, the affected joint may become intensely painful, swollen, and red due to the buildup of uric acid crystals. While there is no cure for gout, medical treatment can help reduce the frequency and intensity of flare-ups and limit joint damage. A podiatrist can diagnose gout and recommend treatment options that lower uric acid levels and manage inflammation. These may include medication that reduces pain and swelling, as well as long-term prescriptions aimed at preventing recurrences. Without proper treatment, gout may lead to joint deformity or permanent damage in the feet or ankles. Timely care from a podiatrist can shorten flare-ups, which typically peak within 24 hours and may last several days. If you suffer from flare-ups of gout, it is suggested that you schedule regular appointments with a podiatrist for ongoing treatment.

Gout is a painful condition that can be treated. If you are seeking treatment, contact one of our podiatrists from Ankle N Foot. 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 Chicago, Elmhurst, Bartlett, IL and Chicago, IL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Intoeing, sometimes called pigeon toes, is when a child’s feet point inward instead of straight ahead when they walk. Intoeing  in young children is common but usually goes away as they grow. In most cases, intoeing does not cause pain or keep a child from walking, running, or playing. This condition can be caused by a twist in the lower leg bone, a rotation in the thigh bone, or a curved shape of the foot itself. A podiatrist can examine your child’s legs and feet, watch how they walk, and decide if the bones are still developing normally. Most children do not need treatment, but if bone positioning is severe or does not improve over time, special casts or surgery may be needed to correct alignment. If your child is intoeing, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for guidance and appropriate treatment.

The health of a child’s feet is vital to their overall well-being. If you have any questions regarding foot health, contact one of our podiatrists of Ankle N Foot. our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Tips for Keeping Children's Feet Healthy

• Make sure their shoes fit properly
• Look for any signs of in-toeing or out-toeing
• Check to see if they have Clubfoot (condition that affects your child’s foot and ankle, twisting the heel and toes inward) which is one of the most common nonmajor birth defects.
• Lightly cover your baby’s feet (Tight covers may keep your baby from moving their feet freely, and could prevent normal development)
• Allow your toddler to go shoeless (Shoes can be restricting for a young child’s foot)
• Cut toenails straight across to avoid ingrown toenails
• Keep your child’s foot clean and dry
• Cover cuts and scrapes. Wash any scratches with soap and water and cover them with a bandage until they’ve healed.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our offices located in Chicago, Elmhurst, Bartlett, IL and Chicago, IL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Keeping the toes, feet, and ankles strong and flexible can improve balance, reduce pain and help prevent injury. Toe curls are easy to do by picking up a towel with your toes. Ankle circles help improve range of motion and can be done seated or lying down. Pointing and flexing the foot gently stretches tight muscles. Rolling the sole of the foot over a ball can ease soreness and improve blood flow. Calf raises strengthen the lower leg and support the ankle. These exercises are helpful for people with flat feet, plantar fasciitis, or anyone recovering from a foot injury. They take just a few minutes a day and can make a big difference in comfort and mobility. If you have ongoing pain or stiffness in your feet, it is suggested you see a podiatrist for diagnosis and appropriate treatment.

Exercising your feet regularly with the proper foot wear is a great way to prevent injuries and build strength. If you have any concerns about your feet, contact one of our podiatrists from Ankle N Foot. our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Exercise for Your Feet

Exercise for your feet can help you gain strength, mobility and flexibility in your feet. They say that strengthening your feet can be just as rewarding as strengthening another part of the body. Your feet are very important, and we often forget about them in our daily tasks. But it is because of our feet that are we able to get going and do what we need to. For those of us fortunate enough to not have any foot problems, it is an important gesture to take care of them to ensure good health in the long run.

Some foot health exercises can include ankle pumps, tip-toeing, toe rises, lifting off the floor doing reps and sets, and flexing the toes. It is best to speak with our doctors to determine an appropriate regimen for your needs. Everyone’s needs and bodies are different, and the activities required to maintain strength in the feet vary from individual to individual. 

Once you get into a routine of doing regular exercise, you may notice a difference in your feet and how strong they may become.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our offices located in Chicago, Elmhurst, Bartlett, IL and Chicago, IL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Pregnancy brings many changes to the body, and the feet are no exception. One common issue is collapsed arches, caused by the added weight and the hormone relaxin, which loosens the ligaments in preparation for childbirth. This change can lead to flat feet and discomfort while walking or standing. Swelling in the feet, known as edema, occurs due to increased blood volume and pressure from the growing uterus on the veins, slowing blood return from the lower body. Foot pain is also frequent, often resulting from the combined effects of weight gain, altered posture, and hormonal changes. Additionally, cracked heels may develop because the skin can become drier during pregnancy. If you are experiencing foot concerns during your pregnancy, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can offer effective relief tips.

Pregnant women with swollen feet can be treated with a variety of different methods that are readily available. For more information about other cures for swollen feet during pregnancy, consult with one of our podiatrists from Ankle N Foot. our doctors will attend to all of your foot and ankle needs.

What Foot Problems Can Arise During Pregnancy?

One problem that can occur is overpronation, which occurs when the arch of the foot flattens and tends to roll inward.  This can cause pain and discomfort in your heels while you’re walking or even just standing up, trying to support your baby.  

Another problem is edema, or swelling in the extremities. This often affects the feet during pregnancy but tends to occur in the later stages. 

How Can I Keep My Feet Healthy During Pregnancy?

• Wearing orthotics can provide extra support for the feet and help distribute weight evenly
• Minimize the amount of time spent walking barefoot
• Wear shoes with good arch support
• Wear shoes that allow for good circulation to the feet
• Elevate feet if you experience swelling
• Massage your feet
• Get regular, light exercise, such as walking, to promote blood circulation to the feet

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our offices located in Chicago, Elmhurst, Bartlett, IL and Chicago, IL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.