Gout is a form of arthritis resulting in severe pain that can happen suddenly, along with swelling, and tenderness in joints, and often starts with the big toe. This condition occurs when urate crystals accumulate in the joints due to high levels of uric acid in the blood. The pain typically peaks within a few hours and can be accompanied by warmth and redness around the affected joint. Gout attacks can occur suddenly, often waking individuals from sleep with intense discomfort. Recurrent gout episodes can lead to joint damage and deformities, if left untreated. Besides the big toe, gout can affect other joints such as ankles, knees, elbows, wrists, and fingers. Managing gout involves lifestyle changes like reducing purine-rich foods and alcohol consumption, along with medications to lower uric acid levels and prevent future attacks. If you have excruciating pain in your big toe, it is strongly suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can provide an accurate diagnosis and treatment.

Gout is a painful condition that can be treated. If you are seeking treatment, contact Manisha Mehta, DPM from Detroit, MI. 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 Detroit, MI . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

A bunion is characterized by a protrusion at the base of the big toe. It manifests as a bony bump caused by the misalignment of the joint, often leading to the big toe pushing against the adjacent toes. Bunions vary in severity, classified into degrees based on visual cues. Mild cases exhibit slight deviations of the big toe, with minimal outward protrusion. Moderate bunions display more pronounced misalignment and a visible bump. Severe bunions are marked by significant joint displacement, causing the big toe to angle drastically toward the other toes. The visual features include redness, swelling, and sometimes pain surrounding the affected area, affecting mobility and comfort. If you have developed a bunion, it is suggested that you contact a podiatrist who can offer you effective relief and treatment remedies.

If you are suffering from bunion pain, contact Manisha Mehta, DPM of Detroit, MI. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

What Is a Bunion?

Bunions are painful bony bumps that usually develop on the inside of the foot at the joint of the big toe. As the deformity increases over time, it may become painful to walk and wear shoes. Women are more likely to exacerbate existing bunions since they often wear tight, narrow shoes that shift their toes together. Bunion pain can be relieved by wearing wider shoes with enough room for the toes.

Causes

• Genetics – some people inherit feet that are more prone to bunion development
• Inflammatory Conditions - rheumatoid arthritis and polio may cause bunion development

Symptoms

• Redness and inflammation
• Pain and tenderness
• Callus or corns on the bump
• Restricted motion in the big toe

In order to diagnose your bunion, your podiatrist may ask about your medical history, symptoms, and general health. Your doctor might also order an x-ray to take a closer look at your feet. Nonsurgical treatment options include orthotics, padding, icing, changes in footwear, and medication. If nonsurgical treatments don’t alleviate your bunion pain, surgery may be necessary.

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

Blisters between the toes can disrupt comfort and mobility. They are often caused by friction from wearing ill-fitting shoes or excessive moisture. Symptoms can include a painful, fluid-filled sac that may burst if not treated promptly, leading to infection or further irritation. Proper wound care starts with cleaning the area gently with mild soap and water, followed by applying a sterile bandage to protect it from further friction. Avoid popping blisters, as it can increase infection risk. Moisturizing the surrounding skin and wearing well-fitting, breathable footwear can help to prevent recurrence. For persistent blisters or signs of infection such as redness, swelling, or pus, it is important to seek professional care from a podiatrist. They can provide tailored treatment, such as antibiotic ointments or specialized dressings, ensuring proper healing and minimizing future complications. Do not ignore blisters. Consider scheduling an appointment with a podiatrist for an expert evaluation and care to keep your feet healthy and pain-free.

Blisters are prone to making everyday activities extremely uncomfortable. If your feet are hurting, contact Manisha Mehta, DPM of Detroit, MI. 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 Detroit, MI . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Debridement is a key procedure in managing diabetic foot ulcers, involving a podiatrist removing dead and infected tissue to promote healing and prevent infection spread. This process is vital because the buildup of necrotic tissue can obscure the true extent of the ulcer. There are several methods of debridement. Surgical debridement involves a podiatrist using tools like scalpels to precisely remove dead tissue, often performed at the bedside or in an operating room for more severe cases. Mechanical debridement employs saline-soaked pads that adhere to and remove dead tissue upon removal, though this can be painful and may also disturb healthy tissue. Chemical debridement uses enzymes to dissolve dead material. Biological debridement, utilizing maggots, effectively cleanses wounds by consuming only dead tissue. Before any debridement, the podiatrist will assess the patient’s overall health, and the wound will be cleaned with a saline solution. If you have diabetic foot ulcers, it is suggested that you make a podiatrist a part of your medical team for expert wound care options.

Wound care is an important part in dealing with diabetes. If you have diabetes and a foot wound or would like more information about wound care for diabetics, consult with Manisha Mehta, DPM from Detroit, MI. Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

What Is Wound Care?

Wound care is the practice of taking proper care of a wound. This can range from the smallest to the largest of wounds. While everyone can benefit from proper wound care, it is much more important for diabetics. Diabetics often suffer from poor blood circulation which causes wounds to heal much slower than they would in a non-diabetic. 

What Is the Importance of Wound Care?

While it may not seem apparent with small ulcers on the foot, for diabetics, any size ulcer can become infected. Diabetics often also suffer from neuropathy, or nerve loss. This means they might not even feel when they have an ulcer on their foot. If the wound becomes severely infected, amputation may be necessary. Therefore, it is of the upmost importance to properly care for any and all foot wounds.

How to Care for Wounds

The best way to care for foot wounds is to prevent them. For diabetics, this means daily inspections of the feet for any signs of abnormalities or ulcers. It is also recommended to see a podiatrist several times a year for a foot inspection. If you do have an ulcer, run the wound under water to clear dirt from the wound; then apply antibiotic ointment to the wound and cover with a bandage. Bandages should be changed daily and keeping pressure off the wound is smart. It is advised to see a podiatrist, who can keep an eye on it.

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