Items filtered by date: December 2020

Common symptoms that are often associated with gout can include severe pain and discomfort in the big toe, as well as swelling and redness. Gout is a form of inflammatory arthritis caused by a buildup of uric acid crystals in the joints. The body produces uric acid when it breaks down purines, which are naturally found in the body, but they are also found in certain foods and drinks. Some examples of foods that are rich in purines are shellfish, red meat, organ meats such as liver and kidney, processed meat, beverages that contain high fructose corn syrup, and beer. Many patients experience gout attacks that can be so debilitating it may be impossible to walk or complete daily activities. If you are afflicted with bouts of gout, it is strongly suggested that you speak to a podiatrist who can offer various treatment techniques. Although there is no cure for gout there are medications to manage it, as well as lifestyle changes to reduce and possibly eliminate attacks.

Gout is a foot condition that requires certain treatment and care. If you are seeking treatment, contact one of our podiatrists from Centers for Foot & Ankle Care. Our doctors will treat your foot and ankle needs.

What Is Gout?

Gout is a type of arthritis caused by a buildup of uric acid in the bloodstream. It often develops in the foot, especially the big toe area, although it can manifest in other parts of the body as well. Gout can make walking and standing very painful and is especially common in diabetics and the obese.

People typically get gout because of a poor diet. Genetic predisposition is also a factor. The children of parents who have had gout frequently have a chance of developing it themselves.

Gout can easily be identified by redness and inflammation of the big toe and the surrounding areas of the foot. Other symptoms include extreme fatigue, joint pain, and running high fevers. Sometimes corticosteroid drugs can be prescribed to treat gout, but the best way to combat this disease is to get more exercise and eat a better diet.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact one of our offices located in Merrillville, Portage, Michigan City/LaPorte, and Schererville, IN . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Running can be a healthy activity that helps with weight loss and staying in shape. Those who are beginning to run for the first time should make sure to have running shoes that fit properly. If you are worried about a past foot or ankle injury, or you want to prevent one in the future, consult with a podiatrist for help. When starting out, ease into running by slowly increasing your pace and distance. Warming up before each run will help increase blood flow and prevent unnecessary stress and fatigue. Cooling down after a run will help bring your heart rate back to normal. As you increase your running activity, keep an eye on any wear and tear that your shoes may experience, because as the shock absorbers in the shoes weaken, the chances of injury increase. If you have any questions in regards to keeping your feet healthy while running, please consult with a podiatrist.

Exercising your feet regularly with the proper foot wear is a great way to prevent injuries. If you have any concerns about your feet, contact one of our podiatrists of Centers for Foot & Ankle Care. Our doctors will treat your foot and ankle needs.

How to Prevent Running Injuries

Many common running injuries are caused by overuse and overtraining. When the back of the kneecap starts wearing out and starts causing pain in your knee, this is commonly referred to as runner’s knee. Runner’s knee is a decrease in strength in your quadriceps and can occur if you’re not wearing properly fitted or supporting shoes. To prevent runner’s knee, focusing on hip strengthening is a good idea, as well as strengthening your quads to keep the kneecaps aligned.

What Are Some Causes of Running Injuries?
- One cause of a common running injury is called iliotibial band syndrome.
- Plantar fasciitis is also another common injury.
- Stress fractures can occur from overtraining, lack of calcium, or even your running style.

Best Ways to Prevent Running Injuries
- Wear footwear that fits properly and suits your running needs.
- Running shoes are the only protective gear that runners have to safeguard them from injury.
- Make a training schedule. Adding strengthening exercises as well as regular stretching can help keep you strong and limber and can lessen the possibility of injuries.
- Stretching keeps muscles limber; this will help you gain better flexibility.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact one of our offices located in Merrillville, Portage, Michigan City/LaPorte, and Schererville, IN . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

An ankle sprain is a common cause of ankle pain. It generally occurs as a result of turning or rolling the ankle beyond its normal range of motion. This can happen from stepping off of a curb unexpectedly, which may cause the ligaments of the ankle to become overstretched or torn. The grades of ankle sprains can vary and each grade plays a role in the length of recovery time. Relief may be found when simple stretches are performed, and this may accelerate the process of healing the ankle joints. Additionally, it may help to strengthen the muscles surrounding the affected area in order to help avoid re-injury. Other ways to find relief may include manual therapy or staying off of the affected ankle as often as possible. If you are experiencing any type of ankle pain it is strongly suggested that you confer with a podiatrist who can determine what the best course of treatment is for you.

Ankle sprains are common but need immediate attention. If you need your feet checked, contact one of our podiatrists from Centers for Foot & Ankle Care. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

How Does an Ankle Sprain Occur?

Ankle sprains take place when the ligaments in your ankle are torn or stretched beyond their limits. There are multiple ways that the ankle can become injured, including twisting or rolling over onto your ankle, putting undue stress on it, or causing trauma to the ankle itself.

What Are the Symptoms?

• Mild to moderate bruising
• Limited mobility
• Swelling
• Discoloration of the skin (depending on severity)

Preventing a Sprain

• Wearing appropriate shoes for the occasion
• Stretching before exercises and sports
• Knowing your limits

Treatment of a Sprain

Treatment of a sprain depends on the severity.  Many times, people are told to rest and remain off their feet completely, while others are given an air cast. If the sprain is very severe, surgery may be required.

If you have suffered an ankle sprain previously, you may want to consider additional support such as a brace and regular exercises to strengthen the ankle.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact one of our offices located in Merrillville, Portage, Michigan City/LaPorte, and Schererville, IN . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Patients who suffer from chronic pain in the feet and ankles may be interested in learning about a treatment option that is known as shockwave therapy. It is capable of transmitting shock waves through the skin to the damaged tissue. It is known to accelerate the healing process and may be responsible in providing adequate pain relief. The benefits of receiving this type of treatment can include minimal time for administering the shockwave therapy, and it eliminates the need for anesthesia. Some of the ailments shockwave therapy may be successful in treating include Achilles tendon injuries and plantar fasciitis. If you are interested in learning more about this type of treatment, it is suggested that you confer with a podiatrist. 

Shockwave therapy is a treatment commonly used to treat various injuries and conditions, particularly plantar fasciitis in the feet. To learn more, consult with one of our podiatrists from Centers for Foot & Ankle Care. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Shockwave Therapy

Shockwave therapy is a new treatment option designed to treat bone conditions such as tennis elbow, shoulder pain, and others. Shockwave therapy uses high intensity sound waves that are directed to the affected tissues of the body with pinpoint accuracy. The effects are very beneficial, leading to a production of collagen fibers, eliminating inflammation.

Who Benefits from Shockwave?

Shockwave is recommended for patients suffering from heel pain and associated problems. Heel pain is a common condition which can be caused by obesity, overexertion, and spending a substantial amount of time on hard floors with your feet exposed and unsupported.

Fast and Easy

The therapy is actually a simple process that can leave patients feeling better the very next day. Shockwave therapy is not as dramatic as it sounds. It enables more blood flow to effected areas, addressing the source of the problem and allowing treatment to last for a long time.

Treatment & Recovery Time

Shockwave treatment will enable your feet to recover quickly. This is especially important since surgery is not required. It is cost effective and does not require the use of anesthesia. This treatment is a better option to surgery, since it is proven safe.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact one of our offices located in Merrillville, Portage, Michigan City/LaPorte, and Schererville, IN . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.