May 2023

Gout is a particular kind of foot affliction that is essentially a form of inflammatory arthritis. In particular, gout is often characterized by pain in the joints of the feet. There are specific types of foods that are either good or bad for increasing the risk of gout. Importantly, plant-based foods can decrease the risk of triggering a gout attack. The reason for this is that plant-based foods are especially low in purines. There are many different types of plant-based foods. The list includes beans, seeds, nuts, vegetables, and whole grains. If you are someone that has gout attacks, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist who can help you to find relief and manage this painful condition.

Gout is a foot condition that requires certain treatment and care. If you are seeking treatment, contact Dr. John C. Lawlor from Florida. Our doctor 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 our offices located in Cape Coral and LaBelle, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

For some seniors that have yet to retire, working in the office can present dangers to the health of their feet. For instance, as a senior gets older, they can become increasingly susceptible to suffering from falls or trips that can lead to foot conditions like fractures. There are certain steps that a senior might consider taking in their office to prevent falls or trips. Specifically, many workers might have extension cords and wires surrounding their desks. This can present a significant tripping hazard, making falls more likely. A senior worker might consider cleaning up the cords to minimize any potential tripping hazards. Additionally, a senior worker could possibly ensure that the floors in their office space are dry. In other words, having liquids on the floor can increase the likelihood of falls. If you are someone that is a senior and is still working in the office, it is suggested that you contact a podiatrist to learn more about fall prevention and the effect falling can have on the feet.

Preventing falls among the elderly is very important. If you are older and have fallen or fear that you are prone to falling, consult with Dr. John C. Lawlor from Florida. Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality advice and care.

Every 11 seconds, an elderly American is being treated in an emergency room for a fall related injury. Falls are the leading cause of head and hip injuries for those 65 and older. Due to decreases in strength, balance, senses, and lack of awareness, elderly persons are very susceptible to falling. Thankfully, there are a number of things older persons can do to prevent falls.

How to Prevent Falls

Some effective methods that older persons can do to prevent falls include:

• Enrolling in strength and balance exercise program to increase balance and strength
• Periodically having your sight and hearing checked
• Discuss any medications you have with a doctor to see if it increases the risk of falling
• Clearing the house of falling hazards and installing devices like grab bars and railings
• Utilizing a walker or cane
• Wearing shoes that provide good support and cushioning
• Talking to family members about falling and increasing awareness

Falling can be a traumatic and embarrassing experience for elderly persons; this can make them less willing to leave the house, and less willing to talk to someone about their fears of falling. Doing such things, however, will increase the likelihood of tripping or losing one’s balance. Knowing the causes of falling and how to prevent them is the best way to mitigate the risk of serious injury.  

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact one of our our offices located in Cape Coral and LaBelle, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

A broken toe can easily happen as a result of being located at the end of the body. Broken toes may occur if a heavy object drops on them, or if the toe is stubbed into a piece of furniture. Broken or fractured toes are easy to notice because swelling and bruising occurs immediately. It is a painful injury and an X-ray is often taken which can determine the severity of the fracture. Additional symptoms can include a popping sound at the time of injury and it is often difficult to walk. A mild break can be treated by using the buddy taping method, which is done by taping the affected toe to the toe next to it. Buddy taping is often successful in providing the necessary stability as the healing process takes place. For severely broken toes, surgery may be necessary to replace any protruding bones in addition to realigning the toes to their normal position. If you have broken your toe, it is suggested that you speak with a podiatrist who can help you with the treatment that is best for you.

A broken toe can be very painful and lead to complications if not properly fixed. If you have any concerns about your feet, contact Dr. John C. Lawlor from Florida. Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.

What to Know About a Broken Toe

Although most people try to avoid foot trauma such as banging, stubbing, or dropping heavy objects on their feet, the unfortunate fact is that it is a common occurrence. Given the fact that toes are positioned in front of the feet, they typically sustain the brunt of such trauma. When trauma occurs to a toe, the result can be a painful break (fracture).

Symptoms of a Broken Toe

• Throbbing pain
• Swelling
• Bruising on the skin and toenail
• The inability to move the toe
• Toe appears crooked or disfigured
• Tingling or numbness in the toe

Generally, it is best to stay off of the injured toe with the affected foot elevated.

Severe toe fractures may be treated with a splint, cast, and in some cases, minor surgery. Due to its position and the pressure it endures with daily activity, future complications can occur if the big toe is not properly treated.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact one of our our offices located in Cape Coral and LaBelle, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

As small as the pinky toe is, it can become extremely painful when it is injured. Pain in this toe may come from a variety of causes including a break or sprain, wearing shoes that are too tight, or a corn. This toe is more prone to injury because it is on the outside of the foot. An injury to this toe may result in swelling and pain. A broken or fractured pinky toe can happen if it is stubbed from a direct blow or a heavy object falls on it. A sprained pinky toe can happen from bumping the toe or stretching it beyond its normal range. It involves injury to the ligament of the toe. A corn, with hardened layers of skin, can develop on the small toe in response to pressure or friction and often from wearing tight-fitting shoes. Since the varied causes of pain in the pinky toe result in similar symptoms, if you have pain in this toe that does not resolve with rest, it is suggested that you visit a podiatrist for a proper diagnosis and treatment. This is important to ensure that it heals properly and does not lead to other problems.

Toe pain can disrupt your daily activities. If you have any concerns, contact Dr. John C. Lawlor of Florida. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

What Causes Toe Pain?

Most severe toe pain is caused due to a sports injury, trauma from dropping something heavy on the toe, or bumping into something rigid. Other problems can develop over time for various reasons.

Toe pain can be caused by one or more ailments. The most common include:

• Trauma
• Sports injury
• Wearing shoes that are too tight
• Arthritis
• Gout
• Corns and calluses
• Hammertoe
• Bunions
• Blisters
• Ingrown toenails
• Sprains
• Fractures (broken bones)
• Dislocations

When to See a Podiatrist

• Severe pain
• Persistent pain that lasts more than a week
• Signs of infection
• Continued swelling
• Pain that prevents walking

Diagnosis

In many cases the cause of toe pain is obvious, but in others, a podiatrist may want to use more advanced methods to determine the problem. These 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

Treatments for toe pain and injuries vary and may include shoe inserts, padding, taping, medicines, injections, and in some cases, surgery. If you believe that you have broken a toe, please see a podiatrist as soon as possible.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact one of our our offices located in Cape Coral and LaBelle, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.

A hammertoe is caused by the misalignment in one of the toe joints which results in the toe developing a Z-shaped deformity. It can develop from rheumatoid arthritis, neurologic foot disorders, or other causes. Typically, the second toe is affected, and this happens because of an elongated second metatarsal and pressure from a bunion on the big toe. Corns can progress on the hammertoe deformity and can be an additional source of pain. When one has a hammertoe, it is important to wear shoes with a wider toe box so the toes have enough room to move freely, as well as to accommodate the foot deformity. Toe pads and orthotics might also help those with hammertoes. If these conservative measures are not helpful, speak to your podiatrist and see if surgery is an option. If you suffer with a hammertoe, it is suggested that you visit a podiatrist for an examination and treatment.

Hammertoe

Hammertoes can be a painful condition to live with. For more information, contact Dr. John C. Lawlor from Florida. Our doctor will answer any of your foot- and ankle-related questions.

Hammertoe is a foot deformity that affects the joints of the second, third, fourth, or fifth toes of your feet. It is a painful foot condition in which these toes curl and arch up, which can often lead to pain when wearing footwear.

Symptoms

• Pain in the affected toes
• Development of corns or calluses due to friction
• Inflammation
• Redness
• Contracture of the toes

Causes

Genetics – People who are genetically predisposed to hammertoe are often more susceptible

Arthritis – Because arthritis affects the joints in your toes, further deformities stemming from arthritis can occur

Trauma – Direct trauma to the toes could potentially lead to hammertoe

Ill-fitting shoes – Undue pressure on the front of the toes from ill-fitting shoes can potentially lead to the development of hammertoe

Treatment

Orthotics – Custom made inserts can be used to help relieve pressure placed on the toes and therefore relieve some of the pain associated with it

Medications – Oral medications such as anti-inflammatories or NSAIDs could be used to treat the pain and inflammation hammertoes causes. Injections of corticosteroids are also sometimes used

Surgery – In more severe cases where the hammertoes have become more rigid, foot surgery is a potential option

If you have any questions please contact one of our our offices located in Cape Coral and LaBelle, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.