Gout is a type of inflammatory arthritis caused by the buildup of uric acid crystals in the joints. It commonly affects the feet because these joints are under constant stress and are more prone to crystal accumulation, especially in the big toe. Symptoms often include sudden severe pain, swelling, redness, warmth, and stiffness that may limit walking and daily activities. Gout can be influenced by lifestyle and medical factors such as being overweight, high cholesterol, high blood pressure, and kidney disease. Relief often includes lifestyle adjustments like improved diet choices, hydration, and weight management to reduce flare ups. A podiatrist can evaluate foot involvement, relieve pain, protect joint function, and recommend footwear or orthotics to reduce stress. If you have symptoms of gout, it is strongly suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist who can help you to manage this painful condition. 

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

Ankle impingement describes a problem where tissue or bone inside the ankle joint gets caught during movement. This pinching can develop after repeated ankle sprains, ongoing swelling, or years of stress on the joint. Pain is often felt at the front or back of the ankle, and may worsen when walking uphill, squatting, climbing stairs, or pushing off the foot. Some people notice stiffness, swelling, or a feeling that the ankle catches or blocks movement. Over time, extra tissue or small bone changes can form, making motion more limited and uncomfortable. These symptoms can interfere with exercise, work, and daily walking, if not addressed. Identifying the cause early helps prevent further joint irritation and long-term damage. If ankle pain, stiffness, or swelling continues or affects mobility, it is suggested that you see a podiatrist for a proper diagnosis and appropriate treatment.

Ankle pain can have many different causes and the pain may potentially be serious. If you have ankle pain, consult with one of our podiatrists from Pima Foot and Ankle Surgery. Our doctors will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

Ankle pain is any condition that causes pain in the ankle. Due to the fact that the ankle consists of tendons, muscles, bones, and ligaments, ankle pain can come from a number of different conditions.

Causes

The most common causes of ankle pain include:

• Types of arthritis (rheumatoid, osteoarthritis, and gout)
• Ankle sprains
• Broken ankles
• Achilles tendinitis
• Achilles tendon rupture
• Stress fractures
• Tarsal tunnel syndrome
• Plantar fasciitis

Symptoms

Symptoms of ankle injury vary based upon the condition. Pain may include general pain and discomfort, swelling, aching, redness, bruising, burning or stabbing sensations, and/or loss of sensation.

Diagnosis

Due to the wide variety of potential causes of ankle pain, podiatrists will utilize a number of different methods to properly diagnose ankle pain. This can include asking for personal and family medical histories and of any recent injuries. Further diagnosis may include sensation tests, a physical examination, and potentially x-rays or other imaging tests.

Treatment

Just as the range of causes varies widely, so do treatments. Some more common treatments are rest, ice packs, keeping pressure off the foot, orthotics and braces, medication for inflammation and pain, and surgery.

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

Nursing is a highly demanding job that requires long hours of standing, walking, and responding quickly to patient needs. Waterproof nurse shoes are essential because they protect the feet from spills, bodily fluids, and frequent exposure to moisture throughout the workday. This protection helps reduce the risk of skin irritation, infections, and unpleasant odors. Slip resistant soles provide added safety on wet hospital floors and help prevent workplace injuries. Comfort is also critical during long shifts, and wearing supportive waterproof shoes help reduce foot fatigue, joint stress, and back discomfort. Durable materials ensure the shoes withstand daily wear, while remaining easy to clean and maintain. A podiatrist can help nurses select footwear that offers proper support, cushioning, and fit, based on individual foot needs. If you are a medical professional and have developed foot pain, it is suggested that you schedule a visit with a podiatrist who can treat various foot conditions, helping to protect your feet and stay comfortable on every shift.

While working on the feet, it is important to take the proper care of them. For more information about working on your feet, contact one of our podiatrists from Pima Foot and Ankle Surgery. Our doctors will treat your foot and ankle needs.

Working on Your Feet

Standing on your feet for long periods of time can cause stress and pain in your feet. Your whole body may experience change in terms of posture, back pain, bunions, callouses and or plantar warts. There are ways to avoid these conditions with proper foot care, smart choices and correct posture.

Positive Changes

Negative heeled shoe – Choosing this shoe type places the heel slightly lower than the ball of the foot. These are great for overall foot health. Find shoes that fit you correctly.

Go barefoot – Our feet were not designed to be enclosed for all hours of the day. Try to periodically expose your feet to air.

Eliminate Pain

Foot Exercises – Performing simple exercises, incorporating yoga and doing stretches are beneficial. This will allow increased blood flow to the area and muscles of the foot.

Achilles tendon – Stretching the foot out flat on the floor will relax the calf muscles and tendon. These exercises can be performed almost anywhere. Make sure you add these exercises to your daily regimen. 

With a little bit of this information and knowing more about foot health, you will notice changes. Foot stretches and proper footwear will help with pain and prevent further issues.

If you have any questions please contact our offices located in . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Management of chronic foot wounds requires careful evaluation and steady, consistent care to support healing. These wounds may include diabetic ulcers, pressure injuries, venous ulcers, and traumatic wounds that struggle to close on their own. A podiatrist uses the TIME principle to guide treatment. This approach focuses on tissue debridement to remove nonviable tissue, infection control to protect surrounding skin, moisture balance to create a healthy environment, and attention to the edges of the wound to encourage new growth. Advanced dressings, offloading techniques, and, in some cases, regenerative therapies can further support recovery. Early intervention is essential because chronic wounds can progress quickly and lead to serious complications. If you notice slow healing, increasing redness, drainage, or pain, it is suggested that you visit a podiatrist for a thorough assessment and a personalized treatment plan.

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 one of our podiatrists from Pima Foot and Ankle Surgery. Our doctors 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 contact our offices located in . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.