Gout is a type of arthritis caused by the buildup of uric acid crystals in the joints, leading to sudden pain and inflammation. Common symptoms include intense pain, swelling, redness, and warmth, often beginning in the big toe. The big toe is frequently affected because it is the coolest part of the body, allowing uric acid crystals to form more easily. Over time, untreated gout can cause persistent arthritis and limit joint movement. A podiatrist can diagnose gout, provide pain relief, and create a treatment plan to prevent flare-ups. If you have pain in your big toe it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can diagnose the problem and offer you effective relief and management tips. 

Gout is a foot condition that requires certain treatment and care. If you are seeking treatment, contact one of our doctors from Intercoastal Medical Group. 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 our offices located in Bradenton, and Sarasota, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Ankle pain while running can affect performance and increase the risk of injury, if not properly addressed. Choosing the right running shoes with good support and cushioning can help reduce stress on the joints. Learning proper running techniques, such as landing softly and maintaining good posture, helps prevent unnecessary strain. Additionally, stretching before and after running improves flexibility and reduces tightness in the muscles and tendons surrounding the ankle. A podiatrist can evaluate your foot structure, gait, and footwear to identify the source of pain and create a personalized treatment or prevention plan. If you have ankle pain and enjoy running, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist who can treat various foot and ankle conditions, enabling you to return to running comfortably and safely.

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 doctors of Intercoastal Medical Group. 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 our offices located in Bradenton, and Sarasota, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Ankle injuries are common in athletes and can range from mild sprains to severe ligament tears or fractures. They often result from sudden twists, awkward landings, or collisions during sports activities. Risk factors include inadequate warmups, wearing poor footwear, previous injuries, and playing on uneven surfaces. These injuries can lead to swelling, pain, instability, and reduced performance, if not treated properly. A podiatrist can provide an expert diagnosis, develop personalized treatment plans, and recommend braces, orthotics, or rehabilitation exercises to promote recovery and prevent reinjury. If ankle pain or instability is affecting your activity, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist to receive professional care, restore strength, and return to athletic activities with confidence and safety.

Ankle pain can be caused by a number of problems and may be potentially serious. If you have ankle pain, consult with one of our doctors from Intercoastal Medical Group. 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 tendonitis
• Achilles tendon rupture
• Stress fractures
• Bursitis
• 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 Bradenton, and Sarasota, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.

Blisters on the lower leg may appear suddenly and often signal more than simple irritation. While friction from shoes or clothing can cause fluid filled pockets, blistering eruptions may also point to underlying conditions. Infections, allergic reactions, burns, and even autoimmune disorders can present with painful or itchy blisters. Because the skin acts as a protective barrier, any break increases the risk of secondary infection, making prompt care important. Keeping the area clean, avoiding further friction, and covering with a sterile dressing can help protect the skin while healing. However, the cause determines the treatment, and self care alone may not resolve the problem. If you develop unexplained or recurring blisters on your lower leg, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist for an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment plan.

Blisters may appear as a single bubble or in a cluster. They can cause a lot of pain and may be filled with pus, blood, or watery serum. If your feet are hurting, contact one of our doctors of Intercoastal Medical Group. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Foot Blisters

Foot blisters are often the result of friction. This happens due to the constant rubbing from shoes, which can 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.

Symptoms

(Blister symptoms may vary depending on what is causing them)

• Bubble of skin filled with fluid
• Redness
• Moderate to severe pain
• Itching

Prevention & Treatment

In order to prevent blisters, you should be sure to wear comfortable shoes with socks that cushion your feet and absorb sweat. Breaking a blister open may increase your chances of developing an infection. However, if your blister breaks, you should wash the area with soap and water immediately and then apply a bandage to the affected area. If your blisters cause severe pain it is important that you call your podiatrist right away.

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