What is Gout?

Gout is a form of inflammatory arthritis caused by a buildup of uric acid crystals within a joint. It most commonly affects the big toe, although other joints in the foot and ankle can be involved. One of the key signs of gout is sudden, intense pain that often begins at night. The joint may become red, swollen, warm, and extremely tender to the touch. Even the pressure of a bedsheet can feel unbearable. The skin over the area may appear tight or shiny, and walking can become very difficult. Gout attacks can last several days and may return if the underlying uric acid levels are not controlled. Risk factors include diet, dehydration, certain medications, and family history. A podiatrist can evaluate the painful joint, review medical history, and coordinate testing to confirm the diagnosis. Treatment focuses on reducing inflammation and preventing future attacks. If you have signs of gout, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist for proper evaluation and care.

Gout is a foot condition that requires certain treatment and care. If you are seeking treatment, contact Lesly Honore, MD, DPM from New York. 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 our office located in Hempstead, NY . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

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Heel Pain Can Be Treated!

Do you suffer from heel pain when you get up in the morning? If so, you should seek professional help and have a proper diagnosis performed. Heel pain can be caused by several different foot-related conditions.

Broken Toe Facts and When to Seek Care

A broken toe is a fracture of one of the small bones in the toe, often caused by direct trauma or excessive force. This injury may occur from stubbing the toe, dropping a heavy object on the foot, or experiencing a sports-related accident. Common symptoms include sharp pain, swelling, bruising, tenderness, and difficulty walking. In some cases, the toe may appear misaligned or feel stiff. Diagnosis is typically made through a physical examination and confirmed with an X-ray to determine the extent of the fracture. A podiatrist can provide proper treatment, stabilization, and guidance for healing. If you have sustained a toe injury, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can provide an accurate diagnosis and effective treatment solutions.

A broken toe can be very painful and lead to complications if not properly fixed. If you have any concerns about your feet, contact Lesly Honore, MD, DPM from New York. 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 our office located in Hempstead, NY . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

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Understanding Types of Lisfranc Injuries

A Lisfranc injury involves the midfoot joints and ligaments that connect the forefoot to the arch, an area responsible for stability during standing and walking. Injuries range from mild to severe and may include ligament sprains, fractures of the midfoot bones, or joint dislocations. A sprain develops when supporting ligaments stretch or tear, while fractures and dislocations disturb normal bone alignment. This joint complex provides stability rather than movement, making proper healing important. Causes include low-energy twisting injuries such as slips or falls, as well as high-impact trauma. Sports that require pushing off or contact place added stress on the midfoot. More serious injuries are often linked to car accidents, falls from height, or crush injuries, and can lead to chronic pain, arthritis, or foot deformity. If you have symptoms of a Lisfranc injury in your foot, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist for help.

Foot Pain

Foot pain can be extremely painful and debilitating. If you have a foot pain, consult with Lesly Honore, MD, DPM from New York. Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

Causes

Foot pain is a very broad condition that could be caused by one or more ailments. The most common include:

  • Bunions
  • Hammertoes
  • Plantar Fasciitis
  • Bone Spurs
  • Corns
  • Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome
  • Ingrown Toenails
  • Arthritis (such as Gout, Rheumatoid, and Osteoarthritis)
  • Flat Feet
  • Injury (from stress fractures, broken toe, foot, ankle, Achilles tendon ruptures, and sprains)
  • And more

Diagnosis

To figure out the cause of foot pain, podiatrists utilize several different methods. This 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

Treatment depends upon the cause of the foot pain. Whether it is resting, staying off the foot, or having surgery; podiatrists have a number of treatment options available for foot pain.

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

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When Swelling in the Feet Tells a Bigger Story

Swelling of the feet occurs when excess fluid builds up in the tissues. It is often linked to underlying medical conditions, circulation problems, prolonged standing, or pregnancy. Symptoms include puffiness, tight skin, aching, and a heavy sensation that worsens as the day goes on. The feet may look enlarged or shiny, and pressing on the skin can leave a temporary indentation. This swelling can feel uncomfortable or painful and may limit movement or make shoes feel tight. A podiatrist can help by beginning with a thorough evaluation to determine the cause, including reviewing medical history and ordering imaging or other tests when needed. Treatment may focus on reducing fluid buildup through lifestyle guidance, compression support, and targeted exercises to improve circulation. Ongoing care helps protect skin health and prevent complications. If you have swelling of the feet, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist.

Swollen feet can be a sign of an underlying condition. If you have any concerns, contact Lesly Honore, MD, DPM of New York. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Swollen feet are a common ailment among pregnant women and people who stand or sit for extended periods. Aging may increase the possibility of swollen feet and patients who are obese often notice when their feet are swelling too. There may be medical reasons why swollen feet occur:

  • Phlebitis - A condition that causes the veins to become inflamed and can also cause leg pain.
  • Liver disease - This may lead to low blood levels of albumin which is a protein. This can cause fluid in the blood to pass into the tissues and several areas of the body can become swollen.
  • Heart failure - When the heart doesn’t pump properly the blood that is normally pumped back to the heart can pool in the veins of the legs causing swollen feet.
  • Kidney disease - One of the main functions of the kidneys is releasing excess fluid in the body. This type of condition can make it difficult for the kidneys to function properly, and as a result the feet may become swollen.
  • Deep-vein thrombosis (DVT)- This is a serious condition where blood clots form in the veins of the legs. They can block the return of blood from the legs to the heart which may cause the feet to swell. It is important to be treated by a podiatrist if this condition is present.

Swollen feet can also be caused by bone and tendon conditions, including fractures, arthritis, and tendinitis. Additionally, there may be skin and toenail conditions and an infection may cause the feet to swell. Patients who take medicine to treat high blood pressure may be prone to getting swollen feet. 

Many patients elevate their feet to help relieve the swelling and this is generally a temporary remedy. When a podiatrist is consulted the reason behind the swelling can be uncovered and subsequently treated.

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

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