Gout, a form of inflammatory arthritis, develops when there is an excess buildup of uric acid in the body, leading to the formation of needle-like crystals in the joints. The primary cause of gout lies in the body's inability to metabolize uric acid efficiently, resulting in its accumulation. Dietary factors, such as consuming purine-rich foods like organ meats and certain seafood contribute to elevated uric acid levels. Additionally, genetic predispositions and underlying health conditions, such as kidney dysfunction, may increase the risk of gout. Diagnosis involves a comprehensive examination by podiatrists, considering symptoms like sudden, intense joint pain, swelling, and redness. Blood tests may be conducted to measure uric acid levels, and imaging studies such as X-rays or ultrasound can aid in visualizing joint damage. If you have been afflicted with gout, it is strongly suggested that you are under the care of a podiatrist who can help you to successfully manage this condition.

Gout is a foot condition that requires certain treatment and care. If you are seeking treatment, contact Peter Siroka, DPM from Connecticut. 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 Stamford, CT . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Hammertoe, a common toe deformity, occurs when there is an imbalance in the muscles, tendons, or ligaments responsible for keeping the toe straight. This leads to a bending or curling of the toe, resembling a hammer. Identifying hammertoe involves a comprehensive understanding of its characteristic symptoms, which include abnormal bending at the joints, corns or calluses due to friction against footwear, and discomfort during movement. Diagnosing hammertoe typically begins with a physical examination by a podiatrist who assesses the toe's appearance and mobility. An X-ray may be employed to determine the severity and underlying causes, such as arthritis or joint inflammation. Timely recognition allows for tailored interventions, ranging from lifestyle adjustments to surgical options, ensuring effective management and relief from the challenges posed by hammertoe. If you are afflicted with hammertoe, it is strongly suggested that you are under the care of a podiatrist who can determine the best course of treatment for you.

Hammertoes can be a painful condition to live with. For more information, contact Peter Siroka, DPM of Connecticut. Our doctor will answer any of your foot- and ankle-related questions.

Hammertoe

Hammertoe is a foot deformity that occurs due to an imbalance in the muscles, tendons, or ligaments that normally hold the toe straight. It can be caused by the type of shoes you wear, your foot structure, trauma, and certain disease processes.

Symptoms

• Painful and/or difficult toe movement
• Swelling
• Joint stiffness
• Calluses/Corns
• Physical deformity

Risk Factors

• Age – The risk of hammertoe increases with age
• Sex – Women are more likely to have hammertoe compared to men
• Toe Length – You are more likely to develop hammertoe if your second toe is longer than your big toe
• Certain Diseases – Arthritis and diabetes may make you more likely to develop hammertoe

Treatment

If you have hammertoe, you should change into a more comfortable shoe that provides enough room for your toes. Exercises such as picking up marbles may strengthen and stretch your toe muscles. Nevertheless, it is important to seek assistance from a podiatrist in order to determine the severity of your hammertoe and see which treatment option will work best for you.

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

Heel fissures, or cracked skin on the heels, develop when the feet lack adequate moisture. This can lead to the development of painful cracks and dry patches on the outer edge of the heels. While heel fissures are often perceived as a cosmetic concern, they can escalate into more serious health conditions, underscoring the importance of timely treatment. Common causes of heel fissures include wearing open-backed shoes, living in dry climates, walking barefoot, obesity, and having inactive sweat glands. In cases of persistent or severe fissures, seeking professional help from a podiatrist is suggested. Treatment measures can provide a comprehensive approach to alleviate discomfort and expedite the healing process. The danger of heel fissures is particularly important for diabetic people and patients with neuropathy and should not be ignored. If you have developed seriously cracked heels that are bleeding or may have become infected, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist as quickly as possible for an exam and treatment. 

If the skin on your feet starts to crack, you may want to see a podiatrist to find treatment. If you have any concerns, contact Peter Siroka, DPM from Connecticut. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Cracked Heels

It is important to moisturize your cracked heels in order to prevent pain, bleeding, and infection. The reason cracked heels form is because the skin on the foot is too dry to support the immense pressure placed on them. When the foot expands, the dry skin on the foot begins to split.

Ways to Help Heal Them

• Invest in a good foot cream
• Try Using Petroleum Jelly
• Ease up on Soaps
• Drink Plenty of Water

Ways to Prevent Cracked Heels

• Moisturize After Showering
• Skip a Shower
• Keep Shower Water Lukewarm
• Don’t Scrub Your Feet

If you are unsure how to proceed in treating cracked heels, seek guidance from a podiatrist. Your doctor will help you with any questions or information you may need. 

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

Ensuring your feet are in top shape is paramount for athletes who aim to maximize their performance. Here are a few tips that can help athletes avoid injuries. When selecting workout shoes, prioritize support, stability, and cushioning. Avoid wearing ill-fitting options that may look pretty but can cause discomfort, pain, and pressure. Take the time to try different types and sizes until you find the perfect pair. Enhance protection with blister prevention spray for added comfort during workouts. Socks are more than just an accessory. Choose moisture-wicking options to keep feet clean and dry, thus preventing exposure to fungus and bacteria. To prevent foot injuries, be mindful of overexertion and listen to your body's limits. Incorporate strengthening exercises like yoga or try toe stretchers for a relaxing foot yoga session. Proactively address foot pain with gentle stretches, warm-ups, and cool-downs. Maintain foot hygiene by washing and drying your feet daily, using cleansing towelettes, and spritzing with odor elimination spray pre- and post-workout. If you are experiencing foot or ankle problems related to sports or exercise, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist.

All runners should take extra precaution when trying to avoid injury. If you have any concerns about your feet, contact Peter Siroka, DPM of Connecticut. Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.

How to Prevent Running Injuries

There are a lot of mistakes a runner can make prior to a workout that can induce injury. A lot of athletes tend to overstretch before running, instead of saving those workouts for a post-run routine. Deep lunges and hand-to-toe hamstring pulls should be performed after a workout instead of during a warmup. Another common mistake is jumping into an intense routine before your body is physically prepared for it. You should try to ease your way into long-distance running instead of forcing yourself to rush into it.

More Tips for Preventing Injury

• Incorporate Strength Training into Workouts - This will help improve the body’s overall athleticism
• Improve and Maintain Your Flexibility – Stretching everyday will help improve overall performance
• “Warm Up” Before Running and “Cool Down” Afterward – A warm up of 5-10 minutes helps get rid of lactic acid in the muscles and prevents delayed muscle soreness
• Cross-Training is Crucial
• Wear Proper Running Shoes
• Have a Formal Gait Analysis – Poor biomechanics can easily cause injury

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