November 2024

Gout is a form of arthritis caused by the buildup of uric acid crystals in the joints. It often affects the big toe, but can also impact other joints such as the knees, ankles, and wrists. A gout attack typically comes on suddenly, causing intense pain, swelling, and redness in the affected joint. These flare-ups may occur after consuming foods high in purines, such as red meat, seafood, and alcohol, which increase uric acid levels in the blood. Other risk factors include obesity, dehydration, and certain medications. To diagnose gout, a doctor may examine the affected joint, perform blood tests to check uric acid levels or take a sample of fluid from the joint to look for uric acid crystals under a microscope. If you are suffering from gout, it is suggested that you contact a podiatrist who can offer you effective relief and prevention methods.

Gout is a foot condition that requires certain treatment and care. If you are seeking treatment, contact Dr. Michael A. Wood from Foot Health Institute. 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 offices located in Lansing, and Chicago, IL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Bunions develop when the bones of the big toe shift, leading to a noticeable, often painful, bump on the side of the toe. People with bunions may first notice a bony protrusion at the base of the big toe, which can gradually enlarge, causing discomfort, especially while wearing narrow or tight shoes. Over time, a bunion may lead to additional symptoms such as redness from friction, calluses, and even stiffness in the toe, which restricts movement. Pain can be persistent or intermittent, especially with weight-bearing activities like walking. The affected toe might also deviate toward the neighboring toes, which can further alter the foot’s shape and increase pain. Bunions are commonly associated with wearing tight-fitting shoes, genetics, or both. A podiatrist can assess the level of severity and provide guidance on appropriate footwear, orthotics, and other treatments. In severe cases, surgery may be recommended to relieve discomfort and restore mobility. If you have a painful bunion, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for an exam and treatment.

If you are suffering from bunions, contact Dr. Michael A. Wood of Foot Health Institute. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

What Is a Bunion?

A bunion is formed of swollen tissue or an enlargement of boney growth, usually located at the base joint of the toe that connects to the foot. The swelling occurs due to the bones in the big toe shifting inward, which impacts the other toes of the foot. This causes the area around the base of the big toe to become inflamed and painful.

Why Do Bunions Form?

Genetics – Susceptibility to bunions are often hereditary

Stress on the feet – Poorly fitted and uncomfortable footwear that places stress on feet, such as heels, can worsen existing bunions

How Are Bunions Diagnosed?

Doctors often perform two tests – blood tests and x-rays – when trying to diagnose bunions, especially in the early stages of development. Blood tests help determine if the foot pain is being caused by something else, such as arthritis, while x-rays provide a clear picture of your bone structure to your doctor.

How Are Bunions Treated?

• Refrain from wearing heels or similar shoes that cause discomfort
• Select wider shoes that can provide more comfort and reduce pain
• Anti-inflammatory and pain management drugs
• Orthotics or foot inserts
• Surgery

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

Ankle sprains are among the most frequent injuries seen in sports and daily activities. This injury occurs when the ligaments that stabilize the ankle are stretched or torn, usually from a sudden twisting or awkward rolling of the ankle. Athletes involved in sports that require rapid changes in direction, such as soccer or basketball, are at a higher risk. Previous ankle sprains increase this risk, especially if athletes return to their sport too quickly. Symptoms often include a snapping or cracking sound, followed by pain, swelling, and sometimes bruising, making it hard to walk. A podiatrist can evaluate the severity of the ankle sprain, provide support for the ankle, and guide recovery through strengthening exercises. This not only helps in treating the sprain itself, but also in preventing future injuries by improving stability and balance. If you have sprained your ankle, it is suggested that you make an emergency appointment with a podiatrist for treatment.

Ankle sprains are common but need immediate attention. If you need your feet checked, contact Dr. Michael A. Wood from Foot Health Institute. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

How Does an Ankle Sprain Occur?

Ankle sprains take place when the ligaments in your ankle are torn or stretched beyond their limits. There are multiple ways that the ankle can become injured, including twisting or rolling over onto your ankle, putting undue stress on it, or causing trauma to the ankle itself.

What Are the Symptoms?

• Mild to moderate bruising
• Limited mobility
• Swelling
• Discoloration of the skin (depending on severity)

Preventing a Sprain

• Wearing appropriate shoes for the occasion
• Stretching before exercises and sports
• Knowing your limits

Treatment of a Sprain

Treatment of a sprain depends on the severity.  Many times, people are told to rest and remain off their feet completely, while others are given an air cast. If the sprain is very severe, surgery may be required.

If you have suffered an ankle sprain previously, you may want to consider additional support such as a brace and regular exercises to strengthen the ankle.

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

Surgery for ingrown toenails is often necessary when conservative treatments fail to alleviate the pain and discomfort caused by the condition. Ingrown toenails occur when the edge of a toenail grows into the surrounding skin, typically affecting the big toe. This can lead to redness, swelling, severe pain and sometimes infection. A podiatrist can assess the severity of your ingrown toenail and may recommend a surgical procedure to remove part or all of the affected nail. In some cases, a portion of the nail’s matrix, or root, may also be removed to prevent regrowth. The procedure, which is usually done under local anesthesia, helps reduce the chances of recurrence. After surgery, patients are given guidelines for post-operative care to ensure proper healing and reduce the risk of infection. If you have developed a severely ingrown toenail, it is suggested that you promptly schedule an appointment with a podiatrist to see if nail removal is right for you.

Foot surgery is sometimes necessary to treat a foot ailment. To learn more, contact Dr. Michael A. Wood of Foot Health Institute. Our doctor will assist you with all of your foot and ankle needs.

When Is Surgery Necessary?

Foot and ankle surgery is generally reserved for cases in which less invasive, conservative procedures have failed to alleviate the problem. Some of the cases in which surgery may be necessary include:

• Removing foot deformities like bunions and bone spurs
• Severe arthritis that has caused bone issues
• Cosmetic reconstruction

What Types of Surgery Are There?

The type of surgery you receive will depend on the nature of the problem you have. Some of the possible surgeries include:

• Bunionectomy for painful bunions
• Surgical fusion for realignment of bones
• Neuropathy decompression surgery to treat nerve damage

Benefits of Surgery

Although surgery is usually a last resort, it can provide more complete pain relief compared to non-surgical methods and may allow you to finally resume full activity.

Surgical techniques have also become increasingly sophisticated. Techniques like endoscopic surgery allow for smaller incisions and faster recovery times.

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