January 2022

When you experience a pain in the joint of your big toe that is accompanied by redness and swelling, you may have a condition known as gout. It is a form of arthritis caused by a buildup of urate in the blood. It ends up producing crystals that form in and around the joints, the most common of which is the joints of the big toe. During a gout flare-up the joint becomes tender, painful, red, hot and swollen. These symptoms can appear overnight, but may take about a week to recede. Gout is more common in older men, especially if they are overweight, eat fat-rich foods, and consume a lot of alcohol. If left untreated, gout can begin to form in other joints. If you think you may be having a flare-up of gout, it is wise to make an appointment with a podiatrist as soon as possible for a proper diagnosis and possible course of treatment.

Gout is a painful condition that can be treated. If you are seeking treatment, contact Dr. Randy Garr from Utah. Our doctor 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 office located in Provo, UT . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Varicose veins are visibly raised and swollen blood vessels beneath the surface of the skin. They are frequently seen on the lower legs, where they can be recognized by their blue, purple, or red coloration. Varicose veins are often a cosmetic concern, but they can also become itchy and painful. They are most common in women, older people, and those who are obese. Varicose veins are caused by a malfunction in the one-way valves in the veins that prevent blood from flowing backwards. Weakness or damage to the valves causes blood to pool in the veins. The pooled blood raises the venous pressure and makes the veins swell and twist. If you have varicose veins in your lower legs that are painful, it is suggested that you seek the care of a podiatrist for diagnosis and a treatment plan. 

While poor circulation itself isn’t a condition; it is a symptom of another underlying health condition you may have. If you have any concerns with poor circulation in your feet contact Dr. Randy Garr of Utah. Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.

Poor Circulation in the Feet

Peripheral artery disease (PAD) can potentially lead to poor circulation in the lower extremities. PAD is a condition that causes the blood vessels and arteries to narrow. In a linked condition called atherosclerosis, the arteries stiffen up due to a buildup of plaque in the arteries and blood vessels. These two conditions can cause a decrease in the amount of blood that flows to your extremities, therefore resulting in pain.

Symptoms

Some of the most common symptoms of poor circulation are:

• Numbness
• Tingling
• Throbbing or stinging pain in limbs
• Pain
• Muscle Cramps

Treatment for poor circulation often depends on the underlying condition that causes it. Methods for treatment may include insulin for diabetes, special exercise programs, surgery for varicose veins, or compression socks for swollen legs.

As always, see a podiatrist as he or she will assist in finding a regimen that suits you. A podiatrist can also prescribe you any needed medication. 

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

Podiatrists treat many types of disorders that cause pain in various parts of the heel. The most common heel pain is caused by plantar fasciitis (inflammation of the plantar fascia tissue), which causes pain on the bottom of the foot. Other common sources of heel pain include a calcaneal (heel bone) fracture, heel pad syndrome (a wearing down of the cushion on the bottom of the heel), nerve entrapment, including tarsal tunnel syndrome (which can also cause tingling, numbness or burning), neuromas (nerve swelling), and Achilles tendinopathy (damage to the tendon that attaches to the heel bone). Growing children may also be prone to Sever’s disease, which is irritation in the growth plate of the heel. If you have heel pain, it is suggested that you see a podiatrist. They will typically begin their evaluation by asking where the pain is located in the heel, along with medical history questions, followed by a physical examination. They may also use various diagnostic tools to determine the underlying cause of your heel pain and how best to treat it.

Many people suffer from bouts of heel pain. For more information, contact Dr. Randy Garr of Utah. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Causes of Heel Pain

Heel pain is often associated with plantar fasciitis. The plantar fascia is a band of tissues that extends along the bottom of the foot. A rip or tear in this ligament can cause inflammation of the tissue.

Achilles tendonitis is another cause of heel pain. Inflammation of the Achilles tendon will cause pain from fractures and muscle tearing. Lack of flexibility is also another symptom.

Heel spurs are another cause of pain. When the tissues of the plantar fascia undergo a great deal of stress, it can lead to ligament separation from the heel bone, causing heel spurs.

Why Might Heel Pain Occur?

• Wearing ill-fitting shoes                  
• Wearing non-supportive shoes
• Weight change           
• Excessive running

Treatments

Heel pain should be treated as soon as possible for immediate results. Keeping your feet in a stress-free environment will help. If you suffer from Achilles tendonitis or plantar fasciitis, applying ice will reduce the swelling. Stretching before an exercise like running will help the muscles. Using all these tips will help make heel pain a condition of the past.

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

There are many issues and injuries that can impact the foot. Therefore, it is important to make sure that you are wearing shoes that fit correctly. Shoes should be comfortable and supportive, while also cushioning the foot. One way to ensure this is to purchase shoes that are specifically made for the physical activity you are doing. Another thing that can be done to ensure that shoes fit correctly is by purchasing them at the end of the day, when our feet are the largest. The toes should be able to comfortably wiggle in the shoes, and the heel should comfortably be gripped. Patients who have more questions about making sure they’re wearing the right shoes should consult with a podiatrist.  

Getting the right shoe size is an important part of proper foot health. Seek the assistance of Dr. Randy Garr from Utah. Our doctor will provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Getting the Right Shoe Size

There are many people who wear shoes that are the incorrect size, negatively affecting their feet and posture. Selecting the right shoes is not a difficult process, so long as you keep several things in mind when it comes to choosing the right pair.

• When visiting the shoe store, use the tools available to measure your foot.
• Be sure there is ‘wiggle room’. There should be about an inch between your toes and the tip of your shoes.
• Do not always assume you are the same size, as manufacturers run differently.
• Purchase shoes later in the day, as your feet swell as the day progresses.
• If a shoe is not comfortable, it is not suitable. Most shoes can’t be ‘broken in’, and comfort should be the ultimate goal when it comes to choosing the right pair of shoes

As our feet hold our body weight and keep us moving, it is important to treat them right. Picking the right pair of shoes can provide your feet comfort and mobility without pain.

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