April 2024

While often associated with adults, gout can also affect children, although less frequently. Gout is a type of arthritis characterized by sudden and severe episodes of joint pain, swelling, and inflammation, typically in the big toe. This condition arises due to an accumulation of uric acid crystals in the joints, leading to sharp pain and discomfort. In children, gout may occur as a result of genetic factors, metabolic disorders, or taking certain medications. Additionally, lifestyle factors such as poor diet, obesity, and dehydration can contribute to elevated levels of uric acid in the bloodstream, increasing the risk of gout attacks. Children with underlying health conditions, such as kidney disease or leukemia, may also be predisposed to developing gout. Recognizing the symptoms of gout in children, including joint pain, redness, and swelling, is vital for early diagnosis and management. If your child has symptoms of gout, it is strongly suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can offer effective management strategies.

Gout is a painful condition that can be treated. If you are seeking treatment, contact Dr. Randy Garr from Bigfoot Podiatry. 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.

Athletes face a unique challenge when dealing with foot stress fractures, as these injuries can significantly impact their performance and training routines. The journey to recovery often requires patience, diligence, and a strategic approach. Athletes must prioritize rest and allow ample time for the fracture to heal, refraining from activities that aggravate the injury. Cross-training activities that minimize the impact on the feet, such as swimming or cycling, can help maintain cardiovascular fitness while reducing stress on the injured foot. Additionally, adhering to a balanced diet rich in calcium and vitamin D promotes bone strength and aids in the healing process. Collaborating closely with podiatrists ensures personalized treatment plans tailored to the athlete's specific needs. If you have endured a foot stress fracture from participating in sporting activities or from an injury, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can help you manage this condition.

Activities where too much pressure is put on the feet can cause stress fractures. To learn more, contact Dr. Randy Garr from Bigfoot Podiatry. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep your pain free and on your feet.

Dealing with Stress Fractures of the Foot and Ankle

Stress fractures occur in the foot and ankle when muscles in these areas weaken from too much or too little use.  The feet and ankles then lose support when walking or running from the impact of the ground. Since there is no protection, the bones receive the full impact of each step. Stress on the feet can cause cracks to form in the bones, thus creating stress fractures.

What Are Stress Fractures?

Stress fractures occur frequently in individuals whose daily activities cause great impact on the feet and ankles. Stress factors are most common among:

• Runners                                  
• People affected with Osteoporosis
• Tennis or basketball players
• Gymnasts
• High impact workouts

Symptoms

Pain from the fractures occur in the area of the fractures and can be constant or intermittent. It will often cause sharp or dull pain with swelling and tenderness. Engaging in any kind of activity which involves high impact will aggravate 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 and ankle needs.

Measuring shoe size accurately at home ensures a comfortable and well-fitting footwear choice. Begin by gathering a piece of paper, a pen or pencil, a ruler or tape measure, and the pair of socks you intend to wear with the shoes. Place the paper flat on the floor against a wall and stand on it with your heel against the wall. With the pen or pencil held perpendicular to the paper, trace the outline of your foot. Use the ruler or tape measure to measure the longest distance from the heel to the tip of your longest toe. Repeat this process for the other foot as sizes may differ slightly. Compare the measurements to a shoe size chart available online or from shoe retailers to determine your correct size. Foot size may change over time, so it is advisable to measure periodically, especially before making new shoe purchases. If you have developed foot conditions from wearing shoes that do not fit well, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist who can offer you treatment options, in addition to providing additional information about how to obtain the right shoe size.

It is important to find shoes that fit you properly in order to avoid a variety of different foot problems. For more information about treatment, contact Dr. Randy Garr from Bigfoot Podiatry. Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.

Proper Shoe Fitting

Shoes have many different functions. They cushion our body weight, protect our feet, and allow us to safely play sports. You should always make sure that the shoes you wear fit you properly in order to avoid injuries and deformities such as: bunions, corns, calluses, hammertoes, plantar fasciitis, stress fractures, and more. It is important to note that although a certain pair of shoes might be a great fit for someone else, that doesn’t mean they will be a great fit for you. This is why you should always try on shoes before buying them to make sure they are worth the investment. Typically, shoes need to be replaced ever six months to one year of regular use.

Tips for Proper Shoe Fitting

• Select a shoe that is shaped like your foot
• Don’t buy shoes that fit too tight, expecting them to stretch to fit
• Make sure there is enough space (3/8” to ½”) for your longest toe at the end of each shoe when you are standing up
• Walk in the shoes to make sure they fit and feel right
• Don’t select shoes by the size marked inside the shoe, but by how the shoe fits your foot

The shoes you buy should always feel as good as they look. Shoes that fit properly will last longer, feel better, and improve your way of life each day.

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.

Foot blisters are often uncomfortable, and arise from various factors that warrant attention for prevention and management. Friction is a primary reason, occurring when repeated rubbing or pressure against the skin creates a separation between the layers of the skin, leading to fluid accumulation and blister formation. Wearing ill-fitting footwear, particularly shoes that are too tight or loose, can cause friction and increase the risk of blisters. Additionally, excessive moisture, such as sweat or wet conditions, softens the skin, making it more susceptible to friction-induced blisters. Activities that involve repetitive movements, like running or hiking, further heighten the likelihood of developing blisters. Moreover, certain foot deformities or abnormalities, such as bunions or hammertoes, may predispose individuals to blister formation due to altered pressure distribution. If you have developed foot blisters, it is suggested that you confer with a podiatrist who can offer effective treatment and prevention techniques.

Blisters are prone to making everyday activities extremely uncomfortable. If your feet are hurting, contact Dr. Randy Garr of Bigfoot Podiatry. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Foot Blisters

Foot blisters develop as a result of constantly wearing tight or ill-fitting footwear. This happens due to the constant rubbing from the shoe, which can often 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.

How Do Blisters Form?

Blisters on the feet are often the result of constant friction of skin and material, usually by shoe rubbing. Walking in sandals, boots, or shoes that don’t fit properly for long periods of time can result in a blister. Having consistent foot moisture and humidity can easily lead to blister formation.

Prevention & Treatment

It is important to properly care for the affected area in order to prevent infection and ease the pain. Do not lance the blister and use a Band-Aid to provide pain relief. Also, be sure to keep your feet dry and wear proper fitting shoes. If you see blood or pus in a blister, seek assistance from a podiatrist.

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.

Baseball, a sport known for its agility and athleticism, can exert significant strain on the feet and ankles of players. The repetitive motions involved in running, pivoting, and sliding can lead to various foot and ankle injuries. Ankle sprains are a common occurrence, resulting from sudden twists or turns during gameplay. Additionally, the forceful impact of running and jumping can cause stress fractures in the feet, particularly in the metatarsal bones. Baseball players are also susceptible to conditions like plantar fasciitis due to the repetitive stress placed on the arches while running and batting. Furthermore, cleats worn during gameplay can contribute to foot discomfort and blisters, especially if not properly fitted or worn for extended periods. To manage these risks, it is helpful for players to prioritize proper warm-up routines, wear supportive footwear, and seek prompt medical attention for any signs of injury to ensure optimal foot and ankle health throughout their baseball careers. If you have endured a foot or ankle injury while playing baseball, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist who can properly treat an array of foot conditions.

Sports related foot and ankle injuries require proper treatment before players can go back to their regular routines. For more information, contact Dr. Randy Garr of Bigfoot Podiatry. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Sports Related Foot and Ankle Injuries

Foot and ankle injuries are a common occurrence when it comes to athletes of any sport. While many athletes dismiss the initial aches and pains, the truth is that ignoring potential foot and ankle injuries can lead to serious problems. As athletes continue to place pressure and strain the area further, a mild injury can turn into something as serious as a rupture and may lead to a permanent disability. There are many factors that contribute to sports related foot and ankle injuries, which include failure to warm up properly, not providing support or wearing bad footwear. Common injuries and conditions athletes face, including:

• Plantar Fasciitis
• Plantar Fasciosis
• Achilles Tendinitis
• Achilles Tendon Rupture
• Ankle Sprains

Sports related injuries are commonly treated using the RICE method. This includes rest, applying ice to the injured area, compression and elevating the ankle. More serious sprains and injuries may require surgery, which could include arthroscopic and reconstructive surgery. Rehabilitation and therapy may also be required in order to get any recovering athlete to become fully functional again. Any unusual aches and pains an athlete sustains must be evaluated by a licensed, reputable medical professional.

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 and ankle needs.