Gout is a type of arthritis caused by the buildup of uric acid crystals in the joints, leading to sudden pain and inflammation. Common symptoms include intense pain, swelling, redness, and warmth, often beginning in the big toe. The big toe is frequently affected because it is the coolest part of the body, allowing uric acid crystals to form more easily. Over time, untreated gout can cause persistent arthritis and limit joint movement. A podiatrist can diagnose gout, provide pain relief, and create a treatment plan to prevent flare-ups. If you have pain in your big toe it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can diagnose the problem and offer you effective relief and management tips. 

Gout is a foot condition that requires certain treatment and care. If you are seeking treatment, contact one of our podiatrists from Metro Foot & Ankle. Our doctors 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 Tempe, AZ . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Morton’s neuroma, also called a plantar digital neuroma, is a painful condition caused by the thickening of tissue around a nerve between the toes, most commonly between the third and fourth toes. It often develops from pressure, irritation, or injury to the nerve. Risk factors include wearing tight shoes or high heels, engaging in high-impact sports, and having foot deformities, such as flat feet or high arches. Many people notice symptoms that may include sharp, burning pain in the ball of the foot, tingling, or the feeling of a pebble inside the shoe. A podiatrist can provide an accurate diagnosis, orthotic support, and treatment options to relieve pain and prevent recurrence. If you have pain in this part of your foot, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist who can provide effective treatment solutions.

Morton’s neuroma is a very uncomfortable condition to live with. If you think you have Morton’s neuroma, contact one of our podiatrists of Metro Foot & Ankle. Our doctors will attend to all of your foot care needs and answer any of your related questions.  

Morton’s Neuroma

Morton's neuroma is a painful foot condition that commonly affects the areas between the second and third or third and fourth toe, although other areas of the foot are also susceptible. Morton’s neuroma is caused by an inflamed nerve in the foot that is being squeezed and aggravated by surrounding bones.

What Increases the Chances of Having Morton’s Neuroma?

• Ill-fitting high heels or shoes that add pressure to the toe or foot
• Jogging, running or any sport that involves constant impact to the foot
• Flat feet, bunions, and any other foot deformities

Morton’s neuroma is a very treatable condition. Orthotics and shoe inserts can often be used to alleviate the pain on the forefront of the feet. In more severe cases, corticosteroids can also be prescribed. In order to figure out the best treatment for your neuroma, it’s recommended to seek the care of a podiatrist who can diagnose your condition and provide different treatment options.

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

External fixators play a vital role in treating ankle and foot injuries by providing stability from a biomechanical perspective. External fixators are special devices that help treat serious ankle and foot injuries. They work like an outside frame, using pins and rods to keep broken bones steady and in the right position. By holding the bones still, the fixator takes pressure off the injured area, prevents harmful movement, and gives the foot a better chance to heal. This support also helps keep the joints balanced so patients can move more normally once recovery begins. A podiatrist carefully places the fixator and monitors the healing process. They guide rehabilitation to restore strength, flexibility, and mobility while lowering the risk of problems. With this expert care, patients can safely return to daily activities with more confidence. If you are dealing with an ankle or foot injury, it is suggested that you see a podiatrist to find out if external fixation is the right treatment for you.

Foot surgery is sometimes necessary to treat a foot ailment. To learn more, contact one of our podiatrists of Metro Foot & Ankle. Our doctors 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 our office located in Tempe, AZ . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Flat feet, also known as pes planus, occur when the arches of the feet collapse and allow the entire sole to touch the ground. This condition can be present at birth or develop later in life due to aging, injury, obesity, or chronic conditions such as arthritis. Many people with flat feet experience no symptoms, but others may develop pain in the midfoot, arch, or inner ankle, often made worse by activity. Swelling along the inside of the foot or ankle is common, and over time the instability can affect gait and make standing on the toes difficult. Flat feet are often linked to overpronation, where the foot rolls inward excessively, placing strain on the tendons and ligaments of the foot and ankle. A podiatrist can perform a thorough exam, order imaging, if needed, and recommend treatment options that may include orthotics or, in severe cases, surgery. If you are suffering from foot or ankle pain related to flat feet, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for relief and management tips.

Flatfoot is a condition many people suffer from. If you have flat feet, contact one of our podiatrists from Metro Foot & Ankle. Our doctors will treat your foot and ankle needs.

What Are Flat Feet?

Flatfoot is a condition in which the arch of the foot is depressed and the sole of the foot is almost completely in contact with the ground. About 20-30% of the population generally has flat feet because their arches never formed during growth.

Conditions & Problems:

Having flat feet makes it difficult to run or walk because of the stress placed on the ankles.

Alignment – The general alignment of your legs can be disrupted, because the ankles move inward which can cause major discomfort.

Knees – If you have complications with your knees, flat feet can be a contributor to arthritis in that area.  

Symptoms

• Pain around the heel or arch area
• Trouble standing on the tip toe
• Swelling around the inside of the ankle
• Flat look to one or both feet
• Having your shoes feel uneven when worn

Treatment

If you are experiencing pain and stress on the foot you may weaken the posterior tibial tendon, which runs around the inside of the ankle. 

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