Gout,  one of the oldest known diseases, is a form of inflammatory arthritis caused by the buildup of uric acid crystals in the joints. It most commonly affects the big toe joint, leading to sudden, intense pain, swelling, redness, and warmth. Risk factors include a diet high in purines, obesity, excessive alcohol intake, certain medications, and family history. Attacks can be severe enough to limit walking and daily activities. A podiatrist can diagnose gout, provide treatment to reduce pain and inflammation, and offer guidance on lifestyle changes to prevent future flare-ups. If you experience sharp pain or swelling in your big toe joint, it is strongly suggested that you are under the care of a podiatrist who can provide an accurate diagnosis and treatment.

Gout is a painful condition that can be treated. If you are seeking treatment, contact Robert Dunne, DPM from Lake Washington Foot and Ankle Center. 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 offices located in Melbourne and Palm Bay, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Toenail fungus is a common infection caused by various fungi, including those responsible for tinea pedis, also known as athlete’s foot, and onychomycosis, which specifically affects the nails. It develops when fungi invade the nail bed or surrounding skin due to warm, moist environments, poor foot hygiene, or minor injuries. Risk factors include wearing tight shoes, excessive sweating, and compromised immune systems. Symptoms include thickened, discolored, brittle, or crumbly nails, and sometimes itching or discomfort. A podiatrist can diagnose the specific type of fungal infection and offer effective treatments such as topical or oral antifungal medications and nail debridement. If you have the beginning symptoms of toenail fungus, it is suggested that you promptly contact a podiatrist who can accurately diagnose the problem and offer effective treatment solutions, which may include prescribed medication.

If left untreated, toenail fungus may spread to other toenails, skin, or even fingernails. If you suspect you have toenail fungus it is important to seek treatment right away. For more information about treatment, contact Robert Dunne, DPM of Lake Washington Foot and Ankle Center. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Symptoms

• Warped or oddly shaped nails
• Yellowish nails
• Loose/separated nail
• Buildup of bits and pieces of nail fragments under the nail
• Brittle, broken, thickened nail

Treatment

If self-care strategies and over-the-counter medications does not help your fungus, your podiatrist may give you a prescription drug instead. Even if you find relief from your toenail fungus symptoms, you may experience a repeat infection in the future.

Prevention

In order to prevent getting toenail fungus in the future, you should always make sure to wash your feet with soap and water. After washing, it is important to dry your feet thoroughly especially in between the toes. When trimming your toenails, be sure to trim straight across instead of in a rounded shape. It is crucial not to cover up discolored nails with nail polish because that will prevent your nail from being able to “breathe”.

In some cases, surgical procedure may be needed to remove the toenail fungus. Consult with your podiatrist about the best treatment options for your case of toenail fungus.  

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our offices located in Melbourne and Palm Bay, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Strong, flexible feet are important for overall stability and daily comfort. Simple foot exercises can help improve balance, prevent injury, and ease discomfort caused by tight muscles or weak foot structures. Activities like toe curls, heel raises, and rolling a ball under the arch can strengthen muscles and improve circulation. Stretching the toes and calves can also help relieve tension that may contribute to common foot problems. Practicing balancing on one foot builds stability and can reduce the risk of falls, especially in older adults. Over time, these exercises support better posture and may ease pressure on the ankles, knees, and hips. Making foot exercises part of your routine can help maintain healthy movement and reduce discomfort. If you experience ongoing pain or have difficulty with balance, it is suggested you schedule a visit with a podiatrist for evaluation and guidance.

Exercising your feet regularly with the proper foot wear is a great way to prevent injuries and build strength. If you have any concerns about your feet, contact Robert Dunne, DPM from Lake Washington Foot and Ankle Center. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Exercise for Your Feet

Exercise for your feet can help you gain strength, mobility and flexibility in your feet. They say that strengthening your feet can be just as rewarding as strengthening another part of the body. Your feet are very important, and we often forget about them in our daily tasks. But it is because of our feet that are we able to get going and do what we need to. For those of us fortunate enough to not have any foot problems, it is an important gesture to take care of them to ensure good health in the long run.

Some foot health exercises can include ankle pumps, tip-toeing, toe rises, lifting off the floor doing reps and sets, and flexing the toes. It is best to speak with Our doctor to determine an appropriate regimen for your needs. Everyone’s needs and bodies are different, and the activities required to maintain strength in the feet vary from individual to individual. 

Once you get into a routine of doing regular exercise, you may notice a difference in your feet and how strong they may become.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our offices located in Melbourne and Palm Bay, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.