Gout is a form of arthritis that develops when excess uric acid in the body leads to crystal deposits in the joints. Gout often affects the big toe, ankle, or other foot joints, which can cause intense pain, redness, and swelling. Acute attacks occur suddenly, often at night, while chronic gout may result in large, painful tophi forming around the joints. Treatment for gout focuses on reducing pain, preventing future attacks, and protecting joint health. A podiatrist can evaluate your foot and ankle symptoms, recommend medications to manage inflammation and uric acid levels, and suggest footwear modifications to reduce joint stress. In severe cases, surgery may be required to remove large tophi or repair joint damage. Dietary and lifestyle changes, such as reducing alcohol intake and avoiding high-purine foods, can also help lower uric acid levels and decrease the frequency of attacks. Staying hydrated and maintaining a healthy weight may further support joint health. If you have toe or ankle pain that may be related to gout, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for an exam and appropriate treatment solutions.

Gout is a painful condition that can be treated. If you are seeking treatment, contact one of our podiatrists from Houston Foot and Ankle Care. Our doctors 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 Inner Loop, Southwest, Greater Heights, and Pearland, TX . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Ankle pain can arise from various conditions like sprains, arthritis, or tendonitis. A sprained ankle occurs when the ligaments are stretched or torn, causing swelling, bruising, and sharp pain, particularly when walking or standing. Arthritis can cause joint pain, stiffness, and swelling, often worse in the morning or after prolonged activity. Tendonitis happens when the tendons surrounding the ankle become inflamed, leading to pain, especially during movement or exercise. Depending on the cause, ankle pain can feel sharp, dull, or achy, and may limit your ability to walk or be active. Treatment options include rest, targeted exercises, anti-inflammatory medications, or custom orthotics. In more severe cases, a podiatrist may suggest injections or surgery to repair damaged tissues. This type of doctor can provide a precise diagnosis and create a treatment plan tailored to your needs, helping you regain mobility and reduce pain. If you are struggling with ankle pain, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrst for appropriate treatment solutios.

Ankle pain can be caused by a number of problems and may be potentially serious. If you have ankle pain, consult with one of our podiatrists from Houston Foot and Ankle Care. Our doctors will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

Ankle pain is any condition that causes pain in the ankle. Due to the fact that the ankle consists of tendons, muscles, bones, and ligaments, ankle pain can come from a number of different conditions.

Causes

The most common causes of ankle pain include:

• Types of arthritis (rheumatoid, osteoarthritis, and gout)
• Ankle sprains
• Broken ankles
• Achilles tendonitis
• Achilles tendon rupture
• Stress fractures
• Bursitis
• Tarsal tunnel syndrome
• Plantar fasciitis

Symptoms

Symptoms of ankle injury vary based upon the condition. Pain may include general pain and discomfort, swelling, aching, redness, bruising, burning or stabbing sensations, and/or loss of sensation.

Diagnosis

Due to the wide variety of potential causes of ankle pain, podiatrists will utilize a number of different methods to properly diagnose ankle pain. This can include asking for personal and family medical histories and of any recent injuries. Further diagnosis may include sensation tests, a physical examination, and potentially x-rays or other imaging tests.

Treatment

Just as the range of causes varies widely, so do treatments. Some more common treatments are rest, ice packs, keeping pressure off the foot, orthotics and braces, medication for inflammation and pain, and surgery.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our offices located in Inner Loop, Southwest, Greater Heights, and Pearland, TX . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Standing for long hours at work can lead to foot pain, swelling, and fatigue. Over time, it may cause conditions like plantar fasciitis, Achilles tendonitis, bunions, or ankle instability. To prevent discomfort, wear supportive shoes with cushioning and arch support. Custom orthotics can help distribute pressure evenly. Taking short breaks to stretch and shift weight between feet can reduce strain. Standing on anti-fatigue mats provides extra cushioning, while compression socks help improve circulation and reduce swelling. Regular foot exercises, such as toe stretches and calf raises, can strengthen muscles and improve flexibility. Maintaining a healthy weight also reduces stress on the feet. If pain persists despite these efforts, it may indicate an underlying issue. If you have chronic pain, swelling, or numbness in your feet, it is suggested that you see a podiatrist for effective relief and treatment tips.

While working on the feet, it is important to take the proper care of them. For more information about working on your feet, contact one of our podiatrists from Houston Foot and Ankle Care. Our doctors will treat your foot and ankle needs.

Working on Your Feet

Standing on your feet for long periods of time can cause stress and pain in your feet. Your whole body may experience change in terms of posture, back pain, bunions, callouses and or plantar warts. There are ways to avoid these conditions with proper foot care, smart choices and correct posture.

Positive Changes

Negative heeled shoe – Choosing this shoe type places the heel slightly lower than the ball of the foot. These are great for overall foot health. Find shoes that fit you correctly.

Go barefoot – Our feet were not designed to be enclosed for all hours of the day. Try to periodically expose your feet to air.

Eliminate Pain

Foot Exercises – Performing simple exercises, incorporating yoga and doing stretches are beneficial. This will allow increased blood flow to the area and muscles of the foot.

Achilles tendon – Stretching the foot out flat on the floor will relax the calf muscles and tendon. These exercises can be performed almost anywhere. Make sure you add these exercises to your daily regimen. 

With a little bit of this information and knowing more about foot health, you will notice changes. Foot stretches and proper footwear will help with pain and prevent further issues.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our offices located in Inner Loop, Southwest, Greater Heights, and Pearland, TX . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.