December 2023

Gout is a form of arthritis characterized by painful, inflamed joints. It typically affects the joints in the big toe but can occur in other joints as well. Gout is primarily caused by the buildup of uric acid crystals in the affected joints. While gout was historically associated with rich diets, today, gout can affect anyone, regardless of social status. However, certain factors can increase one's vulnerability. Men are more susceptible than women, with an increased risk after the age of 30. A family history of gout can also predispose individuals. Lifestyle choices, such as consuming purine-rich foods, excessive alcohol consumption, and obesity, can contribute to higher uric acid levels, thereby increasing the risk of developing gout. Understanding the definition of gout and its risk factors is essential for early diagnosis and effective management. If you suspect you may be prone to gout or are experiencing symptoms, it is suggested that you contact a podiatrist who can properly diagnose this condition, and offer appropriate treatment and relief choices.

Gout is a painful condition that can be treated. If you are seeking treatment, contact one of our podiatrists from Grobowski Foot & Ankle. 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 one of our offices located in Bellevue, Seattle, and Issaquah, WA, . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

During pregnancy, many women experience changes in their bodies, including foot size growth. This phenomenon is primarily attributed to hormonal changes and increased fluid retention. The hormone relaxin, which helps to relax the ligaments in the pelvis for childbirth, can also affect the ligaments in the feet, leading to an increase in foot size. When it comes to addressing foot size changes during pregnancy, consulting a podiatrist can be beneficial. A podiatrist specializes in diagnosing and treating foot and ankle issues, in addition to providing guidance on managing foot discomfort and swelling during pregnancy. If you have foot-related concerns during pregnancy, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist to ensure these issues are addressed promptly, increasing your health and well-being during this transformative period.

Pregnant women with swollen feet can be treated with a variety of different methods that are readily available. For more information about other cures for swollen feet during pregnancy, consult with one of our podiatrists from Grobowski Foot & Ankle. our doctors will attend to all of your foot and ankle needs.

What Foot Problems Can Arise During Pregnancy?

One problem that can occur is overpronation, which occurs when the arch of the foot flattens and tends to roll inward.  This can cause pain and discomfort in your heels while you’re walking or even just standing up, trying to support your baby.  

Another problem is edema, or swelling in the extremities. This often affects the feet during pregnancy but tends to occur in the later stages. 

How Can I Keep My Feet Healthy During Pregnancy?

• Wearing orthotics can provide extra support for the feet and help distribute weight evenly
• Minimize the amount of time spent walking barefoot
• Wear shoes with good arch support
• Wear shoes that allow for good circulation to the feet
• Elevate feet if you experience swelling
• Massage your feet
• Get regular, light exercise, such as walking, to promote blood circulation to the feet

If you have any questions please feel free to contact one of our offices located in Bellevue, Seattle, and Issaquah, WA, . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Proper foot care is essential for maintaining mobility and overall quality of life and becomes increasingly important with age. Foot issues can hinder everyday activities, such as walking, shopping, and exercising, leading to impaired mobility and a decreased quality of life. Pain or altered walking due to foot problems heightens the risk of falls, potentially impacting mental well being, social interaction, and increasing the likelihood of depression. In the workplace, foot pain can reduce productivity, affecting self esteem and effectiveness. Moreover, good foot health is vital for maintaining the ability to exercise, which in turn affects general health, weight management, and the risk of diabetes and heart disease. Surgery for foot issues may result in lasting mobility challenges, altering lifestyle and well-being. For those with diabetes, foot care is even more critical as high blood sugar can lead to circulation issues and nerve damage, increasing the risk of hard to treat infections. As part of your journey to improve your overall health and well being, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist to have your feet examined, obtain any necessary treatment, and learn about effective foot care.

Everyday foot care is very important to prevent infection and other foot ailments. If you need your feet checked, contact one of our podiatrists from Grobowski Foot & Ankle. our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Everyday Foot Care

Often, people take care of their bodies, face and hair more so than they do for their feet. But the feet are a very important aspect of our bodies, and one that we should pay more attention to. Without our feet, we would not be able to perform most daily tasks.

It is best to check your feet regularly to make sure there are no new bruises or cuts that you may not have noticed before. For dry feet, moisturizer can easily be a remedy and can be applied as often as necessary to the affected areas. Wearing shoes that fit well can also help you maintain good foot health, as well as making it easier to walk and do daily activities without the stress or pain of ill-fitting shoes, high heels, or even flip flops. Wearing clean socks with closed shoes is important to ensure that sweat and bacteria do not accumulate within the shoe. Clean socks help to prevent Athlete’s foot, fungi problems, bad odors, and can absorb sweat.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact one of our offices located in Bellevue, Seattle, and Issaquah, WA, . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Experiencing sharp pain in the big toe can be a perplexing and discomforting ordeal with diverse underlying causes. One common culprit is gout, a form of arthritis characterized by the buildup of urate crystals in the joints, leading to sudden and intense pain. Ingrown toenails, where the toenail grows into the surrounding skin, can cause sharp pain and inflammation. Another potential reason is a condition known as turf toe, often seen in athletes, where excessive bending of the big toe leads to sprains of the ligaments. Neuromas, benign growths of nerve tissue, can also result in sharp pain, particularly when wearing tight footwear. Arthritis affecting the big toe joint, often seen in conditions like osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis, may contribute to persistent sharp pain. If you are experiencing pain in your big toe, it is strongly suggested that you are under the care of a podiatrist who can determine what the cause is, and offer correct treatment options.

Toe pain can disrupt your daily activities. If you have any concerns, contact one of our podiatrists of Grobowski Foot & Ankle. our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

What Causes Toe Pain?

Most severe toe pain is caused due to a sports injury, trauma from dropping something heavy on the toe, or bumping into something rigid. Other problems can develop over time for various reasons.

Toe pain can be caused by one or more ailments. The most common include:

• Trauma
• Sports injury
• Wearing shoes that are too tight
• Arthritis
• Gout
• Corns and calluses
• Hammertoe
• Bunions
• Blisters
• Ingrown toenails
• Sprains
• Fractures (broken bones)
• Dislocations

When to See a Podiatrist

• Severe pain
• Persistent pain that lasts more than a week
• Signs of infection
• Continued swelling
• Pain that prevents walking

Diagnosis

In many cases the cause of toe pain is obvious, but in others, a podiatrist may want to use more advanced methods to determine the problem. These can range from simple visual inspections and sensation tests to X-rays and MRI scans. Prior medical history, family medical history, and any recent physical traumatic events will all be taken into consideration for a proper diagnosis.

Treatment

Treatments for toe pain and injuries vary and may include shoe inserts, padding, taping, medicines, injections, and in some cases, surgery. If you believe that you have broken a toe, please see a podiatrist as soon as possible.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact one of our offices located in Bellevue, Seattle, and Issaquah, WA, . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.