Gout is a form of arthritis characterized by sudden, severe pain, redness, and swelling in the joints, often affecting the big toe. It occurs when uric acid builds up in the body, forming sharp crystals in the joints. Common causes include a diet high in purines which are found in red meat, seafood, and alcohol, as well as obesity, certain medications, and medical conditions like hypertension. Symptoms include intense pain during attacks, which come on suddenly and can last for days. Gout also results in swelling, redness, heat, tenderness, and stiffness in the affected joint. Chronic gout can lead to joint damage if untreated. Treatment options include medications to reduce pain and inflammation, lifestyle changes such as dietary adjustments, and maintaining a healthy weight. A podiatrist can provide specialized care, offering tailored advice and treatments to manage gout effectively. If you are experiencing symptoms of gout, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist to discuss your condition and explore comprehensive treatment options.

Gout is a painful condition that can be treated. If you are seeking treatment, contact one of our podiatrists from Carolina Foot & Ankle Specialists. 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 Mount Pleasant and Charleston, SC . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Plantar fasciitis is characterized by inflammation of the plantar fascia, a thick band of tissue that runs along the bottom of the foot and connects the heel to the toes. This condition often leads to sharp heel pain, particularly with the first steps in the morning or after prolonged sitting. Runners are especially susceptible to plantar fasciitis due to the repetitive stress placed on the feet during training. Common causes include overuse, inadequate footwear, and changes in running surfaces. Risk factors also encompass high body weight, tight calf muscles, and abnormal foot mechanics, such as flat feet or high arches. Plantar fasciitis can be painful and may cause difficulty completing daily activities. If you have plantar fasciitis, it is strongly suggested that you are under the care of a podiatrist who can offer you effective relief and treatment methods.

Plantar fasciitis is a common foot condition that is often caused by a strain injury. If you are experiencing heel pain or symptoms of plantar fasciitis, contact one of our podiatrists from Carolina Foot & Ankle Specialists. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

What Is Plantar Fasciitis?

Plantar fasciitis is one of the most common causes of heel pain. The plantar fascia is a ligament that connects your heel to the front of your foot. When this ligament becomes inflamed, plantar fasciitis is the result. If you have plantar fasciitis you will have a stabbing pain that usually occurs with your first steps in the morning. As the day progresses and you walk around more, this pain will start to disappear, but it will return after long periods of standing or sitting.

What Causes Plantar Fasciitis?

• Excessive running
• Having high arches in your feet
• Other foot issues such as flat feet
• Pregnancy (due to the sudden weight gain)
• Being on your feet very often

There are some risk factors that may make you more likely to develop plantar fasciitis compared to others. The condition most commonly affects adults between the ages of 40 and 60. It also tends to affect people who are obese because the extra pounds result in extra stress being placed on the plantar fascia.

Prevention

• Take good care of your feet – Wear shoes that have good arch support and heel cushioning.
• Maintain a healthy weight
• If you are a runner, alternate running with other sports that won’t cause heel pain

There are a variety of treatment options available for plantar fasciitis along with the pain that accompanies it. Additionally, physical therapy is a very important component in the treatment process. It is important that you meet with your podiatrist to determine which treatment option is best for you.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our offices located in Mount Pleasant and Charleston, SC . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Cuboid syndrome is a condition characterized by pain on the outer side of the foot, often resulting from the misalignment of the cuboid bone. This small bone plays a vital role in foot stability and movement. The pain typically arises during activities that involve weight-bearing or lateral movements. Common causes of cuboid syndrome include ankle sprains, overuse injuries, and improper footwear, which can lead to strain on the surrounding ligaments. Additionally, repetitive activities, such as running or jumping, may contribute to this cuboid syndrome. People with flat feet or high arches are also at greater risk due to altered foot mechanics. If you have pain in this part of your foot, it is suggested that you contact a podiatrist who can provide an accurate diagnosis and treatment.

Cuboid syndrome, also known as cuboid subluxation, occurs when the joints and ligaments near the cuboid bone in the foot become torn. If you have cuboid syndrome, consult with one of our podiatrists from Carolina Foot & Ankle Specialists. Our doctors will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

Cuboid syndrome is a common cause of lateral foot pain, which is pain on the outside of the foot. The condition may happen suddenly due to an ankle sprain, or it may develop slowly overtime from repetitive tension through the bone and surrounding structures.

Causes

The most common causes of cuboid syndrome include:

• Injury – The most common cause of this ailment is an ankle sprain.
• Repetitive Strain – Tension placed through the peroneus longus muscle from repetitive activities such as jumping and running may cause excessive traction on the bone causing it to sublux.
• Altered Foot Biomechanics – Most people suffering from cuboid subluxation have flat feet.

Symptoms

A common symptom of cuboid syndrome is pain along the outside of the foot which can be felt in the ankle and toes. This pain may create walking difficulties and may cause those with the condition to walk with a limp.

Diagnosis

Diagnosis of cuboid syndrome is often difficult, and it is often misdiagnosed. X-rays, MRIs and CT scans often fail to properly show the cuboid subluxation. Although there isn’t a specific test used to diagnose cuboid syndrome, your podiatrist will usually check if pain is felt while pressing firmly on the cuboid bone of your foot.

Treatment

Just as the range of causes varies widely, so do treatments. Some more common treatments are ice therapy, rest, exercise, taping, and orthotics.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our offices located in Mount Pleasant and Charleston, SC . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Heel bursitis occurs when the bursa, a small fluid-filled sac, becomes inflamed. It is a common injury in athletes, active people, and people who stand for long periods of time.The bursa serves as a cushion between the heel bone and surrounding tissues, helping reduce friction and pressure. Bursitis in the heel often leads to throbbing heel pain, especially when walking or running, and can make even simple daily activities uncomfortable. Pain is usually most noticeable when the heel first strikes the ground, and the area may appear swollen or feel warm to the touch. A podiatrist can identify the best treatment approach to alleviate discomfort from heel bursitis. Common strategies include recommending footwear modifications, such as using cushioned shoes, or prescribing orthotic inserts to reduce pressure on the heel. This foot doctor also may administer corticosteroid injections to reduce inflammation. If you are experiencing heel pain, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for an exam, diagnosis and treatment.

Many people suffer from bouts of heel pain. For more information, contact one of our podiatrists of Carolina Foot & Ankle Specialists. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Causes of Heel Pain

Heel pain is often associated with plantar fasciitis. The plantar fascia is a band of tissues that extends along the bottom of the foot. A rip or tear in this ligament can cause inflammation of the tissue.

Achilles tendonitis is another cause of heel pain. Inflammation of the Achilles tendon will cause pain from fractures and muscle tearing. Lack of flexibility is also another symptom.

Heel spurs are another cause of pain. When the tissues of the plantar fascia undergo a great deal of stress, it can lead to ligament separation from the heel bone, causing heel spurs.

Why Might Heel Pain Occur?

• Wearing ill-fitting shoes                  
• Wearing non-supportive shoes
• Weight change           
• Excessive running

Treatments

Heel pain should be treated as soon as possible for immediate results. Keeping your feet in a stress-free environment will help. If you suffer from Achilles tendonitis or plantar fasciitis, applying ice will reduce the swelling. Stretching before an exercise like running will help the muscles. Using all these tips will help make heel pain a condition of the past.

If you have any questions please contact our offices located in Mount Pleasant and Charleston, SC . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Big toe pain can result from biomechanical problems or arthritis in the metatarsophalangeal, or MTP joint, where the base of the toe meets the foot. Biomechanical issues arise when there is an imbalance in the way the bones, tendons, and muscles function together, causing pressure to shift to the front of the foot. This action can lead to bunions, where the big toe pushes against the second toe, and turf toe, caused by overextending the toe during high-impact activities. Arthritis-related pain is the result of joint inflammation from gout, osteoarthritis, or rheumatoid arthritis. Symptoms often include swelling, stiffness, and difficulty walking. A podiatrist can help by diagnosing the underlying cause of the big toe pain. Treatments like custom orthotics, specific exercises, or in some cases, surgery may be suggested. If you are experiencing pain in the big toe, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for an exam and treatment.

Toe pain can disrupt your daily activities. If you have any concerns, contact one of our podiatrists of Carolina Foot & Ankle Specialists. 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 our offices located in Mount Pleasant and Charleston, SC . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.

Plantar warts are benign growths that develop on the soles of the feet due to an infection with the human papillomavirus, or HPV. These warts can appear as small, rough lesions and are often mistaken for calluses. There are various types of plantar warts, including common warts, which are usually painless, and mosaic warts, which cluster together in groups. Symptoms include discomfort or pain while walking, especially when pressure is applied to the wart. The warts may also have tiny black dots in the center, which are small blood vessels. Plantar warts are primarily caused by direct contact with the virus, often found in moist environments like swimming pools and locker rooms. Plantar warts can be painful and may cause difficulty in completing daily activities. If you have developed this condition, it is strongly suggested that you promptly contact a podiatrist who can offer you the correct treatment method.

Plantar warts can be very uncomfortable. If you need your feet checked, contact one of our podiatrists from Carolina Foot & Ankle Specialists. Our doctors will assist you with all of your foot and ankle needs.

About Plantar Warts

Plantar warts are the result of HPV, or human papillomavirus, getting into open wounds on the feet. They are mostly found on the heels or balls of the feet.

While plantar warts are generally harmless, those experiencing excessive pain or those suffering from diabetes or a compromised immune system require immediate medical care. Plantar warts are easily diagnosed, usually through scraping off a bit of rough skin or by getting a biopsy.

Symptoms

• Lesions on the bottom of your feet, usually rough and grainy
• Hard or thick callused spots
• Wart seeds, which are small clotted blood vessels that look like little black spots
• Pain, discomfort, or tenderness of your feet when walking or standing

Treatment

• Freezing
• Electric tool removal
• Laser Treatment
• Topical Creams (prescription only)
• Over-the-counter medications

To help prevent developing plantar warts, avoid walking barefoot over abrasive surfaces that can cause cuts or wounds for HPV to get into. Avoiding direct contact with other warts, as well as not picking or rubbing existing warts, can help prevent the further spread of plantar warts. However, if you think you have developed plantar warts, speak to your podiatrist. He or she can diagnose the warts on your feet and recommend the appropriate treatment options.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our offices located in Mount Pleasant and Charleston, SC . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Bunions are bony bumps that form at the base of the big toe, where the joint becomes enlarged and misaligned. This condition often causes the big toe to lean toward the other toes, resulting in discomfort, swelling, and redness surrounding the joint. Symptoms include pain, difficulty wearing shoes, and stiffness, especially during walking or standing. Over time, bunions can lead to other foot issues, such as calluses, hammertoes, or arthritis. Bunions are caused by factors like genetics, wearing improper footwear, and foot stress from conditions like flat feet. Prevention involves wearing properly fitted shoes with enough room for toes to move. Treatment options range from non-invasive methods like orthotics to surgical correction for more severe cases. Early intervention helps prevent progression and improves quality of life. If you have an uncomfortable and painful bunion, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for a diagnosis and treatment individualized to you.

If you are suffering from bunions, contact one of our podiatrists of Carolina Foot & Ankle Specialists. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

What Is a Bunion?

A bunion is formed of swollen tissue or an enlargement of boney growth, usually located at the base joint of the toe that connects to the foot. The swelling occurs due to the bones in the big toe shifting inward, which impacts the other toes of the foot. This causes the area around the base of the big toe to become inflamed and painful.

Why Do Bunions Form?

Genetics – Susceptibility to bunions are often hereditary

Stress on the feet – Poorly fitted and uncomfortable footwear that places stress on feet, such as heels, can worsen existing bunions

How Are Bunions Diagnosed?

Doctors often perform two tests – blood tests and x-rays – when trying to diagnose bunions, especially in the early stages of development. Blood tests help determine if the foot pain is being caused by something else, such as arthritis, while x-rays provide a clear picture of your bone structure to your doctor.

How Are Bunions Treated?

• Refrain from wearing heels or similar shoes that cause discomfort
• Select wider shoes that can provide more comfort and reduce pain
• Anti-inflammatory and pain management drugs
• Orthotics or foot inserts
• Surgery

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our offices located in Mount Pleasant and Charleston, SC . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Diabetes is a systemic condition that impacts the entire body, including the feet. Among the foot problems associated with diabetes are peripheral neuropathy, a type of nerve damage, and diabetic foot ulcers, which are open wounds that can become infected. Each year, between 40 and 60 million diabetic patients worldwide experience lower limb complications due to these issues. To prevent serious complications, it is important to remain vigilant about any changes in your feet. Perform daily inspections, paying close attention to cuts, scrapes, sores, discoloration, or unusual sensations. Early detection is important to manage and prevent more severe problems. If you notice any abnormalities or have concerns about your foot health, do not hesitate to seek medical care. A podiatrist can provide specialized treatment and guidance to help manage diabetes-related foot issues effectively. If you have diabetes, it is suggested that you are under the care of a podiatrist to ensure your feet stay healthy and protected.

Diabetic foot care is important in preventing foot ailments such as ulcers. If you are suffering from diabetes or have any other concerns about your feet, contact one of our podiatrists from Carolina Foot & Ankle Specialists. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Diabetic Foot Care

Diabetes affects millions of people every year. The condition can damage blood vessels in many parts of the body, especially the feet. Because of this, taking care of your feet is essential if you have diabetes, and having a podiatrist help monitor your foot health is highly recommended.

The Importance of Caring for Your Feet

• Routinely inspect your feet for bruises or sores.
• Wear socks that fit your feet comfortably.
• Wear comfortable shoes that provide adequate support.

Patients with diabetes should have their doctor monitor their blood levels, as blood sugar levels play such a huge role in diabetic care. Monitoring these levels on a regular basis is highly advised.

It is always best to inform your healthcare professional of any concerns you may have regarding your feet, especially for diabetic patients. Early treatment and routine foot examinations are keys to maintaining proper health, especially because severe complications can arise if proper treatment is not applied.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our offices located in Mount Pleasant and Charleston, SC . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.